What’s On

Wildlife adventure North Wales Wildlife Trust

Discover Trees in Winter, 12th & 14th January Learn to separate your oaks from your ash, your cherries from your elms! At Eithinog, Bangor on the 12th, 10am-12.30pm; and at Coed y Felin, Flintshire on the 14th, 10.30am-12.30pm. Tickets £3.

Coastal Cli s Walk, 13th January Experience one of the most iconic coastal walks to the nature reserve at Porth Diana. Expect dramatic scenery with rock arches, blow holes and the chance of seeing chough. 11am-3pm. Tickets £3. Cemlyn Wildlife Walk, 17th February Explore the wild coast and early spring wildlife on a circular walk. Expect a variety of bird life and often seals! 2-4pm. Tickets £2.

DID YOU KNOW?

See if you can spot squirrel nests in the bare branches – like large, messy Magni cent Minera, 23rd February Enjoy a leaf blobs! guided walk around the Trust’s newest reserve, scratching the surface of some of its amazing history. 11am-1pm & 2-4pm. Tickets £2. northwaleswildlifetrust.org

DYSGU CYMRAEG!

Make 2023 the year you learn Welsh! Nant Gwrtheyrn, near Pwllheli has courses for beginners and more competent Cymraeg speakers. During January, entry-level courses are taught online and cover vocabulary, basic patterns and everyday phrases. In February, the same course (plus a taster) runs at their beautiful centre on the Llŷn Peninsula. Build your con dence by speaking Welsh as much as possible during your stay. Full programme at nantgwrtheyrn.org

ART ON ANGLESEY

Until 29th January at Oriel Môn, ‘School Master Artist: Ky n Williams in London’ highlights Williams’ work as a teacher and artist. Gareth Owen has two exhibitions running until 19th February: ‘Aberystwyth’ interprets the promenade through the eyes of various art organisations, and ‘Sŵn y Gwynt sy’n Chwythu’ (‘ e sound of the wind that blows’) is a series of linocuts in response to a poem by Kitchener Davies. Also, from 14th January there’s an exhibition of work to buy from North Wales Society of Fine Art. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Free. orielmon.org

Gareth Owen

Classics at Rhyl Music Club

Trio Arisonto, 11th January

Annemarie Federle on French horn, Ezo Sarici on violin, and Dafydd Chapman on piano perform pieces by Schubert, Watkins and Brahms.

Esther Abrami (violin) & Rose McLachlan (piano),

25th January ese rising stars will play pieces by Brahms, Rachmaninov, Satie and more.

Matthew McLachlan Trio,

8th February Alix VaillotSzwarc on violin, Ozgur Kaya on cello and Matthew on piano will play music by Shostakovich and Dvorak.

Alex Karpeyev, 22nd February Pianist Alex will perform works by Chopin, Liszt and Medtner. All concerts start at 7.30pm, nish at 9pm and tickets are £15. www.rhylmusic.com

SOUND & LIGHT

Catch some thought-provoking exhibitions at Mostyn Llandudno. Running until 4th February, intricate neon sculptures by Cerith Wyn Evans o er a fully immersive, sensory exploration of mind, body and consciousness. ‘Steve Farrer: Ten Drawings’ comprises 10 short lms of manipulated lm strips engineered into geometric shapes, with a sympathetic soundtrack. From

18th February,

‘Stefan Brüggemann: Not Black, Not White, Silver’, presents work in a wide range of media, creating large installations based on language, paintings and photographs. Tues–Sun 10.30am5pm. Free entry.

mostyn.org

Stefan Brüggermann Cerith Wyn Evans

WINTER AT BANGOR’S PONTIO

Chinese New Year Gala, 21st January

Experience cultural workshops, demonstrations and performances throughout the day, including calligraphy; Chinese traditional music; tai chi and wu qin xi, and Chinese knots and bracelets. e gala from 12.30pm will celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a spectacular audiovisual feast of Chinese traditional music and dance. 10am-4pm. Free event, booking required. Ify Iwobi, 11th February Swansea-born classical and contemporary pianist Ify is a BBC Radio Wales A-list artist who will perform some of her own original works. 7.30pm. Tickets from £5.

