FOR
A CRAZY
XMAS
PUDDING CHASE
Why not earn your Christmas pudding this
year by chasing it first, along Barry Island’s
promenade... dressed as Santa. Don’t worry, you
won’t be alone in your madness, as the event
promises to attract a crowd of sprinters, joggers
and taking-their-time saunterers, all seeking to
raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
CHISTMAS WITH DICKENS
For lovers of all things Dickens, enjoy his characters
come to life in a performance of selected readings,
set within the Gothic majesty of Castell Coch. The
performance will be followed by Victorian-style buffet
in the banqueting hall.
Chase The Pud, Barry Island
Promenade, Sat 8 Dec. Tickets: £10
adult/£5 children. Info: 07825 674466 /
www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Christmas With Dickens, Castell Coch, nr
Cardiff, Sat 8 + Sun 9 Dec. Info: 029 2081
0101 / www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
FOR
A
DIFFERENT
NEW
YEAR
pic: KIRAN RIDLEY
pic: NICK J WEBBG
CHRISTMAS AT THE IRONWORKS
Tales of Christmases past from a well-versed
storyteller, as well as more recent memories of their
lived experience at the Stack Square Cottages from
the BBC Coal House families, will captivate visitors
to Blaenavon Ironworks. The local Blaenavon Town
Band will also be trumpeting some cheer throughout
the day.
Christmas At The Ironworks, Blaenavon
Ironworks. Admission: free. Info: 01495
792615 / www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
FOR
TRADITION
WITHOUT
TINSEL
FOR SPREADING CHRISTMAS JOY
Take a leaf out of Michael Sheen’s book who, last
year, read Dylan Thomas to a rapt audience of those
who would otherwise have spent Christmas on
their own were it not for the good will of volunteers
organising a festive get-together. Helpers are needed
at local events throughout South Wales. You can
pitch in with anything from serving up the Christmas
dinner to a good old chinwag over a cup of tea and
a mince pie. Check out your local churches and
community venues for relevant information.
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL
WHITE WATER
Instead of nursing a hangover on the first day of
2014, why not start off the NEW year with a NEW
experience. Cardiff International White Water is
running indoor surfing sessions, river boarding,
canoeing, kayaking and hot dogging (apparently this
has more to do with two people sharing an inflatable
kayak than it does with tasty meat in a bread bun).
Cardiff International White Water. Prices:
from £20 per person. Info 029 2082 9970 /
www.ciww.com
MARI LWYD
The New Year offers the opportunity to do wild and
wacky things, all in the name of tradition. Start the
year as you mean to continue, namely, by traipsing
after a shrouded horse skull as it makes its way
to the pub! As an old Welsh custom currently
experiencing a revival, Mari Lwyd, may be making
an appearance in various places this end-of/coming
year. You’ll find one on New Year’s Eve, leaving from
the Town Square at Llanwrtyd Wells, accompanied
by a procession of torch bearers, who will eventually
charm their way into a drinking establishment of
some kind with an exchange of rhyme and banter.
Mari Lwyd, Llanwrtyd Wells Town Square,
Tues 31 Dec. Info: 01591 610666 / www.
green-events.co.uk
BUZZ 17