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All Features
The South Wales Magazine


The best Easter days out in South Wales
Easter in South Wales is bursting with egg-cellent attractions the whole family will love. Folly Farm Go wild at Folly Farm Easter is the perfect excuse to dust off the picnic blanket, grab the kids and make some memories at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire. Part farm, part zoo, part amusement park, it’s a one-stop adventure that keeps little (and big) ones entertained from morning to evening. Spring brings the farm to life, fluffy lambs, bouncing bunnies, and a host of animals th


Claire Sweeney’s Wickedly Fabulous Cardiff Takeover
Get ready Cardiff, stage and screen favourite Claire Sweeney is bringing her deliciously devious Miss Hannigan to the capital when ANNIE arrives at the WMC from 7 July for a limited two-week run. Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan. Beloved by generations, Annie is the ultimate feel-good family musical, and this new UK and Ireland tour promises all the sparkle, sass and heart that have made it a global sensation. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York, the story follows brave


Don't miss Under Milk Wood at Sherman Theatre this spring
“To begin at the beginning…” Few opening lines are as instantly recognisable or as richly woven into Welsh cultural identity as those from Under Milk Wood. Under Milk Wood in the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff Theatr Clwyd brings Dylan Thomas’s lyrical masterpiece back to the stage in a bold new production at Sherman Theatre from 30 April to 9 May 2026, promising humour, heartbreak and a beautifully eccentric portrait of Welsh life. Directed by Kate Wasserberg, the production inv


Cardiff Speed Puzzle Championship: My First Attempt at Speed-Puzzling
There are hobbies you do to relax and then there are hobbies you suddenly attempt under pressure, surrounded by strangers, a ticking clock and the creeping realisation that two hours disappears far faster than you ever imagined. That’s how I found myself staring down at 500 scattered cardboard pieces at Cardiff’s first ever speed-puzzling championship. Competing in the UKJPA Speed Puzzle Championship Cardiff 2026 Hosted at Cardiff City House of Sport, the buzzing event brough


Buddy, the biggest rock & roll musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
Mega-smash musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre from 14-17 May 2026. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story comes to Wales Millennium Centre Buddy – the original ‘jukebox’ musical – has enjoyed phenomenal success, playing a record-breaking 4,900 performances over 614 weeks on tour in the UK and Ireland, as well as 5,822 performances over 728 weeks in London’s West End. Featuring a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, Buddy presents two terrific hou


All New Priscilla! Bigger, Bolder and More Fabulous Than Ever
Dust off the sequins and prepare to party, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is strutting into the Wales Millennium Centre this spring in a glittering, feel-good spectacular you won’t want to miss. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical is at Wales Millennium Centre Celebrating 30 fabulous years since the iconic film first captured hearts, this dazzling new UK and Ireland tour promises bigger laughs, bolder costumes and more sparkle than ever before. Based on the


Upside Down House comes to Cardiff
Cardiff is no stranger to bold new openings, but this spring the city is quite literally turning things on its head. Upside Down House, Cardiff Upside Down House UK is bringing its gravity-defying experience to Cardiff, making it the brand’s very first Welsh location and adding a playful new landmark to the capital’s ever-evolving visitor scene. Opening on Queen Street, the attraction places itself firmly at the heart of the action, just moments from Cardiff Castle, the bustl


The spy novel that changed everything, now live on stage
Secrets, lies, moral compromise, John le Carré’s world of espionage finally steps out of the shadows and onto the stage in a gripping new production of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Ralf Little stars in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, at Wales Millennium Centre For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré, the undisputed master of the modern spy genre whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager, is brought to life in a thrilling stage


Have a blast at Techniquest this February
Cardiff Bay's much-loved science discovery centre will be open 9am–6pm every day this February half-term so there's even more time for families to get blown away by science. Cardiff Bay's Techniquest As well as three floors packed with curious exhibits and creative activities, you can catch Bubbles and Blasts — a live science show with mega bubbles that float, glow in the dark, and even pack an explosive punch! Or you can get hands-on with a workshop in the lab, where you can


Lee Mead takes on the role of Barnum
More than 30 years ago, a teenage Lee Mead stood in a school hall in Southend-on-Sea, playing the Ringmaster in Barnum, quietly dreaming of the day he might lead the show himself. Now, at 44, that dream has come full circle as he steps into the spotlight as P.T. Barnum for a major new UK tour of the classic musical. Lee Mead plays the Ringmaster in Barnum at Wales Millennium Centre When Lee Mead was around 13 or 14 he appeared in a school production of Barnum in his home town


