Barry Island Weekenders
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
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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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