Buzz August 2018 Edition

WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2018

Summer Daze The best things to do and see as you soak up the sun

PUSSY RIOT | ANNA CALVI | CARDIFF CITY FC | SIMPLE MINDS | ANT MIDDLETON ART | CULTURE | MUSIC | FILM | FOOD+DRINK | S P O R T | L I F E S T Y L E | L I S T I N G S

#trocksuk

DANCE CONSORTIUM YN CYFLWYNO / PRESENTS

HHHHH “All hail the drag queens of ballet! They are drop-dead fabulous and an international treasure” THE STAGE

“Tutu delicious!”

THE SUNDAY TIMES

wmc.org.uk

029 2063 6464 Mae croeso i chi gysylltu â ni yn Gymraeg

HYDREF 16 & 17 OCTOBER 2018

www.DanceConsortium.com

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buzz... publisher EMMA CLARK editor FEDOR TOT listings/music editor NOEL GARDNER advertising EMMA CLARK Buzz TV JAYDON MARTIN accounts TERESA CLARK sales/social media CHARLIE COTTRELL design LEMONDOGCREATIVE.UK contributors JOE ALI, CHRIS ANDREWS, BROOKE ASHLEIGH, COREY AUNGER, KARLA BRADING, ELERI CROSSLAND, ELISHIA DAVIES, JOHNPAUL DAVIES, ROSS DAWSON, JOEL DAY, EMILY D’SOUZA, CHLOË EDWARDS, JUSTIN EVANS, DAFYDD HAINE, ELOUISE HOBBS, RACHAEL HUTCHINGS, JASON MACHLAB, CARL MARSH, FILIZ MEHMEDOVA, LYNDA NASH, DAVID NOBAKHT, GARETH PIERCE, CHARLIE PIERCEY, CAMPBELL PROSSER, ALISON POWELL, FFION RIORDAN-JONES, OWEN SCOURFIELD, CHRIS SEAL, LEWIS SMITH, WILL STEEN, ALEX SWIFT, MEGAN THOMAS, MARK TIMLIN, SOPHIE WILLIAMS, BEN WOOLHEAD phone number 029 2022 6767 general enquiries info@buzzmag.co.uk editorial editorial@buzzmag.co.uk listings listings@buzzmag.co.uk accounts accounts@buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ MAGAZINE 220C Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY published EAC PUBLISHING contents GREEN MAN - MORGAN DEVINE cover CROWN COPYRIGHT 2018 VISIT WALES

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“One of the most popular nocturnal animals around – bats”

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A healthy mixture of local icons (footballer Sol Bamba, writers Crystal Jeans and Dan Tyte), icons from elsewhere with a strange local following (Larry & His Flask) and dozens of things to do if you want to go somewhere nice this summer while also ‘staying local’

august 2018 53lifestyle

Things that you can take with you into the deep countryside that don’t have a plug and which will help you stay alive by enabling you to eat, sleep, find your way to civilisation etc

34film

54sport

36food&drink

57listings

40previews

78competitions

It would be good if, at some point between now and this magazine’s last issue (November, 2904 AD), someone made a movie version of Hansel & Gretel, so Keiron Self could do a joke using his favourite film-critic phrase, ‘chewing the scenery’. I mean, there’s a live-action Winnie The Pooh film out this month so all bets are off

People Are Realising That The Name Of This Beachside Pop-Up Restaurant Two Anchors Sounds A Bit Like ‘Two Wankers’ And We Can’t Even

BayArt, Ben Okri, Beth McColl, Blawan, Brecon Jazz.

Sean Paul, Sieiloc, Sir Coxsone, Sloe Gin. Tongues, Tuff London. Festival Of Stitch, Freedom Of Movement. Ceri Dupree, Gasper Nali, Hub Festival, Imarhan, Lost Ports Of Wales, N-Trance

Following our profile of Welsh Premier football behemoths The New Saints in the July issue, here’s a guide to the domestic season starting this month that’s not only Cardiff City-free (because they’re featured elsewhere) but also gives the WPL its due. Will we be keeping this up in coming months? Er, no idea pal sorry

Worst band names in this issue: Alien Stash Tin, Slave To Misery, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Sonic Gypsy, Nothing Too Heavy

I reviewed, in this very issue, the book No Good Brother that’s up for grabs here, and recommend it. Indeed, I consider myself to be sticking up for the little guy, as everything else on this page is of far greater monetary value

48reviews

If you count the two members of Underworld as being from Wales (one actually is and the other began his music career while living in Cardiff), this month’s singles section is an all-Welsh lineup – a first, I believe. Other nations are available, they just don’t send us many singles nowadays

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www.buzzmag.co.uk BUZZ 3

Three ways to watch the Bluebirds in action: Buy a Season Ticket before Newcastle Utd on 18 August. Guarantee your seat for all 19 exciting home games. Adults from £399, or £21 per game, saving £152 over the season.* Select a Flex5 Match Bundle to suit you! Choose two games from Category A and three from Category B or C. Adults from £120 or £24 per game.** Pick a match. Tickets are limited. First five fixtures on sale now to Club Members.

Adult tickets from £25 per game.***

The clock is ticking! cardiffcityfc.co.uk/tickets Other concessions and corporate and hospitality packages are available.

All prices are Zone 4 Adult tickets. *Season Ticket vs general sale prices. **Average price per game over the Flex5 Match Bundle. ***Club Membership price for a Cat C fixture.

#CITYASONE

What’s on our radar this month BEEP (Biennial Exhibition of Painting)

Launched in 2012, Swansea’s BEEP is an international celebration and competition for emerging and established artists, comprising painting exhibitions, symposiums, film productions and workshops. Around 110 local and international artists are set to exhibit this year, with a number of collaborative works likely to be highlights. Meridian: Contemporary Chinese Works On Paper is a case in point, arising from exchanges between Welsh and Chinese artists.

Five contemporary artists also come together to exhibit paintings at Galerie Simpson: Angela de la Cruz, Sarah Pickstone, Andrea Ruthi, Anne Ryan and Stephen Snoddy, whilst elsewhere, Cinema & Co will feature Amy Goldring’s exhibition, Journeys. The above, of course, is just scratching the surface of what’s available at BEEP this year, with many of the city’s vibrant galleries joining in.

Various locations, Swansea, Fri 3 Aug-Sat 1 Sept Admission: free Info: www.beeppainting.com

TRACES-OLION

Traces is an exciting new way of discovering all of St Fagans’ hidden gardens, revealing the stories and archival work behind the Welsh history museum. Traces is an interactive storytelling piece, along the lines AR, which you download before arriving, needing only headphones to enjoy.

National History Museum, St Fagans.

Admission: free / Info: museum.wales

CASTELL ROC

EXTREME SAILING SERIES

More often than not, the only taste of excitement the tame waters of Cardiff Bay get is of the Aquabus taking passengers to Bute Park. This month, however, strap yourselves in for some exhilarating aqua sport action as the Extreme Sailing Series returns to Cardiff this August bank holiday weekend. The event features a free-to-enter fanzone that offers front-row seats to the action along and a whole host of onshore events, including storytelling, arts, crafts, and more as part of the weekend-long festival. The 2018 Extreme Sailing season comes to an end in Cardiff, with the 2018 champion to be decided on the day.

Cardiff Bay, Fri 24-Mon 27 Aug. Admission: free.

Info: www.extremesailingseries.com

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Known for its wide variety of shows and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Castell Roc offers plenty of events catering for all tastes in the setting of Chepstow Castle. This year’s lineup includes Alabama 3 (Fri 17 Aug) as well as The Magic Of Motown (Fri 24), paying tribute to Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and The Four Tops to name a few. The Dualers (Thurs 30), a nine-piece Jamaican R&B band, also join the lineup, along with tributes to Michael Jackson and Prince (Mon 27) plus Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul Club (Fri 31).

Chepstow Castle, Thurs 16 Aug-Sun 2 Sept Tickets: prices vary / Info: castellroc.co.uk

THIS HOUSE IS A STAGE The top floor of Insole Court is transforming into a permanent exhibition, allowing viewers to experience its vast family history.

This will go all the way back to the coalmines, looking at the very family that lived at Insole Court once upon a time, spanning from their arrival into Cardiff to their departure. The experience is said to be highly dramatic, following the highs and lows of the Insole family, their wealth, status and reputation – from which we can learn lessons by comparing their history with what we know of not only Insole Court, but Cardiff now.

Insole Court, Cardiff. Info: 029 2116 7920 www.insolecourt.org

EISTEDDFOD CARNIVAL – CARNIFAL Y MÔR

Pic: Simon Campbell

With the Eisteddfod coming to Cardiff Bay, the opening weekend of the festival will see a carnival take place along the city’s waterfront, in partnership with the bright and dazzling Butetown Carnival [pictured].

As part of the carnival, the ever-productive Gruff Rhys, coming off the back of new album Babelsberg and No Profit In Pain, written in commemoration of the NHS’s 70th birthday, will premiere a new piece of music which will be played alongside a film being projected onto screens outside the National Assembly.

Cardiff Bay, Sat 4 Aug. Admission: free Info: www.eisteddfod.wales

SATURDAY NIGHT FOREVER/ NOS SADWRN O HYD

1988 saw the introduction of Section 28, which banned the discussion of homosexuality in local authorities and schools.

Thirty years on, a project between Stonewall Cymru and the National Eisteddfod aims to do the opposite by increasing the visibility, presence and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, especially in Welsh language areas. One production aiming to do so is Saturday Night Forever, a Welsh-language play being performed as part of the Eisteddfod, which focuses on protagonist Lee, at the start of a new relationship and temporarily happy. Haunted by the wreckages of past relationships, Lee soon learns the harsh lesson that every Saturday night is followed by the stark reality of Sunday morning, and that nothing lasts forever.

Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sat 4-Tue 7 Aug. Tickets: £10. Info: www.wmc.org.uk

THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN LIVE AGAIN

The minds behind The League Of Gentlemen are back with a long-awaited first live show in over 12 years. The gentlemen are bringing their fictional town setting of Royston Vasey to the stage, along with their demented characters, from Papa Lazarou to Tubbs and Edward. Fortunately, anyone can buy tickets, and it’s not just restricted to local people. The League Of Gentlemen established its prominence in both TV and radio in the late 90s. After series 3 of the TV show aired back in the distant past of 2002, fans were teased with the exciting announcement of three anniversary specials in December 2017. The live show promises to be exactly what fans love about The League Of Gentlemen – outrageously and unapologetically funny and occasionally deeply disturbing.

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Mon 6 + Tue 7 Sept Tickets: £41-£47. Info: www.leagueofgentlemen.live

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Pic: Literature Wales

C R Y S TA L JEANS

Emanating from the rawness and grit of Cardiff at its best, Crystal Jeans has just won Literature Wales’ Book Of The Year Award for second novel Light Switches Are My Kryptonite. She speaks to Fedor Tot. Congratulations! How does it feel to be rewarded for your work?

I feel validated.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was about 20, off and on. But I didn’t start writing seriously until I was 27, roughly. It’s been a long slonk of lots of rejection, and lots of hard work.

Tell us a little bit about the book, Light Switches Are My Kryptonite.

It’s a novel, totally fictional, about a character called Sylvester who has quite chronic OCD, anxiety, a lot of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. It’s about a week in his life where he’s navigating his way through this really horrible time.

How much autobiography, if at all, is in Light Switches?

Not much. There are some superficial elements – you’ve got the character of the dad who’s a drug dealer, and my dad used to grow weed. But the dad is a very different character, my dad was stoned all the time and submissive and this character is quite scary and manly. The protagonist himself has OCD and all these intrusive thoughts, and I don’t have that. But I’ve used the seeds of a few incidents that I’ve had. At various points in the book he gets paranoid that people can read his mind and then as a result he will think of these horrible, pornographic things, which used to happen to me in high school. It never got any worse than that, it didn’t turn into a big thing, it just happened a few times and I got over it. With him, it becomes a big thing. So, I’ve used all my neurotic little seeds and watered them, nourished them and they have grown.

You’ve mentioned Charles Bukowski previously, a notoriously warts-and-all writer, and you’re often like that in your own writing – what attracts you to that style?

I do really love Bukowski and I rate him. I think he’s a horrible person, a massive arsehole, but I love his writing. I kind of relate to him, he wants to see the truth and wants to cut through all the bullshit and be as honest and gross as possible. Also, just away from writing, in my friendship groups we do kind of operate in that really overly honest, possibly embarrassingly way. We think it’s funny, so there’s a part of BUZZ 8

that as well. I do like to cut through the bullshit a bit. Everything is so precious and you read these books and none of the characters go to the toilet! People pick their nose, and they drink tea all day and nobody writes about this! Why? You don’t want to read a whole book full of that, but a little bit, for realism’s sake.

Do you have a third novel on the way or any other interesting work?

I’ve got a collection of short stories coming out next year, although it’s going to be a linked collection of short stories. So, we’re going to try and sell it as a novel. It’s going to be called Homeless Hearthrob, and that’s going to be out next year, spring or summer. I’m currently working on a book about a sham marriage based in the 1920s, between a lesbian and a gay man. That’s been fun to write. I’ve finished it, I’m just editing it.

Where do you see your writing going next? Or are you shooting from the hip and seeing what comes out of it?

I think I am shooting from the hip, like a cowboy. My style has changed so much in the last couple of years, the themes have changed, I’ve gotten all of the autobiographical stuff out of myself so now I’m using my imagination. I don’t really know where it’s going to go.

I’d like to do something epic though. I would like, one day, to write a story in a really straightforward way, without any fancy style. Just very plain English, like George Orwell writes. No tricks, with a good story and good characters. I want to write that one day.

What’s stopping you from doing that right now?

My ego.

How come?

I just can’t help myself. If I can get a really cool simile in there, I’ll do it. I’m getting better now I’m restraining myself. One day, when I’m about 50 maybe. One day.

Light Switches Are My Kryptonite by Crystal Jeans Out now on Honno Press. Price: £8.99. Info: www.honno.co.uk

David O’Doherty You Have to Laugh 08.11.18

One Man Stranger Things 29.09.18

Echo & The Bunnymen The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon 15.10.18

London Philharmonic Orchestra feat. Alondra de la Parra 16.10.18

Ross Noble El Hablador 03.10.18

Mogwai & The Twilight Sad 26.11.18

Levison Wood

Dr John Cooper Clarke & Simon Day 02.12.18

John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra 04.12.18

Journeys Through the Badlands & Beyond

02.11.18

BOOK NOW THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Thur 6 + Fri 7 Sept Tickets: from £35 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

SECRET SPACES: BETHESDA

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY

Elishia Davies chats to Robert Proctor, one of the leading figures in Community Energy Wales, about his aim of getting as many people involved in renewables as possible.

Tell us more about the work you do with Community Energy Wales.

We are a membership organisation for community energy groups across Wales with 70 members. Our overall aim is to support the development of community energy groups across Wales to create an environment for them to thrive in.

What does your latest project YnNi Teg involve?

YnNi Teg is a community project developed by us; it was being developed by a private wind developer and they were running out of time to develop this scheme. They approached us knowing that we might be able to develop it in time, so we decided to take the project on. We had a tight deadline but we managed to get it built in time.

