Make the most of the three-day break with your loved ones
15 things you really should do and see inWales during August Bank Holiday weekend 2019
SUMMER’S drawing to a close but it’s not over quite yet. There are still a couple of weeks before the children head back to school and normality reigns once again - and there’s also the three-day August Bank Holiday weekend to look forward to.
So let’s make the most of it with these brilliant things to do and see in Wales from Saturday, August 24 to Monday, August 26 .
1. PRIDE CYMRU
The annual celebration of equality and diversity is back for three days of partying.
There will be four stages, a milelong parade, street food, cabaret, funfair rides and do much more. Among those putting in an appearance will be Gok Wan and headliners Texas. Where and when: City Hall Lawns, Cardiff from Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25
Details: Visit https://www.pridecymru.com/
2. THE JUNGLE BOOK OUTDOOR CINEMA
An experience not to be missed is this outdoor cinema showing of the Disney classic The Jungle Book.
Follow the adventures of Mowglie as he explores the world with his friend Baloo the bear, facing plenty of struggles along the way.
Underneath the stars, it’s the perfect family film for all to watch, with plenty of classic songs to sing along to.
Get your cosiest blankets or a nice camping chair ready, the film will start shortly after sunset.
It’s one of many alfresco cinema events in Wales this summer. Click on the link below for more details.
Where and when: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Saturday, August 24
Details: Visit https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/
3. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY OUTDOOR CINEMA
If you’re a fan of Queen then you might prefer this outdoor cinema experience.
For there’s going to be an alfresco showing of Bohemian Rhapsody.
There will be food, snacks, a bar and music all on offer before the film gets started. The gates open at 6.30pm Where and when: Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli on Sunday, August 25. Details: You can see more about the event here
4. RHYL AIR SHOW
The Rhyl Air Show is a great way to enjoy the sunshine and see some great entertainment.
If you missed the Swansea Air Show when it came to town, then what better excuse to head north for a couple of days of fun? Rhyl features some of the best aerial performers from around the world to perform truly jaw-dropping stunts
This year, they will welcome the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon team who make their debut appearance in such an event – but regulars the Red Arrows won’t be there are they are touring North America.
The event is free and expected to welcome thousands of people with more than 20 displays taking place over the two afternoons.
Where and when: Rhyl Promenade on Saturday, August 24 & Sunday, August 25
Details: Visit the Rhyl Air Show web page
5. ANNIE
The smash-hit production returns to Cardiff direct from the West End and stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan.
Where and when: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff until Saturday, August 31 Details: Visit https://www.wmc.
org.uk
6. BIG FAMILY RACE DAY
Meet giant dinosaurs and enjoy free fun fair rides at this Big Family Race Day – and youn g people and children aged 17 and under get in free.
As well as the seven horse races, there will be plenty of entertainment, including giat dinosaurs on show, in the Jurassic Marquee (which will also feature giant dinosaur eggs, jungle plants, dinosaur bones, hatching dinosaur eggs and ranger training), bungee trampolines, mini p and a monster truck ride as well as a dance zone. Where and when: Chepstow Racecourse on Monday, August 26. Details: Visit https://www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/
7 . FANTASY LEGO CREATURES
Cardiff Bay is now home to giant mythical Lego creatures, including a unicorn - and you can see them for free.
BRICKLIVE Fantasy Kingdom has opened at Mermaid Quay and you can view nine models which have been made from a total of almost 750,000 Lego bricks – that’s seriously impressive stuff.
The display also features an 11ft fire-breathing dragon and two hunting wolves as well as a wizard, princess, knight and huntswoman.
Collectively the models took more than 2,000 hours to build.
At the heart of the display is a throne on which visitors can sit and take selfies.
Where and when: Tacoma Square, Cardiff Bay until Sunday, September 1
8. CARDIFF BAY BEACH
Cardiff Bay Beach has returned to Roald Dahl Plass this summer - but it won’t be around for much longer.
