100+ family-friendly events and activities in and around Cardiff for the summer holidays 2026
The schools in and around Cardiff are out for summer and with it comes the constant question of how today entertain the family. As always, Cardiff Mummy Says is here with ideas for all ages and interests. This guide has more than 100 events and activities in and near Cardiff including theatre shows, craft sessions, historical reenactments, events at outdoor venues, and so much more.
Please remember, check ahead with organisers as details can change last minute including cancellations.
I share lots of days out ideas on here and my social media channels. Do give me a follow and let me help you take the stress out of ideas for local days out.
For more ideas of family days out in and around Cardiff, follow Cardiff Mummy Says on Instagram, on Facebook, or on TikTok.
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What to do with the family in and near Cardiff for the summer holidays 2026
Family fun indoor attractions
Cardiff summer holiday days out
FREE Brick Draig
The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wednesday 15 July-Monday 31 Aug
Twelve baby dragons have arrived at The Red Dragon Centre this summer, the first time they have been seen anywhere in the world. Plus there’s a fun mission for families. Scan the QR code, find the eggs around the centre, see how each dragon protects our planet, and which realm it belongs to, Fire, Earth, Water or Air. You can then make your own eco pledge.
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BBC Cymru Wales, Central Square Cardiff
Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm
Adults £17.50, under 18s £5, age guidance 7+
A behind the scenes look at the BBC’s newest and most advanced studios. Visit the state-of-the-art television and radio studios to discover the secrets of making a BBC programme, see the BBC newsrooms, packed with cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras, take a sneak peek at TV galleries and other broadcast facilities, and lots more.
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Cardiff Central Library Hub
Tuesday 28 July, 12pm-3pm
Meet Winnie the Pooh and celebrate his 100th birthday. Activities include face painting, balloon modelling, a bouncy castle, digital games, soft play, craft and more,
PLUS loads of other free family events over the summer at Central Library Hub and other hubs.
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Treetop Adventure Golf, St David’s Cardiff
Open daily all summer
£11.90 adults and children 6+, £5.40 under 5s, family of 3 £30, family of 4 £38. Family of 5 £46 for one course
Choose from Tropical Trail and Ancient Explorer 18 hole courses – or maybe even both. No need to book, just turn up. See website for new family admission offers.
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Techniquest, Cardiff Bay
Saturday 18 July-Wednesday 2 September
Adults from £13.12, children £11.93, under 3s free, family (2+3) £46.13
Celebrate 40 years of discovery as Techniquest marks its birthday with new amazing exhibitions an the return of some classic favourites from over the years such as head on a plate and the mirror maze. for more than 100 hands-on science exhibitions.
Star Tours – 25 minute Planetarium show, ages 7+, £2 per person
Find out more about familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die in the digital planetarium.
Battle of the Bangs –science show, ages 5+
A Battle of the Bands-inspired science tournament which will see the most epic booms and fireballs go head-to-head. (Included in admission/Guarantee a space for £1)
Slime Workshop – 45 minute lab workshop, ages 5+, £5 per child
A hands-on workshop where you’ll mix your own personal pot of slime.
Little Bear – 25 minute Planetarium show, ages under 7, £2 per person
Join little bear as she plays dot-to-dot with the stars and spots animals in the constellations, in this 360˚ film, followed by a mini star tour.
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St David’s shopping centre Cardiff
Wednesday 22 July 26-August
A chance to meet iconic characters coming to Cardiff this summer:
Bluey & Bingo Wednesday 22 July
Fireman Sam Wednesday 29 July
Chase & Skye Wednesday 5 August
Sonic the Hedgehog Wednesday 12 August
Peppa & George Wednesday 19 August
The Gruffalo Wednesday 26 August
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Summer holiday events
Animals Interactive
Pugh’s Radyr, Monday 20 July and Thursday 6 August, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm
Pugh’s Wenvoe, Tuesday 21 July and Friday 7 August, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm
From £15
Meet and interact with a fascinating range of animal species from around the world in this 45-minufe immersive session. Must be prebooked.
Alpaca Meet and Greets
Pugh’s Radyr Monday 27 July and Monday 10 August
Pugh’s Wenvoe, Tuesday 27 July, Tuesday 11 August
A friendly meet and greet with these gentle curious animals. Must be prebooked.
From £8
Storytime with Christine Chambers
Pugh’s Radyr, Thursday 30 July
Christine will introduce her illustrated books and read from her latest adventures including Arctic Fox Opens a Magical Ice Cream Shop and Red Fox Does What? Surely Not! Must be prebooked.