We borrowed money but what we wanted was for the project to be democratically owned. That’s why we launched the community share offer. It enables any businesses or organisations the opportunity to be a part owner of the scheme. That’s what community energy schemes are all about – having control over the schemes you can make decisions about.

Why did you decide to get involved in sustainability work?

I’ve always been interested in the environment and I like being outside.

Climate change is always something I’ve been aware of and I’ve always

BUZZ 10

felt frustrated that our leaders, our government, haven’t always taken it as seriously as they probably should do.

It just got to the point where I thought I’ve got to do something about this.

Particularly when I had children, I just felt we have a responsibility to try and make sure we don’t leave such a mess in the future that we create real problems for our children, our grandchildren. Community energy seemed like a way that I could achieve something quite significant.

If you could recommend one place in Wales to a first-time visitor that’s off the beaten track and not on the tourist maps, where would it be and why?

Bethesda in Northern Wales in the Snowdonia National Park. It’s an old slate mining community and they are a thriving. They have community energy projects, they supply local people with their locally generated electricity and it’s also a strong, Welsh-speaking community; one of their motivations for developing these projects was to help sustain the Welsh language. They wanted to create opportunities for young people to stay in the area and work rather than having to leave to find work.

I would say that is a great example of not just a community energy scheme but a community energy scheme that integrated into the community.

Info: www.ynniteg.cymru – share offers are currently open!

Grand Theatre, Swansea Fri 7 Sept Tickets: from £20.50 Info: 01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: WAR AND PEACE

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sat 15-Sat 29 Sept Tickets: from £5 Info: 029 2063 6464 www.wmc.org.uk

DIONNE WARWICK St David’s Hall, Cardiff Wed 19 Sept Tickets: from £47 Info: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

FAME – THE MUSICAL New Theatre, Cardiff Mon 24-Sat 29 Sept Tickets: from £19 Info: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

NOEL FITZPATRICK IS THE SUPERVET Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Sun 30 Sept Tickets: from £41.55 Info: 029 2022 4488 www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk

10 — 15 September • Medi newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 029 2087 8889 Mae’r New Theatre yn eiddo i ac, yn cael ei rheoli a’i harinannu Gyngor Caerdydd · The New Theatre is owned, managed and funded by Cardiff Council

REMEMBER MY NAME

24 — 29 September • Medi newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 029 2087 8889 Mae’r New Theatre yn eiddo i ac, yn cael ei rheoli a’i harinannu Gyngor Caerdydd · The New Theatre is owned, managed and funded by Cardiff Council

SUMMER DAZE

School’s out and there’s plenty of summer left to soak up, even if you’ve not got a child or three to entertain.

Buzz rounds up the best things to do as summer hits peak season.

Compiled by Elishia Davies, Ross Dawson, Emily D’Souza and Filiz Mehmedova,

JURASSIC KINGDOM: WHERE DINOSAURS COME TO LIFE Bute Park, Cardiff. Sat 11-Fri 17 Aug For a limited time, dinosaurs will run riot through Bute Park, taking Cardiff back into the prehistoric era.

Dinosaurs weren’t such a huge sight on the radar of popular culture 30 years ago, before Jurassic Park, but now we have festivals where children are able to ogle at eerily real-looking ones like they’re at the zoo.

Jurassic Kingdom is a travelling event that features life-sized replicas of dinosaurs. Not only are they huge in size, but interactive, making the experience all the more genuine. For the little prodigies dreaming of becoming paleontologists, an excavation area will be ready for some serious bone-digging to get them hard at work. After a wander around Jurassic Kingdom, a variety of food and drinks are available to keep explorers satisfied – the perfect way to relax after escaping the wrath of the raptors.

Tickets: from £11.50 Info: www.jurassickingdom.uk

Festival No. 6

Family-friendly events in August OPEN AIR THEATRE Abergavenny Castle Grounds Sat 4 + Sun 5 Aug Set in the stunning surroundings of Abergavenny Castle, the international award-winning theatre production company Illyria will bring us Shakespeare’s The Merchant Of Venice, a suspense-filled courtroom drama, not to forget the Shakespearian features of humour and romance. The second show, The Pirates Of Penzance, is filled with music, satire and wit, intertwined in a melodramatic plot. The family-friendly Open Air Theatre is a great way to spend a summer’s night, snuggled up with blankets and a picnic. There will be a bar, with hot drinks available in case of the possibility (or inevitability) of it getting a bit chilly.

Tickets: £11-£15. Info: www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles, Swansea Thurs 9 Aug For those wanting to enjoy a bit of theatre in the sun, The Reluctant Dragon promises to be a great day out by the seaside. The new adaptation by Michael Whitmore retells the classic tale about friendship, bravery and courage. In the classic story, a young boy has to come up with a plan to save his poetry-loving dragon friend from the townsfolk – this time it’ll be all the more magical for being in the grounds of the 12th century Oystermouth Castle.

Tickets: £7/£6/£20 family Info: www.enjoyswanseabay.com BUZZ 12

CARDIFF MINIATURE RAILWAY OPEN DAY

Sports

Heath Park, Cardiff Sun 26 + Mon 27 Aug

WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDIFF DEVILS

The Heath Park Miniature Railway & Tramway, situated at the old Heath house, runs once a month every Sunday and on several bank holiday Mondays.

During the long weekend you can hop on steam trains, diesels and trams and take an enjoyable ride with the whole family. The railway is also well-equipped with train stations, bridges and multiple tracks. There are also refreshment facilities and a spacious picnic area available developed for the benefit of all visitors.

Regular bus services operate from the city centre to Heath hospital and the miniature railway parkland is a short walk away from there.

Waen Rhyd bog, Llantwrtyd Wells, Sun 26 Aug

Ice Arena Wales, Cardiff, throughout the month

Most might think of better places to go snorkelling in the middle of summer than a boggy river in Llanwrtyd Wells, but not the participants in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships. Hundreds of competitors are expected to take part as the competition enters its 33rd year, all fighting for the right to become known as the world’s best at swimming in mud-infested waters. If you’re not completely sold on taking part in the competition itself then fear not, there will be food and drink stalls along with real ale and cider on site to keep you occupied throughout the day.

The Elite League doesn’t kick off until the beginning of September, but for the Cardiff Devils, their season begins a lot sooner. After finishing at the top of the table for a second consecutive year, the Devils have earned themselves a place on the biggest stage in European Ice Hockey, the Champions Hockey League. Andrew Lord and his men finished bottom of Group E in their inaugural campaign last year, but are confident they can do better this time out. The Devils return to action with a run of pre-season games against the Nottingham Panthers (Sat 11 + Sun 12 Aug), HK Poprad from Slovakia (Sat 18 + Sun 19), and Coventry Blaze (Sat 25 + Sun 26), before welcoming Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg to Ice Arena Wales on Thurs 30 Aug in their first CHL game of the season, followed by Switzerland’s SC Bern on Sat 1 Sept.

Admission: entry £1.80 + £1.80 ride/free under-3s. Info: www.familiesonline.co.uk

ST FAGANS BAT WALK National History Museum, St Fagans, every Wednesday in August As dusk looms, many animals make their way out into the night while we make our way indoors. But now there’s a chance to see one of the most popular nocturnal animals around – bats. Usually straying from the urban towns we’re used to, bats much prefer to stay in dark woodland, making St Fagans the perfect spot for getting a glimpse of these elusive creatures. Grab a torch, stay quiet and see if you can spot them as you walk around St Fagans picturesque grounds. There might even be another type of nocturnal creature or two hiding in the dark.

Entry: £15/spectators free Info: www.green-events.co.uk

RNLI MUMBLES RAFT RACE Mumbles, Swansea, Sun 5 Aug Every year this annual race raises over £15,000 for Royal National Lifeboat Institution, who save lives at sea by providing a 24-hour rescue service. The race starts at 5pm on the Mumbles Shoreline and you can cheer on your favourite teams as they paddle furiously to victory, completing the course from Norton to Knab Rock.

Admission: free Info: www.enjoyswanseabay.com

Tickets: £5 Info: museum.wales/stfagans

FAT-BIKING Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, Bridgend County A new craze, fat-biking, allows you to cycle through the sand dunes of south Wales’ answer to the Sahara Desert, covering over 800 acres of Welsh landscape. These dunes are some of the tallest in northern Europe and can boast being the filming location for the Oscar-winning Lawrence Of Arabia (impressive for Bridgend, hey?). Tours are led by Corum Champion from Porthcawl Bike Hire, for either a half or full day. Fat-biking is a fun, completely unique and action-packed way of exploring Bridgend County on a summers day.

Tickets: £16-£19 Info: www.cardiffdevils.com

Festivals PRIDE CYMRU City Hall Lawns, Cardiff, Fri 24-Sun 26 Aug This year’s Pride Cymru’s Biggest Weekend sees a mashup of Pride Cymru and Cardiff’s Big Weekend.

The Pride 2018 lineup is complete with X Factor’s Saara Aalto and Derrick Barry as Britney Spears, known for competing in America’s Got Talent and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Other perfomers include a DJ set from Flip ‘N’ Fill, Laura Bannon from The Voice, Sonique, and The Sundaes from BBC’s All Together Now. Not to forget, there will be the well awaited annual parade on Sat 25 – 10,000 people walk a mile-long route across Cardiff, with everyone actively encouraged to join the march against LGBT discrimination.

Tickets: £5 per day/£20 VIP. Info: www. pridecymru.co.uk/

EISTEDDFOD

Prices: tours £55-£70; hire £10-£35 Info: www.porthcawlbikehire.co.uk Pic: AM+A

Cardiff Bay, Sat 4-Sat 11 Aug Held in a different location each year, the 2018 Eisteddfod will return to the capital in Cardiff Bay, with many of the concerts happening in Wales Millennium Centre. Half of this year’s concerts have already sold out, but remaining are Y Siwper Stomp! – a poetry competition with the audience in charge – Pendevig, a unique combination of Welsh bands with jazz, funk and drum’n’bass, and Cymanfa Ganu, a morning of congregational singing.

There will be a number of villages around the Maes, the main Eisteddfod site, including food, drama, literature and, for over-16s, Maes B, featuring late night performances by 20 established Welsh language bands. Cardiff Bay is sure to be a perfect location for such a family-focused event like the Eisteddfod, celebrating everything great about Welsh culture, with enough going on for everyone to enjoy.

Prices: £60 full week/£10 per day/free under-16s. Info: eisteddfod.wales

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Festival No. 6 Portmeirion, North Wales, Thurs 6-Sun 9 Sept Nestled in the nooks and coves along the Dwyryd Estuary sits the Italianate village of Portmeirion. For the seventh – and, for the foreseeable future, final – year, Festival No. 6 will transform the area into a riot of colour and sound. Headlining this year will be samba, synths, and snake-hips from Friendly Fires, postpunk 80s electronica from The The, and a Sunday closing set from Scot art-rock heroes Franz Ferdinand.

Down in the Central Piazza itself, the mornings often begin with novel pursuits such as the daily game of Human Chess, or encounters with one of the troupes of roaming performers, musicians, and storytellers. Elsewhere, a highlight is the Village Limits, which features a lake with a floating dancefloor, overlooked by DJs in a Chinese pagoda.

Beyond the music, there are many curiosities to explore, from picturesque estuary views, morning runs, and nature trails for kids.

Tickets: from £180 (weekend)/ £69 (day) Info: www.festivalnumber6.com

THE BIG CWTCH FESTIVAL Crugybar, Carmarthen, Fri 31 Aug + Sat 1 Sept The clue is in the name – The Big Cwtch is the equivalent of a Welsh hug in the form of a charity music festival. The event promises to be intimate with acoustic sets and street food stalls. Headlining this year are Martyn Joseph and Into The Ark, while joining them on a lineup of breakthrough Welsh artists are, to name a few, HMS Morris, The Moon Birds and Nia Wyn. This year, The Big Cwtch are proud to be raising money for Ski4All Wales, enabling adults with disability to ski as part of their rehabilitation.

Tickets: £30-£50.

Info: www.thebigcwtch.com

Food & Drink SEA 2 SHORE FOOD FESTIVAL Aberystwyth Promenade, Sun 12 Aug One for the seafood lovers out, with plenty of local seafood and paellas to aquariums with local fish for the kids. You can have a bite, watch a cookery demonstration and get your grocery shopping for dinner. The festival also offers a variety of interesting activities for your children, including wall climbing, paddling and catching crabs.

Admission: free Info: www.cardigan-bay.com

Builth Wells, Fri 10-Mon 13th Aug The founders of Solarsphere clearly had a lightbulb moment when they came up with the festival’s concept. Set in the Welsh countryside, the festival combines music and a passion for astronomy, as well as priding itself on being family-friendly. An independent, non-profit star camp, it aims to educate the curious about the cosmos, whatever level of knowledge they have, in addition to entertain with musicians and workshops. With guest speakers from renowned industry names such as the European Space Agency, it’s the perfect chance for like-minded individuals and stargazers to meet and enjoy their hobbies under the (hopefully) clear Welsh night sky.

Tickets: £20-£45 Info: www.solarsphere.events BUZZ 14

SWANSEA BAY BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Thurs 23-Sat 25 Aug

The Tramshed hosts the arrival of – it’s claimed – the first UK festival to offer multiple spirit tastings, including gin, rum, tequila and mezcal. The day promises to be relaxing, not only because of the £5 cocktails, but also because it’s full of world street food, live entertainment, cocktail demonstrations/masterclasses and brand ambassador talks from industry professionals. There will be a complimentary glass on arrival, with over 100 brands featured on the day.

For their 32nd annual festival, Swansea CAMRA are bringing more than 100 real ales and 50 ciders to their Beer And Cider Festival, with the addition of a small range of real lagers within the beer range.

Their two main sponsors this year include, for the first time, Grey Trees, who are recent serial Gold Medal winners for the competition, and Gower Brewery, who will be supplying their infamous Gower Gold plentifully. South Wales has seen an influx of microbreweries recently, so the festival, along with its promise of food and live music, is the perfect excuse to celebrate them.

Tickets: £17.50/£15.

Info: tramshedcardiff.com

Tickets: £3 members, £5 non-members.

Info: swanseacamra.org.uk

SUMMER SPIRITS FESTIVAL Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 25 Aug

SOLARSPHERE

@ Crown Copyright 2018 - Visit Wales

THE SUMMER FEASTIVAL Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Fri 17 Aug-Sun 9 Sept What do Thai food, Indian curries, Greek kebabs and fried chicken have in common? They’re all going to be showcased in Sophia Gardens this summer as part of an exciting new street food festival, brought to you by the Depot, Cardiff. Cooked by a coterie of award-winning vendors, the food will be anything but ordinary and with stalls changing weekly, foodies can test their dedication and see how many different dishes they can try before the event ends.

With added entertainment on offer, this feastival will definitely attract plentiful attention and we haven’t even mentioned the craft beer and cocktail bar , kids events and games that will be open throughout.

Admission: free Info: www.depotcardiff.com

BUTE PARK CARDIFF CF10 3DX 11TH AUGUST – 27TH AUGUST 10:00-18:00 (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & TUESDAYS)

BOOK TICKETS @ WWW.JURASSICKINGDOM.UK GET YOUR 20% EARLY BIRD ONLINE DISCOUNT TODAY

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HOW TO GREEN MAN Green Man can be a daunting prospect for a newcomer, or even old regulars. We asked a number of grizzled Green vets what tips they had for the crowds this year and their favourite Green Man memories.