Pirate Bonnie, 25th February A warm, witty show with original songs and friezndly interaction for 4-8 year-old pirates and their grown-ups. 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets from £6.50. pontio.co.uk

Calling all businesses

Llandudno Gift Fair is the ideal destination if you’re sourcing products for garden centres, visitor centres, tourist attractions, farm and gift shops, online retail, newsagents and convenience stores. With everything from confectionery to clothing, this trade event is hosted by St George’s Hotel on 15th-17th January and will showcase established gift industry exhibitors in an informal environment. From 9am. Trade visitors can register free at llandudnogiftfair.co.uk

SEW SO GOOD!

Always wanted to learn to sew? Try Beginners’ Quilting at Abakhan Mostyn on 28th January (10.30am-3.30pm, tickets £46.40), and discover how to cut and piece together fabrics to make triangular patterns. Channel your inner Sewing Bee at Dressmaking for the Complete Beginner on 29th January (11am-3pm, £35), or bust that yarn stash at Crochet for Beginners on

18th February

(11am-3pm, £32.93) and learn some basic stitches.

abakhan.co.uk

Live from London

ROH Ballet: Like Water for Chocolate, 19th & 22nd January, Set in Mexico, the Royal Ballet’s family saga is a classic of magic realism, where emotions spill out through cooking in startling ways. 7.15pm (19th) and 2pm (22nd). From £4.

ROH Opera: e Barber of Seville, 15th & 19th February

Rossini’s comic opera – expect heart-melting serenades, ludicrous disguises and a not-quite-fairytale ending. 7pm (15th) and 2pm (19th). Tickets from £4. ucheldre.org

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

14TH-25TH JANUARY

•14th January, Creative

Writing for Growth: Journaling the Walled Garden, Gladstone’s

Library, Hawarden Explore ways to make a journal – your own ‘gardener’s handbook’ for your 2023 personal growth. 10am–1pm. £25 via Eventbrite.

•17th January, Queen

Extravaganza, Venue Cymru,

Llandudno Experience the o cial Queen tribute band, produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, featuring more than 20 of the band’s hits. 7.30pm. From £21.50.

•Until 21st January,

‘35 Summers’, Oriel Colwyn, Colwyn Bay

An exhibition celebrating 35 years of music photography by Mark McNulty, displaying some of his vast archive. Mon-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. Free.

•20th & 21st January,

Bird Box Building, Aberduna,

Denbighshire Help to build a variety of bird boxes to provide much-needed nesting sites at North Wales Wildlife Trusts’ woodland. Drop in for all or part of the session. 10am-3pm. Free.

•22nd January, Jason Fox –

Life at the Limit, Venue Cymru,

Llandudno SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason tells the remarkable story of his daring exploits as an elite operator in the UK Special Forces. 7.30pm. £30.50.

Racing into New Year

Get 2023 o to a racing start at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse with the Hen Galan Meeting on 12th January – an exciting xture on a crisp afternoon in Denbighshire. e RPM North Wales National Meeting on the 10th February will be the rst North Wales National ever to take place and the atmosphere is set to be electric as punters gather to witness history in the making. See bangorondeeraces.co.uk

•25th January, Circus Starr, Llandudno Town Hall Created for children with special needs, this relaxed circus show features a fantastic array of circus talent. 4.45pm & 7pm. To apply for tickets, call 01260 288690.

ALL THE FEELS AT THEATR CLYWD!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,

14th-18th February Lloyd Webber’s fantastic show tells a story of big dreams with some of musical theatre’s most iconic songs including ‘Any Dream Will Do’. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from £14.