Bear Making Workshops
Pugh’s Wenvoe, Wednesdays 29 July, 5, 12 and 19 August
Pugh’s Radyr, Fridays 31 July, 7, 14 and 21 August, 10am and 2pm
Make your own dragon or unicorn to take home in this interactive workshop. From £25
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Family fun outdoor attractions
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Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay
Saturday 18 July-Monday 31 August, 11am-8pm (9pm Fri and Sat)
Rides, games, food, and funfair entertainment for all the family. Free entry to the park, rides and stalls are all paid activities.
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Victoria Park, Cardiff
Open daily 11am-6.45pm, relaxed sessions for children with additional needs 10am-11am
Back open for summer 2026, featuring 33 exciting water features including sprays, jets, a tipping water bucket, tunnel and more, for toddlers , juniors and older children.
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Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd
Open daily (must book in advance, limited availability for some sessions)
Adults £3.50, children free but must book a ticket; activity ticket (inflatables etc) £3
Lido Ponty is open for the summer holidays with three pools, inflatables and activities, and right next to the huge playground in Ynysangharad Park.
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Heath Park, Cardiff
Sunday 19 July, Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, 1pm-5pm
£2.80 entry, £2.80 per ride (under 3s free entry and rides)
Cardiff Model Engineering Society opens its doors to the public with miniature train rides – steam, diesel and electric – plus tram rides.
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Clearwell Farm
See website for opening details
Clearwell celebrates its sunflower patch opening (Fri 31 Jul-Sun 2 Aug) with a food and cider festival with 25 ciders, live music, street food, bands, vinyl DJs, circus acts and more. Daytime event on the Saturday and Sunday from 11am. Adults £12, children £7. The sunflower patch will then be open for pick your own flowers, giant maize maze, bale tower and more.
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FREE Six Weeks of Summer: A journey though nature and wildlife
Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
Thursdays 23 July-27 August, 11am-4pm
Every Thursday, join the team of eco-explorers under the giant Big Green Leaf installation in Tacoma Square. Led by a team of charismatic Eco-Explorers for free interactive workshops, running every 30 minutes between 11am and 4pm. Every week features a brand-new nature theme, captivating storytelling, and a hands-on craft or exciting giveaway your little ones will love!
23 July – A Bug’s Life: Discover mini beasts and build a miniature Bug Hotel to take home.
30 July – Flower Power: Explore local wildlife and craft a beautiful Flower Crown.
6 August – Worm Wonders: Enjoy interactive storytelling and grab a free Sunflower giveaway!
13 August – Easy Bee-zy: Learn about pollinators and craft a Bee Finger Puppet.
20 August – Under the Green Leaf: Create leaf-rubbing art and collect a Sunflower giveaway.
27 August – Butterfly Flutterfly: Learn the butterfly lifecycle and make a real butterfly feeder.
Plus Butterfly Trail all summer long, explore the centre to find ghree giant Butterfly Wing installations.
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Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Vale of Glamorgan
Saturday 18 July, 11am-4pm
A free family-friendly day celebrating all things nature in the Vale. Find out ways to get involved in helping nature on your doorstep with interactive stalls from local organisations and groups, take part in citizen science, experience live storytelling, explore hands-on activities, creative crafts and more.
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Fonmon Castle, Rhoose
Adults £13, children £9.63 plus booking fee
Pirates Vs Fairies Weekend Sat 25-Sun 26 July, 10am-4pm
KPop At The Castle Sat 1-Sun 2 Aug, 10am-4pm
Ice Princesses Weekend Sat 8-Sun 9 Aug, 10am-4pm
Poppins Weekend Sat 15-Sun 16 Aug10am-4pm
Film Weekend Sat 22-Sun 23 Aug 10am-4pm
Superhero Bank Holiday Weekend Sat 29, Sun 30 and Mon 31 Aug 10am-4pm
Themed action-packed weekends including daily shows, character meets, photo opportunities and more. Plus all the usual Fonmon favourites, including Jurassic Walks dinosaur trail, medieval farm, Welsh folklore story trail, Lost Victorian Garden, woodland walks, play areas, and the castle grounds and more.
Fonmon is also open daily in the holidays (adults from £10, children just 87p (plus £1 booking fee) thanks to government VAT reductions.
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John Frost Square, Newport
Thursday 30 July-Tuesday 1 September, 9am-5pm
Newport’s urban beach returns for another summer season,complete with buckets, spades, deck chairs, the sounds of the seaside and fun for all the family. The first 60 minutes of each day will be an inclusive ‘quiet’ hour for those with sensory and additional needs.
