What’s On

On stage at Rhyl Pavilion

Rent, 19th-21st August This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to survive and follow their dreams in Lower Manhattan’s East Village under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. 7.30pm & 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets £17.50.

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny, 25th August One of the best-loved comedians in the UK, Jimmy Carr brings you Terribly Funny, a show that contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo, according to Jimmy. 7pm & 9.30pm. Tickets £31.50. www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Top Gear’s The Stig named Jimmy Carr the show’s worst ever driver

Movies to enjoy in the great outdoors

Experience the magic of open-air cinema when a new big-screen comes to Mold Rugby Club from 17th to 21st August.

The event, organised by AfterLight Open Air Cinema, will show a range of family favourites and classic films including Moana, High School Musical 3, Mamma Mia!, Grease and Aladdin.

The gates open at 6.30pm, with the films beginning at 8.30pm. Tickets start from £5. www.afterlightevents.co.uk

River racing in Conwy

The popular annual Conwy River Festival returns with racing on 10th and 11th July, and the LA-LA Rally scheduled for 16th, 17th and 18th July.

The racing attracts boats from all over Wales and the North West as well as from further afield, with a series of short races in front of the quay and castle. The LALA Rally is an accompanied cruise for yachts and motorboats from the Liverpool Arms, Conwy to the Liverpool Arms, Menai Bridge. For more information, visit www.conwyriverfestival.org.

A festival of running

Celebrate the joy of running, whatever your fitness or ability, with the Brynkinalt Running Festival on 4th July.

The festival offers runners the chance to run 5km, 10km or 20km in the amazing surroundings of the Brynkinalt Estate near Chirk. Each race is staged amid breathtaking scenery overlooking the private estate that is normally closed to the public. For the full programme, visit www.adrenalinesportingevents.co.uk.

Tom Jones live in Rhyl

Don’t miss national treasure and Welsh icon Sir Tom Jones when he plays an exclusive outdoor concert at the Event Arena in Rhyl on 1st September.

With a career spanning five decades, Tom is a tour de force in music, winning the admiration of critics for his sensational live performances. Over the course of his career he has amassed more than 100 million record sales, scored 36 UK top 40 hits, recorded over 40 albums and been knighted for his services to music. Featuring music from his latest album, Surrounded By Time, this is a night of music that will appeal to fans both old and new. Tickets from £67.18 are available from

ticketmaster.

co.uk or rhyl pavilion.co.uk.

Rock out in Wrexham

Rock the Park Music Festival returns to Wrexham for its fifth birthday celebration from 6th to 8th August.

Rock the Park is a family-friendly music festival featuring more than 70 live acts across four huge stages. The festival kicks off on the Friday with a Dance Classics event featuring world class original DJs and live PAs from around the world, while Saturday and Sunday feature hugely popular tributes to some of the world’s biggest bands.

The festival also boasts a huge fairground, a festival village where you can eat, drink and shop to your heart’s content, camping and glamping facilities, stunt shows, fireworks and, of course, music from noon until dark. Tickets start from £30 for adults and under12s go free! www.

rockthepark.co.uk

Musical tributes at Venue Cymru

Hello Again - The Story of Neil Diamond, 17th August

Sing along to hits including “Sweet Caroline”, “Cracklin’ Rosie”, “Forever In Blue Jeans”, “Hello Again”, “Love On The Rocks”, “America” and many more in this show that takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50-year career. 7.30pm. Tickets £28.

The Roy Orbison Story,

26th August Barry Steele is set to “put the rock back into Roy”. Get ready for a musical journey in time as this magnificent cast delivers a perfect combination delivers a perfect combination of classic solid-gold hits and of classic solid-gold hits and contemporary genius. 7.30pm. contemporary genius. 7.30pm. Tickets £28. For tickets and information, visit www.venuecymru.co.uk.

DID YOU KNOW? KNOW?

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-16TH JULY

•3rd July, Picnic With A

Porpoise, Bull Bay, Anglesey

Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s Living Seas Team for this popular event, picnicking and looking for porpoises! 5pm-7pm. £5 adults, £3 children. Email eve.grayson@ northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Steam into summer

Meet “Winifred” from Pauline Hazelwood’s beautiful Alice The Little Welsh Engine books at Bala Lake Railway on 31st July. Winifred will be giving rides at Llanuwchllyn station, where the author will also be reading some of her stories.