Shark in e Park, 20th-21st February is n-tastic family musical follows Timothy Pope (and his telescope!) from Nick Sharratt’s well-loved trilogy of children’s books. 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets from £10. When Darkness Falls, 23rd-25th February Inspired by true events, this spine-chilling production will draw you into a dark past, revealing disturbing truths and exploring the power of stories. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets from £10.

e Shawshank Redemption, 27th February –

4th March Based on the lm classic, this thrilling production examines injustice, friendship and hope behind the bars of a maximum security prison. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. From £10. theatrclwyd.com

On the mend

Repair Cafe Wales wants to create a culture of repair and re-use, addressing unsustainable growth in land ll and waste. Events are run by volunteers, who will try to x anything brought to them! Visitors are encouraged to join in and learn how to x things themselves too – enjoy a cuppa and chat to your neighbours while you wait. Cafes are held monthly at Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Denbigh, Mold, Ruthin and Rhyl. See

repaircafewales.org

SECRETS OF THE PAST

NT Live: e Crucible,

26th January A group of young women in Salem nd no one is safe from suspicion. Screened live from the National eatre, Arthur Miller’s dark parable of power stars Erin Doherty and Brendan Cowell. 7pm. Tickets £14.

NT Live: Othello, 23rd February Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together, but unseen forces conspire against them. With Giles Terera (Hamilton) and Rosy McEwen ( e Alienist). 7pm. Tickets £14. theatrcolwyn.co.uk

Shows for all at Rhyl Pavilion

e Legends of American Country Show, 12th February Featuring three fantastic singers, a superb live band with an authentic Tennessee sound, and a stage set that will transport you to hand-clapping, toetapping Nashville. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.

e Jungle Book, 23rd February Filled with original music and bags of comedy, join Mowgli and his friends as they try to outwit a slithering snake, some cheeky monkeys and the erce Shere Khan! 2pm. Tickets £16 (child £12). rhylpavilion.co.uk

DID YOU

The Jungle Book was written nearly 130 years ago, in 1894, by Rudyard Kipling for his fi rst child

TAKING THE BREAKS

e BetVictor Welsh Open, one of snooker’s most historic tournaments, will be staged in Llandudno for the rst time between 13th-19th February, featuring a eld of over 70 players including the top 16 seeds. Many of snooker’s greats have lifted the trophy, and Joe Perry added his name last season when he beat Judd Trump in Newport. For programme and prices see venuecymru.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

25TH JAN – 11TH FEB

•25th January, Welsh

Wrestling, Pavilion Theatre,

Rhyl Get ready to rumble as Welsh Wrestling brings its body-slamming live family entertainment show to town! 5-7pm. Tickets from £11.

•2nd February,

Introduction to Bike Maintenance, Drosi Bikes, Llangollen

Learn about safetychecking, removing wheels and fi xing punctures, cleaning, lubricating and more. 6-9pm. Tickets £45.

•3rd February, Bird watching

Walk on the Alaw Estuary,

Anglesey As seen on Iolo’s

Wild Wales, join North Wales Wildlife Trust to watch for wildfowl and waders at this beautiful island location. 10.15am-1pm. £3.

•5th February, Comedy Club, Theatr Clywd, Mold Enjoy a night of stellar stand-up headlined by Anglesey’s own Kiri PritchardMcLean. 7.45pm. £10.

•5th February, Social Ride,

Alpkit Store, Betws-y-Coed

Whether you ride a gravel, mountain or ebike why not come and enjoy the fantastic trails around Betwsy-Coed with a group of likeminded people? 10am-2pm. Free to join, but please book in advance via Eventbrite.

•11th February, The Night

Sky Show, Venue Cymru,

Llandudno The astronomer and author VirtualAstro uses amazing visual e ects combining science fi ction and science fact in a fun and enthralling show. 7.30pm. From £25.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

11TH-17TH FEBRUARY

•11th February, Coastal

Foraging Taster, Castle Dyke

Street, Flint Join Forager Jim to reconnect with nature on a guided walk along the coast, fi nding and tasting wild ingredients – food for free in the Welsh countryside! 10am-noon. £20 (child £10) via Eventbrite.