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Newport Wetlands
Sunday 26 July, 9.30am-11.30am
Adults £17, children £9
A relaxed family-friendly guided walk in search of the reserve’s beautiful summer wildflowers and meadow flora. Look out for a colourful array of plants that thrive across the wetlands, learn how to identify different wildflowers, discover the fascinating habitats they depend on, and uncover some surprising botanical stories.
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Newport Wetlands
Mondays 27 July, 10 and 24 August, 10.30am-12pm
From £7
An engaging, nature-based experience especially for young children and their families. The sessions welcome children into the world of nature, featuring a guided nature walk, a themed activity (both indoors and outdoors), an interactive story, and a simple craft. Age guidance 2-4 years; term-time dates also available.
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Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
Saturday 18 July-Wednesday 2 September, 10am-5pm
Included in usual admission, from: adults £14, children 5-17 £7, family (2+3) £35, family (1+3) £21, or free for National Trust members
Summer of Play transforms the gardens into a vintage style festival of fun for the whole family. With two exciting play hubs to explore, families can enjoy giant garden games such as snakes and ladders and bug-inspired Ludo, creative activities and hands-on outdoor play such as mud kitchens and musical play stations throughout the summer holidays.
PLUS The Other Bennet Sister exhibition continues to run until Monday 31 August, featuring costumes and props from the BBC period drama (open Fridays-Mondays)
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Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail
Tredegar House, Newport
Until Wednesday 2 September
Included in usual admission, from: adults £14, children 5-17 £7, family (2+3) £35, family (1+3) £21, or free for National Trust members
Unleash your energy on a Pokémon adventure this summer, celebrating the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series. Get active outdoors on a Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.
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Mountain View Ranch, Tongwynlais
£13 per person aged 3+, 2 year olds £11, under 2s free
100 acres of woodland and trails, with so much to explore from favourites including the Fairy Forest and the Gruffalo Trail to the brand new Dragon Trail and Minibeasts trail, jumping pillows, hidden treehouses, low ropes and more.
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Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend
Saturday 18 July
From £4 per child per session
Bryngarw’s first BioBlitz. Join the ranger team for a full day of activities designed to discover, identify, and record as many species of wildlife as possible in 24 hours.
Story and Craft in the park
Free Summer Reading Challenge events for families in Bridgend. Age guidance 3-9. Tuesdays and Thursdays with a different book each session.
Wildlife Wednesdays/Junior Rangers, £4 per session
Wednesday 22 July – Pond dipping
Wednesday 29 July – Insect walk / Minibeast hunt
Wednesday 5 August – Bird watching
Wednesday 12 August – Minibeast hunt
Wednesday 19 August – Pond dipping
Wednesday 26 August – Welsh words bilingual nature walk
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FREE Forest Farm Fun Day
Forest Farm Nature Reserve, Cardiff
Saturday 8 August, 10am-3pm
Explore the wilder side of Cardiff at Forest Farm Nature Reserve, with pond dipping, bug hunting, bird spotting and nature-themed arts and crafts. See some of the machinery that help maintain Cardiff’s green spaces, including a great photo opportunity with our tractors.
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Margam County Park, Neath Port Talbot
Saturday 18 July-Friday 28 August
A huge programme of events for families, including arts and crafts, have a go archery, messy play, nature-themed events, storytelling, science workshops and so much more. Some events are free but others are bookable. Margam is free to visit; pay for parking.
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Llanelli Wetlands
Saturday 18 July-Monday 31 August
Adults from £10.63, children from £6.80, family from £32.35 (online advance prices, more on door)
A summer of dragonfly-themed events and activities
Explore the magical world of dragonflies and dive into a summer full of wondrous new wetland experiences. Plus pond dipping, guided dragonfly walks, dragonfly science show (Tues and Thurs), wing-making workshops (Fridays) and other themed activities (see website).
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Farm Parks
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Cantref Adventure Farm, Brecon
Saturday 18 July-Tuesday 1 September
Meet Blue the Velocitator Dinosaur Sat 25-Fri 31 July and 8-15 August
Meet Spirit the Unicorn Sat 18-Fri 24 July and 1-7 August
Big Water Fight and Slip and Slide Sat 15 Aug-Mon 1 September
Plus all the usual farm indoor and outdoor play, animals, maze and more.
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Summer events
The Meadows Wildlife Park, Cardiff
Adults and children 3+ £11.50, child 1-2 £5.50, under 1s free
Special events across the summer plus all the usual farm animals and activities.
