Heading for the hills

Snowdonia’s Trefriw Walking Festival returns from 19th- 21st May, promising exciting walks in new areas such as the Moelwyns and scenic Lledr Valley, along with favourite routes.

Based around the Conwy Valley, the 19 walks offer something for everyone, from tough walks high in the mountains to leisurely rambles. Each day brings something different, from ascending Moel Siabod, discovering wildlife and legends,

Best little party in the woods

Gottwood brings the best of techno, dance and ambient to Anglesey’s beautiful Carreglwyd Estate from 8th-11th June. The mystical party in the woods is a heady mix of DJ sets, rustic stages and light shows. Expect a genre-bending, rollercoaster ride through myriad styles of music. Tickets from £182.80. www.gottwood.co.uk

Party like it’s 1920

or visiting a Neolithic burial chamber, to looking for the famous Carneddau ponies. Follow rivers through gorges and waterfalls, watch for rare birds on the mountains, practise some mindfulness in the forest or simply enjoy a stroll along the river. All walks begin and end in Trefriw, and are led by experienced leaders. There’s no charge (voluntary donations encouraged) but booking is essential. www.trefriwwalkingfestival.co.uk

Medieval mayhem

Go back to the 1460s at Harlech Castle from 6th-8th May and discover the plight of Queen Margaret of Anjou, sheltering there during the bloody Wars of the Roses. Living History in the Castle from 27th-29th May will entertain you with thrilling tournaments of armoured knights in battle, a demonstration of horses and their accoutrements, precision archery displays, graceful dances and accomplished musicians – in other words, a nonstop tour of medieval life! 11am-4pm, standard admission applies. www.cadw.gov.wales

Here’s your invitation to the best Roaring Twenties party ever - an interactive, immersive performance of The Great Gatsby, running from 15th June – 27th August! Dress up and dance until dusk at The Dolphin pub in Mold this summer, where cocktails are flowing in an era of bootleg liquor and red-hot jazz. Performance times and prices at www.theatrclwyd.com

Meanwhile, don’t miss Theatr Clwyd’s Comedy Club on 22nd May and 7th June – a night of stellar stand-up that always features the best on the circuit. 7.45pm. Tickets £10.

Comedian Dana Alexander is appearing at the Comedy Club on 7th June

Pigs win prizes

Established some 140 years ago, Llanrwst Rural Show takes place on 24th June showcasing cattle, sheep, horses, fur and feather, alongside locally produced food and crafts. There’ll be pet dog competitions, an axemen demonstration, carriage-driving, vintage tractors and farm machinery displays – and even Joseph’s Amazing Racing Pigs! Gates open from 9am. Entry is £7 (child £3, family £18). www.sioellanrwstshow.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

•13th May & 17th June, Dynamic Dunescapes, The Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr Organised by Ucheldre Centre Holyhead, these free family workshops provide an interesting insight into the life of sand dunes. Enjoy fun activities and crafts to reveal their magic. 11am-2.30pm.

•16th-20th May, The Revlon Girl, Grove Park Theatre, Wrexham Touching, tender, occasionally raw, this is a play exploring the human heart of the Aberfan disaster – and celebrating the humanity that survived. 7.30pm. Tickets from £5.

•18th-20th May, Grease, Rhyl Little Theatre Join Coleg Llandrillo in this production based on the iconic movie, featuring a hip-shaking rock ’n’ roll score with hits including ‘Summer Nights’ and ‘Greased Lightnin’’. 7.30pm. To book tickets, call 01745 342 229.

•19th-21st May, Prestatyn & Clwydian Range Walking Festival Walk in O a’s footsteps and enjoy guided walks centred around O a’s Dyke Path, Wales Coastal Path and the Clwydian Mountains. Walks are free but must be booked in advance.

•20th May, Rhuddlan Food Festival Centred on the Community Centre and Ebenezer Chapel, overlooking the River Clwyd, there will be many local food and drinks producers o ering samples from cheese to gin. 10am-4pm. Small entry fee.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 20TH-27TH MAY

•20th May, Record Fair, Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham Over 30 stalls from top UK record dealers selling high quality, rare records from all genres and eras. Plus DJ sets, live music, a bar and food. 10am-4pm. Free entry.

20 May & 17th June Colwyn Bay Artisan Market Experience North Wales’ largest artisan market, showcasing the best creative talent from across the area. 10am-4pm.

•20th May & 17th June, Pages and Squires Training, Caernarfon Castle Go medieval