Oh what a week!

Llangollen’s Eisteddfod is a week-long arts festival, which for 76 years has brought together performers from across the globe to share their love of song, dance and spoken word. It takes place in a uniquely welcoming environment, comprising a buzzing outdoor site, world-class evening concert series, and a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary music and dance competitions.

Llangollen 2023 opens with a bang on Tuesday 4th July: Alfie Boe and musical theatre super-group Welsh of the West End perform in an evening concert created just for Llangollen.

The energy continues throughout the week, with Guy Barker’s Big Band performing on Friday 7th July, guaranteed to raise the roof with a powerhouse of top-drawer jazz players. Guest soloists include Tommy Blaize, Vanessa Haynes, Clare Teal and Giacomo Smith.

Book now for a vibrant daily dose of music dance, comedy, thought-provoking talks, workshops, street food, shopping and family entertainment, all with an international flavour.

Ticket prices range from £5 for day field entry to £230 for a full pass. See www.llangollen.net

DID YOU KNOW?

Wednesday 5th July is Children’s Day, with a special ‘Slumbersaurus’ concert

Inspiration comes in threes at Ruthin Craft Centre

Three absorbing exhibitions are running in tandem at Ruthin Craft Centre until 2 July. For her show ‘In Reverence’, Cardiff-based artist Zoe Preece has created a series of ordinary domestic objects, intricately carved by hand from porcelain. Kitchenware and furniture are reimagined not simply for their form and function but their social purpose and the stories they tell. Alongside are sculptural pieces in walnut, such as folded tea towels and an open book. .

‘Animal Rites’ is a celebration in clay of the fellow beings who co-habit our planet. The 10 ceramicists featured are passionate about their subjects, which is evident in exquisite examples of contemporary ceramic practice, some inspired directly from the natural world, others imagined from mythology.

Spectacular!

Caerwys Agricultural Show is an annual celebration of rural life dating back to the early part of the last century – and the only agricultural show left in Flintshire. Following last year’s success after a three-year break, the show returns on 10th June in time to mark the start of summer!

From livestock spectacles to equestrian events and country pursuits, visitors can experience a wide range of attractions at this year’s show. There’s something for the whole family, from local produce, arts and crafts to farm machinery, stunt bike displays and a fun bus for the little ones.

Get your entries in to bring your animals or produce for judging, or buy tickets in advance for a day everyone will enjoy.

www.caerwys-show.org.uk

Jeanette Orrell’s ‘Drawings on Indigo’ reflects the power of art to process life’s events. It brings together works developed following the loss of her father, and eloquently convey the slow patterns of regrowth that follow grief. Abstracted botanical forms resist-dyed onto wool and hand-stitched collages show an artistic practice that employs a range of creative vocabularies whilst remaining rooted in drawing.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5.30pm, entry is free. www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

Wheels on the bus go round once more

The Dee Valley Picturesque bus service is running again this year to provide access to some of the key destinations in this beautiful and historic landscape. The circular route 199, available on Saturdays until 4th November, links Llangollen and surrounding villages to local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd nature reserve, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd and the Horseshoe Pass.

The aim is to make it easier for those without cars to access these places, while helping to reduce congestion at some of the busiest sites in the Dee Valley.

For a full timetable and ticket prices see www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org. uk/projects/the-picturesque-bus/

Sitting comfortably?

Join tour guide Deian ap Rhisiart at Criccieth Castle on 28th May or 25th June and discover the secrets of the fortress built by Llywelyn the Great. Tours leave at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Tales of Wales on 29th May shares legends of old Wales, stories of giants, maidens, wizards and dragons, and on 15th June Mair Tomos Ifans romps through more myths and tales, illustrated with folk songs accompanied on the harp. 11am-4pm, standard admission applies. www.cadw.gov.wales

Opening hours 10 - 5 Wednesday to Saturday, 10 - 4 Sundays & Bank Holidays

... treftadaeth a diwylliant Cymru a chenhedloedd Celtaidd.

• Mynediad am ddim i’r Ystafelloedd Darllen ac adnoddau

• Arddangosfeydd am ddim

• Rhaglen amrywiol o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau

• Caffi Pen Dinas yn gweini bwyd cartref

• Siop yn gwerthu nwyddau Cymreig

... the heritage and culture of Wales and the Celtic nations.

• Free admission to the Reading Rooms and resources

• Free exhibitions

• A diverse programme of events and activities

• Caffi Pen Dinas serving home cooked food

• Shop selling Welsh products

Some of the fantastic places of interest within 35 mile radius: Lake Vrynwy RSPB, Coed y Dinas, Powis Castle, Hafren Forest, Ynyshir RSPB, Devils Bridge, Elan Valley, Abbey Cwm Hir, Whittington Castle, Stiperstones, Long Mynd, Llandrindod cycle museum, Clun Castle. ABERMULE,