27 July Storytime
31 July Singalong With Liz
3-7 August Characters Week
4 and 14 August South Wales Fire and Rescue
10-14 August Dinosaur Week
18 and 20 August Tots Play with Sam
19 and 20 August Gwent Police
Every day foam parties
Selected dates July and August Wildlife Academy
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Cefn Mably Farm Park, Cardiff
Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Wednesday 5 and Friday 7 August
Adults and children 18 months+ £10.16, family of 4 £38.59
Alongside all the usual farm attractions, dinos are taking over Cefn Mably. The dinosaurs will appear at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm while from 10am-4.30pm, you can explore all the Jurassic fun with a dino egg to climb in, fossil displays, an interactive Triceratops plus baby dino puppets. Plus all the usual farm activities.
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Greenmeadow Community Farm, Cwmbran
Adults £9.63, children 3-12 £6.56, under 3s free
Open daily (closed 21 July for a private event)
Activities Tuesday to Sunday include milking demonstrations, tractor rides, cuddle corner plus all the other farm activities, play areas, animals etc
Summer holiday events include a different theme each week
18-24 July animal activities
25-31 July axe throwing and archery
1-7 August mystery, magic and mythical adventures
8-14 August circus fun
15-21 August falconry displays
22-28 August music, glitter and farm fest
29-30 August swinging tunes from the Toodle Pips
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Amelia Trust Farm, Barry
£7.14 per person, £25.20 group of 4 for event days, less on regular days
Wednesdays 22 and 29 July, 12 August Woodland Wednesday
Friday 24 July Feel Good Friday
Tuesday 4 August Bee Happy Day
Saturday 8 August Dog Show
Friday 14 August Teddy Bears Picnic
Special events at Amelia Trust. The farm is open all summer – meet the animals, woodland walks and frails, outdoor play and more.
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Festivals and big outdoor events
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Romilly Park, Barry
Friday 24 July
£18.50, family pass £57.50
Barry’s weekend tribute festival kicks off with a family friendly day featuring tributes of Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, plus rides and stalls, live magic, workshops, gaming zone and more.
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St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
31 July-3 August, 7-9 August
Adults £13.50 children under 16 free, lido £5 (all ages)
A castle by the sea full of fun and games and a feast from lunch time to supper time with an array of street food vendors. High wire tricks, fire spinners, world’s biggest bouncy castle, circus skills or kids, axe throwing, crazy golf, dog circus, roller disco and a lido.
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Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show
Penllyn, Cowbridge
Wednesday 12 August
Adults £20, children 5-15 £5, family £40
Alongside livestock, horse showing and trade stands, families can enjoy a food court selling locally produced food and drinks, shopping stalls, craft fair, dog show and more.
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Josh Navidi Testimonial Takeover
Cardiff Arms Park
Saturday 29-Sunday 30 August
Celebrate Josh Navidi’s rugby career with a bank holiday weekend of live music, bands, street food, festival vibes, 7s and touch rugby tournaments. Josh himself will play a DJ set, joined by a lineup of performers.
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Museums, castles and cultural attractions
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South Wales Aviation Museum, St Athan
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm plus Wednesdays in school holidays,10am-3pm
Adults £13.22 (includes one child), additional child £4.23
Wales’ largest independent and undercover aircraft museum, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Get up close to heritage jets, explore real cockpits and learn about South Wales’ aviation heritage.
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Ffasiwn
Until Sunday 4 April 2027
Pay what you can, minimum £1
Ffasiwn challenges assumptions about who fashion is for and who gets to shape the way communities are seen. The exhibition is drawn from It’s Called Ffasiwn, a socially engaged, anti-fashion photography project from artists Clémentine Schneidermann and Charlotte James and young people across the South Wales Valleys. Developed over more than a decade, young people act as creative partners throughout the process and shows how creativity comes from within them.
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Photographing Clothing: A Ffasiwn Workshop with Michael Alberry
Friday 14 August, 10.15am-5pm
£15 adults, £13.50 children, ages 11-16
Ffasiwn-Making Workshop with Ffian Jones
Friday 21 August, 10:30am (Welsh); 2pm (English), £15 adults, £13.50 children, ages 8-11
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Helios
Tuesday 21 July-Monday 31 August 2026
Helios is a seven‑metre‑wide artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram that brings the sun closer than ever before using real solar imagery from NASA and scientists. Every centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the sun, making it a brilliant way to explore space. Free but advance booking recommended.
Special events include:
Museum Lates: Helios
1 August, 29th August, 6pm-10pm Free, but must be booked in advance.
Helios: Quiet Sessions
Multiple dates available
The Science of the Sun with Jon Chase
Saturday 8 August, 10.30am and 1pm
Adults £8, children £7
Join author and presenter Jon Chas, for an exploration of the science behind the sun. Blending hip-hop rap with interesting facts, Chase has an intense passion for scientific thinking and believes that knowledge should be made accessible to all.
