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The South Wales Magazine


Best Halloween Events in South Wales 2026
From spooky adventures to terrifying Halloween experiences, here’s your guide to the best Halloween events across South Wales this year. Halloween Spooktacular at Wales Millennium Centre Halloween Spooktacular OCT 31 📍 Wales Millennium Centre ORCHESTRAL MUSIC Expect spine tingling moments, big orchestral sound, and plenty of fun as the orchestra conjures up ghosts, goblins and grins. Dressing up is part of the fun, so pop on your best costume. Ages 2 and over. 🌐 wmc.org.uk


A week of free Halloween family fun is coming to Mermaid Quay this half-term
Families looking for ways to keep the children entertained this October half-term can enjoy six days of free Halloween fun at Mermaid Quay, with spooky workshops, face painting, a Halloween trail and plenty of treats along the way. Halloween fun at Mermaid Quay Running from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October, from 11am–4pm, the Cardiff Bay waterfront destination will host a different activity each day, alongside a Halloween Haunt Trail inviting families to explore Mermaid Quay


A winter wonderland awaits at Margam Country Park
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland this Christmas as Luminate returns to Margam Country Park with dazzling new installations, interactive adventures and plenty of festive magic. Luminate returns to Margam Country Park As darkness falls, the historic park will be transformed by more than 120,000 lights, creating an enchanting after-dark experience for all ages. Luminate began at Margam Country Park in 2019 and has since welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors nationwide.


See the world from a whole new perspective at Techniquest
See Earth as you’ve never seen it before, as Gaia lands at Techniquest alongside spooky science and after-hours fun. The Slime Lab at Techniquest Cardiff Bay’s science centre has unveiled Gaia, a mesmerising six-metre artwork of the Earth by acclaimed artist Luke Jerram. Offering a spectacular new perspective on our planet, the installation invites visitors to experience Earth as astronauts see it from space. Take in the intricate detail of its surface while listening to an a


Scream Time returns to haunt Margam Country Park
Things are going bump in the night at Margam Country Park once again, as Scream Time returns with more scare actors, sinister new routes and some seriously creepy characters waiting in the darkness. Scream Time at Margam Country Park Ghosts, ghouls, witches and zombies are taking over the atmospheric Port Talbot estate this Halloween – and they’re bringing chainsaws, evil clowns and a few demons along for the ride. Now in its third year, Scream Time transforms Margam’s gothic


Swansea Comic Con Returns to LC2 with a Spooky Twist!
Get ready for a packed day of superheroes, movie magic, gaming, cosplay and spooky surprises as Stars of Time Comic Con returns to The LC, Swansea. Swansea Comic Con Fans will have the chance to meet Dani Harmer, best known as the iconic Tracy Beaker from CBBC’s The Story of Tracy Beaker, alongside Ross Mullan, whose impressive screen credits include Game of Thrones and Doctor Who. Also some seriously impressive displays are heading to Swansea. Come face-to-face with a terri


Book now for Matilda The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre this Christmas
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


The tastiest weekend of Summer
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,


Discover six weeks of free family fun at Mermaid Quay this summer
Families are invited to make the most of the school summer holidays at Mermaid Quay, as the waterfront destination launches six weeks of free, nature-inspired family activities designed to entertain, inspire and spark children's curiosity about the world around them. Mermaid Quay Cardiff Bay Running every Thursday from 23 July to 27 August, Tacoma Square will be transformed into an interactive outdoor adventure, where families can enjoy storytelling, creative crafts and hands


Wales' Only Dedicated Hip Hop Food Festival Returns to Cardiff Bay
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.


10 Reasons to Visit The Royal Mint Experience this summer
Looking for a family day out that's fun, fascinating and a little different? The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant Just a short drive from Cardiff and Swansea, The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes adventure where history, technology and treasure come together. Here's why it deserves a place on your summer bucket list... 1. See millions of coins being made Ever wondered where the coins in your pocket come from? See the factory i


Safe as Milk: An Exhibition That Explores the Hidden Side of Home
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


Jersey Boys Comes to Cardiff This August
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


There’s lots of fun to be had at Plantasia this summer
Step through the doors of Plantasia Tropical Zoo, and be immersed in an awe-inspiring rainforest bursting with life, sound and colour. Plantasia Swansea With winding jungle paths, cascading waterfalls and the warmth of a real tropical climate, every turn at Plantasia offers a new discovery for curious explorers of all ages. A brand new room - enter if you dare! Plantasia is excited to welcome general admission visitors to the new Vital Venoms & Practical Poisons room! Go and


Burlesque: A BIG New Musical Comes to Cardiff This September
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 Karate Kid The Musical coming to Wales Millennium Centre this summer
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


Joanne Clifton: From the Ballroom to Britain’s Most Chaotic Hotel
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


Don't miss the Royal Welsh Show 2026
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


Visit the Portmeirion Festival 2026
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


Hay Festival 2026: The Must-Visit Cultural Event of the Year
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
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