The August Bank Holiday is a time for getting out of the house and having fun, as it’s the last biggie before Christmas. Many of us would use this weekend to travel all over the UK, to Ireland, to the European continent, or beyond. I’m sure you remember the reports of very busy traffic is concerned, and gridlocked roads. Whilst it will be busy, this most certainly won’t be a ‘normal’ August Bank Holiday weekend (fuel, money etc)
In the UK, most shops remain open on the August Bank Holiday, but the operating hours can drop down to Sunday times.Some stores, however, do shut for the weekend, and schools and most non-retail businesses are generally closed. Public transport still runs, but again, it follows the reduced Sunday schedule.
So, let’s give you some suggestions and link to features on most of them, which will help you decide what you want to do. You can also visit our jam-packed WHAT’S ON DIARY to see the latest events day-by-day.
PONTYPRIDD SUMMER FUN DAY
Pontypridd Residents will have plenty to enjoy this August Bank Holiday weekend with a fun-filled family event planned by Pontypridd Town Council – its biggest event yet.
A variety of activities and entertainment are lined up for the SUMMER FUN DAY which will take place in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park on Saturday, August 26th.
Entrance to the event, which takes place between 11am – 5pm and all activities are free.
Take a look at our feature on the day itself – PONTYPRIDD FUN DAY.
SWANSEA FOODFEST
Two things are absolutely certain here in Wales – we love our music and we really love our food, and why wouldn’t we have, we are the best at both of them. So put them together, move into Singleton Park in Swansea, and you pretty much have the perfect August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The SWANSEA FOOD FEST is the ultimate celebration of culinary delights, music, and community spirit. Take a look at our full feature on the event HERE.
The festival really does have it all, including a VIP area which includes……
- Stage Views: Enjoy views of the main stage from the VIP area
- Drink On Arrival: Raise a glass and celebrate the festivities with a complimentary glass of sparkling fizz or soft drink upon arrival
- Table Service: Relax and unwind as the attentive staff provide table service from the exclusive bar.
- Complimentary Refreshments: Indulge in a selection of complimentary refreshments, including tea, coffee, and delectable biscuits.
- Priority Tickets to ‘Taste & Talks’ Theatre: Enjoy exclusive access to the demonstration theatre with priority tickets.
- Priority Entry: Skip the queues and enjoy priority entry to the festival.
Whether you’re a food lover, music enthusiast, or simply looking for a delightful weekend, SWANSEA FOOD FEST promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. It runs over the August Bank Holiday weekend on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, at the picturesque Singleton Park in Swansea.
There’s a whole range of ticket and prices to suit everyone, for more details and to get yours, go HERE.
WATCH A SHOW OR MOVIE
Always a good choice if you want to chill out and have some time together enjoying a few hours of great on stage or screen entertainment. We are blessed across South Wales to have so many theatres and cinemas, serving all interests across our community.
It is impossible to list everything going on, so here’s just a few suggestions to get you started……
HEATHERS – WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE, TILL SATURDAY 26th AUGUST
INSIDE OUT (FREE FAMILY FILM) – CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE, SATURDAY 26th AUGUST 11:30am
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA – SWANSEA GRAND, MONDAY 28th TO WEDNESDAY 30th AUGUST
MATILDA THE MUSICAL (FREE FAMILY FILM) – CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE, MONDAY 28th AUGUST 11:30am
JURASSIC LIVE – SWANSEA ARENA, FRIDAY 25th AND SATURDAY 26th AUGUST
MY FIRST FILM FESTIVAL: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES – COURTYARD HEREFORD, FRIDAY 25th TO THURSDAY 31st AUGUST
BRASSED OFF – ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE, TILL SATURDAY 26th AUGUST
BEE THE CHANGE – ST DAVID’S CARDIFF
St David’s Cardiff has unveiled a new installation to kickstart a summer of fun, crafty bee-saving events designed to educate, engage and inspire guests during August.
The new ‘Bee the Change’ campaign has been launched with the installation of a bumblebee-themed display adorning one of the city shopping centre’s malls. A specialist team was brought in after hours to intricately build the aerial display within The Hayes Arcade, which features more than 6,000 silk flowers and foliage stems and 200 giant bees flying through a honeycomb-inspired design.
Bee the Change event details:
Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August: A medley of activities from the three previous weekends – Summer Seeds, Bee Kind to Bugs and Protect Pollinators.
The Bee the Change installation is open now until Sunday 3rd September 2023. For more details, visit the St David’s Cardiff website: HERE
SUPERHERO FAMILY FUN DAY – CHEPSTOW
An action-packed day of family fun is set to make for a thrilling Bank Holiday. It’ll be all smiles, as the kids enjoy all of the free entertainment.
Whilst the horse battle it out on the flat, they have a whole host of SUPER entertainment for all!
Entertainment includes: Dodgems, Sizzler & Chaos Ride, Bungee Trampolines, Mini Planes, Monster Trucks, Teacups, Face Painting, DJ, Go Karts, Inflatables, Magician
Also! There will be some familiar faces roaming about! If you keep your eyes peeled, you may see Spiderman, Batman, Superman, Superwoman, Iron Man and Captain America!