Museum Lates: Solar Eclipse
Wednesday 12 August, from 6pm
Experience Luke Jerram’s 7-metre-wide sun sculpture, before heading out to view the solar eclipse around 7pm.
Museum Sleepover: Under Helios
Saturday 22-Sunday 23 August
From £70 per person
Sleep under the sun! Includes a torch-lit tour to explore Wales as it was 200 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the land, a dino show and craft workshops inspired by the Sun, a film at the historic Reardon Smith theatre, breakfast and exclusive, early access to the Museum galleries.
Behind the Scenes: Roman Pottery
Tuesday 18 August, 2pm
£8, age guidance 12+
A chance to see the types of pottery in use in Wales during the Roman period.
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St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
FREE Wales Is… Our Home
Until Sunday 6 September
Created in partnership with the Chinese In Wales Association as part of the Our Stories project, the exhibition features the stories of eight multi-generational people of Chinese heritage living in Wales today, told in their own words.
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FREE Women and Sport: Wales
Until Friday 27 November
Celebrate the incredible feats of Welsh women in the field of sport nationally and internationally.
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FREE Wales is… remembering Terrence Higgins
Until Tuesday 4 August
Born in Pembrokeshire in 1945, Terrence Higgins was one of the first people in the UK to die of an AIDS-related illness in 1982. To mark the 40th anniversary of his death, a quilt was produced that celebrates his legacy, and the founding of the Terrence Higgins Trust, who have lent the quilt for this exhibition.
FREE TwmpDaith
Saturday 17 July, 11am and 1.30pm
Inspired by a similar project in Scotland called the Ceilidh Trail, the TwmpDaith project has handpicked, trained and moulded young people into a vibrant, enthusiastic twmpath band.
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Traditional Fairground
From Saturday 18 July
From £1 per ride, age guidance 2-11
Visit the Traditional Fairground and experience the magic of a bygone era.
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South Wales Makers Market
Friday 24-Thursday 30 July 2026 and Tuesday 18-Monday 31 August 2026, 10am – 5pm
South Wales Makers Market showcases some exceptional local Welsh crafting talent. Stalls are varied and can change each day, featuring crafts such as pottery, handmade body products, jewellery and textiles.
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FREE Step into history at St Fagans
Saturday 1-Monday 31 August, 11am-4pm
Step back in time at St Fagans this summer as you drop in to your favourite buildings to check if there’s anyone home. There’ll be some special guests in the historic buildings around Gwalia Green.
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FREE More to Life
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Explore the hobbies, past-times and sports of mining communities in a summer series of fun family activities. 11am-3pm daily. Plus underground pit tours are free over the summer.
Football 20-21 July
‘Hiya Butt!’ 27-28 July, 3-4 August
Wrestling 10-11 August
Coal Rocks! 17-18 August
Cinema 24-25 August
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FREE Animals of the Gods
Until Saturday 25 July
Many Roman Gods and Goddesses have an animal to represent them. Through the use of objects and images this display highlights some of these animals and how they were shown in Roman culture.
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FREE Amphitheatre and Dig Pit Activity
Sat 18, Fri 24-Sat 25 and Fri 31 July, 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
It’s 100 years since Caerleon’s Amphitheatre was unearthed – Britain’s only fully excavated Amphitheatre, and a place Romans would have enjoyed sports and entertainment.
Live history events
A series of interactive events exploring the lives of Romans, including activities, character meet and greets, and crafts.
Meet a Roman Soldier
19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30 July and 2 August, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Gladiators
20, 22, 27, 29 July, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31 August, hour sessions 10.30am-3.30pm
£5 per person
Roman Cavalry Trooper
1-9 August, 10:30am-4pm
Romans in Residence
3-31 August 2026, 10:30am-4pm
Mosaics
14, 21 and 28 August 2026, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm.
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FREE Crafty Wednesday
Museum of Cardiff, the Hayes, Cardiff
Every Wednesday, 11am-3pm
Creative and crafty fun for all the family.
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FREE Dinky Dragons
Cardiff Story Museum
Friday 14 August, 10am-3pm
A free monthly event for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups. A whole day of play, plus Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions (11am and 1pm).
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Cardiff Story Museum
Until Monday 31 August, 10am-4pm
Explore how Cardiff children played between the 1930s and 1950s. This community-led exhibition includes oral histories featuring personal childhood memories, photographs, illustrations, and vintage toys.
