The Tafwyl Festival returns to the Welsh capital this weekend for two days of live music, theatre, comedy, activities, food, drink and plenty more.
The mass of attractions can be overwhelming, so we've put together a handy guide covering everything there and how to see them in order to get the most out of the event.
One of the best things about Tafwyl is it's free! You don't need to book tickets for the main event in Cardiff Castle.
Read more: Stereophonics and Tom Jones in Cardiff - Stage times, banned items, road closures, support and more
When is it?
The Tafwyl fringe week has been going on all this week, with events taking place until Friday, June 17.
The Tafwyl festival is on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
Where is it being held?
The festival returns this year to Cardiff Castle.
How do I get there?
Cardiff is packed with events over the weekend of June 18-19, including Tom Jones and the Stereophonics at the Principality Stadium, therefore parking might be more difficult than usual.
However, there are still options:
- Sophia Gardens pay and display, CF11 9FH (this will have event day parking, which costs £15)
- John Lewis car park, CF10 1EG
- St David's car park, CF10 2EN
- North Road Pay and display, CF10 3DU
Note that road closures will be in place due to the Principality Stadium concerts. Read more about those here.
Public transport
Many Cardiff buses will have diversions in place also, with regular stops moved due to the city centre road closures - see the detail for your bus service, here.
Or, just slightly further down the road is the train station, around a ten-minute walk.
Music
If you're heading to the Castle for some music then you're in for a treat. The Main Stage will be featuring artists such as: Saturday headliners, indie-rock band Sŵnami, hailing from Dolgellau; Sunday Headliners: rock group Yws Gwynedd - who promise to be playing new material in 2022 - and post-punk band Adwaith from Carmarthen.
Elsewhere, more artists can be found on Y Sgubor, such as Saturday headlines Bwncath and Sunday headlines Blodau Papur. Additionally, a third stage, Yurt T, will be supporting up-and-coming Welsh artists. Several DJs will also take to the Main Stage throughout the weekend.
Food
Several familiar names will be popping up over the weekend, making for a foodie's heaven inside the castle. Italian, Mexican, Spanish, French and Japanese cuisine can all be expected, as well as gourmet burgers from the Grazing Shed. There's plenty of choice for Vegans, as well as dessert from the fabulous Fablas.
The full list of traders are:
The Grazing Shed - Gourmet burgers made from quality locally sourced Welsh ingredients.
Ffwrnes - Wood-fired Neopolitan style pizzas with Welsh-Italian inspired toppings.
Fablas - Artisan ice cream and sorbets in an assortment of delicious flavours
HOGi HOGi HOGi - Fresh and delicious Hog Roast in fresh-baked rolls.
DeliverRoast - Roast dinner with the trimmings!
Dutty Vegan - Vegan junk food at its finest.
Second Chance Coffee Co - Delicious coffee and warm drinks.
The Bearded Taco - Fresh and delicious international flavours served on handmade corn tortillas.
The Spanish Buffet - Spanish-inspired food with something for the whole family.
Tokyo Nights - Japanese-inspired street food.
The Fritter Shack - Wholesome vegan and veggie food using the finest and freshest ingredients from Wales.
Mr Croquewich - Croque Monsieur-style grilled cheese sandwiches crammed full of homemade fillings.
Drinking
The Main Bar is where you'll find a variety of beer, lager, wines, spirits and soft drinks, all being run by the Steadman Brothers. Additionally, the festival beer 'Cwrw Tafwyl' will be returning again this year. The beer on tap will be by Glamorgan Brewery and Thatcher's cider. There’ll be a re-usable cup scheme in all of the Tafwyl bars this year. Pay £1 for a cup and re-use it all day.
For those who enjoy a cider, look out for the brand new Cider Garden which will provide the perfect place to sit and enjoy your pint. The area, sponsored by Thatchers, will allow cider lovers to try their new summer flavours.
And of course, the gin lovers won't be forgotten, with the Gin Bar returning in 2022.
Shopping
Tawfyl is welcoming several Welsh stalls inside the Castle, packed with plenty to keep you occupied during the weekend. 26 traders including artists such as MythsnTits, Katherine Jones Artist, jewellers like Rhian Kate, and clothing designers Elin Manon Ltd will all be available to browse throughout the weekend.
Kids
Not to say the children won't enjoy the music and food, but for those who want to get a bit more involved, try the Bwrlwm! Play area. Activities including science workshops, Hula-hooping, comedy sessions, arts and crafts and singing are all taking place to keep the little ones entertained.
If you're looking to help inmove your child's Welsh language skills, head to the Mudiad Meithrin Tent which has plenty of activities and learning support for little ones and their parents.
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