Buildings and Maintenance Manager Phil Sage reflects on his astonishing 50 year career at New Theatre Cardiff. Phil Sage When I look back on my life at the New Theatre Cardiff, it feels impossible that 50 years have passed. In many ways, it feels like yesterday that I was a schoolboy carrying suitcases full of sandwiches into the building for the Welsh National Opera, made by my parents at home. Yet somehow those days turned into decades, and before I knew it, the theatre had

The August issue of The South Wales Magazine is out now and packed with the very best things to see, do, eat and experience across South Wales this summer. From coastal interiors and refreshing gin recommendations to celebrity interviews, family festivals, theatre and travel inspiration. What's Inside the August Issue? Catch of the Day – Coastal Style is Making a Splash Discover how coastal-inspired interiors are transforming homes this summer. Explore the latest trends, col

If your perfect summer day involves great food, live music, and plenty of family fun, then make sure the Caerphilly Cheese Festival is firmly pencilled into your diary. Caerphilly Cheese Festival Returning on 29–30 August 2026, this much-loved festival transforms the heart of Caerphilly into a foodie paradise, celebrating the town’s world-famous cheese while serving up an irresistible mix of entertainment, shopping and delicious local produce. More Than Just Cheese Of course,

Cardiff is set to welcome the 2nd Annual Hip Hop Food Festival on Sunday 26th July at Lo Lounge, Cardiff Bay, bringing together Hip Hop culture, street food, live performances, DJs, breaking, graffiti and independent traders for a unique family-friendly event. Hip Hop Food Festival & DJ Jaffa Organised by SC Collectif in collaboration with Lo Lounge, the Hip Hop Food Festival is Wales' only dedicated festival celebrating Hip Hop culture through music, food, art and community.

Dewslake Farm Camping & Glamping has announced the full line-up for the Growing Wild Family Festival 2026, its end-of-season celebration of music, craft and the great outdoors, returning to the farm on Saturday 5th September 2026, with a warm-up evening on the Friday and a gentle wind-down on the Sunday. Growing Wild Family Festival 2026 Now an established fixture on the Pembrokeshire events calendar, Growing Wild brings together live music, hands-on workshops and family-frie

The award-winning musical phenomenon is back, bringing Roald Dahl's beloved story to Wales Millennium Centre just in time for Christmas. Matilda The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre Families across South Wales have something truly special to look forward to as the internationally acclaimed Matilda The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre from 9 December 2026 to 17 January 2027. Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, the Royal Shakespeare Company's smash-hit p

Safe as Milk is a thought-provoking new exhibition bringing together the work of acclaimed artists Susan Adams, Zena Blackwell and Charlotte Brisland, each offering a unique perspective on the domestic world. The Stall of Openings and Closings, Susan Adams Taking its title from Captain Beefheart's iconic debut album, the exhibition examines the spaces we know best, questioning whether our homes are truly safe havens or places where the uncanny quietly lingers beneath the surf

The award-winning musical sensation Jersey Boys arrives at Wales Millennium Centre from 11–22 August 2026, bringing legendary music, unforgettable performances and one of theatre’s greatest true stories to the Cardiff stage. JerseyBoys May 26 34561 Matt Crockett Get ready to relive the soundtrack of a generation as the internationally acclaimed Jersey Boys arrives at Wales Millennium Centre as part of its spectacular 20th Anniversary UK and Ireland Tour. Having captivated mor

After dazzling West End audiences and becoming the hottest musical of summer 2025, Burlesque: A BIG New Musical is bringing its glamour, glitter and powerhouse vocals to Wales Millennium Centre this September. Burlesque: A BIG New Musical coming to Wales Millennium Centre Get ready to step into a world where sequins sparkle, feathers fly and dreams take centre stage. Burlesque: A BIG New Musical arrives in Cardiff from 1–5 September, promising one of the most exciting theatre

The iconic coming-of-age story that inspired generations is stepping onto the stage as The Karate Kid – The Musical arrives at Wales Millennium Centre from 28 July to 1 August. The Karate Kid – The Musical arrives at Wales Millennium Centre One of the most beloved films of the 1980s has been transformed into a thrilling new theatrical spectacular. Combining breathtaking choreography, a powerful new score and the timeless story that captured hearts around the world, The Karate