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Aardman Model Making Workshops
The Royal Mint Experience
Saturday 8 and Wednesday 12 August
£15
Workshop led by an expert model maker from the world-famous Aardman studio. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll create your own clay version of a classic Aardman character to take home. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, learn about the animation model-making process. There will also be an exhibition displaying sets and artwork from the Aardman archive.
Plus: Royal Mint Experience tours are available to book all summer, discover how all our coins are made.
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FREE Summer at the Senedd
Senedd, Cardiff Bay
Saturday 18 July-Monday 31 August
Find Fflam
Spot Fflam the dragon hiding around the Senedd to earn a special sticker. You can even buy a Fflam toy from the Senedd shop to fly home with you!
Creative Craft
Suitable for ages 3+
Drop in for creative activities—sketch Cardiff Bay or weave a paper tapestry. With all materials provided and no need to pre-book, just come along and let your creativity bloom!
Free Fruit
Enjoy a healthy treat at the Senedd this summer. Free fruit available for children during the school holidays.
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Castell Coch
Wednesday 29-Thursday 30 July, 11am-3pm
Adults £10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90 family (1+3) £24.00. or free for Cadw members
Help reconstruct the Victorian excavations of the 1800s. Uncover with your own hands a range of Medieval treasures, and guess what you have found. Learn to record these items, in their archaeological context and practice these methods that are still used today.
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Raglan Castle
Wednesdays 5, 12, 19, 26 August, 11am-3pm
Adults £10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90 family (1+3) £24.00. or free for Cadw members
Meet birds of prey and see them fly, and learn about the conservation of these feathered friends.
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Raglan Castle
Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, 11am-3pm
Adults £10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90 family (1+3) £24.00. or free for Cadw members
The Worcester Reenactors once again take over Raglan Castle for a journey across the ages as folk, civilians and soldiers alike show off life from many eras of the past. Wander the camps, speak to the voices of history and bask in the atmosphere of Raglan Castle.
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Tintern Abbey
Saturdays 25 July, 1 August
Included with ticket prices: Adults £9.80, children 5-17 £6.80, under 5s free, family (2+3) £31.60 family (1+3) £21.70. or free for Cadw members
As the cellarer of Tintern Abbey, Brother Thomas (a Cistercian monk) will be able to tell you all there is to know about the workings of the abbey, his fellow monks, the lay brothers and other ‘less religious’ people. You will learn about the daily life of the monks at the abbey, including their monastic duties, hygiene and eating habits.
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Tintern Abbey
Saturday 8-Sunday 9 August
Adults £9.80, children 5-17 £6.80, under 5s free, family (2+3) £31.60 family (1+3) £21.70. or free for Cadw members
Learn how the Tudors used birds of prey and why falconry was the most popular sport of the day, and how birds of prey live. Have your photo taken with the birds for a unique souvenir.
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Resting at the Abbey during the Wars of the Roses 1471
Tintern Abbey
22-23 August
Included with ticket prices: Adults £9.80, children 5-17 £6.80, under 5s free, family (2+3) £31.60 family (1+3) £21.70. or free for Cadw members
Come and meet a company of archers close up and try your hand at Medieval board and dice games, or even braid making. Watch the cooks prepare the company’s meal, question the arrow-smith and bowyer on their skills and kills.
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Tintern Abbey
Saturday 29-Monday 31 August
Adults £9.80, children 5-17 £6.80, under 5s free, family (2+3) £31.60, family (1+3) £21.70. or free for Cadw members
To celebrate the life of one of Tintern Abbey’s greatest patrons, William Marshal and his wife Isabel return to Tintern for the 801st anniversary of her death. Living history, medieval re-enactment, music and horse displays will transport the abbey back to its earliest days.
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Caerphilly Castle
Saturday 29-Monday 31 August
Adults £13.50, children 5-17 £9.40, under 5s free, family (2+3) £43.30, family (1+3) £29.80. or free for Cadw members
A nature-themed adventure, featuring an exciting quest through the grounds and hands-on craft activities for all ages.
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Chepstow Castle
£10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90 family (1+3) £24.00. or free for Cadw members
A series of interactive events to explore medieval life within the castle.
Medieval weapons: Tuesday 21 July
Medieval hygiene: Tuesday 28 July
Herbs and heritage: Tuesday 4 August
Chainmail: Tuesday 11 August
Life as a servant: Tuesday 18 August
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Chepstow Castle
Every Wednesday during the holidays, 10am-4pm
Adults £10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90 family (1+3) £24.00. or free for Cadw members
Get crafty at Chepstow Castle during the summer holidays.
