Wales is a stage both for heavyweight cultural festivals and events that are light, frothy and pure fun. So you can mix with the glitterati in Hay-on-Wye, race against a horse or snorkel through a bog in Llanwrtyd Wells. You can listen to Bryn Terfel and friends singing in the park, or chill out to indie bands in the Brecon Beacons.
Here's some of the standout events, you can also search for an event yourself
>> 2010 <<
RBS 6 Nations Rugby
Wales v Scotland - 13 February 2010
Wales v France - 26 February 2010
Wales v Italy - 20 March 2010 www.millenniumstadium.com/
Hay Festival - 27 May – 6 June
If it's May it must be Hay. We aren't the only ones saying that. The little town of books hosts a big literary festival with a global reach. Bill Clinton calls it the ‘ Woodstock of the Mind'. And it's not just about books – comedy, music & current affairs also appear on the programme.
0870 990 1299 www.hayfestival.com
Urdd Eisteddfod, Ceredigion - 31 May – 5 June
Llanerchaeron will be transformed to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd, Wales' cultural youth festival. Up to 100,000 visitors and 15,000 competitors will be part of this spectacular event. With the best of Wales' youngsters participating in song, recitation, drama, dance, composing, poetry, arts and crafts competitions, and much, much more.
www.urdd.org/eisteddfod/
Wakestock, Abersoch – 2 - 4 July 2010
Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival is an intoxicating mix of watersports and live music. Wakestock celebrates its 11th birthday this year.
01758 710000 www.wakestock.co.uk
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - 6 - 11 July
A six day festival of music, dance and song from all over the world. A true international cultural event.
FIM British Speedway Grand Prix – 10 July 2010
The top 15 riders in the world compete in the British leg of the 11 round World Championship FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series. Thrills and spills guaranteed, together with live music, awesome fireworks. Entertainment for the whole family.
0871 230 7155 www.speedwaygp.com
Royal Welsh Agricultural Show - 19 – 22 July
Over 200,000 visitors in 4 days, the Royal Welsh Show is Britain's most popular agricultural show. So expect lots of cows, sheep and ponies. And townies too, who love not just the farming side but the entertainment, stalls, food, fun and summer carnival atmosphere that all go to make the Royal Welsh such a crowd pleaser.
01982 553683 www.rwas.co.uk/en/welsh-show/
National Eisteddfod - 31 July – 7 August
The Eisteddfod in 2010 will be held on the old steel site in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent and promises to be as action packed and fun-filled as ever with music, song and dance and plenty of kids entertainment!
0845 122 1176 http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/english/content.php?nID=165
Brecon Jazz - August 6 - 8
We're graced with a wonderful mix of Great Brits and legendary Jazz stars from across the African continent to share the joy of Jazz in 50 concerts over 3 days. Come on your own, come with friends, family, lovers or colleagues. Come for fun, and to meet some of the world's greatest musicians.http://www.breconjazz.org
Abergavenny Food Festival - September 18 - 19
Last year an article in The Observer Food Monthly stated ‘Abergavenny is to food what Cannes is to film, an annual festival for spotting rising stars in Britain’s artisan-food firmament’. http://www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com
Ryder Cup 2010 - 29 September – 3 October
For those with a passion for golf, there's only one place to be… the Celtic Manor Resort on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales. Why? The best reason in the golfing calendar of course.
The magnificent Ryder Cup. www.rydercupwales2010.com
Cardiff Half Marathon - 17th October
The Cardiff Half Marathon is fast becoming one of the top races of the autumn running calendar.
The route takes you through beautiful scenery and past historic buildings.
It’s flat and fast, making it a perfect opportunity to achieve your personal best!
The wheelchair race will start at 8:50am and the rest of the field will start at 9:00am
For more information go to: www.cardiffhalfmarathon.co.uk
>> 2012 <<
Olympics London2012
27 July – 12 August 2012 Olympics London 2012
29 August – 9 September 2012 Paralympics London 2012
www.london2012.com
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