Climb aboard for Barbecue Specials on 5th, 12th and 19th August. The trips leave Llanuwchllyn at 6.15pm, stopping for a barbecue at Llangower.

Finally, the August Steam Gala takes place on 28th to 30th August, when the entire home fleet will be on the rails. www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Step back in time with RetroFest

Go retro on 14th and 15th August with RetroFest at Bodrhyddan Hall, Rhuddlan. The family event incorporates chainsaw carving, entertainment, shopping, a vintage funfair, classic vehicles and vintage transport, a touch of magic and fabulous food, including a tea room. Oh, and vintage dancing – so bring your dancing shoes and join the party!

Tickets cost from £10. Under-15s go free when accompanied by an adult. www.retro-fest.co.uk

Wild about nature?

Do your bit for nature this summer with Xplore!’s first ever citizen science project – Wild Watch! It’s easy to get involved with project and help protect your local environment by taking pictures of wildlife seen in gardens or while out walking. To get started, download a free app, join the Xplore! project page and follow the step-by-step infographic. You’ll learn all about wildlife, help scientists and uncover hidden nature on your doorstep. www.xplorescience.co.uk/news

Epic mountain running

Enjoy two days of Welsh mountain running from Aber Falls to Aberdyfi in the Race Across Snowdonia on 17th and 18th July. The route covers the Carneddau, Glyderau and Moelwynion ranges on day one and Rhinogydd and Penygader on day two. The race isn’t for the faint-hearted – runners cover 121km – but the setting is second to none. Entry costs £289 and includes transport to the start and meals. www.apexrunning.co/events/raceacrosssnowdonia

•4th July,

Hawarden Estate

Trail 5k & 10k A great morning of running on a course that takes in a mixture of forest tracks, grassy fi elds and country lanes. The 10km race sets o at 9.30am, the 5km canicross at 10am and the 5km at 10.15am. £13.75-£16.50. www.out-fi t.co.uk

•6th July, Beginner

Dippers Introduction to Open-Water Swimming,

Llandudno A beginner’s course taking place from West Shore Beach to boost your confi dence in the water and teach you about tides, hazards and how to stay safe. Wetsuits are advisable. 9am. £10. www.facebook.com/ deeplydippynorthwales

•9th July, Dafydd Jones and

Angharad Lyddon, Theatr

Clwyd, Mold Join rising stars of the opera and musical stage as they present an evening of some of the world’s favourite songs and arias. 7pm. From £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

•11th July & 8th

August, Artisan Market, Mold

High Street A specialist market showcasing a selection of the very best crafters, makers and creative bakers. Browse the stalls to see plants, produce and gifts as well as a range of delicious food. 11am-4pm.

•16th July, Into The Breach, Caerau Gardens, Bala This one-man show, written and performed by Mark Carey, tells the heartwarming tale of odd job man George Crocker who joins his local drama club during the Second World War. 7.30pm. £15 www.kickinthehead. co.uk/into-the-breach

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

16TH JULY-1ST AUGUST

•16th-18th July, Intro to Sea Kayaking, Anglesey Learn the paddling basics, plus safety, weather and tides. £295 including accommodation, meals, equipment and tuition. www.largeoutdoors.com

•17th July, Summer BBQ,

Glyn Valley Hotel, Glyn Ceriog

All-you-can-eat barbecue, plus bouncy castle, live music, ice cream and slushy cocktails. 2pm-10pm £15pp, kids half price (drinks not included). Call 01691 718896 to reserve.

•23rd July, Enigma Dance, Brynkinalt Hall, Chirk Live DJ sets from well-known and local DJs, including Jamie Tripper and Chris Lynes. 6pm-midnight. £22.15. www.eventbrite.co.uk

•24th July, Judge Jules,

Central Live Music Venue,

Wrexham Jules’ ability to pull a crowd, shake them up and leave them wanting more has made him famous across the globe. Hear him embrace dance music across the spectrum in this intimate gig. 10pm. £16.50. www.centralwrexham.co.uk

Escape into nature at Hawarden

Live the good life at Summer Camp, a new event set in the picturesque grounds of Hawarden Estate.

