After the 12 months we’ve all experienced we wanted to put together something positive and fun. So here are some of the major event coming our way. Obviously, this is an early list, we’ll be adding more once details are fully confirmed. Why not bookmark this page and come back soon.
It has been a difficult year for organisers of our major shows, productions, festivals and community events. Firstly there were cancellations, then rescheduled events, followed by more cancellations. It seems the way to go was to write-off 2020 and put all efforts into making this year our best ever. Let’s only hope it works out that way.
We’ve put the events into categories, although some will fit into many. The best thing to do, is grab a cuppa, fire up your device, and have a look through the entire list. Bear in mind, these events will be more popular than ever after a year of very little activity.
MUSIC & COMEDY
GREGORY PORTER is an international best selling artist and two time Grammy Award-winning jazz/soul singing sensation and this ten date tour will bring him to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Friday March 5th at 7:30pm. Such is the power of the man however, he’ll also be setting up camp for four shows at the Royal Albert Hall.
To read our special feature, go here GREGORY
MARISHA WALLACE set the world alight during our first lockdown with a very special video of her version of Tomorrow from the musical Annie. It’s now been watched by tens of thousands and been shared all across the world. This powerhouse of a singer will be playing two dates in Wales, the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Thursday 30th September, then the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama on Friday 1st October. Read our feature for more. MARISHA
Multi-million selling recording artist BRYAN ADAMS is touring next year and has added his spectacular open-air show to the iconic setting of Cardiff Castle. He’ll be playing all the hits, and more, on Sunday 27th June. Find out more here. BRYAN ADAMS
Also appearing at Cardiff Castle this year are…….
THE FOUR TOPS & TEMPTATIONS. These two powerhouse bands of the Motown era are set to arrive in Cardiff on their rescheduled tour date this year. And the fantastic ODYSSEY will be the opening act. They play the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on 1st October. Take a look at our special feature here. MOTOWN
PARTY AT THE PARK in Newport is one of those events which makes you smile just by looking through the line-up. And let’s be honest, after the last few months we’ll be more than ready to party next year. The Party returns to Tredegar Park in Newport with a touch of Gold headlining the main stage. Tony Hadley will be blasting out some old Spandau Ballet favourites along with a fair helping of his solo stuff, which we have to tell you is really good. The line up is second to none and sure to be a highlight in the Newport calendar. We have a full feature on the event HERE
Agnes is heading back to town in what Brendan O’Carroll is calling the MRS BROWN D’LIVE SHOW…ENCORE TOUR. Bringing D’Musical production back next year they will perform in some venues and cities that they haven’t played in for many years. They are however, regulars in Cardiff and this show promises to take audiences on an exhilarating and side-splitting adventure.
Brendan told us…..
“It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever written. Even I laugh and I know what’s coming next!”
They get to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th June, with a matinee on the second date. Current tickets are still valid and you can still buy yours now. We have a special feature right here, which is well worth a read. MRS BROWN
For those of us blessed to have seen George Michael in concert, will tell you what an incredible experience it was. Which makes us thrilled to tell you that FASTLOVE is making their way back to South Wales. Without any doubt they are the world’s largest George Michael celebration. They get to St David’s Hall in Cardiff on Thursday 13th May at 7:30pm. Find out more about this incredible tribute act here, FASTLOVE
GARY BARLOW has had quite a year with a new album, a socially distanced TV special and a rescheduled 2021 tour to look forward to. Gary has also announced that the incredible LEONA LEWIS will be joining him as his very special guest on the tour, including his two nights in Cardiff. Gary said…..
“That’s right! I’m so pleased and excited to announce that we have the wonderful Leona Lewis joining us on the road next year… If you haven’t already then get your tickets. It’s going to be good!”
Its been a while since we had a full on tour from Leona so she is uynderstandably excited at the prospect of joining Gary.
