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Wales announced in Rough Guides
Top 10 Countries to visit in 2016
Wales has been named as one of the top ten countries to visit in the world by leading travel guide, Rough Guides. It beat both Kenya and Sri Lanka to be ranked number 8 in the list, thanks to its ‘extraordinary beauty
and remarkably preserved historical sites’. The guide goes on to say ‘Culture vultures, foodies, festival junkies, adventurers, hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts will be spellbound here. Wales celebrates its “Year of
Adventure” in 2016, and there’s no better time to explore one of the finest natural playgrounds in Europe’ Heres what they said. Wales celebrates its “Year of Adventure” in 2016, and there’s no better time to explore one of the finest
The night sky above Snowdonia National Park has been granted dark sky status
Snowdonia National Park has become Wales’ second destination to be awarded dark sky status. It joins the Brecon Beacons to become one of only ten locations worldwide to be designated as an international dark sky reserve. Dark sky status is only awarded to locations with the highest quality of night air making them ideal for stargazing. Emyr Williams, Chief Executive of Snowdonia National Park Authority said “receiving this designation is very good news for the residents,
businesses, visitors and the wildlife of Snowdonia,” Mr Williams went on to say “the quality of the environment will be protected, there will be a new natural attraction to attract
new visitors to Snowdonia on quiet periods of the year, the local economy will be improved and the dark sky above Snowdonia will be protected for future generations.”
natural playgrounds in Europe. Many still underestimate this small country, often overshadowed by its neighbours. But these are exciting times for Wales – the country is winning accolades for its extraordinary beauty and remarkably preserved historical sites. Culture vultures, foodies, festival junkies, adventurers, hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts will be spellbound here, be it amid the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, on the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula or in the quaint rural towns and villages.
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Adventures in Archaeology Exhibition
opens at National Museum Cardiff
To celebrate 2016 The Year of Among the artefacts are a mummy the discovery of Troy, hoards of coins Adventure in Wales, the National and a beautifully painted sarcophagus found in Sully and Bridgend, and a Museum Cardiff is hosting an exciting from Egypt, helmets and pottery from small Moai (head) from Easter Island. new exhibition where you can Step into the world of famous explorers and travel on an adventure uncovering treasures from around the world. ‘Treasures: Adventures in Archaeology’ tells the stories behind great archaeological discoveries from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, Pre-Columbian America and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), some of which have never been seen in Wales before. The exhibition includes a whole host of fascinating objects and treasures from ancient worlds as well as more recent examples uncovered in Wales.
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GreenWood Forest Park, North Wales. Set in 27 magical acres,
discover for yourself why it’s an award winning full day out
Jump aboard the world’s only people powered roller coaster, zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales, enjoy the Jungle Boat Adventure, discover the super bouncy Giant Jumper or
aquaplane down SolarSplash (the brand new water ride for 2016!). Plus, explore the turrets of TreeTop Towers, take off your socks and shoes for the BareFoot Trail or take
a ride on the zippy MoonKarts. Smaller tots will also find adventure in the Little Forest PlayBarn, Toddler’s Village, Tunnel Warren and the LittleGreenRun. In the Forest
Theatre during holidays and Peak Season, you’ll find extraordinary entertainment including Ricardo the Pirate, Harley’s Showtime & Smarty Marty’s Kiddies Challenge – they
just can’t wait to make you laugh. Or get creative in the craft area where you can see local crafts people and make something unique to take home with you! Other events include; Face Painting, Nader’s Pyro Art, John the Wood Turner, Crafty Bugwug, Lookachu body art and hair braiding as well as the ever popular Donkey Rides. With so much to do on a day out, you’ll need a break! So let the little ones discover the Enchanted WoodBarn - this indoor play area will keep your young explorers happy while you sit down and relax in our spacious and comfortable GreenOak Café which serves a wide range of appetising hot and cold meals and snacks. Or if you don’t want to miss out on all the outdoor fun, grab a bite to eat from one of our five snack bars. For up to date information including all times and dates of events please see: www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk
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Fforest: Holidays with more!