The event takes place over four long weekends – 9th to 12th July, 16th to 19th July, 23rd to 26th July and 30th July to 2nd August – and promises to be intimate, charming and inspiring.

By day, campers can expect talks, expeditions and workshops from experts in outdoor craft and nature, as well as wild swimming, beekeeping, foraging, blacksmithery, bird watching, wellness and much more. By night, guests will pitch up in the idyllic walled garden, gather around the campfire, smell the woodsmoke, see the starlight and enjoy dinner courtesy of chef Damian Clisby.

Prices start from £125 a night for two adults sharing. For the more information and to book, visit www.thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/ events/summer-camp.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hawarden’s pub, The Glynne Arms, was AA Welsh Pub of the Year in 2019

Stunning running in Llangollen

Head for the hills and run in the Llangollen Fell Race on 22nd August. The 17-mile race takes in around 3,000ft of elevation and follows a wellmarked and marshalled course.

The race begins at 9am from Llangollen Leisure Centre and will be run under WFRA conditions, meaning full kit will need to be carried.

www.llangollenfellrace.co.uk

Cheers to summer!

Raise a glass (or two) at the Gin & Beer Festival at Brynkinalt Hall near Chirk on 24th July.

Featuring a huge range of local and international gins and beers along with live music and delicious food, this is a summer party you won’t want to miss.

There are two sessions: noon to 5pm and 6pm to midnight. Tickets from £15.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Cycle 100 miles for charity

Could you cycle 100 miles to help critically ill children and their families? Hope House & Ty Gobaith is inviting you to take on the challenge, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist. Cyclists can complete the challenge at their own pace across August and all finishers will be given a medal.

Entry costs £20, or £50 for a family of four. Sign up at www.hopehouse.org.uk.

•25th July,

Maenan Hall Open Garden, Llanrwst,

Conwy A fourhectare garden on the slopes of the Conwy Valley with dramatic views of Snowdonia. With sweeping lawns, ornamental ponds and a woodland dell, the garden is bursting with rhododendrons, camellias, pieris and hydrangeas. 10.30am-5pm. £4 adult, children. www.ngs.org.uk

•1st August,

North Wales Half Marathon,

Conwy This terrifi c race starts and fi nishes on the beach next to the Mulberry marina and crosses into the Snowdonia National Park along the way. It may not be the easiest half marathon, but it is one of the most beautiful. The race begins at 11am with a fun run at 11.30am. www.runwales.com

Science extravaganza returns to the streets of Wrexham

The Darganfod/Discover Science Festival returns to Wrexham, thanks to the combined forces of Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and Ty Pawb.

The festival was last held in 2018 and featured robots, stargazing and talks on evolutionary psychology, artificial intelligence and philosophy of the mind. This year’s event, which runs from 21st to 22nd August, promises to be just as varied. The theme will be a celebration of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and maths – and will include interactive workshops, presentations, talks and activities for the whole family. For the full programme of events, visit www.xplorescience.co.uk.

Cinema under the stars

This is the greatest show! Enjoy an amazing sing-a-long outdoor cinema experience at Chirk Castle with a showing of The Greatest Showman on 21st and 22nd August.

Inspired by the imagination of PT Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of showbusiness. Now, the movie that sold out cinemas all over the world is coming to a giant cinema screen at Chirk Castle, so bring a blanket or camping chair and get ready to sing along under the stars!

The gates open at 7.30pm with the film starting at approximately 9pm. You are welcome to bring your own picnic, and food and drink will also be available to purchase.

Tickets cost from £14.50. For more information, visit www.adventurecinema.co.uk.

Culture for all at Theatr Clwyd

Welsh Of The West End, 2nd-3rd July Hear the supergroup of Welsh musical theatre talent perform hits from shows such as Les Miserables, Wicked and Phantom Of The Opera. 7pm, plus 2pm on Saturday. Tickets from £10.

National Dance Company Wales, 13th August

Rediscover the joy of live dance with superb Welsh artists. 2pm and 4pm. Tickets from £10.

Macbeth, 22nd August A bicycle-powered version of Shakespeare’s classic. 7pm. Tickets from £10.

Something About Simon: The Paul Simon Story,

11th July Gary Edward Jones not only recreates the music of one of his idols, but also tells the unique story of Paul Simon using visuals, stage design and music. 7pm. Tickets from £10.

