STEPHEN FRY TEAMS UP WITH WNYO pic ( right ): RICHARD HUBERT SMITH
BREAKIN ’ OUT IN ABERGAVENNY
roundup WHAT ’ S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH .
BRIEFLY
STAGE
pic : KIRSTEN McTERNAN
STEPHEN FRY TEAMS UP WITH WNYO pic ( right ): RICHARD HUBERT SMITH
The mythical American folk hero Paul Bunyan comes to life on the Millennium Centre ’ s main stage this month with the Welsh National Youth Opera marking the centenary of composer Benjamin Britten ’ s birth . Voiced by none other than Stephen Fry , the famous lumberjack leader quells an attempt by his foreman , Hel Helson , to usurp him following much unrest and discontentment within the logging camp . In this age-old American creation myth , Christmas nears and the characters clear the forests as Bunyan divulges his vision of what America could be . To add to the rich , booming voice of opera lover Fry , Britain ’ s Got Talent finalists Only Boys Aloud contribute their powerful vocals as the Lumberjack Chorus . Such a feast of musical and theatrical brilliance within one show fronted by the vibrancy of the WNYO will surely make for a very special evening .
Paul Bunyan , Wales Millennium Centre , Cardiff Bay , Fri 23-Sat 24 Aug , tickets : £ 5- £ 15 . Info : 029 2063 6464 / www . wno . org . uk
BREAKIN ’ OUT IN ABERGAVENNY
Organised for young people by young people , Breakin ’ Out Festival returns after last year ’ s inaugural success with a lineup fit to bursting with top quality entertainment . Tinchy Stryder tops the bill , whilst X Factor ’ s Amelia Lily and Twist And Pulse from Britain ’ s Got Talent will also be entertaining the crowds alongside Sway , Loveable Rouges and the always entertaining GLC . Alongside the packed live music lineup , throughout the day and into the evening , audiences can enjoy the likes of Cardiff-based contemporary circus group NoFit State and a host of activities from dance to sport , art and graffiti . During the day there will even be an attempt to break a Guinness world record for the most number of consecutively scored penalties . Promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for teenagers , the event has already exploded in popularity , and with last year ’ s event completely selling out , move fast if you want a ticket .
Breakin ’ Out Festival , Sat 7 Sept , Bailey Park , Abergavenny . Tickets : £ 20 . Info : breakinoutfestival . com
MUSIC
MUSICMIX , A DISTINCTIVE five-day event for young musicians looking to brush up their music making and performance skills , takes place from Mon 5-Fri 9 Aug at St David ’ s Hall Cardiff . Reserved for 14-18 year olds , the week-long course encourages participants to create their own original music with different instruments , styles and sounds . Professional musician Darren Fellows will be mentoring throughout the week , and at the end , the young musicians will have the chance to perform their new music live on Friday evening . Info : 029 20 878570 www . artsactive . org . uk
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GET IN THE CARNIVAL SPIRIT on Sat 10 Aug and join in with the carnival celebrations as the annual South Wales Intercultural Community Arts carnival hits Cardiff ’ s streets in all its typically glittery , vibrant glory . From 11.30am-5.30pm the centre of Cardiff will be transformed into a flamboyant centre of music , art and dance as the parade exhibits all its fabulous costumes which have been constructed over many months and weeks of hard work in the lead up to the big day . Info : www . swicacarnival . co . uk
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AT THE TIME OF WRITING WE have no idea of its name or exact location , but we are assured that the residents of North Cardiff are to be pleasantly surprised at the start of August when a new bar-cumrestaurant-cum-venue opens to the public with a wide selection of Welsh produce , local beers , a varied programme of entertainment , and a decor which “ echoes the family feel with a touch of decadence .” To find out what the hell this might entail , keep an eye on Facebook for the “ She Is Coming ” campaign until the mystery is revealed . Info : www . facebook . com / sheiscoming3
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