Fiona Stewart – Green Man Director My no.1 top tip of knowledge would be to try a bit of everything on offer! There’s so much to soak in, from hilarious comedians and cult classic films, to live podcasts and emerging bands – so make sure you pick up a lanyard and explore each area.

If you want to go beyond the headliners, the glade of trees behind Fortune Falls is home to some weird and wonderful art installations you should definitely check out. And Einstein’s Garden is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, so be sure to bring a curious mind to the scientific adventures that’ll ensue there.

Over 15 years, my favourite Green Man memory has to be for our anniversary last year. When PJ Harvey stepped onto the main stage, with mist coming in from the Black Mountains behind. that was a moment of complete magic.

Ben Coleman – Green Man Programmer What am I most looking forward to? An impossible question, really. But it’s hard to look past King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard [pictured] headlining the whole festival on Friday night. Beyond that, John Maus – if you fancy some weird, hi-octane, synth-kissed rock’n’roll – and two Rising acts you shouldn’t miss are Fenne Lily and Buzzard. My top tip for first-timers would be to get lost!

Sweet Baboo I’ve been lucky enough to have been asked to play, in one way or another, three times this year. Firstly on Saturday lunchtime with my band, Sweet Baboo, and even if I do say so myself, we’re on fire at the moment. Then later on that night I’ll be rocking the saxophone for Cate Le Bon. Then finally, the following morning, will be the first ever festival appearance by Group Listening, a clarinet and piano project between myself and experimental musician Paul Jones. We’re playing in the Far Out tent so it’s gonna sound pretty bonkers, in a good way I hope.

Outside of that, I’m looking forward to watching Charles Watson, Pictish Trail, Seazoo and Boy Azooga play. Then, my wife and I are taking our son to the whole festival. Camping to boot! I’m not sure if looking forward is quite the right phrase, but we are excited for new experiences.

BUZZ 16

There’s too many memories of Green Man to mention. Off the top of my head…

Bonnie Prince Billy, Neutral Milk Hotel, Lone Pigeon, Euros Childs, Bill Callahan’s Mighty Duck Formation, my first encounter with Pieminister. The Dexys.

If I had to give one top tip for newcomers, it would be to carry snacks, Penquins, gold bars, trios, anything from the chocolate biscuit base family and go see some stuff you might not normally see.

Adam Williams, Clwb Ifor Bach (+ other assorted Clwb denizens) We’re looking forward to the legend that is [Bristolian cult figure] Big Jeff DJing, we can’t wait to hear what he’s going to bring to the table. Then, there’s Anorac, a documentary with Huw Stephens travelling Wales, meeting his musical heroes and giving insight into the current Welsh language music scene, from a man that nerds out on it.

Also, the opportunity to get lost in the forest late at night and stumble across little art installations along the way, and Hot Toddy’s at the Chai Wallah. Foodwise, the ultimate dinner at Green Man is a Goan fish curry accompanied with a cup of fresh elderflower presse from the Walled Garden – with added gin of course. That should set you up for a great night.

Anything else? We had Stella Donnelly at Clwb back in May and saw her again at The Great Escape festival. She’s an incredible songwriter. She’s from Australia, but was born in Swansea and she spoke to us in Welsh! One of our favourite Green Man memories is from 2014, seeing Mac DeMarco crowdsurf across half the Far Out Tent to climb all the way up a pillar just to jump back into the crowd again.

Also, can’t not mention that time Mercury Rev made the whole crowd sob during their Sparklehorse Sea Of Teeth cover.

Glanusk Park, Brecon Beacons, Thurs 16-Sun 19 Aug. Tickets: sold out. Info: www.greenman.net

A N N A C A LV I With her brilliant new album Hunter just around the corner and a series of festival dates across the summer, Anna Calvi is at the peak of her powers.

She chats to Fedor Tot about gender, guitars and Grinderman.

Listening to Anna Calvi speak is a surprise. Her voice, on her three records to date, is big and strong, full of visceral cutting power, slicing through the dark griminess of her guitar work. Outside of that, she sounds shy and quiet, the complete opposite of her onstage persona. It’s a startling transformation, but she’s no less eloquent in either context.

Her new album, Hunter is a powerhouse, rippling with confidence and a nocturnal, 3am energy. It gestated for five years inside Calvi’s head after 2013’s One Breath. “I just wanted to take my time to make sure it was right. I don’t want to put out music that I don’t believe in, so I waited until I had the material that I thought was strong enough,” she says. “I felt there’s so much music and so much noise in the world, that the only reason to add to that noise is that you have something passionate that you want to say, so I waited until I had work that I could really stand behind.”

Hunter showcases a smooth development for Calvi but also a huge step up. On record, she appears to be increasingly more confident and direct in her musical themes, with plenty of the tracks on the album revolving around themes of gendered and sexual identity – as evidenced by tracks like Don’t Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy and opener As A Man. “I was at a point in my life where I wanted to explore what gender means to me personally. I’ve never felt completely comfortable with all of the characteristics that are put upon what a woman should be – I’ve always found that it’s very limiting to have to act a certain way because of your gender.

I explored my own masculinity and what that meant for me – I feel that it’s an interesting time at the moment, it’s more talked about in the mainstream.

“I guess I wanted this record to be for the teenage me. It would’ve been useful, as a queer girl, not really having a role model, or a woman who’s more than what a woman is expected to be, and a woman who is imperfect, animalistic, driven, and messy, and all these things that women are but we just don’t see in our culture.”

Calvi has previously talked of how she wanted to get rid of gender definitions – does she still feel that way?

“I do. The expectations and pressure to conform to gender are unnecessary, for both men and women, and I feel it does affect our quality of life, even in subtle ways – work, what you feel you’re allowed to do, want to be. As women, we’re just reduced to our body parts in a way that I don’t feel men are. These things are a destruction of what life could be.

“As soon as you have a certain identity, you have a sense of us and them, that causes a sense of inequality. I feel like the way our society is structured is that one person’s gain is another person’s loss. That’s obviously not just male and female, it’s race and so many other things like able/disabled. I wonder why humans are so obsessed with having to name everything. I guess it’s the way that our language and brains work – we have to box everything.”

Moving away from the lyrical themes of Hunter, we started to discuss the actual sound of the album. Lead single Don’t Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy sounds positively anthemic – strip away the art-rock production and you’ve got a brilliant pop song with simple, direct lyrics and a litany of hooks.

“I found that the lyrics sounded very strong, so I wanted to have a simplicity to the music, whilst still having all those things that you mentioned. I was trying to bear in mind the idea of openness and bringing the listener in, obviously I feel like it’s a record that the more you listen to it, the more you like it.

However, I did want there to be enough moments for there to be an open door

rather than you having to put the work in to understand the song.”

Amidst the record’s influences, you can detect the slinky mystery of Angelo Badalamenti’s Twin Peaks score, that percussive, baritone sound. Calvi’s favoured Fender Telecaster is not a guitar known for being able to growl (it’s usually more associated with country twang), but, she says, “I love this contradiction in getting the deeper tones out of a Tele. If you use a guitar that does have more of a low end that’s great, but then you don’t get the attack, the drama and the shock so it’s a compromise between both.”

The drum sound too, is gorgeous, big and reverberated, without being overpowering. It was produced by Nick Launey, whose CV includes Kate Bush, David Byrne and Nick Cave (around the release of her debut album, Cave invited Calvi to tour with him as support for his Grinderman project). Enamoured with the drum sound Launey created on Public Image Ltd’s 1981 album Flowers Of Romance, Calvi invited him in. “What I noticed about working with Nick is that he’s a lot more of a perfectionist in comparison to a lot of other producers, he would work to the early hours to something that satisfied our tastes. I think there’s less of that attention to detail in general.”

Although Calvi can herself come across like someone who’s very protective of her songs, she does allow a small coterie of collaborators into her circle. “My songs are pretty fully formed – I want to be prepared when I go into the studio, but I feel that there’s always room to react to an idea, to change things. The main thing I always ask myself is ‘what does this make me feel?’ I was always questioning whether the intent and emotion was coming out.

Hunter is about the emotion and the body rather than something cerebral, I needed to make sure that there was room for me to react in the studio and play something that wasn’t too ordained.”

That aforementioned link with Nick Cave feels very appropriate for Anna Calvi – their music both exists in a nocturnal, drunkenly romantic state, and both have very distinct onstage personae, both understand the value of a mysterious front person.

Did Calvi pick much of that up from Cave?

“I actually think with Nick Cave that the version of him onstage and off are almost exactly the same. With me I’m probably completely different, I’m shy and quite quiet, and all that energy stored in me, that’s what builds and has to come out creatively. Sometimes I think it would be cool to be like Nick Cave, but at the same time I feel that it kind of works for me being this way. Maybe if I was different and more confident offstage, maybe I wouldn’t need to have music as a way of expressing myself…

“It’s like a way of releasing the side of you which for whatever reason is hard to release in other situations, so it does feel cathartic. And it’s a way of weirdly having control over your life, and I find it very anxiety-making how unsure the world is, and how you never know what is going to happen. You never have control over anything really, but when you’re creative you manage to have this control over an imaginary world, which really relaxes me.”

“The expectations to conform to gender are unnecessary”

BUZZ 18

Hunter is out via Domino Records on Fri 31 Aug. Anna Calvi is playing at Green Man (Thurs 16-Sun 19 Aug) and Festival No. 6 (Thurs 6-Sun 9 Sept). Info: www.annacalvi.com

“I took my time until I had work I could really stand behind”

BUZZ 19

PUSSY RIOT Ruth Seavers goes behind the masks and the headlines to chat to Alexander Cheparukhin from Putin’s least favourite band Pussy Riot about revolutions, resolutions and the need for change across Russia.

So who exactly are Pussy Riot? When asked how many members there are, they say that there was never a membership, it was always a protest art collective.

Pussy Riot was never a ‘band’. “Members are always changing and anybody who participates in the actions of Pussy Riot is Pussy Riot. Some stop participating, others start. Like with the World Cup protest. The women never really expressed themselves as Pussy Riot girls but they did it with Pyotr [Verzilov]. They wanted to show the hypocrisy of Vladimir Putin’s regime.”

At a critical – and well chosen – moment in the World Cup final between France and Croatia, four members of Pussy Riot stormed the field in protest of Putin’s government.

“The celebration of the World Cup was happening at the same time as tortures in police stations and prison. We must not forget these things. For example, Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov is approaching his 70th day of hunger strike right now in a high-security prison, and a lot of people are still in prison for demonstrations or Facebook posts.”

When asked what the effect the protest has had on the world’s attention to human rights in Russia, they said it’s hard to evaluate. Overall, they were against boycotting the World Cup: “Despite what Putin is doing, you cannot stop millions of people really enjoying the championship – which, by the way, may be one of the best World Cups in terms of organisation and spirit. People came to Russia without visas or barriers for the first time – it was so brilliant. But in the end the World Cup looked like an incredible victory and success for Putin and Russia, and the protest was to challenge that.”

In light of recent Trump-Putin relations, do they think Donald Trump will get elected again?

“He is one of the most strange and charismatic presidents of the world. I don’t think it would be a miracle if he would be re-elected. Even though America is doing better economically, if Trump got re-elected, you could not call America a real democratic country anymore. Trump’s election gave people an excuse to express view which maybe they would not express so brutally and freely as before. These BUZZ 20

kind of people who are xenophobic and ‘patriotic’ feel much more confident now.”

We are at a moment in history when so many things could go so many directions politically. We are at an endless crossroads and divisions between countries in the West and the East are rising; how can we work to prevent the growing gap?

“In Western culture there is a sort of isolation towards Russia. Every year the visa system becomes more and more severe. This didn’t happen during Gorbachev’s time, even the early Putin era. But ultimately it just creates anglophobia in Russia.

A lot of Russians were anglophiles; they loved British rock, British culture. We are refused entry without explanation or an explanation that is just insulting, like explaining to a young girl that she might be a prostitute. It’s veiled in polite expression, but it is visible.”

How do we help?

“Send letters, organise protests against cases like Sentsov. We need to be a pain in the ass for Putin and the Russian leaders. But at the same time – make cooperation with Russia wider, don’t isolate them. Because then Russia thinks they are enemies. We have a strong propaganda system which becomes more and more anti-Western every month. People start to believe we are surrounded by enemies and it’s a very dangerous thing. We need to be more open. A prime example is the World Cup; Russia became more open, and look what happened… nothing.”

Pussy Riot’s show in Cardiff this August has strong themes of protest and resistance of the human spirit, combined with music, theatrical and video elements by musical director Alexander Cheparukhin. Certainly not your average three-chord punk gig. “Everyone can be in Pussy Riot, Masha [Alokhina, member] says, and freedom only exists if you fight for it every day.” A harrowing reminder in current climates.

Pussy Riot: Riot Days, Tramshed, Cardiff, Thurs 23 Aug Tickets: £18. Info: 029 2023 5555 / www.tramshedcardiff.com

Pic: FAW

JESS FISHLOCK Only one person in the history of Welsh football has played over 100 times for Wales and that’s Jess Fishlock – but it’s her next game that could define her career and change the shape of women’s football in Wales. She spoke to Joe Towns.

So England come to Rodney Parade this month and the winner of that match goes to the World Cup in France next year. How often do you find yourself thinking about that game?

To be honest, I try my hardest to not think about it. I don’t want to get caught up in the what if’s? – I just want to get to camp and focus on the preparation for that game. Thankfully, I have club football now to keep my mind off the game.

20 years ago, did 11-year-old Jess, kicking a ball about in Llanrumney, ever think she’d play 100 times for Wales and one day be one game away from a World Cup Finals?

I did not think for one second that that would be my life, but I am extremely grateful that it is.

You have settled in Seattle, for now, a star for Seattle Reign FC, twice winners of the NWSL Shield; you’re also a title winner in the Australian NWSL league with Melbourne and a Champions League winner with Frankfurt. How come women’s football is so big in the States and Australia? What can we learn from them in how they promote and package the game? ​There’s a lot of different reasons as to why it is successful in the US. It helps that the women’s national team is historically successful. However, I do feel that women’s sports in general in the USA is a lot more respected, and therefore followed and supported, primarily due to its college system and its national coverage.

There was no USA and – sadly – no Wales at the recent men’s football World Cup, so who were you supporting? ​I fell in love with Croatia. I think Luka Modrić learnt a few things off me, haha! He is an inspiration.

This men’s WC finally saw the big broadcasters in the UK and US using female pundits and commentators – do you consider that a breakthrough? ​Absolutely. I think it was a huge step forward in recognising that football has no gender… I do believe that people should get roles based on their knowledge, not gender. I would love to be a pundit myself. As long as I can pick my own wardrobe… though not a Southgate-esque waistcoat.

BUZZ 22

You had a spell as a player-manager in Australia and you’ve said you’re keen on management when you retire. Which current football manager would you model yourself on? ​I wouldn’t model myself on any one manager in particular, but it would very much depend on what players you have in your squad. One thing I do know, I will treat my players as people first, then footballers.

If you don’t go into management or punditry would you fancy politics?