An Evening With Shane Williams, 28th August

The sporting legend recounts stories about his time playing for Neath, The Ospreys and Wales. 7pm. Tickets from £10. www.theatrclwyd.com

Travel the world through lm

The spectacular world cinema programme at Cell B Cinema in Blaenau Ffestiniog is designed to satisfy your adventurous spirit and will take you on a journey through film, food and drink.

The programme runs every Saturday evening for a year and will incorporate a mix of indoor and outdoor screenings. Tickets cost £10. www.cellb.org

Tough running in Snowdonia

The Snowdonia Half Marathon is a scenic but tough half marathon set in beautiful Snowdonia National Park.

The race, which takes place on 22nd August, starts at 10am and entry costs £32, which includes a bespoke medal and a T-shirt. To find out more visit www.runwales.com.

On your marks, get set, play!

Connect with your inner child at Erddig, Wrexham, as part of its Summer of Play from 17th July to 5th September. Enjoy croquet on the lawn, marshmallow toasting at the campfire and wild play in the Wolf’s Den. Activities will be spread around the walled garden. www.

nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

5TH-8TH AUGUST

•5th August, Event

Flowers, Summer Wreaths and Garlands, Wernog

Wood, Ruthin Join Zanna Hoskins for a foraging walk, gathering wild fl owers and foliage, then learn how to use freshly cut and locally sourced fl owers to make summer wreaths, garlands and displays. £90 including materials and lunch. www.wernogwood.co.uk

•6th August,

A Middle Eastern Feast at Tide/Llanw, Halen Môn,

Anglesey Enjoy a seasonal feast prepared by visiting chef Anna Shepherd and served in a tipi on the edge of the Menai Strait. The menu will be a surprise on the night, but the three-course supper will celebrate the best Levantine fl avours. £37.06, including a welcome drink. 7.30pm. www.eventbrite.co.uk

•6th-8th August, Shore-

nanigans Family Camp,

Rhoscolyn Join North Wales Wildlife Trust and Outdoor Alternative for a family camp like no other. Enjoy rockpooling, yoga, guided walks, inspiring talks, snorkelling, music workshops, kayak adventures, storytelling, fi re songs and more. From £189.24 for a family of four. www. northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

e WNO marks 75 years

Welsh National Opera (WNO) celebrated its 75th birthday on 15th April with the release of a new poem, Intermezzo, specially commissioned from the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn.

The poem, which reflects on the company’s humble beginnings and transformation into the world-renowned opera company it is today, has been recorded and released in both English and Welsh. The company has also released a special, newly recorded version of “Easter Hymn” from the WNO’s first ever production, Cavalleria Rusticana, with soloist Camilla Roberts joining the full forces of the WNO chorus and orchestra.

All recordings are available to watch for free on the WNO website. For more information, visit www.wno.org.uk/wno75.

Classic cars at the castle

The North Wales Classic Car & Motorcycle Show returns to Bodrhyddan Hall on 25th July, featuring more than 700 classic vehicles on display.

Offering a spectacular day of motoring heritage, the event features a huge display of vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles, as well as classic motorcycles, trade and autojumble stalls, quality food and drink and much more.

Visitors will have full access to the grounds and gardens of Bodrhyddan and can also enjoy a vehicle concours and awards ceremony overseen by leading commentator Mark Stone. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £3.50 for children, with under-sevens free. www.classicshows.org

•15th

August, Llyn Brenig 15K & Canicross

With most of the route o -road, this is a pleasant long-terrain trail race that includes one short section along a B-road and one short climb. The race starts and fi nishes at the Brenig visitor centre and all fi nishers will receive a bespoke medal. 9am. £18. www. bespokefi tnessandevents.co.uk

•6th-8th August, Yoga &

Walking Weekend, Snowdonia

Unwind on a holistic weekend surrounded by nature. Relax in a warm and cosy guesthouse, de-stress with guided walks and enjoy energising and relaxing yoga sessions. You can even try your hand at wild swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. From £235. www.large outdoors.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

