Unique Festivals in Wales
There really is no better way to enjoy the summer season than by going to a festival. Whether you want to take the kids to enjoy some great Welsh food, have a few craft beers with friends or see some of the best music Wales has to offer, there’s something for everyone on the Welsh festival circuit this year.
The Big Cwtch 30th & 31st August
The Big Cwtch is a two-day charity festival of music and food in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside. The focus here is on giving a platform to new and emerging Welsh musicians, so it’s a great place to beat the crowds to discovering cool, new bands.
There are a range of sleeping options available, from normal camping or caravanning, to up-market glamping. But with plentiful day-parking available only a short walk from the festival, why not really push the boat out and stay at the fabulous Ty Mawr Country House Hotel, a short 20-minute drive away.
Llangollen Fringe Festival 19th – 28th July
This volunteer-run performing arts festival takes place in the picturesque small town of Llangollen. It attracts big names from all branches of the performing arts, including musicians, poetry readings and most notably, stand-up comedians.
Being a fringe festival, there’s no camping options, but there’s range of charming hotels in Llangollen. Try The Hand Hotel, sitting on a stretch of the beautiful river Dee, it’s the ideal place to relax after a day of laughing yourself sore.
Green Man Festival 15th – 18th August
Since its inception in 2003, Green Man has gone on to become one of Wales’s biggest festivals. It attracts huge names from the world of music, this year boasting Four Tet and Idles among a whole lot more. There will also be circus performances, comedy and plenty for kids and teens.
As for sleeping, there’s all the usual options (including an extended pass that allows you to camp for a full week), but if you don’t fancy a tent, why not try the fabulously opulent Peterstone Court, less than five miles from the festival grounds.
Solarsphere 9th – 12th August
One of the more niche festivals in Wales, Solarsphere is a festival of music and astronomy. Featuring bands as well as speakers and workshops related the astrology, you can learn and have fun at the same time.
Why not stay at the nearby Metropole Hotel and Spa. Mid-Wales’ highest-rated hotel, it’s the perfect unique hotel, for an equally unique festival.
Festival No.6 6th – 9th September
Festival No. 6 is a festival of music, arts and culture, taking place in the surreal town of Portmeirion. It takes the inherent surrealism and runs with it, making this one of the most unique festivals in the UK. While there’s no camping, Portmeirion is full of charming, boutique hotels, any of which will be sure to add to the atmosphere of the festival. Long gone are the days when going to a festival meant a miserable weekend in a muddy tent, now even the fussiest (or fanciest…) music fans don’t have to miss the party.