There are few sitcoms as beloved as Fawlty Towers, and few comedy classics that inspire such fierce loyalty from audiences more than 50 years after they first appeared on television. Bringing such an iconic series to the stage is no small task, but this production at Wales Millennium Centre succeeds brilliantly, delivering what can only be described as a love letter to the fans that gets every detail exactly right. Mia Austen and Danny Bayne. Credit Hugo Glendinning Adapted f

As Fawlty Towers prepares to check into the Wales Millennium Centre this month, Joanne Clifton is stepping into one of British comedy’s most beloved roles. The 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion and member of one of Britain’s best-known dancing families takes on the role of Polly in John Cleese’s stage adaptation of the iconic sitcom. John Cleese’s stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers Born into a family of champion dancers, with parents Keith and Judy Clifton and brother Kevin

This summer, The Bodyguard The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre for a limited run from 20–25 July 2026, bringing with it star casting, theatrical spectacle and the unmistakable legacy of one of cinema’s most beloved stories. The Bodyguard The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre Few stage musicals manage to combine blockbuster romance, edge-of-your-seat drama and a soundtrack packed with era-defining hits quite like The Bodyguard. A Hollywood story reimagined

Get ready for one of the biggest and best events in the British agricultural calendar as the Royal Welsh Show makes its much-anticipated return to Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, from Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd July 2026. Royal Welsh Show 2026 Every summer, thousands of visitors head to the heart of Mid-Wales for four unforgettable days celebrating the very best of Welsh and British agriculture and 2026 promises to be bigger, brighter and more exciting than ever. From world-class

Comedy fans are in for a treat when John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play checks in for a laugh-out-loud stay at Wales Millennium Centre. John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play is heading to Wales Millennium Centre Nearly 50 years after it first burst onto television screens, one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms is back, this time live on stage. John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers – The Play is heading to Wales Millennium Centre from 23–27 June 2026, bringing timeless comedy, unfo

Tucked away on a private peninsula in North Wales, Portmeirion is a place where imagination and landscape blend seamlessly. In 2026, this iconic destination celebrates a remarkable milestone with the Gŵyl Portmeirion Festival, marking 100 years since it first opened its gates. The Portmeirion Festival 2026 Few places in Wales capture the imagination quite like Portmeirion. Perched on a stunning peninsula overlooking the shimmering Dwyryd Estuary, this extraordinary Italianate

The world-renowned Hay Festival returns to Hay-on-Wye from 21–31 May 2026, with eleven unforgettable days of ideas, stories and inspiration. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, visitors can dive into a vibrant programme packed with thought-provoking talks, live performances and cultural experiences. Hay Festival 2026 Writers, readers, thinkers and dreamers gather once more at Hay Festival on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National

If you’re looking for the must-do family event of the summer, then look no further than the enchanting Between The Trees Festival, 27-30 August 2026. Between the Trees Festival Returning for the August bank holiday weekend, this much-loved micro-festival transforms the beautiful surroundings of Candleston Woods into a four-day celebration of music, creativity, nature and togetherness. From August 27 to 30, families, friends and festival lovers will gather in a stunning 100-ac

The UK’s best value rock festival is back and this year’s Steelhouse Festival is shaping up to be bigger, louder and more unforgettable than ever. Steel Panther Set high up a mountain with unbeatable views and an electric atmosphere, the stage is ready to welcome some serious rock royalty. Leading the charge are glam-metal legends Steel Panther, bringing their trademark high-energy show, alongside Californian favourites Ugly Kid Joe, who know exactly how to fire up a crowd. W

This year marks 40 years of discovery at Techniquest, the UK’s first purpose-built science discovery centre. To celebrate the occasion, they’re introducing a new Premium Pass giving you the freedom to visit all-year round, including during the school holidays! Techniquest founder Professor John Beetlestone demonstrates the Bernoulli Blower exhibit for television in the late 1980s. The exhibit helps to explain how aeroplanes fly and is still much-loved today! The best part? Th