You’re a natural leader, and already a spokesperson and ambassador for the LGBT sports community. ​​The older I get and the more I understand the importance of using your voice, I do find myself wanting to find more ways to make positive change, especially for those whose voices cannot be heard and who cannot defend themselves. I feel that’s something we need to do more about as a society. It is a necessity that everyone understands and more importantly feels that sport is a safe place.

As well as many great successes you have been through some bitter disappointments as a player – losing finals at Seattle, not making the 2012 Team GB squad for the Olympics. Have those moments made you stronger? ​​I believe it is the disappointments that make the success even better. Those moments made me stronger, eventually, but at the time they were the hardest to deal with. You cannot let failure define you.

Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Wales v England, Rodney Parade, Newport, Fri 31 Aug. Info: www.faw.cymru

Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru St Fagans National Museum of History

Gŵyl Fwyd Sain FFaGan St FaGanS Food FeStival 8~9.09.2018 10am~5pm

hello Dros 80 o stondinau bwyd, diod a chrefft Gwledd o weithgareddau i’r teulu

Over 80 food, drink and craft stalls A feast of family fun

www.amgueddfa.cymru/sainffagan

www.museum.wales/stfagans

THIS IS YOUR PROOF foodfest2018-190x1355.indd 1

18/04/2018 14:32:54

Discover

THE MOST UNIQUE R E S TAU R A N T I N WA L E S . . .

Hot Pot Spot.indd 1

23/07/2018 11:15

SOL BAMBA Prior to a much-awaited return to the Premier League, after a brief but ultimately heartbreaking visit upstairs in the 2013/14 season, Charlie Cottrell caught up with Cardiff City’s treasure, Sol Bamba.

Cardiff City’s return to the Premier League feels like uncharted territory. Strange, since their last promotion, a romp to the Championship title in the 2012/13 season, is still fresh in the memory. Yet marred by managerial scandal, red shirts and a prompt return to the Championship after a 20th place finish, many consider that infamous Premiership season to be nothing but a false start for Cardiff’s intrepid voyage in the pursuit of success.

Following a multitude of tepid efforts by the likes of Russell Slade and Paul Trollope to restore Cardiff’s passion and grit, a sense of indifference began to submerge the club on all fronts. Then, as Cardiff City lingered at the foot of the Championship in the 2016/17 season, in stepped Neil Warnock. Guiding them to safety that season, he proceeded to propel his group of players into the annals of Cardiff folklore with a seemingly implausible promotion back to the big league.

Now, Warnock and his men look forward to a new challenge, and it’s one to be relished.

There is no more fitting a player in Warnock’s current side who epitomises the perseverance, tenacity and passion that resonates through the dressing room than Cardiff’s towering Ivorian centre-back, Sol Bamba. Much like Warnock, Bamba has been a fan favourite from the beginning of his City career. Arriving soon after the Yorkshireman in October 2016, Bamba capped his debut against rivals Bristol City with a winner in what was a ferocious Severn-side derby. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

This season, Bamba was involved in all 46 of Cardiff’s league games, and helped himself to four goals – including a stunning volley against Brentford that earned him Sky Sports’ accolade of Championship Goal Of The Month. Some feat for a centre-back.

Speaking to Sol during Cardiff’s second summer stint in Cornwall in as many years (a favoured preseason destination for Neil Warnock), Bamba is perpetually calm, much like his on-pitch presence. His voice, an unusual French-cum-Scottish hybrid, booms.

BUZZ 24

Despite being included in the PFA Championship Team Of The Year, an innate humbleness surfaces immediately. “I say this a lot: it doesn’t come down to any one player. I can’t do what I do without any one of my team mates, and vice versa.

And that’s good. I think that if we carry on like that, working and fighting for each other, we’ve got a chance of having another great season.”

Cardiff have been busy in the transfer market this season, despite their budget being somewhat meagre in comparison with the big boys. However, having snapped up Bamba’s PFA Team Of The Season cohort Bobby Reid from Bristol City, as well as Norwich winger Josh Murphy, Derby’s Greg Cunningham and QPR keeper Alex Smithies, Warnock has hardly had to scrape the barrel. And Bamba attests to how well the newbies have slotted into the tight-knit squad. “I think that’s one of our strengths as a team. If a new player comes in, they only need a few hours to feel welcome, and then it’s as if they’ve always been a part of the dressing room.”

Bamba has established himself as a treasured member of the Cardiff community, and is keen to reciprocate his appreciation to a city that has made him feel like part of the furniture. “Everywhere you go, the people are very nice to me, and to my family – even when we don’t win!

“Some people might say to me, these people are nice because you are at Cardiff, but I don’t think that’s the case. I just think the people of Wales are nice, good people. Cardiff as a city is growing every day, and I’m so happy to be a part of that.”

No one underestimates Bamba’s pivotal contribution to a transformation that has seen Cardiff City proudly return to the top flight. Last time around, Cardiff hearts were blue, but the shirts were red. This year, to save us from tears, Cardiff hearts belong to Sol Bamba.

Cardiff’s Premier League season kicks off at AFC Bournemouth on Sat 11 Aug, with the first home game against Newcastle United on Sat 18 Aug. Info: www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Nos Sadwrn, 4 Awst, 22:30:

Saturday, 4 August, 22:30:

Sul - Gwener, 5 - 10 Awst. 22:30:

Sun – Friday, 5 - 10 August, 22:30:

Ymunwch â’r orymdaith liwgar i weld sioe ddŵr fawreddog yn y Bae i ddathlu’r bobol o bedwar ban byd a greodd ein prifddinas.

Sioe ddŵr fawreddog yn y Bae i ddathlu’r bobol o bedwar ban byd a greodd ein prifddinas.

Join in the colourful procession to view the water screening extravaganza and celebrate the people from all corners of the world that created our capital.

Water screening extravaganza to celebrate the people from all corners of the world that created our capital.

Profwch gyffro’r carnifal lliwgar a cherddoriaeth fywiog i ddathlu’r bobol o bedwar ban byd a greoedd ein prifddinas.

Dilynwch yr orymdaith o Ganolfan y Mileniwm Cymru i wylio sioe ddŵr fawreddog uwch y Bae. Yn dilyn gweithgaredd creadigol dan arweiniad yr artist Megan Broadmeadow a chyfraniad cerddorol gan y cyfansoddwr Gruff Rhys, mewn cydweithrediad â Charnifal Butetown. Penllanw’r arddangosfa arbennig yw tafluniadau o ddelweddau symudol ar sgrîniau dŵr enfawr. Digwyddiad Y Lle Celf.

Experience the excitement of colourful carnival and lively music - celebrate the people from across the world who have created our capital city.

Follow and join the procession from the Wales Millennium Centre to view a water screening extravaganza in the Bay. Artist Megan Broadmeadow’s creative film with music by singer composer Gruff Rhys, in collaboration with Butetown Carnival, combine in a special display of moving images projected on a colossal water screens. Y Lle Celf event.

Ymunwch â hwyl y carnifal

Join the fun of the carnival

Profwch hwyl #CarnifalyMôr

Experience #CarnifalyMôr

“It’s much harder now for bands. You can’t grow up in public”

SIMPLE MINDS From their formation in 1977, Simple Minds have outlasted their 1980s pop heyday and continue to produce evergreen gems.

Ffion Riordan-Jones spoke to guitarist Charlie Burchill to reflect on their extensive career and chat about their tour with The Pretenders.

Tell us a bit about your show in Merthyr Tydfil with The Pretenders.

We have toured with The Pretenders before and we can’t wait to head back out.

One of our fondest memories is Chrissie [Hynde, of The Pretenders] and Jim [Kerr, lead singer of Simple Minds] getting married in 1984 [though they’ve been divorced since 1990 – ed].

If there’s anything you think you’ve learnt as a musician, what do you think the main point is?

In a nutshell, one of the things we think we have achieved is that we have managed to change around very often as a band. That’s largely part of having lots of different technologies around. We’ve been through so many different periods of development and that always contributes to what you’re doing at the time. It gives you a different process to think and we always wanted to try and make a different record than before.

Aside from technology, how do you think the musical landscape in the UK has changed?

I think it’s much harder now for bands. When we started there was more chance to be able to make mistakes and be given a second shot. You could learn and grow up in public. Now I don’t think that exists so much. There’s a lot of pressure to succeed with the first album and that’s the common mentality.

Looking back at your work, is there a particular album or track you’re particularly proud, or even one that you think was a mistake?

Every band has an album that fans regard as the album – ours would probably be New Gold Dream back in 1981. That album had an overall sound, feel and emotion to it. It was very focused. It was the first time we wrote proper songs as before that we were very experimental. It was also the one that started us really heading off in an upward direction.

BUZZ 26

Where do you see Simple Minds going now?

Well with the last few albums we really went to work. We managed to make a mixture, mainly electronic. We always loved the tech-as-alive band sound, we enjoy creating a hybrid. We are still learning as songwriters though. You need to learn. A lot of people don’t see much point in doing albums anymore because you don’t sell as much as you used to, but for us, that’s what we do. We make records. That’s the only thing that hasn’t changed in our band since we’ve been together.

What music do you tend to listen to now?

I go to see bands an awful lot. Not necessarily new bands but more like Arcade Fire. I saw The Killers recently, and Sigur Ros! I find myself rediscovering older music that tends to inspire me. I spend a lot of free time in my studios messing around with different equipment and sounds. That’s got to be my main hobby.

New music on the horizon?

We have half an album written. We are looking to finish that. This tour is a really long tour; we are off to America for a few months then heading into other territories.

What can we expect from you guys from the show?

Well, there’s going to be a lot of women on it! Half of our band has women, and KT Tunstall is supporting before The Pretenders and she’s just fantastic. It’s going to be a ladies’ night!

Simple Minds, The Pretenders, and KT Tunstall Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil, Sun 5 Aug. Tickets: from £25 Info: www.simpleminds.com

• Trysorau o Japan • Gan gynnwys rhai nas

gwelwyd erioed o’r blaen yn y Deyrnas Unedig

• Unigryw i Amgueddfa

Genedlaethol Caerdydd

• Ar agor am 12 wythnos yn unig – yn rhad ac am ddim!

• Treasures from Japan • Many items never seen in the UK before

• Exclusive to National Museum Cardiff

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THE JOY FORMIDABLE “It’s a great exercise for rolling your Rs if you’re learning Welsh,” says Ritzy Bryan, one third of Welsh indie-rock trio The Joy Formidable, as she shares the story behind the group’s upcoming fourth album AAARTH. “The title points towards where recording took place – in Wales and in Utah. It comes from the Welsh word for ‘bear’, which is seen as a symbol of strength and wisdom in the southwest USA, which we felt the need to channel into ourselves at a time when things were very chaotic and unstable. Not only were we questioning on a personal level whether we had the energy to record another album together, but we’ve been on the cusp of some serious social and political changes in the wider world, which have been difficult to navigate. This whole album is about getting back up and continuing to fight this chaos, so we decided to have some fun with the title by adding a few extra letters at the beginning, which you can interpret as a scream or an exultation.”

With their previous album Hitch also documenting some difficult issues, namely heartbreak and letting go of the past, was AAARTH a turning point for the band?

“The starting point, for me, was probably rock bottom. The album really documents our upward movement to somewhere much better. We’ve had a decade together and when we began recording 18 months ago, we felt the most disbanded and disillusioned we’d ever been, so channeling these feelings into recording was quite cathartic. We really have to thank AAARTH for reminding us why we became a band and this turnaround made everything sound fresher and more vivacious. There’s a real sense of being alive on this record, and of not giving a fuck.”

Having recorded the album out in Utah, The Joy Formidable are preparing to return to Wales in the summer, including a gig at Clwb Ifor Bach. Are they excited?

“We’re really fired up! It’s actually been a whole year since we’ve played live, because we’ve been so busy recording, and coming home always feels really special. We’re really looking forward to playing Clwb – we love the party vibe, and the stairs are fine after about four pints.” ELERI CROSSLAND Pic: Timothy Hiatt

The Joy Formidable, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 23 Aug Tickets: £19. Info: 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net

DAN TYTE – THE OFFLINE PROJECT Having bumped into Dan Tyte many moons ago, as he slipped into Waterstones to inspect the display of his first novel Half Plus Seven, it’s a privilege to finally sit down and talk about his wild ideas at length – particularly that book’s followup, The Offline Project.

As a novel relevant to our time, Tyte’s protagonist Gerard leaves the overbearing reality of everyday technology to immerse himself in a Scandinavian environment, minus access to the mind-melting www. But what sparked the idea of a man kissing goodbye to his smartphone for a (potentially) simpler life?

“It’s hard not to notice that a massive proportion of the nation is addicted to social media,” Tyte explained.

“I’m of an age that I can compare the desire to check four different media apps the second I wake up, to a latter-day existence where the only thing on my mind was breakfast and making the bed.”

This spurred Tyte to create a story that reflected the pros and cons of being online. But having written a character who has a rather crummy experience, what does he actually feel the pros are?

“The internet gives people a voice. Change views for the better and be exposed to new ideas.

There are people that may have struggled in social situations that can now use the net to form friendships. I met my wife through the use of the internet, so it’s really not all negative.”

As with a lot of novels exploring easily-relatable yet sensitive subject matter, Tyte has a message for his readers. “Life isn’t just about what other people are doing and if they’re doing it better or worse than you. Don’t be defined by the net because you are a brave soul.”

Having published The Offline Project, Tyte has now returned to the project he previously abandoned in order to start what will be his third published novel.

“I’m three-quarters of the way through,” he says. “It’s about four women and their experiences of a male at certain points in their lives. I’m exploring what I call ‘mystical coincidence.’”

It goes without saying that we can’t wait to read whatever is being cooked up next in Tyte’s mind. KARLA BRADING The Offline Project by Dan Tyte, published by Graffeg Books.

Price: £8.99. Info: www.graffeg.com BUZZ 28

4 SUpERb COMEDianS EVERY FRiDaY & SaTURDaY niGhT GREAT FOOD & DRINK DEALS

COMEDY TOURS sun 9th sep DESi CEnTRal sun 16th sep kiCkThEpj thu 20th sep DanE bapTiSTE sun 30th sep RaChEl paRRiS sun 14th oct jiMEOin wed 17th oct SaRa paSCOE sun 21st oct GaRY DElanEY 24th & 25th oct EliS jaMES & jOhn RObinS

SOlD OUT!

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LARRY AND HIS FLASK Larry And His Flask are something of a cult band in Newport. How a group of beardy Oregonians who play bluegrass-inspired folk-punk made such an impact all the way on the other side of the world is testament to the power of local music scenes and the way they build relationships and connections between people in a community.

Five or so years ago, Larry And His Flask turned up to Le Pub to play their first ever overseas gig. Their driver, tasked with taking them from Heathrow to Newport, was seven hours late due to missing the ferry, and “looked like he was going to have a heart attack” when he finally arrived. Exhausted, they arrived just before their set was due to start, tuned up, and proceeded to blow the roof off. Return visits since were increasingly more and more packed and sweaty, seared into the memories of the lucky denizens who were there, a shared memory that forms part of the tapestry of Newport’s music history.

