In the heart of Mid Wales, springtime breathes new life into the region, igniting a vibrant tapestry of culture, heritage, and creativity. As nature awakens and the countryside blossoms, Mid Wales becomes a haven for festival-goers, offering an eclectic array of events that cater to every taste and interest.
Kicking off the festivities, Wonderwool Wales takes centre stage at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on April 27th and 28th. This annual celebration of Welsh wool and fibre crafts invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of intricate knitting, colourful weaving, and felting delights. With workshops, demonstrations, and stalls brimming with handcrafted goods,
Wonderwool Wales offers a captivating journey into the artistry of textiles.
As April fades into May, Machynlleth becomes a beacon of comedic brilliance during the Machynlleth Comedy Festival from May 3rd to 5th. Various venues across the town come alive with laughter-inducing performances by top comedians from the UK and beyond. From stand-up shows to improv sessions, this festival promises side-splitting entertainment for comedy lovers of all ages.
On May 14th, literary enthusiasts worldwide unite to honour the legendary Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, on International Dylan Thomas Day. Communities come together to celebrate Thomas's enduring legacy through readings, discussions, and poetry slams, spreading his words of wit and wisdom far and wide.
As May unfolds, the Royal Welsh Showground once again welcomes visitors for the Smallholding and Countryside Festival on May 18th and 19th. This event celebrates rural life in all its glory, offering a delightful mix of livestock displays, agricultural demonstrations, and countryside pursuits. From sheepdog trials to falconry displays, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the countryside, with ample opportunities to learn about sustainable living and traditional crafts.
Presteigne will be marking the approach of summer with a brand new weekend of creative events on May 11 and 12 this year. There will be a pop-up Brocante Sale on Broad Street, live harp music in Presteigne Library and Art in the Yard behind the popular Daphne’s Pizza venue, with creative events and displays for droppers-by.
A wide-ranging programme includes talks by author, broadcaster and founder of Radio Free Radnorshire Ian Marchant on his lifelong experiences in the music business, Sex and Drugs and Village Halls. Dr Toby Driver, author of The Hillforts of Iron Age Wales (Logaston Press) will talk about the remarkable people and places of pre-Roman Wales.
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust guides will lead a visit to their newest reserve at Pentwyn. This beautiful stretch of farmland is, under RWT’s care, beginning a 30-year journey to sustainable farming, that will make space for nature and allow natural processes to develop. With abundant wildlife plus newly introduced Galloway cattle and Tamworth pigs, this is a fascinating and ambitious project to see in action.
The weekend will also include fine art on film with a look at one of the world most famous paintings, The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. Painted in Vienna around 1908, the evocative image of an unknown embracing couple has captivated viewers with its mystery, sensuality and dazzling materials ever since it was created. The film looks beyond the glittering surface to probe just what lies behind the appeal of the painting – and who was the artist that created it.
There’s plenty of music too, from violin and harp recitals with star soloists Emma Roijackers and Heather Brooks playing J S Bach, Telemann, Massenet, Saint-Saëns and Debussy in St Andrew’s Church to music at The Duke’s pub where Presteigne’s popular shanty band, The Pressgangers, will perform a mix of sea shanties and Irish songs in support of the RNLI. For those who like music on the move, there’s a Singing Walk led by Sue Harris and Whitton Voices introducing spring songs on a musical stroll around some of Presteigne lovely rural walks as leaves unfurl and buds open.This new events weekend will be the launch for the town’s annual culture festival in August.
Full information and ticket sales at presteignefestival.com or call 01544 267 800.
And amidst the flurry of springtime celebrations, the world-renowned Hay Festival awaits in the charming town of Hay-on-Wye from May 23rd to June 2nd. This literary extravaganza gathers acclaimed authors, thinkers, and artists from around the globe for a diverse program of talks, discussions, workshops, and performances. With its celebration of the transformative power of words and ideas, the Hay Festival ignites minds, sparks creativity, and embodies the spirit of springtime in Mid Wales.
From woolen wonders to comedic delights, literary treasures to countryside charm, there's no shortage of experiences waiting to be discovered ...