“I’m beyond excited to be invited to join Gary Barlow next year on tour! I’m a huge fan of Gary’s and I can’t wait to share the stage with him and bring back the magic of a live show. I’ve missed performing so much and am counting down the days until I can be back on the stage singing with my fans who have continued to be amazing throughout this crazy year. See you soon.”
Gary bring his MUSIC PLAYED BY HUMANS tour to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on the rescheduled dates – Sunday 5th and Monday 6th December. The show starts at 6:30pm. Find out more HERE
Current Strictly champion BILL BAILEY has announced a new arena tour ‘EN ROUTE TO NORMAL‘ which brings him to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff this year and an extra date which has just been added in 2022. He gets to the Arena on Wednesday 15th December and he’s back again in 2022 on Wednesday 12th January, which so far, is the final date on the tour before he heads to Ireland. To relive Bill’s dancing highlights and find out more about the man, go HERE.
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL EBBW VALE – 23rd to 25th JULY
Steel House Festival brings international classic rock music to its breath-taking mountain top location in South Wales.
It’s been 8 years since the Welsh hills first came alive with the sound of Classic Rock. And like the towering, solid piece of stone it’s perched on, the Steelhouse Festival stands resolute – a seemingly immovable object on the festival landscape.
Steelhouse 2019 was the biggest and best yet with rock soldiers from far and wide making the uphill ascent for a bill that mixes the classic and the contemporary and is as breathtaking as the location itself. Officially the UK’s highest music festival, this unique event will once again be held in the spectacular surroundings of Hafod-y-Dafal Farm situated on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons.
Aiming to be the UK’s best value rock festival where families and friends can rock out at a price that won’t clear out the holiday kitty, the event has built up a loyal following and a real heritage over 8 successful years.
We reckon they have got it sorted for next year with ANTHRAX and EUROPE headlining the festival.
To check the line up and tickets, go here. STEELHOUSE
FESTIVALS & SHOWS
FESTIVAL OF VOICE brings together unique collaborations in contemporary and classical music, opera, theatre, talks and visual art. This flagship international arts festival was all set to return to Cardiff Bay across the last weekend of October, with a new format. Sadly, along with so many other events, the pandemic put a hold on that.
We say hold, because the Festival will return, and as they say in all good publications, it will be bigger, better and more inclusive.
The FESTIVAL OF VOICE now runs from the 4th to 7th November, and although it’s a while before the festival announcement line up will be made you can start saving for those early bird tickets once they become available, and we highly recommend you do. Weekend Passes are usually around £30 on the regular price. Read our special feature on the FESTIVAL.
THE BIG CHEESE CAERPHILLY – TBA
You’ll find all the action in and at the rear of Caerphilly Castle. Entertainment is the life and soul of the festival with live music acts, choirs and dancers. Caerphilly Castle is transformed into a medieval encampment with re-enactment displays and battles.
Visit the huge traditional funfair and craft stalls lining the Castle’s moat. Children’s activities are plentiful with animal encounters, crafts, displays and much more.
For more festival details, go here. CHEESE
IRIS PRIZE & LGBT FILM FESTIVAL CARDIFF – 5th OCTOBER
Iris Prize brings the best LGBT+ film from around the world to Cardiff each October. Home to the world’s largest short film prize, the festival also features filmmaker Q&As, workshops, events and legendary parties. This is supported through a worldwide network of 25 partner festivals in 19 countries who nominate films each year, alongside open submissions.
The Iris Prize is supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation and continues to be the largest LGBT+ short film prize in the world. With the winner receiving £30,000 to make their next short film in the UK, Iris is exactly what film makers need – funding, support, guidance and of course a warm welcome into the Iris Prize family. To date 9 short films have been produced with the winning filmmakers of the Iris Prize, with the 10th currently in post-production.
For full details on the festival events, go here. IRIS
THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW – TBA
The Royal Welsh Show is one of the most prestigious events of its type in Europe, bringing together the farming industry and rural community in a celebration of the best of British Agriculture with a unique and very special ‘Welsh’ flavour.
