WHAT’S ON Arts, shows and activities, it’s all going on in Cardiff

When food and flowers collide, good things happen. Don’t miss the collaboration pop-up of dreams between Forbesfield and Cocoa Therapy on 10 December

WHAT’S ON From 7 November onwards

© ALEX SEDGMOND

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

PLAYS/ SHOWS / PERFORMANCES

19 November

ROBIN MORGAN & FRIENDS COMEDY Available to watch from home, this is the fourth Robin & Friends Virtual Stand-Up Show, and this one’s going to be a belter! A full supporting line-up is soon to be announced, but so far, joining Robin is: Live at the Apollo’s Rachel Parris, and Love Actually’s Marcus Brigstocke. Chapter Arts; www.chapter.org

24 November

SINFONIA Sinfonia Cymru celebrates 25 years with 25 concerts. They will return to live performances in 2021with 25 free performances across Wales, but, for now, they’re presenting an online series called InConversation– afirst-hand insight into Sinfonia Cymru’s musicians, artists and friends, which orchestra leader Caroline Pether will host. www.sinfonia.cymru

3 December

DRAGGED TO CHURCH Winner of the event of the year at 2019’s Cardiff Life Awards, and currently being made into a feature film by Keeping Faith star Eve Myles, Dragged to Church – an annual Christmas fundraiser like no other – is back! Three years ago, St Andrews Church in Roath needed restoration work, so Dragged to Church was put together, and thefirst everdragshow in a Welsh church was held. The event was a massive success and it’s now back for its third year. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the show will be pre-recorded and streamed on YouTube. uk.gofundme.com/f/dragged-to-church

9 December

KATE RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS Kate’s Christmas Tour has, for many, become as much a part of the festivities as Christmas pudding itself. Warm and inviting, spicy and sparkly she and her band embody the sounds and joyous spirit of the best Christmases ever. St David’s Hall; www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

20 December

THE CAR PARK PANTO Lots of pantomimes may be cancelled, but there’s a new way of enjoying that traditional festive pastime: from the comfort of your own car. See Horrible Christmas at CardiffAirportas a drive-in theatre experience. Cardiff Airport; www.carparkparty.com

27 December

MARTIN KEMP`S XMAS PARTY The Spandau Ballet star returns with a back-to-the-80s DJ set. Grab your dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy a night of pure Gold at one of the best 80s nights in the UK. Fancy dress is properly encouraged. www.tramshedcardiff.com

TALKS AND AUDIO SERIES

Until 10 Dec

HEART OF CARDIFF The Sherman Theatre’s audio series, Heart of Cardiff,is inspired by the people and communities of the city. Following a search across Cardifffor writers with stories to tell about their community, pitches were selected to be developed into original audio theatre experiences, which will be made available on the website on a weekly basis. www.shermantheatre.co.uk

Until the end of December

THE OASIS CARDIFF PODCAST The podcast explores stories and pursuits of refugees and asylum seekers in Cardiff,with opinions around the topic from dedicated experts and conversations with supporters from the local community. Each episode will be released at the end of each month, and listeners are invited to ask questions via a Facebook Live Q&A with the guests following each episode. www.oasiscardiff.org

above: Anna Palmer’s original designs will be among the local offering at the Christmas Makers Arcade pop-up left: Love Actually’s Marcus Brigstocke is joining Robin Morgan & Friends virtual stand-up show. You can watch it at home and book tickets through Chapter Arts below: Find the local, indie Makers Arcade pop-up at Morgan Arcade

ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY/ EXHIBITIONS

Until 21 November

HARRY BRIOCHE, GERALD GREEN, JOHN LINES Three popular artists come together with new work for this latest exhibition with a variety of subjects - from Harry Brioche’s atmospheric sea and landscapes capturing the ever-changing skies, Gerald Green’s subtle impressions of familiar settings, to John Lines’ nostalgic paintings full of humour. From 9 November, this exhibition can be viewed at the gallery, when it will reopen its doors, but until then can be viewed online. The Albany Gallery; www.albanygallery.com

Until 11 April, 2021

BECOMING RICHARD BURTON This exhibition follows the remarkable story of how Richard Jenkins became Richard Burton, the international star of stage and screen. It will feature Burton’s diaries, papers and personal objects – displayed for the first time – from the Richard Burton Archives held at Swansea University. National Museum Cardiff; www.museum.wales

1 – 21 November

RICHARD BARRETT, NEW PAINTINGS Much of the Cardiff-born artist’s inspiration for his work comes from spending time exploring the Welsh coastline and mountains, and he has established a large and loyal following for his work in Wales. See his textural paintings, which play with the dynamics of light across landscapes, online, or in the gallery by appointment only. Martin Tinney Gallery; www.artwales.com

FOOD & DRINK

Until the end of November

HOME SUPPER CLUB Sharing global culinary delights from the comfort of your own home, each week Oasis Cardiff gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest traditional dishes from around the world. Each dish is freshly prepared by their chefs and is ready to be collected from the centre every Saturday until the end of November. Order lines open every Monday at 9am until Thursday 5 pm via Facebook. Oasis Cardiff; www.oasiscardiff.org

MARKETS AND POP-UPS

Starting in November (date TBC) up until Christmas

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Gileston Manor Estate is bringing a little Christmas magic to families this year, and are turning their nine-acres into an outdoor festive wonderland filled with fabulous things for young ones to enjoy. Open daily, there will be a fairy grotto with Elsa from Frozen and a mini fairground, and you’ll be able to feed the resident animals, visit Santa’s grotto and indulge in festal street food. Gileston Manor Estate; www.gilestonmanor.co.uk

11 November – 24 December

MAKERS ARCADE POP UP Local makers will unite at this independent pop-up market, where you’ll find high-quality, sustainable, locally made and hand-crafted gifts for Christmas. Morgan Arcade; @makersarcadepopup

12 November – 23 December

CARDIFF CHRISTMAS MARKET The market has confirmed its glittering, magical return but it’s subject to change due to possible Covid-19 restrictions. City centre; www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com

5 & 6 December

CHRISTMAS POP UP This one is a collab between The Green Frog Vegan Store, Lisa Valentine Home, and Spencer & Spencer antiques, all based in Cardiff. At the pop-up – in Y Stordy, the lanes between Werfa Street and Pen-YWain Place– they will be selling their wares as well as wreaths, trees and mulled wine. Y Stordy, Roath; www.thegreenfrogveganstore.com

10 December

FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE The wonderful floral design and styling company Forbesfield will be popping up at chocolate shop Cocoa Therapy in Barry. When food and flowers collide, good things happen; the collaboration of dreams! Cocoa Therapy; www.forbesfield.co.uk / www.cocoatherapy.co.uk

OUTDOORS 9 November onwards EXPLORE DYFFRYN GARDENS Once it reopens post firebreak, Dyffryn Gardens will offer its 55 acres to the public. While away hours in nature and discover large open lawns, an arboretum, intimate garden rooms and a tropical glasshouse. Dyffryn Gardens; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

13 December

THE SANTA DASH The annual event will be going ahead as normal but there are additional measures in place to ensure safety, including a staggered start to the race to ensure no one is running too close to each other. Roald Dahl Plass; www.santadash.wales n