South Wales events in May
With two bank holidays there’s plenty to look forward to this month. From foodie festivals to spring shows, it’s going to be one sweet month!
Don't miss the Royal Welsh Spring Show
Discover the heart of rural Welsh living at the delightful Smallholding & Countryside Festival on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May. Whether you’re aspiring to create a garden that’s a cut above, looking for a fun family day out, or eager to acquire new skills for your smallholding venture, Builth Wells is the place to be. From dynamic livestock exhibitions and horse events to an array of over 200 tradestands brimming with innovation and creativity, hands-on workshops, and delectable local treats, the festival has something for everyone.
Go alpaca trekking
Let alpacas lead you into the heart of the Brecon Beacons, for a journey that’s tranquil, joyous, and beautifully unique. With the new season breathing life into the glorious Welsh countryside, there’s no better time to meander through the scenic landscape accompanied by these gentle companions. Alpaca trekking offers a unique blend of serene nature walks and intimate encounters with these charming creatures.
Take in a show
See The Drifters Girl at Wales Millennium Centre, 7-11 May. This smash-hit show has audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me. Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell was the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved.
The Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival
The Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival is a must-visit for foodies in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan market town. On Sunday 26th and Monday 27th May, you’ll find delicious food and drink on the usual town centre sites, the Arthur John Car Park and Old Hall Gardens. Plus hot food and plenty of treats to take home for a bank holiday are guaranteed. Food Demos will also be taking place at The Duke of Wellington on the High Street. Pop the dates in your diary, and keep an eye on the festival’s Facebook page, to keep up to date with all of the news!
Take a Spring break
Immerse yourself in luxury amidst the trees at Zip World Betws-y-Coed’s Forest Lodges. Tucked away with Siabod Mountain as your backdrop, these near-invisible retreats blend luxury with the wild, offering stunning views and a seamless connection to nature. Perfect for both adrenaline seekers and peace lovers, your adventure begins here. Zip World’s thrills are a heartbeat away, with bars and restaurants nearby. Dive into activities like zip-lining and tobogganing, or retreat to your lodge to curl up with a book. Picture unwinding in a hot tub under the stars, or cozying up with valley views. For an unforgettable mix of excitement and relaxation, the Forest Lodges await.
The Gower Cheese & Cider Festival
Love cheese? Love cider? Then The Gower Cheese & Cider Festival is the event for you. From Friday 17th May to Sunday 19th May, the festival offers visitors a wide selection of locally produced, award-winning cheeses, ciders and perries.
Jurassic tales at The Royal Mint Experience
The Royal Mint has launched a new 50p featuring the Stegosaurus in its series of collectable coins featuring iconic dinosaurs. Professor Paul Barrett is a world-renowned palaeontologist working at the Natural History Museum and supported paleo-artist Robert Nicholls to make sure the designs were scientifically up to date and realistic. You can join Paul at The Royal Mint Experience on May 31st to discover more about the mighty Tyrannosaurus, the hulking Stegosaurus and the gigantic Diplodocus!
Free Welsh festival in Barry
The free festival celebrating everything Welsh is coming back to Barry Island this month, Saturday 18th May. The annual celebration of Welsh culture, Gŵyl Fach y Fro brings together people of all ages to enjoy music, language, and community spirit. This vibrant event, organised by Menter Iaith Bro Morgannwg, is a fun-filled day, all in the Welsh language.
Stratospheric fun at Techniquest
There’s a lot going on at Techniquest this month and if you’re planning to visit over the early May Bank Holiday weekend you’ll be in for a treat that’s out of this world. Our World from Space runs from 4-6 May and includes Star Tours in the Planetarium, live science show Technispace: Blast Off in the Science Theatre, and the chance to craft your own mini satellite prototype in an exclusive hands-on workshop in the KLA Lab. There’s also a special 3D film being shown in the Planetarium called We Are Guardians that uses satellite images of the earth to show the impacts of climate change, and a 3D film experience from AstroCymru in the Learning Hub, where guests can ask a real life astronomer questions at the end. Later in the month, the half-term holiday features live science show Bubbles and Blasts, alongside Cosmetic Chemistry workshops for anyone aged 9 or over in the KLA Lab.