•12th February, Nick Beer 10k

Memorial Race, Llandudno

Commemorating the life of the Llandudno athlete, the race starts and fi nishes on the Promenade and passes over the scenic Great Orme. Noon. Entry £23 via Always Aim High Events.

•15th February, An Audience

with Iolo Williams, Village Hotel,

Ewloe Iolo is one of the UK’s best-loved wildlife presenters. Find out about his life and passions at this event, which includes a charity auction. 7.30pm. £20.90 via Eventbrite.

HEADLINING AT VENUE CYMRU

Jon Richardson: e Knitwit, 19th

January Jon’s whip-smart comedy unleashes his frustrations with everyday life. 8pm. Tickets £26.

David Walliams’ Demon Dentist, 2nd-5th February

Strange things are happening in Al e’s town… Various times. Tickets from £19.

Sister Act: e Musical, 13th-18th February

Featuring an all-star cast and inspired by Motown and disco, this must-see show warms the soul. 7.30pm. Tickets from £28.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cher turned down the part of Thelma in cult movie Thelma e Cher Show, 28th & Louise February – 4th March Turn back time with this outrageous new musical! 35 smash hits portrayed by three artists. 7.30pm. Tickets from £20. venuecymru.co.uk

Family fun at Wrexham’s Stiwt

Afternoon Tea & e Railway Children Return, 21st January

Shake-o those winter blues by enjoying this heart-warming family lm accompanied by teatime treats. 1.30pm. Tickets £10.

Cartoon Circus Live, 21st February

Enjoy award-winning international artists, traditional slapstick, illusions, puppets, prizes and surprises! 1.30pm. Tickets £8.50.

Welsh Wrestling Night, 22nd February

Join in the fun – championship matches, rumble showdown and tag team chaos! 7pm. Tickets from £9. stiwt.com

•16th-18th February, The Addams Family, A Musical

Comedy, Llangollen Town Hall

Everything changes for the family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents. Various times. From £10 via TicketSource.

•17th February, Abel Selaocoe

& Sinfonia Cymru, Theatr

Clwyd, Mold Expect an energypacked fusion of Abel’s Africaninspired music, Tabakova’s Cello Concerto, exhilarating improvisations by Abel’s trio Chesaba and more! 7.45pm. Tickets from £10.

Rock out!

Frank Turner & e Sleeping Souls, 25th January

In lockdown the punk folk hero’s livestreamed gigs raised £300,000 for small venues, earning a Music Venue Trust award. 7pm. Tickets £35.75.

Bad Manners, 24th February

Remember that ‘Can-Can’ on TOTP? Buster Bloodvessel and his crew return with ska favourites. 7pm. Tickets £25.

tivolivenue.com

BIG DAY OUT FOR MINIS

Wirral Minis’ Annual Run from Bromborough to Llandudno takes place on 15th January. Setting o at 9am, the route travels along the coast and up the Great Orme, where the views from the top across Snowdonia are amazing. Afterwards, the cars park up on the Promenade, allowing time for photos, lunch and even some sales shopping! It’s open to classic and modern Minis and each car will display its own special plaque. Entry £10 via buytickets.at/wirralminis

Playing to the Galeri

André Rieu in Dublin, 7th

& 11th January Blast o the New Year with André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, who will delight you with popular classics, party tunes and beloved waltzes. 1.30pm. Tickets from £8.

Met Opera Live: Fedora, 14th January

A screening of Giordano’s opera about the princess who falls in love with her ancé’s murderer, packed with memorable melodies, show-stopping arias and explosive confrontations. 5.55pm. Tickets from £12.

galericaernarfon.com

Ronnie Scott’s All Stars: e Ronnie Scott’s Story,

2nd February Celebrate London’s world-famous jazz club with live jazz classics, narration and rare archive photos and video footage. 7.30pm. Tickets from £15.