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Chepstow Castle
Saturday 1-Sunday 2 August, 10am-4pm
Adults £10.90, children 5-17 £7.60, under 5s free, family (2+3) £34.90, family (1+3) £24. or free for Cadw members
Learn about the evolution of dance, from the medieval farandole to the French court dances of the 17th century. With demonstrations and audience participation workshops throughout the weekend, this is a fun and interactive event for the whole family.
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Blaenavon Ironworks
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 11am-4pm
Adults £8.40, children 5-17 £5.80, under 5s free, family (2+3) £26.80, family (1+3) £18.40. or free for Cadw members
No one can delight and disgust quite like the Ragged Victorians, portraying the daily life of the Victorian poor and industrial workers. From Peelers to rat-catchers to bare knuckle fighters, this is the real 1800s.
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Theatre and performance
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Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Monday 20-Saturday 25 July
From £22, age guidance 10+ (no under 2s)
The stage adaptation of the 1992 film stars Sidonie Smith as superstar Rachel Marron and Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer, the former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard hired to protect her from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of Whitney Houston classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, Million Dollar Bill, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time, I Will Always Love You.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Tuesday 21-Saturday 25 July
From £36.50
Direct from the sell-out season in London’s West End, this highly acclaimed production of Cole Porter’s classic stars Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) as glamorous socialite Tracy Lord. As plans for the society wedding of the year descend into chaos, old and new flames vie for attention while a sharp-eyed tabloid reporter hunts for a scandal at a waterfront estate. Performed alongside a full-size orchestra, this lavish new production features some of the best of Cole Porter’s songbook, including Just One Of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, I Love Paris, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah!, True Love, and more.
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Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Tuesday 21 July, 11am and 1.30pm
Adult and child £10, additional child £4, additional adult £6
45 mins, age guidance 0-18 months, older siblings welcome
Bring your baby for a bounce with singer and harpist Sam Frankie Fox, and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha. This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music from Cymru and across the globe. Expect a host of unusual instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. Hosted bilingually in Cymraeg and English, with harp, diatonic accordion, a range of stringed instruments, songs in different languages and more.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
Wednesday 22-Thursday 23 July, 2.30pm and 6.30pm
£16
Kinetic Youth Theatre present s stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl. The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory… but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
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Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Tuesday 28 July-Saturday 1 August
From £19, age guidance 8+ (no under 2s)
The iconic 80s generation defining movie is now a musical. Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within. Honouring the roots of the timeless story, the musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.
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The Railway Children outdoor theatre
Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend
Tuesday 28 July, 6pm
Adults £12, children under 16 £8, family £35
Age guidance 5-12 year olds
Fresh from their celebrated 2025 tour of Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz, Paperback Theatre returns with a brand new enchanting adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic book The Railway Children, adapted by Charis McRoberts.
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Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of The Baskervilles
Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend
Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 7pm
Adults £17, under 16s £11
The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse before it strikes again? Or are they barking up the wrong tree? Find out in this delightfully inventive show that features live music, audience interaction and mystery.
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Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Thursday 30 July, 7.30pm
Adults £28, children £24, family of four £60
Play with magic. Escape reality. Jay & Joss stunned the judges on Britain’s Got Talent. Now the award-winning illusionists are back with It’s Not a Game, a mind-bending new show where nothing is quite as it seems. With jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking visuals and moments that defy belief, reality and illusion are about to dissolve. Can you be sure where one ends and the other begins?
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Natural History Museum Presents Dinosaurs Live!
New Theatre, Cardiff
Sunday 2 August
From £23.50
London’s world-renowned Natural History Museum is going on tour for a dinosaur adventure like no other. Go on a pre-historic journey to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and watch the life-like dinosaurs come alive right on stage. Plus discover more about fossils, time scales and how our planet has changed over hundreds of millions of years.
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The Riverfront, Newport
Tuesday 4 August, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Adults £13.50, children £11
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble. This show promises a whirlwind of excitement and surprises, as Ray uses various different gases to craft stunning bubble sculptures, effects, and magical displays. Prepare to be amazed as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost, and even a tornado inside a bubble.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Wednesday 5-Thursday 6 August
From £13.75
Peppa Pig and friends are back in a new live stage show. With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George need your help to get everything ready before the arrival of baby Evie. Packed full of music, adventure and surprises for little ones, this is a perfect introduction to theatre.