For Jamin Marshall, The Flask’s drummer and co-leader, their cultish figure in the local scene represents the power of local music scenes and of the band’s own live chops. “We give it our all every time. Our goal is for everyone to have a smile on their face and be at least half as sweaty as us by the end of the show.” Jamin agrees that passing bands like Larry and His Flask are crucial to a local music scene’s success. “It is paramount for the longevity of a fun and diverse local scene. It keeps the fire burning.”

As for why Larry And His Flask maintain such a hardcore following in Newport of all places, nobody seems any the wiser. “We have better reactions in some places than others. There is some magical thing that resides in certain towns and cities. After many years of trying to figure it out, I’m still not sure what it is. The UK has always treated us very well. But that magical grit and energy is defiantly present in Wales.”

FEDOR TOT Larry And His Flask, Le Public Space, Newport, Tue 7 Aug Tickets: £8 (sold out – check event page for returns) Info: www.lepublicspace.co.uk

STEVE IGNORANT As frontman of anarcho punk progenitors Crass from 1977 until 1984, Steve Ignorant forged a reputation for his brash persona and forthright lyrics in one of the most notoriously political bands of that era. Now, 34 years since their dissolution, Steve will be visiting Jac’s Music Venue in Aberdare on Sat Aug 11 with his acoustic outfit Slice Of Life and the town still holds a special place in his heart.

“Crass played their last gig at a miners’ benefit at Aberdare Coliseum. Last year I was in the 100 Club in London and saw a bit of graffiti on the wall saying ‘ABERDARE PUNKS’. I couldn’t believe that had been there since 1984, and got filmed next to it. The guy putting on this gig got in touch, said he’d wrote it and that he’d love for us to come back.

“My return was meant to happen, I think. It was a good final gig. This one is going to be different, I play quieter music now!”

Slice Of Life have gained a strong following since Steve joined forces with Carol Hodge, Pete Wilson and Pete Rawlinson two years ago, yet Ignorant admitted it took a while to pursue a completely new sound.

“For 20 years I wanted to do a more musical and acoustic thing, but I never found the right people to do it with. I felt a bit afraid of going onstage with an acoustic guitar. But now, at my age, why can’t I put my own influences in there – why I can’t have a bit of The Temptations, Joni Mitchell or Leonard Bernstein or Miles Davis? I’m using all those influences and just enjoying it. Punk doesn’t have to be three chord thrash and blasting your ears off.

The words are still meaningful in a different style of music.”

Now living on the Norfolk coast, Steve, 60, has forged a far different life as a volunteer for Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat.

“Whereas before I was trying to make a difference by screaming into a microphone, years later there I was plucking people out of the North Sea.” And hopefully he’ll be plucking some punks out of a moshpit soon enough.

JAMES AYLES Steve Ignorant’s Slice Of Life, Jac’s, Aberdare, Sat 11 Aug. Tickets: £11. Info: 01685 879491 / facebook.com/jacsaberdare

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War and Peace Prokofiev La traviata Verdi La Cenerentola Rossini’s Cinderella Medi 15 September – Hydref 7 October 16 – 29 oed? Tocynnau ar gael am £10* Aged 16 – 29? Tickets available for £10* yganolfan.org.uk | wmc.org.uk 029 2063 6464 Mae croeso cynnes i chi gysylltu â mi yn Gymraeg

wno.org.uk/autumn18

Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig | Registered Charity No 221538 *mae telerau ac amodau yn berthnasol | terms and conditions apply

ANT MIDDLETON As Ant Middleton prepares to go on a tour of the UK, the former soldier, author, and all-round hardman chats to Carl Marsh about his experiences.

You were Special Forces but there’s not much written about people like yourself that have been in the Special Boat Service (SBS). So much of it is has been about the SAS. It’s because we’re quite happy in the SBS to let the SAS take the credit for us over some things. If you look in most of the papers and you see “SAS”, you can cross that out and put SBS there most of the time! It’s just a different mentality. We’re happy with who we are, we are a lot more strict in what we are allowed to say and do, but I think that the SAS just sells better, doesn’t it?

When people see Who Dares Wins, they see that three of us are SBS and one of us is from Hereford (SAS), but all they really see is SAS because of the Iranian Embassy Siege and their ears prick up and their eyes widen. I love that about the SBS – I love that I was in the Navy Special Forces and a part of the Navy. I love that side of things but I think that due to the fact that most people don’t really know what the SBS is about, the SAS massively overshadows it, which is not a bad thing at all.

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You’ve been asked loads of times about comments – albeit taken out of context – where you said something along the lines of “taking a life can feel a bit God-like”. But a target is a target, on the ranges or in a warzone. Does firing that weapon become second nature, like driving a car?

When I was point man, going into combat with bullets firing over my head, your body is that much in tune with itself, it’s that much in harmony with itself; you’ve got every organ and every emotion working at its fullest capability and in perfect synchronicity. And this is only for a couple of seconds. When your body feels like that, everything slows down like in a car crash. It almost feels like you can control time and that I am counting in milliseconds and I can see him lifting his weapon towards me and it’s bang bang and do what you need to do. Having that feeling, being able to control time and being in that moment – that’s the closest thing that I can imagine to being God-like.

Now, actually taking a life: it was my job, I went in there and it wasn’t personal, I never looked anyone in the eyes, it was centre of his chest, in the head – boom, boom, boom. I don’t think about it, I don’t dwell on it.

How did you get started in TV? They obviously didn’t just advertise, “Special Forces Operatives wanted for exciting new TV show”… or did they?

The Special Forces community is so small that we all heard that Channel 4 were poking their nose in and wanted to do a Special Forces Selection and it really just fell on my lap. One phone call led to another and they were like, “do you want to be an instructor on the show?” I thought, “Yeah, let’s have a chat with them,” there was a handful of us and when we got the call, I had an interview. It was an opportunity that had come across my lap and I seized it.

For this tour, will those that have read your book get to experience stuff that you have not mentioned in the book?

Yes, definitely. I go into more detail about my life and I talk about a few situations that I have been in, such as Afghanistan, and how I have learnt from them. I also talk about a coaching mechanism about fear, so it’s definitely different from the book.

An Evening With Ant Middleton, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Fri 31 Aug. Tickets: £27. Info: 029 2087 8444 / www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

by Keiron Self

ANT MAN AND THE WASP ****

Dir: Peyton Reed (12A 123 mins) The teeny tiny superhero returns with a female hero front and centre in this sequel to one of Marvel’s lesser known properties. In the wake of his giant cameo in Captain America: Civil War, Paul Rudd’s Ant Man finds himself under house arrest after picking sides with Captain America, and faces the wrath of inventor Hank Pym, played again by Michael Douglas. Paired with Evangeline Lily’s Wasp, the pair must work together to try and discover the fate of Hank’s wife, played by Michelle Pfeiffer whilst battling Hannah John-Kamen’s athletic Ghost and investigating a shady network led by Walter Goggins’ Sonny Burch.

Laurence Fishburne also co-stars as fellow egghead Bill Foster and scientific rival to Douglas, and Michael Pena returns as Rudd’s street-smart, motor-mouthed partner in crime, Luis. Things get big and small with wild abandon, from bits of Lego to cars and even buildings. Rudd juggles being a responsible father with being a superhero and the romance between him and Lily blossoms. They make a winning duo and the film has enough invention and wit to stave off superhero fatigue. Time to get small again. Opens Aug 3

BAD SAMARITAN **

Dir: Dean Devlin (15, 110 mins) David Tennant chews the scenery in this daft thriller with an 80s vibe. Robert Sheehan (Misfits) plays a cheeky chappie thief with a great scheme going: he and his mate work as valets for wealthy restaurant goers, breaking into their houses whilst they are having their nosh. It’s all going swimmingly, as Sheehan supplements his struggling photography career with petty crime, until they cross paths with Tennant’s psycho. Whilst breaking into his house, Sheehan discovers a serial killer’s lair and an imprisoned woman, whom he fails to free in an act of moral recklessness. Naturally, as soon as David finds out he comes after him with predictable results, chasing after his girlfriend and taking down his mates with aplomb. It’s over-the-top nonsense directed with a heavy hand, and doesn’t really work, but clearly the ex-Doctor Who and Broadchurch copper is relishing being the bad guy. Opens Aug 24

BLACKkKLANSMAN ****

Dir: Spike Lee (15, 128 mins) Spike Lee’s films have varied over the years since his debut with She’s Gotta Have It and the furiously excellent Do The Right Thing; he’s dabbled with documentary (When The Levees Broke), biopics (Malcolm X), pop videos for the likes of Eminem and Michael Jackson and soggy remakes (the disappointing Old Boy).

BlacKkKlansman is a superb and timely drama based on an unbelievable true story. We follow a black Colarado Springs police officer, Ron Stallworthy, who went undercover in the Ku Klux Klan in the late 1970s. Played by John David Washington, he poses as a racist dialing up the local chapter of the hate group and somehow gets closer and closer to the centre of its power in the shape of David Duke, its National Director, played with uneasily likeable charm by Topher Grace. To get close to the KKK, who are supposedly going legitimate, Stallworthy needs a white man to show up to meetings as him, and this takes the form of Adam Driver as his partner Flip Zimmerman. Confident, entertaining and thoughtful, this is Lee’s best film in ages and an angry, pertinent call to battle racism in all its repugnant forms. Very much a Spike Lee joint to inhale. Opens Aug 24

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN ***

Dir: Marc Forster (PG, 106 mins) A.A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh is being reinvented to create another honey money-making pot for Disney. Last year’s Goodbye Christopher Robin, not sanctioned by Disney, focused on the human cost of being the child in Milne’s stories, and Milne’s own post-traumatic stress. This however, is pure fantasy as Ewan McGregor plays a grown-up Christopher who has lost his way. Blending live-action and CGI, this has McGregor reconnecting with Pooh and finding his friends Eeyore Piglet, Kanga, Tigger and Owl. In a canny move, the animals then come back to Christopher Robin’s world in an attempt to help him be happier both in his work and family life. Hayley Attwell plays Christopher’s wife Evelyn, Mark Gatiss his boss while the likes of Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi, Sophie Okenado, Nick Mohammed and Toby Jones provide voices. Hopefully more than a cynical exercise, could be unbearably twee. Opens Aug 17

CRAZY RICH ASIANS ***

Dir: Jon M Chu (12A, 90 mins) Adapted from the book by Kevin Kwan, this aims to redress some of the stereotypical Asian bias we’ve come to expect from Hollywood movies. There’s no kung fu here; instead this is a culture-clash comedy as economics professor Constance Wu is romanced by a charming Henry Golding. Little does she know however, that her boyfriend is super rich, as a visit to his family for his best friend’s wedding in Singapore soon shows. Wu is confronted with the lavish perks of his fortune and the terrifying attention of his very controlling mother (played by Michelle Yeoh). He’s the ultimate catch, the most eligible bachelor in Asia; will Constance be able to keep hold of him, stand up to his family and keep her head? There’s sparky support from Ocean’s 8’s Awkafina, The Hangover’s Ken Jeong and Gemma Chan from Humans. Director Chu makes mainstream cultural points whilst keeping things light and breezy if rather predictable. Opens Aug 17

ALSO RELEASED AUGUST 2018: A SICILIAN GHOST STORY (15) Italian fantasy thriller as a 12-year-old girl ventures into a Sicilian forest in search of love and finds something else. HEARTS BEAT LOUD (12A) Comedy starring the great Nick Offerman, who forms a father-daughter musical duo in the summer before she’s due to leave for college. Feel-good musical loveliness. THE APPARITION (15) A journalist is sent by the Vatican to see if a young girl’s claims that she has been visited by the Virgin Mary are true. French religion. TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE CINEMA (PG) Comic book animated DC types on the big screen! Probably better than Justice League. THE ESCAPE (15) An excellent Gemma Arterton stars in this moving drama about a woman losing herself, feeling trapped in the everyday rigmarole of marriage and kids and needing to BUZZ 34

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS ***

Dir: Brian Henson (15, 120 mins) Making puppets do rude things is nothing new. Team America had Thunderbirdsesque ribaldry; Peter Jackson, the man behind The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, made Meet The Feebles back in 1989, which had all manner of felty filthiness throughout it; and there’s been the theatrical raunch and sweariness of Avenue Q since 2003. Now comes a hardboiled noir-esque adult version of puppets from Brian Henson, son of Jim, the man who gave us The Muppets. Here, humans and puppets co-exist in a gritty world full of drug use, prostitution, graphic violence and silly-string ejaculation. Puppets are second-class citizens, however, looked down on by their human counterparts. Melissa McCarthy plays Connie, a tough detective paired with an even tougher puppet, disgraced ex-partner-turned-private-eye Phil Phillips, puppeteered and voiced by Bill Baretta. His brother has been murdered by a serial killer who is now targeting celebrity puppets, namely the cast of 1980s hit The Happytime Gang. The human cast includes Maya Rudolph as a beleaguered secretary and Elizabeth Banks amidst the mayhem. There’s plentiful snorting of ecstasy, four-letter word frenzies and puppet sex. Muppets for grown ups? Hopefully with some of the charm along with the raunch. Opens Aug 17

SLENDERMAN **

Dir: Sylvain White (15, 95 mins) Slenderman is an urban myth dating back to 2009 when artist Eric Knudsen created an image on online forum Something Awful showing a tall, thin, faceless man behind several children. Designed to unsettle, these images and several copycat versions exploded over the internet, eventually leading to two 12-yearold girls stabbing an 11-year-old in Wisconsin as an offering to this mythical creature. Taking such a controversial figure and turning it into a mainstream horror film is somewhat uncomfortable, given that real life has offered something more disturbing. Now, rather belatedly, comes the fictional scarefest which has four high school girls trying to debunk the lore of the Slenderman, until one of them goes missing.

What follows is a series of unpleasant images, kids hurting themselves and some obvious horror tropes.