A day at the races is a great way for kids to get outside this summer, having some quality family fun, and of course, the kids will love seeing the horses up-close and in action with the live thrill of racing!
Best of all, under 18s go free! So, if you’re looking for a great family days out – look no further! Bring a picnic on our family days too!
Once again they are racing to support Noah’s Journey. Noah is 17 & was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, he started his treatment October 2021 & after 74 weeks of chemotherapy the tumour has continued to grow. During his treatment Noah decided he wanted to raise enough funds to provide a holiday home for other families to create memories.
For more details and to book, go HERE.
BETWEEN THE TREES
Between The Trees is the vision of two educators, Andrew Thomas and Dawn Wood.
We had begun to notice that people were becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and more connected to their screens, including us!
We wanted to do something to address this so, in 2014, Between The Trees was born.
With its unique theme of nature & science, the festival aims to reconnect people to the natural world. It features a blend of original indie folk music, art and spoken word within a community that embraces all and encourages thinking and creativity.
We couldn’t have found a more suitable site – Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve is one of Wales’ Sites of Special Scientific Interest and is a haven for wildlife, with its magical woodland areas, magnificent sand dunes and the sea beyond.
Plants, trees and insects were on this planet long before humans arrived and are likely to be on the planet long after we have left. Basically, life on Earth would survive without us as a species, but not without the other Flora and Fauna.
“Homo sapiens are just one of a myriad other species living between the trees.”
BTT is passionate about the role we play in the conservation and preservation of all life forms. We specifically aim to encourage future generations to respect their Planet and enjoy the beauty of nature through scientific investigation and environmental art.
BETWEEN THE TREES is from Friday 25th through to Sunday 27th August at the Candleston Wood Campsite, Merthyr Mawr, Rd, Bridgend, CF32 0LS. For more details go HERE.
DINOSAURS IN THE PARK
Once again Bute Park in the heart of Cardiff is set to be taken over by some ‘Roar-Some’ creature as DINOSAURS IN THE PARK arrives into the capital.
This is about as close to the real thing as you’re going to get as we’re transported to a land of prehistoric times where kids will come face to face with huge, moving, roaring dinosaurs.
There are something like 40 life-sized, realistic animatronic dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods move their heads, jaws, and claws and hiss, snarl, and growl, to provide an exhilarating and truly immersive experience.
Don’t worry if loud sounds are not your thing, the team also offer quiet sessions for noise-sensitive visitors.
DINOSAURS IN THE PARK is in the centre of Cardiff in Bute Park through till Sunday the 3rd of September. If you’ve never been before Bute park is behind Cardiff Castle just a short walk from the city’s main high streets and civic centre. We reckon it’s the perfect setting to come and explore the Dinosaurs hidden in the trees!
There’s a whole range of prices and family passes available, for more information, and to book yours go HERE. We also hear that if you book any time slot after 3pm you’ll receive 20% off your ticket(s).
MARGAM COUNTRY PARK
This 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion was designed by the architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
The house was built in 1830 – 40 at a cost of £50,000 (just remember the price when you see it) using sandstone from nearby Pyle quarry. Listed Grade I as a mansion of exceptional quality, the Castle has some spectacular features such as the vast staircase hall and octagonal tower.
Until 1942, the Castle and estate remained in the ownership of the Talbot family when it was acquired by a local landowner, Sir David Evans Bevan, and in 1974 by the County Council, the present owners, when it was of ruinous state.
A disastrous fire in 1977 gutted the interior. An ambitious restoration programme was embarked upon, much has been achieved and the programme continues.
The outbuildings house the Visitor Centre and park administration. Charlotte’s Pantry is open for take away snacks only. They do have a wood fired pizza takeaway and the Gower Brewery Double Decker bus – both on the castle lawns alongside the visitor courtyard.
The Entrance Hallway and Staircase Hall is open to the public. The Library, Dining Room and Drawing Room are now used for a variety of events. More details of the building listed status and history can be found HERE.
To find out more head here MARGAM
A CRAZY GOLF ADVENTURE
I think what we all love so much about Crazy, Mini, Adventure or whatever sort of golf you want to name it, is that, if you’ve ever or never played before, everyone has a chance to be champ. We’ve seen many so-called proper golfers being beaten by a six year old who’s barely able to hold the club.
Most of our Adventure Golf venues are the perfect place to visit over the Bank Holiday weekend. There’s indoor too, just in case we are treated to a little downpour.
One of the big things at the moment is FOOTGOLF, which is exactly what you’d think. Where two great sports come together Foot Golf is simple. You kick the ball from the tee to the hole in as few a shots as possible. It’s the perfect game to play with friends or family.
There are places that offer Foot and regular Adventure Golf, if you’re feeling energetic, you could play both.
Once again for the majority of the courses, you turn up, pay your money and play. We have a feature directing you to most of the venues in South Wales, take a look and pay a visit GOLF
EAT OUT
If you’re looking for the perfect lunchtime treat, or just a great get together in the heart of Cardiff with family and friends, then THE IVY ASIA has you covered with their new SUMMER LUNCH STACK.