Along with an exciting four-days of livestock competitions, with entries travelling from far and wide to compete, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays.
The Royal Welsh Show provides a prime shop window for farming in Wales. The show attracts more than 200,000 visitors, up to 7,000 entries of livestock and over 1,000 trade stands. A perfect day out for the whole family, with the very best of Welsh produce, flowers, crafts, country pursuits and arena displays.
The show boasts an impressive 12-hour programme of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays each day.
To get up to date information, go here. SHOW
CHEPSTOW WALKING FESTIVAL – 7th to 11th APRIL
5 days of walks for all abilities, plus events and a chance to see Chepstow and the Lower Wye Valley at its finest.
Chepstow lies on the border of Wales and England and is an ideal base for walking in Monmouthshire, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. With such a diverse landscape there is everything to offer the walker and visitor whether it be a riverside stroll or a challenging walk along a long distance trail.
To get all the information you need, go here. WALKING
WORLD HARP CONGRESS CARDIFF – ONLINE IN 2021
Believe us when we tell you this event is a really big deal. Harpists and harp enthusiasts from around the world will visit Cardiff for #WHC2020. An intensive and fun-filled week of recitals, concerts, lectures, masterclasses and workshops, all celebrating the versatility and ingenuity of the harp.
With a harping tradition that dates back to the 11th Century, Wales is proud of its rich musical and cultural heritage. The harp scene today is very much alive and flourishing, making Cardiff an ideal host city for #WHC2020.
All your harp details can be found here. HARP
USK SHOW – 11th SEPTEMBER
Like so many of our major events the USK SHOW was a victim of the pandemic. Months of work had to be put on hold, along with our lives, until it is safe to prepare for the next show. The good news is, the organisers are set and have a date in the diary.
The gates for the USK SHOW open at 9am on Saturday 11th September and you can spend all day till they shut up at 6pm. For more information about the show, getting there, tickets prices etc, go here. USK SHOW The organisers have just added some really nice ‘behind the scenes’ videos too, which are worth a watch.
DUBS AT THE CASTLE CALDICOT – 16th to 18th JULY
Dubs at the Castle 2021 will be a fun-filled family camping weekend, brought to you by VW enthusiasts, whose passion and love for Volkswagens helps to bring you a VW experience like no other. Whether you’re new to the VW scene or a seasoned professional, DATC creates a special atmosphere for all the family to enjoy.
Throughout the weekend there are Live Bands, Traders, Club Displays, the ever popular Old Skool Bike Competition and of course, Show ‘n Shine. Children’s activities and a great selection of food stalls help to keep the little ones happy while you spend your time admiring the wonderful array of Volkswagens on display.
Set in the beautiful grounds of Caldicot Castle, DATC is a firm favourite in the VW calendar. They look forward to welcoming all their loyal supporters who return year after year, whilst extending an extra special Welsh welcome, ‘Croeso’ to new visitors..
Take a look at the DUBS site for more information. DUBS
THE HAY FESTIVAL – 27th May to 6th JUNE
The Hay Festival brings together writers from around the world to debate and share stories at its festival in the staggering beauty of the Welsh Borders.
There’s nothing quite like the Hay Literary Festival. It’s a true celebration of books, storytelling and creativity featuring award-winning novelists, travel writers, Pulitzer Prize winners, children’s authors, broadcasters, performers, thinkers, pioneers, artists and innovators will appear at talks, debates, performances and readings over the nine day programme.
You can follow the HAY FESTIVAL programme here. HAY
GREEN MAN FESTIVAL CRICKHOWELL – 19th to 22nd AUGUST
Once a tiny folk event attended by just a few hundred people, Green Man has grown to be one of the can’t-miss fixtures of the summer festival season. Now welcoming more than 15,000 visitors every year, the line-up reflects the attendees’ varied tastes.
