Barry Island Weekenders
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
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WHAT ’ S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH .
EVENT
Barry Island Weekenders
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SOUTH WALES SECRETS # 34 :
Castell Coch
X-Factor singer Rhydian Roberts reveals one of his favourite places in South Wales .
“ My secret location is Castell Coch . This is where mum and dad told me that Santa lived and stored the presents for the next year ’ s Christmas ! It sounds bonkers I know , but for years it was magical to look up at that castle on route from Brecon to Cardiff whilst visiting my nan who lives in North Cardiff . One day I actually went inside Castell Coch ! It was awesome . I was genuinely searching for some fat guy in a red suit ! I was peeping in every door possible , even the ones that said , ‘ private no entry ’ as they had more intrigue . I guess Lapland would have been a more obvious place to search , but hey ho , you ’ ll believe anything your parents tell
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
Excitement is stirring as Welsh music lovers anticipate Monmouth ’ s annual nine-day free music festival . For the 30th year , Monmouth will be transformed into a bustling centre of musical delight , hosting a variety of genres ; including rock , blues , classical , jazz , pop , folk and punk . Since the event ’ s establishment in 1982 , festival-goers have jigged to an assortment of both local and nationally renowned acts with Goldie Lookin ’ Chain and The Pigeon Detectives appearing in recent years . This year ’ s confirmed acts include Welsh ska band 2 Rude , classic rock band Tenors Of Rock and tribute band Oasis UK . The fun ( and need I say the
you at that age ! So there I was , certain that Santa cohabited with us all here in South Wales ! Funny to think I saw that it was up for sale last year and I genuinely thought about buying it to keep my fantasy alive ! So there you have it , that ’ s my secret place . Someone tell me ... was I the only kid in South Wales to be told that Santa lived there ? Innocence is a wonderful thing .” Rhydian is currently starring as Rocky in the Rocky Horror Show and is recording his fifth studio album and will appear in this year ’ s Ponty In The Park on Sun 21 July .
Info : www . rhydian-roberts . co . uk
beer ) is sure to be flowing , and aside from the main stage there ’ s something for all the family at the Carnival Day . Held on Sun 28 July , guests can enjoy the street entertainers , browse the stalls and get involved in workshops in what is sure to be a vibrant celebration of the town and its community .
Monmouth Festival , Monmouth Town Centre , Fri 26 July-Sat 3 Aug . Admission : free . Info : www . monmouthfestival . co . uk
The school holidays are looming , but don ’ t panic parents , the Barry Island Weekenders are here to save you from boredom with a variety of free family events lined up throughout the summer . The schedule will explode into action with The Isle Of Fire . Anticipated to be an aweinspiring spectacle , at dusk on Sat 20 and Sun 21 July , the Island Gardens will be transformed into a stunning fiery landscape . Families can discover a Viking ghost ship and fire-breathing flowers in a display inspired by legends of the deep . Promising a more energetic experience , during the following weekend ( Sat 27-Sun 28 July ), the seafront will become host to a fusion of local street dance performers . Guests won ’ t just watch from the sidelines but get the chance to pull some of their own moves in various dance workshops . With four more weekends of fun planned for August , ranging from street art to cinema , families are sure to be entertained and treated to something a little different at the seaside this summer .
Barry Island Weekenders , Sat 20 July-Sun 25 Aug , Barry Island Seafront . Admission : free . Info : 01446 704737 / www . visitthevale . com
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