Made up of spicy salmon, mushroom gyoza and spiced peanut chicken, this delicious selection of hand-picked dishes specially designed to spice up lunchtimes is amazing value at £22.50pp.
Read our review HERE.
BILL’S have a bunch of sizzling specials, bound to heat up your summer. The new Taco ‘Bout It and Tequila Me Softly menus are packed with the equally tempting and tasty taco plates and tequila-fuelled cocktails, perfect for kicking off a summer of fun. More details HERE.
Foodies from across South Wales can now look forward to a sensational summer of dining at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill on the 6th floor of Dominions Arcade with dishes that are set to tantalise the taste buds for those who love eating out.
Conscious as well that the current cost of living crisis is making guests think twice about dining out, the venue has also introduced price friendly set menu which offers two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £24.95. More details HERE.
VISIT WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP
We ran a series of features here at SOUTH WALES LIFE to mark the end of lockdown restrictions. OUR SOUTH WALES dropped in on places right on our doorstep. Those places we should really know about, because they are where we live, but surprisingly we don’t.
We were amazed that people who live in Cwmbran for example, have never visited the beautiful boating lake. Those with the stunning Brecon Canal barely walk along the Towpath and enjoy the incredible scenery. And in Abergavenny, it’s surprising just how few people visit the historic castle.
We accept that we can occasionally take for granted the places we live, but in these times when funds are tight and restrictions are in place, some of the best, and most fun things to do, are within a few minutes walk from our home.
SHOPPING
We don’t need a Bank Holiday to be our reason to shop, but perhaps if the weather isn’t great, this would be a good chance for the whole family to get out and enjoy some retail therapy. Dare we remind you that schools are returning and things will need to be bought for that momentous occasion.
We really are blessed with such a variety of shopping locations. Whether you want indoor, open air, or even our incredible array of markets, we have them all here. We have a few suggestions to get you into gear and of course we have a huge feature on our markets, which are nw reopened for business. You can take a look at that here. SOUTH WALES MARKETS
- BRIDGEND DESIGNER OUTLET
- CARDIFF INDOOR FLEA MARKET
- CWMBRAN CENTRE
- FESTIVAL PARK
- FRIARS WALK
- NEWPORT RETAIL PARK
- QUADRANT – SWANSEA
- ST DAVID’S DEWI SANT
- TRAGO MILLS
THE GAVIN & STACEY TRAIL
Without doubt it is one of the most successful television shows ever filmed in South Wales. What has been a real pleasure, for those of us who know Barry so well, is that it showed what a close-knit, friendly community of people they are. As for the locations, they are now as famous as the show itself and attract thousands of visitors each year, and no doubt even more following the Christmas Special.
Most of the series, including many of the scenes that are meant to be in England, were actually filmed in and around Barry. Even the Shipman’s Essex home is really in South Wales.
When you walk through the door of the Island Leisure Arcade, armed with a pocket full of change for the machines, you instantly the know this is the place where Nessa works. Her stamp and face, are all over the walls. On top of that, it’s a proper seaside Amusement Arcade. Once you’ve finished your chips you have to go in to play. This is also the place where Nessa and Bryn practiced their duet to the Frank and Nancy Sinatra song ‘Somethin Stupid’.
What’s nice about doing the trail over the Bank Holiday is that you can indulges in a few of our suggestions in one day. Eating, shopping, day out, and if the weather is bad, still have a bit of fun checking out the locations.
If you’d like to follow the entire trail, take a look at our feature with all the locations in full – GAVIN & STACEY
If you still need a few ideas, try these…..
And as our summer drifts into Autumn, here’s a few ideas which you could actually begin early…….
Go on an autumn walk
Grab your coat, put on your wellies and get out and about wherever you are in the UK! One of our favourite things about autumn is the changing colours; see trees change from green to brown and watch as grass and paths are taken over by leaves. Whether it’s down your local park, exploring a forest or even just a walk around your town or village, why not make your own scavenger hunt of things to look out for?
Drink hot chocolate
Warm up after a day outside with a tasty hot chocolate. Feeling fancy? Make your own using real chocolate.
Listen to spooky stories
Get in the mood for Halloween, by hosting your very own haunting bedtime story! Choose something spooky to suit your kids ages, then read by torchlight for extra fear-factor.
Learn about bats
It’s the start of mating season for bats, ahead of winter hibernation, but there’s still plenty of time to learn about these amazing creatures. Check out the National Trust guide.
Watch an autumn sunset
Sunset is getting earlier and earlier, which is great news if you’ve got younger kids in tow. Check online to see what time it’s due to set, and aim to be in the perfect spot about 10 minutes before. Once it starts, it will disappear quicker than you think, then it’s home and off to bed!
Collect pinecones
Pinecones fall in autumn, and just like conkers, are a great thing to collect on your next outdoor adventure. Pinecones make great decorations and can be used for printing too. Or, why not try a pinecone bird feeder?