Hereditary is a better horror that doesn’t seem so grimly exploitative. Opens Aug 24

THE MEG ****

Dir: Jon Turtletaub (12A, 130 mins) A gloriously daft monster movie with a giant shark, this film is as cheesy as you would expect. Essentially a big-budget B-movie with groan-inducing dialogue and better CGI than its obvious cousins – those straight-to-DVD ripoffs you see in the bargain bins in Tesco and Asda – The Meg has Jason Statham, so there’s probably a homoerotic punch up with the monster at some point. Two hundred miles off the Chinese coast, a world of creatures unknown or long-thought extinct are found in the Mariana Trench. A research submersible is attacked by one of them – the 75-foot megalodon. Troubled diver Jonas Taylor (the Stath) is enlisted to save the crew and stop the monster before it can get closer to the coast. Among the team tasked with tracking and killing it are Rainn Wilson’s cocky likely-to-be-eaten billionaire (Elon Musk much?), Ruby Rose’s tattooed geek, Li Bingbing’s researcher and Cliff Curtis’ old hand. This is not The Shallows or 47 Metres Down, this is Jurassic Shark, and its tooth is very much in its cheek. Never more than a bit of chompy fun, The Meg really requires a bigger boat. Opens Aug 10

THE CHILDREN ACT ****

Dir: Richard Eyre (12A, 105 mins) Adapted by Ian McEwan from his book, The Children Act is an emotionally rich, taut drama that shows how great Emma Thompson can be given the right part. Thompson plays judge Fiona Maye, having to deal with very complex cases. One involves whether to separate conjoined Siamese twins, which will result in the death of one; the other an evaluation about whether a 17-year-old Jehovah’s witness should be allowed to reject a life-saving blood transfusion that is against his religion. Thompson is also struggling with her own long marriage to affable husband Stanley Tucci. Fionn Whitehead impresses as the conflicted Jehovah’s Witness, who becomes obsessed with Thompson’s judge, hurtling towards needless tragedy. Thorny issues surrounding religion and ethics are smartly confronted with Thompson anchoring it all. A quietly powerful adaptation of a quietly powerful novel. Opens Aug 24

THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME ***

Dir: Susanna Fogel (15, 116 mins) Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon team up in this comedy about a pair of best friends thrown into a James Bond-ian world of international assassins and espionage. Kunis plays Audrey, stuck in a dead-end job and just dumped by her boyfriend. McKinnon is the supportive best friend nursing her through it. Everything changes when Kunis discovers her ex, played by Justin Theroux, is in fact a CIA agent with deadly assassins on his trail. After a shoot-out in their apartment, the two women find themselves on his mission, heading for Europe. Perhaps aiding them is suspicious-but-charming British agent Sam Heughan, and Gillian Anderson cameos as a spy boss – “the Beyoncé of the government” – on whom McKinnon declares a girl crush. The Spy Who Dumped Me has many obvious predecessors but offers enough of a spin on the fish out of water/secret agent set-up to reap rewards. Opens Aug 22

find herself. POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD (PG) Documentary following the Pope as he travels the world spreading his message. Directed by Wim Wenders! THE DARKEST MINDS (12A) Another Young Adult dystopia, with adults fearing all kids under 18. Some youngsters decide to fight the power with potential franchise results. THE NEGOTIATOR (12A) More semi-entertaining ghoulish CGI with Adam Sandler.

UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB (15) More internet horror in thoroughly unexciting scare-free nonsense. THE EQUALIZER 2 (15) Denzel Washington is back for more vigilante fisticuffs with diminishing returns. THE FESTIVAL (15) British comedy set at a music festival as a young man attempts to get over being dumped. From the team who brought you The Inbetweeners but with Jemaine Clement and Noel Fielding cameoing.

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THE ALCHEMIST Pic: Aaron Thompson

HOW TO BBQ BETTER Don’t get burned might be the first piece of advice for most novice BBQers, but Elouise Hobbs has a series of tips for those who want to take their grilling beyond the standard panic-buying of cheap petrol station charcoal.

Barbecue season is well and truly upon us, but before you head to the supermarket to buy a disposable charcoal-filled tin, take two minutes to read this guide on how to create the perfect barbecue – which is guaranteed to free you from burnt offerings and help you to create the summer dinner of your dreams.

Gas barbecues are fine – easy to control, generally quicker – but if you are bothered about flavour, nothing can beat a charcoal barbecue. The type of charcoal you use changes the taste - lump-wood is readily available and will give a natural woody flavour.

And if you want to capitalise on the smoky flavour, you can add some wood chips to the mix - hickory and oak for pork and fish, cherry and apple wood for other meats.

And remember, standard briquettes may be the go-to firestarter, but they’re usually filled with chemicals and all sorts of nasty little things. Real charcoal is the way to go. Finally, if you want to trap the flavours that you have just built up and help the barbecue keep a constant temperature, you will need a lid for the barbecue.

Get the barbecue going by lighting a match and dropping it in. Patience is key here: make sure you wait until the coals are white hot (they should look grey and glowing) before you start cooking. Cooking on flames is the perfect recipe for burnt outsides, raw insides and a high possibility of your guests leaving with food poisoning.

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Should you feel brave and want a simple test for temperature, hold your hand about 12cm above the grill. If you can comfortably hold your hand there for six seconds, it’s at low heat. When it gets down to four seconds, it’s at medium heat and you’re ready to start cooking.

It’s fitting that mystery-loving cocktail people The Alchemist celebrated the launch of their first ever Welsh venue by creating a mysterious 200ft crop circle in a field in the heart of the capital. New to St Mary Street, the cocktail bar boasts a tantalisingly full and varied menu of both alcohols and foods – most exciting is their periodic table-esque cocktail menu with an edge which is set to be a favourite among locals this summer.

Info: www.thealchemist.uk.com

TOMMY HEANEY’S MICRORESTAURANT

How do you fund a project aiming to refurb your new restaurant? You take a leaf out of TV chef Tommy Heaney’s book and open a pop-up micro-restaurant next door. Running for a limited time until approximately towards the end of August, the micro-restaurant is a unique venue for brunch in the day and small plates in the evening. Heaney enjoys the competition and artistry of plating a dish and strives for each element on the plate to play an important role.

With experience of cooking on the BBC’s Great British Menu and across the world, Cardiff is the latest spot for Heaney’s innovate ideas and ingredient skills to shine.

Info: www.tommyheaney.com

Salted caramel, malt, artichoke, rum popcorn

Make sure you have some heavy-duty tongs and an oven glove on hand ready to turn your meat, fish and veg at steady intervals. For meat and fish, try to marinade the night before so that the flavours aren’t overpowered. For vegetables, the best technique is to slice thinly and grill straight away. When cooked, add seasoning and olive oil but not before.

Once you have mastered these simple tips and laid the foundations, you are close to achieving the allusive perfect barbecue. Now, all you need to sort out is some barbecue weather!

Pic: Quim Perello

With summer at high season, it’s time to bring some variety into your drinking habits – endless crates of Fosters simply won’t do after a while.

Rachael Hutchings looks at some of the best cocktail bars in Wales.

THE POD

Located on the banks of the River Usk, The Pod boasts a unique atmosphere with gritty, modern interior design, encouraging the guests to feel like they’re in any city in the world. The cocktail menu changes weekly and the staff are trained to match your tipple to whatever bite to eat you decide on, offering over 80 different types of spirit!

Rodney Rd, Newport 01633 535440 / www.thepodnewport.co.uk

CHICKPEA CURRY Words Alison Powell

Inspired by a particularly tasty Chole Bhature that I enjoyed one hot, sunny lunchtime at Chai St in Cardiff recently, I went home to see what I could rustle up with chickpeas and spices.

This chickpea curry is the result. It’s quick, cheap, easy and above all, tasty.

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

Hidden away behind the juggernaut that is St David’s, this award-winning cocktail bar is one of Cardiff’s best kept secrets and is home to some of South Wales’ most talented mixologists. Whatever wets your whistle, this place offers remarkable masterclasses in which you can explore the history of the finest spirits and get to taste them too, with two-hour gin, rum or whiskey experiences available for £40, complete with suave canapes.

Barrack Lane, Cardiff 029 2023 1263 / www.thedeadcanary.co.uk

• 2 medium onions • 2 cloves of garlic • Olive or vegetable oil • 2 x 400g tins of chickpeas (drained) • Chilli (adjust to personal preference) • Black pepper and salt • Heaped teaspoon of turmeric • Heaped teaspoon of ground ginger • 2 x 400g tins of chopped tomatoes • Heaped tablespoon of garam masala

KON TIKI

HOW TO

THE DEAD CANARY

This one comes highly recommended by locals and students alike. This casual yet funky little haunt located in Swansea’s Strand offers beautifully crafted classics such as super fruity daquiris and plenty of deals and offers for the thrifty amongst us.

With reggae nights and tropical live music vibes that often party on until 6am, Kon Tiki is perfect for celebrations and letting your hair down.

Strand, Swansea 01792 462896

LAB 22

Described as a ‘prevalence between the different and daring’, Lab 22 constantly pushes the boundaries that have been set by modern mixology and the popularity of proper cocktails. Their selection of house cocktails is known collectively as ‘Discovery and Progress’, with a periodic table-themed description list designed to allow guests to choose which drink is right for them. The ideal place to venture if you fancy something clever.

Caroline Street, Cardiff 029 2039 9997 / www.lab22cardiff.com

LA TRATTORIA GIN BAR

Based above the very popular and delicious Italian restaurant, La Trattoria’s upstairs gin bar is authentic, attractive and exquisite in quality. A real out-of-town gem offering a fantastic range of gins from all over the world, from contemporary Turkish Delight and Parma Violet flavours to more toned-down leafy strawberry, all married with the perfect tonic.

Talbot Rd, Pontyclun 01443 223399 / www.trattoria.co.uk

1. Roughly chop the two onions and peel and crush the garlic. Pop into a heavy pan with the oil and turn on a low heat to soften. Cook slowly to prevent anything burning and stir very gently. Could take around 10 minutes.

2. Keep it on a low heat and add the chilli, turmeric, ground ginger, a good pinch of salt and grind of black pepper. Stir everything together and then add the chick peas. Mix to coat them in the spicy, oniony oil.

3. Tip in the two tins of tomatoes and half fill each can with water, swill around and add to the pan. Turn the temperature up, bring to the boil, give it a good stir and then reduce to simmer.

4. After about 15 minutes, add the garam masala and give it all a good mix. Let it simmer away for another 15 minutes.

5. You can serve this straight away, with yogurt, chutney and some naan or boiled rice. You can sprinkle with chopped coriander or some caramelised onions. It is really tasty if you reheat it the next day, once the spices have had a chance to really mingle. @ASPwriter

BUZZ 37

Pic: Iain Farrell

AUGUST FOODIE FOCUS Elouise Hobbs brings you August’s selection of the best foodie-related events in South Wales, from rebels to rum.

It’s A Rum ‘Ting with The Marley Experience, Sat 4 Aug, The Depot, Cardiff The Depot in Cardiff has grown quite a reputation for pairing great concept nights with equally high-quality food. This event promises to be no exception. The Marley Experience, a Bob Marley tribute band, offer accompaniment to what some call Barbados water – aka the tastiest rums around – and traditional Caribbean grub. Price: £8.

Info: depotcardiff.com

Newport Coffee Festival, Sat 11 Aug, Newport Market This August, Newport Market is set to welcome a whole host of suppliers, servers and roasters to the town’s first ever festival devoted solely to coffee. The day will include demonstrations and competitions – including the special category of latte art. And no coffee festival would be complete without something sweet to go alongside – local roasters Welsh Coffee, Manumit and Uncommon Ground will be joined by Angle and Carrot Top bakeries. Best of all, proceeds go to Project Waterfall, which supplies clean water to coffeegrowing communities. Price: £4.

Info: facebook.com/newportcoffeefestival} Cardigan River And Food Festival, Sat 18 Aug, Quay Street carpark, Cardigan Set alongside the stunning River Teifi, the Cardigan River And Food Festival returns for its 20th year promising great fun, food and sun (maybe). Welcoming producers from across Wales, expect quality and diverse food, made

BUZZ 38

with the love you would expect of independent producers. And, unlike other festivals, you will have the opportunity to meet the producers and makers. Once you have had your fill of delicious food, make sure to check out the ‘river’ part of the festival which includes rowing races and coracle football. Price: free.

Info: www.cardigan-food-festival.co.uk

HARE AND HOUNDS SEARCH FOR NEW CARDIFF LOCATION Aberthin’s Hare & Hounds is a proud holder of a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide – awarded for simple yet skilful cooking for under £28. As well as featuring in the Good Food Guide, the Good Pub Guide and the Michelin Eating Out In Pubs Guide, last month it was announced on Twitter that their search for a new Cardiff pitch has been secured in a spot in Llandaff. Their method of regional Welsh cooking, creating everything from scratch and using the best local produce and soil means it’s a name to look out for in the coming months.

Info: www.hareandhoundsaberthin.com

Tiny Rebel Brewery Tour, Sat 18 + Sat 25 Aug, Wern Industrial Estate, Newport This is your chance to explore the Tiny Rebel brewery as they open their doors to the public.

Visitors will be guided through the process from seeing the water flowing from the natural spring and hop tasting to enjoying a pint of freshly brewed beer in the onsite bar. The tour also includes the chance of getting the inside scoop on the upcoming flavours. Price: £15.

Info: www.tinyrebel.co.uk/brewery/tours Japanese Supper Club by Yuko, Sat 25 Aug and last Saturday of every month, Waterloo Tea, Washington Buildings, Penarth Over the past few years, South Wales has seen many supper clubs pop up, now, the town of Penarth is catching onto the trend with this monthly affair. Yuko’s supper club is offering diners a main with multiple sides of Japanese home cooking, freshly made with seasonal ingredients. Most of the menu is vegan – but a meat and fish main is available – and dessert is gluten free, meaning it is sure to be a great change for Saturday night dining. Price: £23.

Info: waterlootea.com

PONTCANNA INN OPENS

Formerly the Cayo Arms, the City Pub group have recently taken over and completely refurbished this pub in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff, giving it a new name on top. In one of the city’s leafier suburbs, with a sumptuous beer garden to boot, the Pontcanna Inn is brimming with plenty of local ales and classic pub grub. Certainly somewhere to beat the hectic madness of the city centre on a weekend.

Info: www.pontcannainn.com

THE TWO ANCHORS

Ogmore Beach, Vale Of Glamorgan twitter.com/thetwoanchors / facebook.com/thetwoanchors Food **** Atmosphere ***** In the far corner of the car park, where the River Ogmore meets the sea, Dusty Knuckle Pizza’s Phil Lewis and Jon White, formerly of Nine Yards Café, have sparked up a beachfront barbie which is blazing the Glamorgan Heritage coastline food scene.

The rules are simple at The Two Anchors: if the sun is shining and the boys have fresh fish, then it’s likely game on. Follow them on social media – their menus only go online on the day. In recent weeks they’d posted pictures online of Goan fish curries and seafood risottos; on the afternoon we rocked up, there were neither, but the choices were still hugely appealing; scallops, rainbow trout salad, mackerel in a brioche bun and some Cajun hake fish tacos too.

I went for the tacos (£6) for my main event, having smashed through a few scallops (£2.50 each), cooked in a sensational garlic and laverbread butter, topped with samphire and served up on a sea shell. Padron peppers (£2) were a punchy pintxos-style side dish. When the tacos came, there were two of them which was extremely pleasing, as was the spiced mango purée and coriander that came with them.

The Two Anchors light up their custom-made, cast iron barbeque around 4pm.

By 4.30 the heat is on, and they sell until they sell out, or until it gets dark, whichever comes first. They always sell out, I’m told so get there early. Few places in Wales allow you to munch your food just a few feet from the sea.

My only criticism is they have no alcohol license, so take a chilled bottle of wine or a few ice-cold beers with you – and a blanket, as food this good needs washing down as you watch the waves. Final tip: We got our dessert in the ice-cream van parked next door which was a lovely way to round things off.

As the sky turns orange over Ogmore it’s clear the Two Anchors have the local crowds caught hook, line and sinker. JOSEPH TOWNS

Pic: Gareth Griffith

DA MARA

2 Pen-Y-Lan Rd, Cardiff. 029 2048 2222 / www.damaracardiff.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere **** Larger than its previous location in Lakeside, this family-run trattoria is situated in Penylan near Roath Mill Gardens. Da Mara has elected to keep previous occupants Il Pastificio’s modern-meets-rustic décor, and our party of 14 couldn’t have had a more enjoyable dining experience. Ordering various options of meat, fish, pasta and pizzas, we began with an antipasto misto of olives and a selection of meats and cheeses, along with homemade focaccia. A designated diner raved about his zuppa di calamari e cozze (squid and mussels) starter – “an 11 out of 10” and a paccheri ragu – “beautifully seasoned chunks of meat”.