20TH-25TH AUGUST

•20th-22nd August, Craft &

Gift Fair, Bellis Brothers, Holt,

nr Wrexham Browse a selection of quality crafts, foods and stunning gifts from around the world in this three-day craft and gift extravaganza. Featuring a range of products including candles, handmade cards, clothing, glassware, cheeses, woodwork, jewellery, handmade soaps and much more. Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. Free entry. www.bellisbrothers.co.uk

•21st August, Snowdon

Sunrise Experience, Llanberis

Enjoy a guided walk to the top of the highest mountain in Wales to greet the sunrise. Led by fully qualifi ed local mountain leaders and suitable for all abilities, this walk begins at 1.30am in Llanberis and follows the Llanberis Path to the summit, where you will greet the new day. £35. www. discoveringsnowdonia.co.uk

•21st August,

The Further Adventures Of Doctor Doolittle, Greenfi eld Valley Heritage Park,

Holywell Bring the family along to enjoy a brand new musical adaptation of the Doctor’s further adventures with Jip the Dog, Dab Dab the Duck, Gub Gub the Pig and Polynesia the Parrot. Perfect for children aged fi ve-plus, this show features a fully orchestrated score, amazing puppets and a collection of songs you will be singing along to for years to come. 6pm. £12 adults, £6 children, under-fours free). www.illyria.co.uk

Cycle around beautiful Anglesey

Join the Tour de Mon on 22nd August and cycle to the most stunning locations on the wonderful island of Anglesey.

This popular event is a calendar highlight for cyclists and local people who support the riders as they pass by with warm Welsh encouragement.

Entrants can choose from one of four courses – Teulu (3.5 miles), Bach (46 miles), Canol (77 miles) and Mawr (106 miles) – all of which are marked and marshalled with water and feed stations on the longer routes. Riders can even pit themselves against the clock on the Flying Mile held at RAF Valley, a unique opportunity to cycle down a runway!

With family-friendly vibes and a lively event village, this is an inclusive event that welcomes riders of all ages and abilities. To find out more, visit www.alwaysaimhighevents.com.

DID YOU KNOW? Kids can take part in the Teulu race on pedal bikes, in trailers or on bike seats

Art to inspire at Mostyn Gallery

Two new exhibitions open at Mostyn in Llandudno from 3rd July: My Immortal by French artist Tarek Lakhrissi and Mobile Feminist Library, exploring intersectional feminist activism in Wales. www.mostyn.org

Try Britain’s toughest triathlon

The Snowman Triathlon, which takes place on 31st July-1st August, is known as the toughest multi-terrain triathlon in the UK. There are a range of distances to choose between, from super-sprint to savage, and the event is well known for its family friendly vibes, on-course support and spectacular scenery. www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

•21st-25th

August, Earth & Fire, Pit Fired Ceramics Course,

Wernog Wood, Ruthin Join ceramic artist Malina Xenaki on a fi ve-day experience to learn the traditional methods for transforming clay into ceramics in a fi re pit. Experiment with both modern and ancient techniques of hand-building pots and sculptures and be prepared to get stuck in: you’ll be digging clay, playing with fi re and getting mucky! £425, plus £30 for course materials. www.wernogwood.co.uk

Cross the patchwork bridge for Llangollen’s Eisteddfod

This summer Llangollen’s bridge will be transformed into a giant work of art to launch the International Music Eisteddfod. Artist Luke Jerram will wrap the 60m bridge in patchwork to reflect the crafts and cultures of Wales and the participating nations. This year’s festival, which takes place from 6th-11th July, will be held online. www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Wands at the ready in Wrexham!

Grab your wands and don your cloaks for a spell-binding outdoor adventure game in Wrexham on 14th August.

This enchanting adventure will take your team on a magical journey as you unravel the mystery, solve the puzzles and save the realm! Will you find the answer in time? Tickets cost £36 for a team of six, with no charge for children. To find out more visit www.cluedupp.com.

Run a fast 10k in Wrexham

Enjoy a fast 10k course on the outskirts of Wrexham with the Helena Tipping 10K on 25th July, organised in memory of a much-missed Wrexham AAC member. The flat route starts and finishes close to The Clubhouse on Wrexham Industrial Estate and with a new and even faster course for 2021, this race is a must-do event for all runners chasing a 10k PB. There are food, refreshments and goodies at the finish line and all finishers receive a special edition bespoke medal. Entry from £17. To find out more visit www.runcheshire.com.