Sandwiched between the Teifi gorge and the Teifi Marshes wildlife reserve, fforest takes advantage of 500 acres of bliss. Built from the inspiration and beauty of the great outdoors; the simplest and purest of things with adventure & wonder all around, it is a place to stay, gather, play, learn & celebrate in a pristine natural environment. A place to rediscover the luxury of simple. In the day, amble around the camp, relax on the terraces, take short drives to beautiful local beaches, walk a section of the coastal path or take their advice on the best local places to visit and things to do including a range of outdoor activities from canoeing to coasteering. At night, with their own onsite tiny pub, bbq meal nights and outdoor pizza restaurant downstream in Cardigan you won’t have to think too much about where to go for food & drink. A variety of accommodation is available from magical geodesic domes to a luxury newly renovated grand Georgian farmhouse. Prices for a 7 night stay from £205.75pp (based on 5 sharing a katacabin) / £264pp (based on 14 sleeping in Ty Fforest, the bedroom farmhouse). For more information go to -www.coldatnight. co.uk. Look at their amazing event in the last 2 weeks of August here –www.fforestgather.co.uk fforest, Cardigan, Ceredigion, West Wales. 2 Hours North West from Cardiff. 1.5 Hours South from Aberystwyth A world away.
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Tŷ Newydd
Writing Centre
Wales is not only the land of song, but also of great literature, and that’s why, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia, we have our very own residential creative writing centre. Established in 1990, thousands of aspiring and emerging writers have passed through our iconic teal front door. Every week, we welcome a new group of individuals from Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond to our home. They spend time together under the tutelage of professional writers, taking part in workshops and one-to-one tutorials, enjoying readings and basking in the inspirational setting of Tŷ Newydd. Participants also help in the kitchen, where home-made meals are prepared with local ingredients. Our programme of courses features a mix of residential courses and retreats, and covers a wide range of genres, forms and styles, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, scriptwriting, nature writing, illustration, storytelling, yoga and more. We choose our tutors and guest readers carefully, and welcome some of the best writers to Tŷ Newydd every year. Present and past tutors include Carol Ann Duffy, Gillian Clarke, Pascale Petit, Paula Meehan, Mark Cocker, Menna Elfyn, Patrick McGuinness, Kaite O’Reilly, Imtiaz Dharker, Niall Griffiths, Daljit Nagra and Malachy Doyle. Our historical house which is set in the stunning surroundings of rural north Wales was the last home of
former Prime Minister David Lloyd George. It still retains the recognisable touches implemented by architect Clough Williams-Ellis, famous for his quirky Italianate village Portmeirion, the setting of classic TV series The Prisoner and Festival No.6. Nestled in a quiet spot between mountain and sea, Tŷ Newydd offers the perfect creative escape. Visit our website to find out more: www. tynewydd.wales. We look forward to welcoming you to Wales.
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Celebrate International
Dylan Thomas Day
The second International Dylan Thomas Day - or ‘Dylan Day’, as it is affectionately known – will take place on Saturday 14 May 2016. It is a day of remembrance and celebration, in honour of the much-loved Welsh poet, who is greatly admired all over the world. The idea for the day came about during the Dylan Thomas centenary year in 2014, following public interest in the poet and a general desire to continue celebrating his life and work. It takes place on May 14, the date Under Milk Wood was first read onstage at 92Y The Poetry Center, New York in 1953. The first Dylan Day took place in 2015 where everyone was invited to join in and explore the magic of Dylan’s words through creative writing workshops, literary tours, educational resources and readings in unusual places. Dylan’s own granddaughter, Hannah Ellis, is a keen supporter of the day, as are celebrities such as Cerys Matthews MBE, Michael Sheen, Terry Jones, Carol Ann
Duffy, Gillian Clarke, and more. This year, there will be worldwide events, from Laugharne to London, Perth to Patagonia. Readings, recitals, music, theatre, book launches, workshops, open mics, family drop-ins, online video, exclusive rap performances, and even amazing sand art are all part of the celebration. If you want to get creative or know someone who does, there is also the annual international poetry competition, Dylan’s Great Poem, for young people aged 7-25, anywhere in the world. To find out more visit: www.literaturewales. org/dylans-great-poem/ In the words of actor Michael Sheen: “To experience the sensual electric thrill of Dylan Thomas' words makes any day special. Be good to your soul and make sure May 14th is one of them.” For further information and to find out how you can get involved, visit: www.literaturewales.org/dylanday-events/
Roald Dahl
100 Wales 2016 marks 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl – the world’s number one storyteller. Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. Born in Cardiff of Norwegian descent, Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the most inventive, mischievous, and successful storytellers. His stories are currently available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, he has sold more than 200 million books. As his country of birth, Wales is proud to play a special part in the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations in 2016. Roald Dahl Day is marked annually all over the world on – and around – his birthday, 13 September. In 2016, there will be global celebrations for the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth running from January through to December. There will be an array of events, exhibitions, happenings and grassroots activity taking place in Wales throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and squiffling surprises for everyone. H i g h l i g h t s include: City of the Unexpected, Land of Song, Invent your Event, Quentin Blake: Inside Stories, The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl, and much, much more. Visit www. roalddahl.wales to find out more!
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