About half of us opted for Da Mara’s choice of 12 pizzas. You can watch them being made by a master pizza maker in a striking white and blue tiled woodburning pizza oven from Napoli. All were delizioso and authentically came out with leopard (blackened spots) crusts. A vegetarian taster did mention, though, that her rustica pizza had a good amount of cheese but not enough vegetables.

The coating on my abbondanza vitello Milanese was a bit dry for me, but the veal was still tender (fellow chooser agreed). Roasted potatoes and carrots were done to perfection. The wine list had a good selection to suit all budgets with house wines of a good standard, offering value for money and food is also reasonably priced. Owners Mark and Sardinian-born Rita and staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and accommodating, making everyone feel relaxed and as if we were guests in their own home. RHONDA LEE REALI

HOT POT SPOT

Albany Road, Cardiff. 029 2045 5888 / www.hotpotspot.co.uk Food **** Atmosphere **** Roath is fast becoming Cardiff’s foodie mecca, giving the masses a well needed alternative from the generic chains the mar City Centre. A new addition to the melting pot of international restaurants that run up and down City and Albany Road, Hot Pot Spot serves up traditional Chinese cuisine with an interesting twist.

What separates this restaurant from any other pan-Asian places is that you’re able to select and cook your food communally at your table. You’re given a special pot that splits different flavoursome broths that simmers right in front of you.

The wide selection of sliced raw meats, fresh vegetables and sauces allows you to pare flavours as you wish. Deciding to go with fried tofu, enoki mushroom, pak choi, sliced beef, glass noodles and a few selection of sauces, our meal turned out amazing, packed with flavour! If you’re feeling apprehensive about what foods to mix in your broth, the waiters are more than happy to run through the best selections for special dishes.

What really surprised this writer was the great selection of beer and cocktails – in particular the Lotus Blossom Martini, which was refreshingly tasty. To round the evening off perfectly, the bao desserts were delicious, with the custard bao taking you to warm, fluffy, custard heaven. Hot Pot Spot is the perfect place for a date or a catch up with your gang of friends. JAYDON MARTIN

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Grigoriadis, Konstantinos arkh

art

DIM OND GEIRIAU (YDI IAITH) / (A LANGUAGE IS) ONLY WORDS

BayArt, Cardiff Bay Tue 7-Sat 31 Aug Curated by Iwan Bala, this new exhibition celebrates traditional Welsh cultural identity and its creativity, in this case stemming from Welsh poetic writing, with work by John Abell, Jonathon Adams, Ivor Davis and Christine Mills to name a few.

Artists of several generations are brought together, through ‘custodial aesthetics’ to move the stimulus of the ‘word’ into an artist’s vision, which is subsequently embodied into a physical ‘object’ of art. Language is not only presented as an image, but is the expression of these artist’s views or concerns. These presented objects perpetuate cultural identity from each artist’s perspective – whether this is from use of the text itself, or an engagement with Welsh language and the magnitude of its cultural antiquity.

Bala is known for toying with the term ‘custodial aesthetics’, questioning whether artists have some form of ownership or guardianship over cultural identity. Artists, in this way, can have a role in custodianship of cultural identity, rather than being seen as producers of ‘art for art’s sake’, or art that restates the history of other art. Art has its own specific social function, especially in marginalised cultures – in this case, preserving the political, economic and cultural importance of Wales in a time of political power increasingly relocated in Westminster, as well as the relevance of the Welsh language itself.

One image from the collection includes what appears to be a Welsh hymn, under the title of Tabernacl, paying homage to Y Tabernacl, a Welsh Baptist church that has existed since the 1800s. This exhibition rejects the idea that cultural history is not intertwined in our modern identity, using the exhibition to continuate it.

Through the medium of art, Bala reminds us that we have a ‘duty’ to defend the remnants of Welsh culture due to its foundational meaning in modern Welsh identity. EMILY D’SOUZA Admission: free. Info: 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk Haf Stephens

LOST PORTS OF WALES

National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Until Sun 21 Oct The 870-mile Welsh coastline has long provided a base for trading goods and services, driving the growth of trade industries. Today, it’s difficult to even imagine that some places were formerly former busy ports where large ships would have docked. Back in 2011, archeologists from Cardiff University discovered remains of a 2000-year-old Roman port in Caerleon, Newport. Along with it, the team of staff and students found traces of old marketplaces, monumental buildings and temples. The discovery was a significant dimension to understanding the archeology of the existing ports of Roman Britain.

This summer, as part of the 2018 celebration of Wales’ Year Of The Sea, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea is holding an exhibition which recalls some of these lost harbours.

Some of the featured old ports are in Porthgain [pictured], St Clears, Cardiff and Swansea. It’s hard to imagine that at some of these places the trading industry flourished and flowed, welcoming a large number of traders; now, some of them are used only by small vessels and fishing boats. If you are passionate about history and interested in educating yourself more about the history of the Welsh economy, then this is an ideal afternoon out for you.

Admission: free. Info: 0300 1112333 / www.museum.wales/swansea (FM) BUZZ 40

BETH MCCOLL MOYSE: PAINTING PEMBROKESHIRE – YEAR OF THE SEA

Oriel Joanna Field, Torch Theatre, Milford Haven Until Wed 29 Aug With a friendly atmosphere, picturesque views and astounding weather, Pembrokeshire is the type of place that has people flocking to the coasts rather than going abroad. So, it comes as no surprise that it is getting some attention this summer in the Painting Pembrokeshire exhibition. No stranger to a scenic view, Beth McColl Moyse grew up in Ireland but after working in London for many years, made the move to Wales where the Pembrokeshire coastline inspired her to pick up her paintbrush again.

The Irish artist has used acrylics to capture the lush seaside scenery and surrounding landscape on the Welsh coastline that has grabbed hold of her attention and just won’t let go. From writer Beatrix Potter to poet Alison Bielski, Pembrokeshire is very familiar with artists finding inspiration within its borders. Even Roald Dahl owned a holiday home he would visit every year in Tenby; it’s simply natural that another artist has found artistic direction in her new seaside home.

Admission: free. Info: 01646 695267 / www.torchtheatre.co.uk (ED)

FESTIVAL OF STITCH

Various venues, Swansea Fri 10-Fri 24 Aug When we think of art, we don’t necessarily think of sewing and stitching, but this month a fortnightlong event held across Swansea will no doubt turn this assumption on its head.

It’s here that they will exhibit a vast array of work by artists who have taken their craft towards the stitch-and-sew rather than the canvas.

Of the artists plying their wares, Miss Clementine from Caerphilly is a highlight – her work is quirky, using a mixture of new and old materials, such as discarded household objects like cleaning brushes or old pots.

Taking materials such as tatted lace and cotton, she incorporates miniature gardens and vintage-looking cottages into the items, giving a fairytale quality to her work. Masterclasses will be held by artists and teachers, where they will cover a variety of creative techniques from traditional shibori to exploring surface design using nature.

Those taking part in the exhibition are travelling from all across Wales. Highly praised associations are also set to attend, such as the Glamorgan Quilters, Mothers Of Africa and the Vale Of Glamorgan Modern Quilt Guild.

Admission: free (£30 per day for masterclasses held in Swansea Museum). Info: 07812 393150 / www.swanseafestivalofstitch.co.uk (BA)

BEN OKRI & ROSEMARY CLUNIE: THE MAGIC LAMP

Abergavenny Museum Until Sun 2 Sept The result of a 15-year collaboration, author Ben Okri and artist Rosemary Clunie created The Magic Lamp, a book weaving together 25 ethereal short stories together Clunie’s dreamlike artwork to create a piece masked insight into a deeper reflection of our world.

Awarded the Booker Prize for The Famished Road, Okri’s work frequently centres on struggle. Through a disguised narrative of a mystical world, Okri has repeatedly used his work as a commentary on social corruption and issues usually centred in Nigeria, his country of birth.

Always experimenting, Clunie enacts a peculiar dance throughout her artwork to combine the real world with a world spun from her imagination and inspiring ours. To those who listen, her playful work is often laced with disguised commentary.

For over 20 years, Clunie has drawn inspiration from Okri’s work; this time, the paintings came first. The exploration of an interchangeable reality was ‘birthed’ from Clunie’s artwork, whose colours and textures act as the basis for Okri’s narratives.

Admission: free. Info: 01873 854282 / www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk (ED)

© Rob Hudson

ffotoview awst 3 august - medi 29 september

a celebration of Welsh photographic talent at our new city-centre venue dathliad o dalentau ffotograffig Cymru yn ein canolfan newydd yng nghanol y ddinas

29 Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 1BT

guarantee your copy every month

6 MONTHS £15

12 MONTHS £25

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AUGUST 2018 just fill out this form and post it, along with a cheque to:

Buzz Publishers Ltd, 220c Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY

stage

TONGUES

Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Fri 24 Aug; Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Fri 31 Aug Five professional dancers, a composer, poet and artistic director are all on their way to south Wales to provide teens and young adults aged 14-21 with an opportunity to perform in a new dance and spoken word project, headed up by the Milford Haven-based Joon Dance Company.

Artistic Director Zosia Jo, along with prominent Welsh poet Rufus Mufasa will work closely with a group of young adults in Brecon and Cardiff to teach them how to channel their creative energy to produce and execute a personalised performance on the big stage. A poet, singer, songwriter and hip-hop artist, Mufasa is well versed in the creative industry and her innovative talent is sure to inspire those involved to embrace their creativity. Jo’s knack of exploring social issues through performance, coupled with Mufasa’s energetic enthusiasm and prolific nature, is sure to influence and shape those involved. Also behind the project is composer Chris Young, plus five dancers travelling across the UK to provide support and guidance while choreographing the performances created by the young adults.

The tongue is a powerful tool: as our main form of expression and communication it is important we utilise it courageously. A theme and belief that is placed at the forefront of this project. There’s no previously prepared dialogue or choreography, instead the young people involved will work to create a script and performance unique to themselves and their surroundings. Zosia Jo hopes this project will encourage young people to be aware of the power of their voice and body and how to use it at such an age where we are subject to constant change both physically and mentally.

The first Tongues workshops will take place from Mon 20-Fri 24 Aug at Theatr Brycheiniog, culminating with a performance on the Friday, before moving on to Cardiff where the process will repeat the following week. ELISHIA DAVIES Tickets: £3 (Brecon)/£5 (Cardiff). Workshops are free. Info: joondance.wixsite. com/joondance Pic: Mitch Lensink

A RECIPE FOR SLOE GIN

World Of Boats, Cardiff Bay Tue 14-Sat 18 Aug Set in a Cornish fishing village, Clock Tower Theatre Company brings a new site-specific play written by Cardiffbased Alan Neve. The production tells a gently heartwrenching but familiar tale of impermanence, duty and guilt, through the medium of father and daughter monologues. The relentless ocean pulls in, with its tide, memories of their past home and relationship that they once had.

A Recipe For Sloe Gin sees the enticement of the past lead to conflicting decisions as to what is right.

Matthew Holmquist is directing – his previous work includes Jez Butterworth’s The River at Loko Club in Bristol with the Red Oak Theatre, which he founded in Exeter; and Blue Stockings by Jessica Swale at the Sherman Theatre. Also joining the cast are Georgia Theodoulou, recently accredited by her role in Amazon Prime series Exhumans as Chrystal, and It’s The End Of The World As We Know It with Dirty Protest Theatre.

Buzz’s go-to films guy Kieron Self also stars, after having performed in Lightspeed From Pembroke Dock, also with Dirty Protest Theatre, and The Wind In The Willows at Sherman Theatre, as well as sitcom My Family.

Tickets: £8-£10. Info: www. clocktowertc.co.uk (EDS) BUZZ 42

CERI DUPREE: IMMACULATE DECEPTION

New Theatre, Cardiff Sat 1 Sept Cardiff’s New Theatre has built itself a reputation for showcasing the glorious diversity of the show business world since its opening in 1906. One prime illustration of this comes in the form of the new show from one of the theatre’s regulars, Ceri Dupree, who is heading back to one of Cardiff’s most historically rich stages in September.

Having spent an impressive 35 years on tour, Swansea’s most nationally revered female impersonator returns with a charmingly-named tour promising new costumes, routines, jokes and songs and features Hollywood tributes and nods to the Queen and Cilla Black. Dupree has previously explained that he enjoys the sense of escapism of theatre, so it’s no surprise that the costumes of Shirley Bassey and the bold suits of Ken Dodd fuelled his creativity alongside the mantras of entertainment industry icons Mae West and Liberace.

It may only be at the New Theatre for one night, but it’ll be a night with one of the top names in the industry. Whether it’s your first or 15th Ceri Dupree show, it’s certain to follow some of his own words – “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing” – in the best possible sense.

Tickets £14.50-£22.

Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk (CE)

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil Thurs 30 Aug The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a pattern of Italian immigration into Wales, with many settling in areas such as Glamorgan and Newport. A large amount of these individuals hailed from the town of Bardi in northern Italy, and from the 1890s they formed a network of ice cream parlours, cafés and fish and chip shops. Still visible in numerous towns and cities across the south of Wales, their stories have inspired writers Mike Doherty and Mark Thomas to put these histories onto the stage.

The play splits its narrative across two periods. In 1931, Giacomo walks from Bardi to South Wales; meanwhile, in 2018, Jess and Steve buy the Sidoli café and Giacomo’s nephew Luigi tries to make a fortune involving a fake Brexit official and a kidnapped cat.

Part of the story’s attraction stems from its place in local history, as it will be performed in Theatr Soar, 50 steps from the old Sidoli café. Especially in the era of Brexit and questions about immigration across the globe, the play is arguably more relevant than ever. It’s also likely to educate the audience about the type of journeys those coming from Italy and further afield faced, and how their descendants are carrying on their legacies in 2018.

Tickets: £10. Info: 01685 722176 / www.theatrsoar.co.uk (CE)

SIEILOC

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay Sun 5-Tue 7 Aug Shylock, one of Shakespeare’s most dramatic characters, is a memorable personage from The Merchant Of Venice. As a Jewish moneylender, his true identity is a matter of a critical debate – is he the villain or the victim in the story? In Shakespeare’s time there were no Jews legally present in England, though in his plays they were often referred as money lenders from the Middle East. Historically, Christian kings did not allow Jews to own land or serve in the government and thus money lending was the only option left for them. Filled with anger by his mistreatment at the hands of Venice’s Christians, Shylock plots revenge by taking a pound of Antonio’s flesh as a payment in return.

The story is told through the eyes of the moneylender’s only friend, Tubal, the only other Jewish character from Shakespeare’s abundant repertoire.

With all eyes on him, Tubal takes a central role in the performance and promises to entertain the audience with his humorous storytelling.

Sieloc is set to celebrate the rich capacity of Shakespeare’s language and bring out the persona of Shylock. Starring Rhodri Miles, this Welsh-language production runs as part of the Eisteddfod.