Whether you’re a fan of twinkly indie, traditional folk, pulsating garage rock or ear-melting electronica, there’s probably something on the bill for you. There’s also a comedy tent, pretty gardens, kids’ areas and wellbeing zones, so you can chill out before the burning of the Green Man himself on the last night.
Whatever kind of festival-goer you happen to be, there’s bound to be an area that floats your boat, be it for the laughs, literature, art, science, mischief or music. So whether it’s revelling in the thumping tones of a new band, catching some illuminating literature or soaking up the sunshine with a pint of Welsh beer, you’re sure to unearth some serious magic.
The GREEN MAN FESTIVAL site is up and running, right here. GREEN
SOUTH WALES CAR FESTIVAL – 27th JUNE
Like so many events the SOUTH WALES CAR FESTIVAL organisers had to cancel last years show. The good news is, they will return, and in true style, it will be bigger and better than ever. They said…
“It is with sincere regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the South Wales Car Show, after assessing the difficulties of managing the social distancing restrictions. However, we’re delighted to announce that the event will be taking place on Sunday 27 June, at Chepstow Race Course.”
The date to keep is Sunday 27th June. To find out more, read out article HERE.
WALES AIR SHOW – 3rd & 4th JULY
The free WALES AIR SHOW will return to Swansea Bay with breathtaking aerobatic displays, state-of-the-art military aircraft and vintage planes from the past will thrill tens of thousands of visitors.
Last year smashed the attendance record, the weather was perfect and the organisers felt it was the best ever! They’re looking to make 2020 even bigger with even more exciting air display teams and entertainment.
Here’s a look back at this year’s show…..
There are not may details on the show as yet, it is very early. As soon as we have them we’ll update this page. In the meantime you can check out our feature on the WALES AIR SHOW and look back at the last event, HERE.
BRIDGEND COUNTY SHOW – 9th to 11th JULY
This 3 day show is always a huge success and really is a wonderful day out for the family with ‘something for everyone‘.
You can do everything from: Pirates Trail, Bouncy Castle, Children’s Pets, Dog Show, Pygmy Goat Show, Trade Stands, Best of Village, Craft Marquee, Fast Food Outlets, Ice Creams, Show Jumping, Carriage Racing, Stannage International Stunt Team, South Wales Fire & Rescue, Chair’s Charity Events.
The BRIDGEND COUNTY SHOW is on Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July at Bridgend College – Pencoed Campus. The show is FREE to attend and if you’d like more details, go here. BRIDGEND
ELVIS FESTIVAL PORTHCAWL – 24th to 26th SEPTEMBER
Every September thousands of Elvis fans descend on the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for a unique celebration of The King. The feature events are the Official Shows taking place in the magnificent Grand Pavilion. These include The Elvies, the World’s leading award Show for Elvis Tribute Artists.
In addition, The Hi-Tide hosts over 100 shows over the weekend, many with free admission. Finally, over twenty venues in and around the Town form the Fringe Festival, making Porthcawl the largest Elvis event in Europe.
It all happens between Friday 25th and Sunday 27th September. For more details, go here. ELVIS
FOOD & DRINK
ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL – TBA
Set within the rolling hills of Monmouthshire, Wales’ best loved food will return in September, showcasing real food from real farmers and chefs.
From cooking demonstrations, to tasting workshops, cocktail making and foraging excursions to knee-slapping live bands, raucous castle parties and market stall holders selling everything from cheese, meats and chocolates to kombucha, kefir and vinegar! Plus sumptuous street food, kids cookery schools and fun farmyard activities. Abergavenny Food Festival is a place to eat, drink, learn, laugh, expand your horizons, tackle the big issues and celebrate everything about great food and drink.
For more information, go here. FOOD
CIDER & PERRY FESTIVAL CALDICOT CASTLE – TBA
The UK’s biggest showcase of craft Welsh Perry and Cider returns for 2020. Set in the grounds of the beautiful Caldicot Castle and Country Park, the 2020 Welsh Perry and Cider Festival will see a great mix of live music, the best local Monmouthshire food and craft stalls, and all day entertainment.
