There are loads events happening in and around the south Wales valleys this summer to keep the whole family entertained. From music and food festivals, to outdoor cinema events and classic car shows, the summer holidays will fly by.
You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here. And if you have an event happening this summer, let us know by emailing angharad.thomas@walesonline.co.uk.
Rhondda Arts Festival
From an outdoor cinema to a comedy club and live music, there is something for everyone at the festival which started on Tuesday, June 20 and finishes on Saturday, June 24.
On Saturday, visitors can enjoy a huge market, singing and dance performances, a photo exhibition and watch Hairspray from an outdoor cinema. Read more about the event here.
The Big Welsh Bite
Taking place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is food festival not to be missed. The Big Welsh Bite will return to Pontypridd with over 50 food stalls, free entertainment including live cookery demonstrations with local chefs, beer garden and events for the whole family to enjoy.
Live music from choirs are also expected to celebrate Ynysangharad War Memorial Park centenary milestone. The festival is running on Saturday, August 5, to Sunday, August 6.
Dinosaur Spectacular
Enjoy a family day out as Ranger Chris, as seen on Britain's Got Talent, brings his free town centre event, Dinomania, to Blaenau Gwent. Watch with wonder as he brings these incredible creatures to life before your eyes.
The shows will take place in. the following towns between 11am-1.45pm:
- Ebbw Vale, July 26
- Brynmawr, August 11
- Abertillery, August 17
- Blaina, August 22
- Tregedar, August 31
Food & Drink festival
Treorchy’s food and drink festival will take place in and around the Parc and Dare. There will be a variety of food vendors - from wood-fired pizzas, burgers, a variety of sweet treats and more, alongside some refreshing beverages- as around 70 businesses are planning to take part this year.
The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, August 26.
Steelhouse Festival
The Welsh international classic rock festival returns to the Valleys. Expect performances from Airbourne, Black Stone Cherry, Those Damn Crows, Elegant Weapons and many more. The festival also offers a glamping and camping experience, or if nature is not for you, there are also cottages, B&Bs and hotels nearby.
The festival takes place at Hafod-y-Dafal Farm in Ebbw Vale from July 28 - July 30. Buy your tickets here.
Classic Vehicle Day
Car enthusiasts can share their passion for classic vehicles in July, as displays will be throughout Tredegar town centre. The event will also be a family fun day with a variety of free activities for children. The event takes place on Saturday, July 1 at Tredegar town centre between 10and and 3pm.
Band concerts
Enjoy free musical entertainment throughout the summer months in Bedwellty Park. The music is predominantly provided by traditional brass bands however other local choirs are musical groups sometimes take part. On Sunday, June 25, the Royal Welsh Regimental Band will be performing.
Other performances this summer include:
- Tredegar Town Band on July 2
- Abergavenny Borough Band on July 9
- Markham & District Brass Band on July 16
- Abertillery Town Band on July 23
- Tredegar Orpheus Male Voice Choir on July 30
Music Festival
Enjoy Treorchy’s music festival, which will include free entry to venues all over the village hosting DJ events, beer gardens and BBQs. The festival will be on Saturday, July 29.
Agricultural Show
The annual event is always held on the first Saturday of July and has plenty of things to see and do for all the whole family. Enjoy seeing horses, ponies, goats, rabbits and Alpacas. There is also a vintage engines display, classic cars, kids competitions, homecraft and a novelty dog show, craft tent, trade stands and a variety of food and drink stalls.
The event takes place on Saturday, July 1 at Mill Farm, Machen. Find out more here.
Beach party
Blackwood Beach Party will transform the High Street into an urban beach party with plentiful sand, deckchairs and buckets and spades to keep the whole family entertained. A large number of funfair rides will be at one end of the high street with stalls, attractions and a giant beach taking over the other end.
There will also be a feature stage with a full entertainment programme all day incorporating local singers, bands and dance acts. The beach party is coming to town on July 8. Find out more here.
The Little Cheese Festival
Caerphilly’s Little Cheese Festival will take place in the town centre. The event will host a number of music performances from local and headline acts and music areas throughout Cardiff Road, Castle Court Shopping Centre and a central stage in Twyn Car Park. There will also be numerous food and drink stalls!
The free event takes place on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3.
Crownload Festival
Crownload festival is s a three day tribute band festival taking over the August bank holiday in Merthyr Tydfil. It will have live music by local talent and take place at Llys Janice Rowlands, Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil between Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27. Find out more here.