Laurel & Hardy back on the big screen
One hundred years after they first made audiences roar with laughter, Laurel & Hardy return to the big screen in spectacular style. The Laurel & Hardy Centenary Tour celebrates the birth of their legendary partnership with newly restored films, live improvised piano music and expert insight. Laurel & Hardy Centenary Tour at Swansea Grand Theatre Laurel & Hardy, arguably the most important and influential comedy partnership of all time, will be celebrated in 2026 with a new 10


The Red Shoes coming to Wales Millennium Centre in March
The double Olivier Award-winning smash hit, Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes, comes to Wales Millennium Centre, 3–7 March 2026. Photography by Johan Persson Step into a world where ambition burns bright, passion is unstoppable and every step could change a life. Matthew Bourne’s stunning production of The Red Shoes comes to Cardiff, bringing the legendary Powell and Pressburger film to spellbinding life on stage. Photography by Johan Persson This is a story of ob


The Steps Musical Brings pure pop joy to Cardiff
If your idea of a perfect night out includes glittering harmonies, euphoric dance breaks and the irresistible pull of late-90s pop nostalgia, then Here & Now is about to become your new favourite musical. Here and Now Musical at Wales Millennium Centre Arriving at Wales Millennium Centre in February, this brand-new stage spectacular takes the iconic songs of Steps, one of Britain’s biggest pop phenomena, and transforms them into a vibrant, feel-good celebration of friendship,


Michael Sheen talks about his new play and plans or Welsh National Theatre
In an exclusive interview, Michael Sheen discusses why he chose Swansea Grand for Our Town, how the play resonates with Welsh audiences and his vision for the Welsh National Theatre. Michael Sheen Why did you decide to bring Our Town to Swansea Grand, do you think the play will resonate with Welsh audiences today? I originally wanted to do the play in order for Francesca Goodridge, who’s directing it, to direct on a bigger stage. So that’s what came first, wanting to work wit


The Best Christmas Shows, Pantos & Performances in South Wales
From pantomimes to festive theatre, discover the must-see Christmas shows across Cardiff, Swansea, and the Valleys. Elf the Musical at Gwyn Hall 2 - 6 Dec Elf The Musical Gwyn Hall, Neath gwynhall.com Based on the beloved film, this hilarious comedy follows Buddy the Elf to find his true identity. This holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. Until 3 Jan The Frog Prince Sherman Theatre, Cardiff shermantheatre.co.uk Packed with songs, laughter, and mag


Christmas in Cardiff 2025 – Shows, Ice Skating & Festive Fun
Your complete guide to Christmas in Cardiff, including markets, events, festive food and top winter experiences. Cardiff Winter Wonderland Until 4 Jan Cardiff Winter Wonderland Cardiff Castle/City Hall Gardens Featuring the much-loved undercover ice-rink and Ice Walk, the Big Wheel and family funfair, Alpine ski-lodge bar (Sur la Piste), plus festive food and drink stalls and a whole host of other attractions. Winter Wonderland is always at the heart of Cardiff’s seasonal cel


Meet Santa in South Wales – The Best Santa Grottos for Christmas 2025
Your guide to the most magical Santa grottos, Father Christmas experiences, and festive meet-and-greets in South Wales. The Royal Mint Christmas Experience Until 23 Dec The Royal Mint Christmas Experience The Royal Mint Experience, Llantrisant royalmint.com Coin collectors, Christmas fans and little believers unite! Meet Santa and his elves as you journey through a sparkling workshop where Christmas traditions are brought to life, starting with the story of a single coin. Ex


Christmas in Swansea 2025 – Your Ultimate Festive Guide
Explore the best Christmas events, festive attractions and seasonal activities happening across Cardiff this holiday season. Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Until 24 Dec Santa’s Grotto at Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Three Crosses, Swansea It doesn’t get more Christmassy than this. Wander through a twinkling Winter Wonderland filled with talking trees, cheeky elves, and even polar bears before meeting Santa himself for a special gift. You can also feed real reind


Best Christmas Events in South Wales 2025 – Magical Days Out for All the Family
Discover the top festive events, Christmas days out, and family-friendly activities happening across South Wales this holiday season. Tower Grotto at Zip World in Aberdare 21 Nov - 24 Dec Tower Grotto Zip World, Aberdare Start with a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, then visit the grotto to meet Santa himself! Receive a special Welsh slate bauble to decorate, write a letter to Santa and take home a special gift, suitable for all ages. zipworld.co.uk 21 Nov - 4 Jan


5 Magical reasons to visit Cardiff This Christmas
With the festive season in full swing, we are all thinking about our favourite Christmas activities. To help you plan your Christmas and get in the festive spirit, Visit Cardiff have come up with the top 5 reasons to visit. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk 1. Ice-skating in the grounds of a Castle Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns to the historic Castle. Located in the Public Square, it boasts the spectacular backdrop of the Norman Kee
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