Onsite camping facilities for tents, caravans and motorhomes will be available also with a family friendly atmosphere throughout.
For more festival details, go here. CIDER
Wales will welcome the world’s best chefs next year as the country hosts the prestigious CLOBAL CHEFS CHALLENGE.
The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and its partners, the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), the Celtic Manor Resort and the Welsh Government, have accepted an invitation to bring the event to Newport from 23rd to 26th October. To find out what they’ll be serving up in this major event, go HERE.
It seems to us there’s one drink which is right at the top of the list at the moment, Gin. Now we can tell all you G&T lovers that the GIN TO MY TONIC SHOW is coming back to Cardiff, and the date has been rescheduled.
This is not just any show either, it’s not only award winning but comes complete with unlimited tastings and over 250 varieties of Gin. The show is actually the largest gin festival in the UK, offering a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to meet-the-makers behind over 50 premium gin and mixer brands.
The GIN TO MY TONIC FESTIVAL is at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on the 2nd and 3rd July. To find out more, and get yourself a few recipes, go HERE.
If you’re expecting us to tell you this is a hot event then we aim to disappoint. This one is beyond hot, it is scorching. Back for a second year, the MARGAM PARK CHILLI FESTIVAL and MERTHYR STREET CHILLI FESTIVAL will bring you a day filled with chilli, nothing else, just chilli. Actually, there’ll be plenty for the whole family to enjoy too.
They will play host to some of the most well known chilli producers from all over the UK exhibiting only the best chilli products you’ll find. There’ll be mild to crazy extreme chilli sauces, Naga cooking sauces, chilli plants, chilli, chilli pastes, pickles, seeds, chilli dips, chilli beer, merchandise and more.
As soon as we hear the confirmed dates we’ll let you know.
THEATRE
SISTER ACT was forced to postpone its Cardiff run due to the current situation, but it is now rescheduled and gets to us in November. This production is all brand-new and reimagined production – so we really can’t wait for this Broadway, West End and UK smash-hit musical to return.
And look who we’ve got starring in the show, none other than the incredible JENNIFER SAUNDERS and BRENDA EDWARDS (equally incredible) as Deloris.
SISTER ACT gets to the Wales Millennium Centre from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th November. Performances are at 7:30pm with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. If you’re an existing ticket holder, they are still valid for the new dates, seats are still available starting at £17:50. We have a really good article about the show right HERE.
We almost feel we just need to tell you that THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is coming to town and that’s that. But unbelievably there are some who still haven’t seen it, and more importantly, haven’t lived the full Rocky experience.
The world tour begins next spring, getting to the New Theatre in Cardiff from Monday 3rd May to Saturday 8th May. There are 7:30pm shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Saturday they’re at 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Friday it’s 8:30pm. Tickets range from £26 to £50, with a box between £149 to £225.
The tour then gets in to Venue Cymru from Monday 13th to Saturday 18th September. The performances are Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm with two shows on the Friday and Saturday at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets range between £20.50 and £47.50.
We have all the Rocky facts, and some show etiquette for you to look at, HERE.
It’s been a tough time for all our theatres this year, and will continue to be so for a long while yet. So when we heard that Cameron Mackintosh’s production of LES MISÉRABLES is to return to Wales Millennium Centre next June, we figured it’s a sign that good things are coming.
This production was at the WMC in the winter of 2019, in fact you can read our review, and see what the audience thought right HERE.
The production we get next year will be the same, and if you’re asking if it stands the test of time, the simple answer is yes and most definitely yes. We cannot praise it highly enough, it is simply magnificent and flawless.
We have a special feature on the show, packed with information and facts, take a look here. LES MISÉRABLES
We are so pleased these shows have been rescheduled, they are really funny, just what we need right now.
Outside of their regular weekly Edinburgh shows at Monkey Barrel Comedy, The Spontaneous Players also get out on the road. Their shows are hilarious, a little irreverent and well – spontaneous. Their current tour is all of that, and more, as it takes a pop at Potter.