Aladdin, 17th-20th February Grab your magic carpet and take a ride to Old Peking to nd fun, laughter and song in this classic pantomime. 7.15pm (plus 2.15pm matinee Saturday and Sunday). Tickets from £10.

Thrills and trills at William Aston Hall

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

19TH-26TH FEBRUARY

High Jinx Magic, Illusion & Circus Show,

23rd February A fast-paced family show lled with amazing tricks, grand illusions and crazy circus thrills, performed by Michael Jordan and the High Jinx dancers. 2pm. Tickets from £12.50.

Myths and Legends, 26th February Join Wrexham Symphony Orchestra as they transport you through a world of legend, from Tintagel to the Hall of the Mountain King. 3pm. Tickets £10.

williamastonwrexham.com

•19th February, Ruthin 5k

and 10k Run, Ruthin Leisure

Centre These popular road courses pass through beautiful countryside before returning to the leisure centre. From 8.15am. Entry from £16. Call 07769 958671 to register.

•22nd February, Druid Stones

Guided Walk, Menai Bridge

Join North Wales Wildlife Trust for a walk around this small woodland, and explore the beach below the bridge. 10amnoon. Donations appreciated.

Sensational snowdrops

In February, Wrexham will have some stunning displays of snowdrops – a sure sign that spring is on the way. Enjoy the fresh air at Chirk Castle’s Pleasure Ground Wood which will boast a carpet of the delicate white owers. Look out for Erddig’s special snowdrop: the doubleheaded variety, a rare treat. Snowdrops will bloom on the elevated west front of the house, with sweeping views of the estate as a backdrop. Details at nationaltrust.org.uk

Find your wild

Dive into some woodland folklore with Woodland Classroom at the fascinating Park in the Past near Caergwrle. On 14th January Identifying Trees in Winter will show you how to identify bare trees by looking at buds, bark and shapes. 10am-3pm, £40 including camp re lunch. e Winter Foraging Walk on 26th February through ancient woodland at Chirk Castle will guide you on the hunt for the best wild foods winter has to o er. 10am-1pm, £30. woodlandclassroom.com

Get shirty!

From the rst shirt owned as a child to the latest national team replica, fans love football shirts. ‘Shirt Stories: A Shirt by Shirt History of Welsh Football’ is an ongoing exhibition at Wrexham Museum telling national and club history via shirts from 1958 and 2022 World Cup quali ers, kit worn in the 1993 Women’s International and top sides. Free. wrexhamheritage.wales Wrexham Glyndwr University has an exciting range of arts and crafts courses this January and February. Learn Ceramics rowing or Hand Building from professional ceramicists, or methods of studio screen printing on Introduction to Printmaking. Oil Painting covers the basics of mixing colours, surfaces and brush choice. Or, if you’ve ever wanted to fashion silver, join the Jewellery course at beginner or intermediate level. Full programme at glyndwr.ac.uk

CREATIVE EVENINGS

•24th February, LDN

Wrestling, Venue Cymru,

Llandudno Top American wrestling stars smack down against the best of homegrown talent and fans’ favourites in rip-roaring entertainment for all the family. 7.30pm. £20.

•25th February, Whitney,

Queen of The Night, Willam

Aston Hall, Wrexham An unmissible evening celebrating the music and life of an iconic singer with a sensational cast and nostalgic hits. 7.30pm. From £27.

•26th February, St David’s Day, Bala Lake Railway Visit the home of Alice the Little Welsh Engine and celebrate St David’s Day with free travel if you live in North Wales and a reduced fare for others. Departures from 11.30am.

•Until 26th February, Sean

Harris: ‘Conference of the Birds – The Voice of the Curlew’,

Ruthin Craft Centre Sean uses animation to re-imagine two iconic bird species: the curlew and the great auk. Tues-Sun, 10am5.30pm. Free.