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Billboard Ensemble presents 30 Years of Musical Magic
Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Thursday 6-Saturday 8 August
£16, group of 4 £60 plus booking fees
Amateur drama society Billboard Ensemble celebrates 30 years of entertaining Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan with a journey a journey through 30 years of Billboard musicals. From humble beginnings to staging ‘firsts’ at the Memo Arts centre, it promises, help Billboard celebrate this milestone stone birthday.
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Open Air Theatre: As You Like It
Insole Court Events
Friday 7 August, 7pm
£10-£19
An outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, staged where its action is set – in the great outdoors, by a five-strong cast of classically trained professional actors.
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Fireman Sam Live: The Lost Pirate Treasure
The Riverfront, Newport
Thursday 6 August, 12,30pm and 3.30pm
Adults £19, children £18, group of 4 £70
Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to save the day and find the treasure. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Sunday 9 August
From £34
Katy Ellis a self confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see. The award-winning show has already taken Swiftie fans across the world by storm and features many of Taylor’s much loved hits including Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many more.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Tuesday 11 August
From £26
A tribute to the iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including Frozen, Wicked, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and The Beast, Anastasia, Pocahontas, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and more, as well as a few from favourite popstars including Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rachel Platte.
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Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Tuesday 11-Saturday 22 August
From £19, age guidance 12+ (no under 2s)
The Tony-winning musical returns for its 20th anniversary tour. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true. The show hits including Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Oh What a Night and more.
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The Riverfront, Newport
Wednesday 12-Thursday 13 August
£19-£39
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day. Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all. See these favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.
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The Riverfront, Newport
Saturday 15 August, 7pm
Adult £16.50, Child £13.50, Family of 4 £51
Join the superstars of Welsh Wrestling for an evening of glitz, glamour and body-slam mayhem as the Welsh Wrestling roadshow invades Newport. See the over-the-top stars of the wrestling world collide in a night of super slamming action at this fun, crazy, family entertainment show.
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The Riverfront, Newport
Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 August, 7pm
£17, family of four £60
3+, 45 minutes with interval
Experience mischief and mayhem in this acclaimed stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat In The Hat. From the moment his tall, red and white-striped hat appears, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. A lively and engaging first theatre experience for children aged 3+, based on the best-selling book.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Thursday 20 August
From £34.50
From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-pop hits from BlackPink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film K-pop Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul’s stages to life.
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Sohan Kailey: The Maharajas’ Express
The Riverfront, Newport
Saturday 22 August, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
£12
Jump through the magical storytelling box and take a magical journey across to India on the Maharajas’ Express, a train journey from across the foothills of the great Himalaya Mountains of India. This immersive arts, dance, and storytelling performance takes children and their grown-ups on an exciting, vibrant and interactive adventure from the farmlands of Punjab, India, the jungles/forests, the markets of Delhi, across to the desert lands of Rajasthan, and to film city in Mumbai. But there is a twist as you go back in time (expect dinosaurs, pirates, the beach) and then back to the future, using the concept of the train making different stops.
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The Riverfront, Newport
Tuesday 25 August, 2pm
£20 per person
Age guidance 3+, running time 60 mins
Join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite Nick Cope hits and more. Nick has been writing and recording his beautiful and totally unique songs for children and their families for more than 10 years, he performs with his guitar and stunning animations to sell-out crowds all over the country. His following has grown immeasurably over the last couple of years due to the phenomenal success of the CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast.
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New Theatre, Cardiff
Wednesday 26 August
From £27.50, babies under 12 months free
Age guidance 2-7 year olds
My First Concert is a high-energy live musical adventure for young children and their grown-ups. Join Jack and Jill as they try to save the day, with the help of their friends, a very silly dog called Dilly, and appearances from Pinkfong, Baby Shark, and The Zoomies. Packed with favourite nursery rhymes, fun characters, audience interaction and big concert moments, as children see how being kind, working together, and having fun can make the world a happier place.
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Calon (The Urdd Youth Theatre in collaboration with Theatr Cymru)
Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Thursday 27-Saturday 29 August
From £20, age guidance 11+ (no under 2s)
A cast of more than 100 young people, aged15-25 from across Wales, will perform in this new Welsh language musical which is full of iconic songs from Caryl Parry Jones. The derelict mansion of Cae’r Lonydd has seen better days. A group of youngsters are thrown together with the challenge to breathe new life into the place. Despite their doubts and through smiles and tears, laughter and determination, there is a spark of hope that this might end up being the best summer ever. Until another visitor arrives at Cae’r Lonydd to shake things up and sets the ultimate challenge. The unique and contemporary musical is written by Caryl Parry Jones, Non Parry, Elan and Miriam Isaac that throws a new light on Caryl’s classics and celebrates the wealth of songs she has composed over the years.
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