Spontaneous Potter will be apparating into the Ffwrnes Llanelli – Stiwdio Stepni on the rescheduled date of Tuesday 15th February at 7:30pm.
They’re also performing Spontaneous Potter Kidz at 2pm that afternoon. Same style of show, only for kids, and trust us, they will absolutely love it. Just to alert you, the kids show is always really popular, so we’d advise you get in quickly.
The adult show gets to the Glee Club in Cardiff on 16th February (rescheduled date) at 7:30pm. Take a look at our feature right here, SPONTANEOUS
Here are other shows you can check out on our site……
SPORT
CARDIFF HALF MARATHON – SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER
The Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon has grown into one of the largest and most exciting road races in the United Kingdom, promising to deliver the full works for the half marathon. It is now one of Europe’s largest half marathons and is Wales’ largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event.
The event has grown significantly since it was founded by Barnardo’s in 2003 when 1,500 runners took part. It now attracts a mass race field of over 27,500 registered runners alongside world-class athletes in a trio of fiercely contested men’s, women’s and wheelchair elite races. It hosts the Welsh Half Marathon Championships annually and has hosted the World (2016) and Commonwealth (2018) Half Marathon Championships.
The CARDIFF HALF MARATHON takes place on Sunday 3rd October but we can tell you that places are filling up already. If you’d like more details and to register, take a look at our page here. MARATHON
Last years SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX may have been cancelled, along with pretty much every other event around the country/world, but that only makes us more excited at its return this year.
The countdown is already on to Cardiff 2021 as the Principality Stadium stages, what will still be, the 20th Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix in July and after an incredible event last year, the City and fans are hoping for a repeat next year too.
This electrifying event, for the whole family, sees the world’s best speedway riders race against each other at speeds that can exceed 120kmph on 500cc bikes with a single fixed gear and no brakes. Danish ace Leon Madsen celebrated a golden Warsaw and Cardiff double last year.
The ADRIAN FLUX BRITISH FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX roars into the Stadium on Friday 17th July. Take a look at our page for more. SPEEDWAY
The Whole Earth MAN V HORSE event began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint (or three) in the back bar of the Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green, overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, Man v Horse.
So, the event itself is happening on Saturday 12th June, entries have just recently opened.
Just be aware that the race has capacity for 600 solo runners, 150 relay runners and 60 horses and riders. Places sell out fast so you’ll need to get in early. Previously, the Man v Horse entry fee for solo runners is £30, relay teams pay £75 and horses and riders pay £40. That may change next year, but at least you have an idea of cost. We have all the details right HERE.
It’s easy to say that an event will bigger and better than it’s ever been, but it’s a phrase which certainly applies to the JCP SWANSEA HALF MARATHON. And rightly so, having been voted the UK’s best half marathon in 2017 & 18 and Wales’ biggest and best summer half marathon. Only this year, thanks to the Covid crisis, it’s been rescheduled, for a second time, to June next year. Gives you more time to train and prepare.
There are lots of ways to take part, from Elite to charity and even helping out as a volunteer. The Swansea Half Marathon at Brangwyn Hall is now running on Sunday 13th June at 10am. If you’d like to sign up and find out more details, go here. MARATHON
The schedule for the RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2021 has been announced and for the first time in Rugby League World Cup history, the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments will take place together next year. All 61 matches will be played at venues across England between 23rd October and 27th November.
The first game in round 1 for WALES MEN is against COOK ISLANDS MEN on Wednesday 27th October, at Leigh Sports Village starting at 7:30pm. We then play round 2 against TONGA MEN on Monday 1st November at 7:30pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
To find out more, and get yourself some nice downloadable freebies, go to our page HERE.
OUR SOUTH WALES
When lockdown number one finished, we put together a short series of features to remind us how lovely OUR SOUTH WALES is, and the fact we should be our celebrating, and enjoying this amazing area of ours. You can take a look at the features below.