The urban beach has become a hit in the Bay in recent years and is expected to attract a quarter of a million people to the Cardiff waterfront.
The beach features a giant childfriendly sandy beach, a shallow water play area, a variety of rides and games, a giant wheel with views across the bay, free live entertainment, great food and drink, and traditional deck chairs for visitors to chill out in the summer sun.
Where and when: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay until Sunday, September 1 Details: Visit cardiffbaybeach.
co.uk
9. WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIP
This event is back for it’s 34th year and is expected to again bring competitors from all over the globe.
The time to beat from last year is 1 minute 18 seconds and belongs to world-record holder Neil Rutter.
The event is easily accessible and certain to be a great laugh for visitors, even if taking the muddy plunge doesn’t appeal to you. There will be lots of food and drink, real ale and
cider and even a bouncy castle for the kids.
Online entry to this Lonely Planet top 50 event closes seven days beforehand, Where and when: Llanwrtyd Wells on Sunday, August 25 Details: Visit https://radseason. com/
10. DISCOVER THE SECRET LIFE OF SNAKES
Discover the slithering, secret life of snakes with the family-friendly exhibition, Snakes!
Find out more about these extraordinary creatures in the summer exhibition which delves into the captivating life of snakes, bringing to light their beauty, mystery and amazing story of where and how they live.
You will come face to face with live specimens, including a boa constrictor and a royal python, learn about the importance of conservation and discover what life is like in countries where encounters with deadly snakes are a daily occurrence.
Objects on display include a Burmese python skeleton, preserved snakes and award-winning photographs of snakes from around the world.
There will be fun interactive displays for all ages including snake puzzles and a quiz. You can even find out what snake weight you are.
While your inside the museum, make the most of visiting some of the other displays too – including some
cracking dinosaurs.
Where and when: National Museum Cardiff until Sunday, September 16 Details: Visit museum.wales/cardiff
11. BALLOON ART FIESTA
Inspired by all things wild and wonderful and created by balloon artist Doctor Bob Balloons Unlimited, the balloon sculptures are bound to form an eye-catching display.
There’s also a free sculpture trail from 11am and 6pm each day as part of the celebrations. Where and when: The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay until Monday, August 26.
12. MARVEL’S AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. in St David’s shopping centre
This multi-room exhibition Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. offers fans of all ages the opportunity to delve into the super-workings and backstory of each Avenger as they train to become an agent of the S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
S.T.A.T.I.O.N. is an acronym for Science Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, and is where you can step inside the popular films and become part of the Marvel Universe, whether trying to lift Thor’s Hammer or taking a sneak peek at Bruce Banner’s Lab.
As part of their training, fans have the opportunity to interact with props and costumes straight from the big screen, so what are you waiting for, your mission awaits.
Where and when: St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff and it runs until Sunday, October 6.
13. CASTELL ROC FESTIVAL
It’s the final weekend of this summer festival which has been taking place this month at Chepstow Castle.
It comes to a close during the August Bank Holiday weekenhd with performances from Reef (Saturday), Elvis tribute Ben Portsmouth (Sunday) and a huge comm,unity celebnration (Monday). Where and when: Chepstow Castle until Monday, August 26.
Details: Visit the Castell Roc website
14. VICTORIAN FESTIVAL
It’s 200 years since the birth of Queen Victoria and to mark the milestone, there’s a festival in Wales celebrating the second longestreigning monarch.
Highlights during the August Bank Holiday weekend include a vintage and classic car display and a Roaring ‘20s party (Saturday) and a Suffragette demonstration, torchlight procession and firework display (Sunday). Where and when: Venues in Llandrindod Wells until Sunday, August 25. Details: Visit https://www.victorian-festival.co.uk/
15. MARGAM MODEL BOAT CLUB SHOW
Model boats of all shapes and sizes will be on show during the August Bank Holiday weekend – and there will be demonstrations too.
Where and when: Margam Country Park, Port Talbot from Saturday, August 24 to Monday, August 26.
Details: Visit http://www.margamcountrypark.co.uk/