Tickets: £10. Info: 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk (FM)

A JAUNT THROUGH THE KINGDOM

The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye Sat 25 Aug Kingdom proclaim themselves as a non-profit annual event to boost the local economy – a “project for the people,” rejecting the notion of being a festival. Hay-On-Wye’s Globe venue, in collaboration with the Old Electric and Richard Booths Bookshop, host this launch event, preceding the first year proper of Kingdom in 2019.

Highlights of this year’s lineup of various DJs and performers include Radio 6 presenter Tom Ravenscroft and Don Letts [pictured], with the exiting inclusion of Sheema Mukherjee, a British composer and sitar player, after having played a host of prestigious music festivals, including World Music Festival in Chicago. Ravenscroft’s shows are uptempo mixes of songs that gel together despite sounding completely different to each other; while Letts’ show on Radio 6, Culture Clash, has been on air since 2009.

Also putting in a performance is Rita Ray, showcasing an eclectic mix of music from all around the world - the African diaspora being her area of expertise. Add in a solo live performance from Footdragger, who was raised with influences such as Dylan and Floyd, and it promises to be an exciting day of unique DJ and solo talent.

Tickets: £25. Info: 01497 821762 (ED) BUZZ 44

Pic: Marie Staggat

clubs

N-TRANCE

Logic Festival 3 Launch Party 2 @ The Dilwyn Arms, Pontardawe Sat 18 Aug For the third year running, Logic Festival hits Swansea in September and will be bringing over 70 homegrown and travelling artists with it. Spread across five arenas, punters can revel in a diversity of dance styles from old skool to house, hardcore to trance and everything in between. And as a launch of sorts for Logic, the festival take over the Dilwyn Arms in nearby Pontardawe for 12 hours of revelry.

Famous for mid-90s UK chart hits including Set You Free and Forever, along with covers of songs like Stayin’ Alive, dance-pop icon N-Trance will headline Logic’s launch with a set of enduring club staples and remixes.

David Dennison, who as DJ Junior K is also known for producing and remixing songs for Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, heads the in-club incarnation of N-Trance.

Logic Festival has come a long way from their humble beginnings and plans to only get bigger. This epic (in the traditional sense) launch bash will run from 11am to 11pm on Sat 18, with further DJ sets from Rob Rees, Jason Pufal, Danny Slade, Trixta, Chris Miller and Rob EJ. An aftershow party follows at The Rainbow Rooms in Gorseinon.

Tickets: £12/£9. Info: 07763 000382 (ED)

BLAWAN

The Vaults, Cardiff Bay Sun 26 Aug Swapping Berghain for the Bay, Blawan heads to Cardiff on the back of his debut album, Wet Will Always Dry, a 2018 LP release that encompasses the south Yorkshireman’s deep-lying affinity for gritty, industrial techno. Having hosted bigroom German producer Chris Leibling in July, The Vaults have pulled yet another techno pantheon out of the bag here.

Under the Blawan alias, Jamie Roberts emerged from a post-dubstep scene with several successful releases in the early 2010’s, including a well-received remix of Radiohead’s Bloom. Throughout the decade though, there has been a palpable shift in Roberts’ production towards a darker shade of techno, epitomised by one of his most popular (and sinister) releases, Why They Hide Their Bodies Under My Garage? – an underground banger of nuclear proportions.

One only need look at Blawan’s most recent Boiler Room, a rip-roaring hour-long set at last summer’s Dekmantel, for confirmation that this is a man who has every intention of capturing a crowd in his own unique fashion, laying on thick some of his heaviest tracks whilst imploring a crowd to grin at his tenacity. Delving further into the amassed online footage of Roberts’ sets only serves to further demonstrate his love for the menacing. Always there are provocative selections, lucid mixing, and a perpetual nod to the insidious side of dance music. And yet, wherever you look, the people on the grainy dancefloors are always really bloody into it.

There are, of course, new and ethereal touches to be found from Roberts in his debut album; indeed, we have come to expect the unexpected from a producer with such a taste for the eccentric. Layers of ambience are littered throughout his new LP, but ultimately this record is crying out for the dancefloor.

Fitting support comes in the form of Julez Wyl, fresh from a revered, stomping three-hour set in Corsica Studios this July. Midge, Blap and Luke Winds are also assembled for what is to be a heavy ride at The Vaults. CHARLIE COTTRELL Tickets: £14.50/£13.50. Info: www.vaultspresents.com

TUFF LONDON

Fixate @ Blind Tiger, Newport Sat 25 Aug This month’s bank holiday Sunday sees south Wales house promoters Fixate bringing the high energy, grimy underground techno and house scene from London to Newport in the form of UK duo, Tuff London, aka Ben K and Sam T. Their influences include Sharp Boys and Armand Van Helden: DJs at the nexus of techno and hard house, with a legacy from the 90s through to the modern day.

Tuff London’s vision is to create music “solely for the dancefloor’, and over the last 12 months the duo have made a real name for themselves in the genre, with club chart hits and support from artists and DJs, including Radio One’s Danny Howard. Their breakthrough 2016 single, Sending Love, catapulted them into Ibiza anthem-maker status, receiving backing from a wealth of house DJs. Signing thereafter to the Toolroom label, the Front Line single perpetuated their promising and growing footprint on the UK house and techno scene. The night also promises a great supporting lineup for Tuff London too, in the form of Owen Kilby, Paul Blandford, Jack Edinborough, Tom Mahoney, Dan Waite and Madame Twisted.

Tickets: £5 (NPTclubhop multi-wristband) Info: 01633 243500 (ED)

SIR COXSONE

Royal Ascension Sound @ Butetown Community Centre, Cardiff Bay Fri 3 Aug “Coxsone sound is the number one sound,” says a sample from a two-yearold Father Festus mix. Sir Coxsone, the duo of Lloydie Coxsone and Father Festus from Kingston, Jamaica, have been stalwarts of reggae, dub and roots for a few decades. The late Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s Sound System was hugely influential in 70s UK reggae, before 80s dancehall took over, and is the group’s namesake. His traditional sound still stands true to this day and finds its roots in Jamaican culture.

Butetown has long been a hub for the city’s Afro-Caribbean population, and will now open its community centre doors for an evening of “oneness”. Sir Coxsone will be accompanied “wid full crew” and locals Royal Accession Sound – “Cardiff Roots Ambassadors” and tonight’s promoters – and Dirty Harry will serve up further dubplates.

The combination of well-known artists and local talent is a structure often used – in this case, providing a place for reggae heads and members of the community to appreciate the classic sound. As well as being swayed by the sounds of roots and dub, the food stalls are set to provide the full Caribbean experience in one evening.

Tickets: £10. Info: 07512 031958 (CP)

BAYART SUMMER EXHIBITION 2018 07.08.18- 31.08.18 Dim ond Geiriau (ydi iaith) (A language is) Only Words.

BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL

Various venues, Brecon Fri 10-Sun 12 Aug Brecon Jazz Festival is one of Wales’ biggest celebrations of all things jazz, with this year being its 35th year in succession. Highlights of this year’s lineup include a 16-piece Big Band, directed by Cardiff based Gareth Roberts, who regularly performs with Capital City Jazz Orchestra. This will be held in the Castle Hotel and includes a meal.

The lineup boasts musical talent from home and beyond, with the inclusion of South African Jazz, Manchester Jazz Connection, Pavel PQ Czech Quartet [pictured] and Sounds Of Cuba. The latter act stars Maite Hontelé, one of the finest performers of an eclectic mix of Spanish, African and Latin rhythms on trumpet. The South African Jazz Septet bring together the sounds of pianist and harmonica player Adam Glasser and trumpeter and expert improvisor and Jazz composer Byron Wallen. The septet will be playing a tribute to the late Hugh Masekela, known as the father of South African jazz.

Glasser will also be leading Harmonica Jazz on chromatic harmonica and a selection of unconventional jazz compositions. Brecon Jazz is open for all lovers of the genre, expert or novice, to explore its different cultural roots.

Tickets: £135 weekend / gigs priced individually. Info: breconjazz.org (EDS) BUZZ 46

Pic: Estevan Oriol

live

GASPER NALI

The Welfare, Ystradgynlais Fri 10 Aug Gasper Nali, a musician who lives on the shores of northern Lake Malawi, is coming to Wales as part of his summer tour. Nali lives on his own, supporting himself mainly through his original music by playing regularly at nearby tourist lodges. A few years ago, when he was largely unknown, a clip of him performing his song A Bale Ndikuwuzeni went viral on social media.

The video quickly gained over 18m views, making him shine beyond the borders of his hometown of Nkhata Bay. Nali creates the most catchy and haunting melodies on his handmade three-metre-long bass guitar, called babatoni, using an empty glass bottle and a stick while stomping on an kickdrum fashioned from cowskin.

His fans describe his energetic music as unstoppable dancing fodder and confirm that he knows how to entertain at a one-man party.

Zoona Malawi – Nali’s second album, a follow-up to a 2015 debut also titled A Bale Ndikuwuzeni – is set to be jointly released this month by two world/folk underground specialists, the American Mississippi Records and Sweden’s Sing A Song Fighter. Recorded live near Lake Malawi, it’s as pure and upbeat as the style that made him notorious.

Tickets: £10-£12. Info: 01639 843163 (FM)

HUB FESTIVAL

Various venues, Cardiff Fri 24-Sun 26 Aug Hub Festival will be returning to Cardiff in its customary August Bank Holiday slot, with as impressive and extensive a lineup as ever. Proving again that Womanby Street truly is the centre of music in Cardiff, Hub have announced a stellar roster for this year’s instalment. Having been crowned 2017’s Lineup Of The Year at the Cardiff Music Awards, this year they are certainly leading by example.

With the first round of acts now having been released, the collection of artists performing encompass the best of Welsh music – to name five, Rainbow Maniac, La Forme, Rachel K Collier, Al Moses and Horizons 2018 artist Aleighcia Scott [pictured], who’ll be accompanied by a band. Reggae, metal, hip-hop, shoegaze – the talent that will be displayed over three days is extraordinarily diverse, with over 150 acts announced to date. Also on offer is a plethora of workshops, spoken word performances and comedy: the variety of Hub is truly impressive.

Minty, creator of Minty’s Gig Guide and an iconic map of Cardiff’s music venues, will be hosting a relaunch and a talk, with special guests to be confirmed. A further welcome sight on the agenda is the Mental Health In Music workshop at Campfa (a recently opened gallery in Queens Arcade) on Sat 25 – pleasing evidence that this topic is being increasingly less neglected by the industry, with more opportunities to discuss it in open and honest ways.

Since its beginnings in 2013, the multi-venue festival keeps expanding, with stages this year in Tiny Rebel, Clwb Ifor Bach, The Moon and Blue Honey to name a few. Hub is an ideal way to spend the August bank holiday in the Welsh capital, celebrating the arts in – yes – the hub of the city. It’s festivals like this one which solidify the importance of Cardiff’s music scene, encouraging unity among venues, promoters and more while highlighting how the city is brimming with noise. With tickets peaking at just £25, this event is an absolute steal. FFION RIORDAN-JONES Tickets: £25 weekend/£15 per day (adult); £15/£7 per day (12-17-year-olds); free under-12s. Info: info@themooncardiff.com

IMARHAN

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff Thurs 30 Aug This Algerian desert rock band have been together for approximately a decade, in which time the music scene they loosely associate with has enjoyed a major spike of global recognition. Imarhan themselves have been fairly central to this, releasing their eponymous 2016 debut album on German label City Slang to glowing reviews; but they, like any band from the Tuareg region toting electric guitars and their own spin on the blues, are in the shadow of Tinariwen, Malian veterans and founders of a whole musical movement.

While Imarhan, understandably, wish to be assessed on their own terms – and this year’s follow-up LP, Temet, justifies that wish with a 10-song salvo of canshaking psychedelic funk and tender vocal harmonising – their Tinariwen connections are closer than most.

Frontman Moussa Ben Abderahmane temporarily replaced Tinariwen vocalist Ibrahim Ag Alhabib a few years back, when the latter had to protect his family and property during an outbreak of political violence; the change being born of necessity may have made it more palatable to fans. Either way, it can’t have hurt to showcase Abderahmane’s rich, rangy vocals, and hopefully it’ll nudge a few more punters into this gig, one of 10 UK dates for Imarhan on this tour.

Tickets: £12. Info: 029 2023 2199 (NG)

SEAN PAUL

Motorpoint Arena Cardiff Mon 20 Aug His last full album, Full Frequency, may be a full four years old now but that’s not to say that dancehall star Sean Paul hasn’t been busy. The man whose name is often preceded by ‘feat.’ has put his unique vocal style on a number of hits in the last few years and the release of his EP Mad Love The Prequel has seen his career take an upward turn.

Emerging in the late 90s, singles such as Gimme The Light and Get Busy saw him regularly hitting the higher end of the charts, while collaborations with Beyoncé and Blu Cantrell turned Sean into a household name. His career took a bit of a downward turn towards the beginning of this decade before collaborations with Little Mix and Clean Bandit, amongst others, brought him to the forefront of the rap world once again.

It would seem that if you need to inject some Jamaican vibes into your song then Sean is your man, as he has explored the full musical spectrum with further collaborations with the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Simple Plan and Nigerian singer Timaya. So you can guarantee that when the collaboration king brings his energetic show to the Motorpoint Arena later this month, in the current climate – we will all “be burning”.

Tickets: £35. Info: 029 2022 4488 (CA)

reviews albums BC CAMPLIGHT ***** Deportation Blues (Bella Union) For an album recorded in total darkness, following deportation and a bout of mental illness, there’s a lot of hope to be found on this brilliant album. Deportation Blues is an uncompromising work of near-genius that revells in its own confidence and bravery. There’s everything here, from witty Ben Folds-type jaunts to St. Vincent-esque noise making. Christinzio’s voice can hit the Scott Walker lows or soar high with Freddie falsetto in impressive style; the production is impeccable, the songwriting as inventive as the soundscapes. JPD

BEN KHAN *** Ben Khan (Dirty Hit) Producer Ben Khan’s debut record is the latest fruit to fall from the Dirty Hit tree, a record label famed for its innovative, sparkling roster featuring the likes of The 1975 and Wolf Alice. Khan’s eponymous LP overflows with electric drumbeats and moody rhythms, best exemplified by Do It Right and the shimmering dance track Monsoon Daydream. It’s a record which will no doubt please fans of the likes of Caribou, and one which drips with the energy of a bustling city during a hot summer day. CE

BUÑUEL **** The Easy Way Out (La Tempesta International/Goodfellas) Of course the last song is an invitation to fight.

Buñuel’s second album again finds Eugene Robinson – Oxbow frontman, author and prize-winning pugilist – topless and oiled for violence, howling and growling over noise provided by various Italian musicians. The Easy Way Out veers between arid, uncomfortable slowness and grinding, tearing speed, and is enjoyably nightmarish: sweaty, Jesus Lizard-style slices of rock that shows machismo and the damage done, and doesn’t hang around too long either. WS

THE CORAL ** Move Through The Dawn (Ignition) By far the most interesting thing about The Coral’s seventh LP is the lurid cover, which makes it look like a Japanese live bootleg and features both the band in Kasabian-on-stagdo-in-Las-Vegas attire and (for no apparent reason) a lion. The record’s bland melodies, pedestrian folk-rock and horribly hackneyed lyrics will come as a disappointment to anyone who heard 2016 predecessor Distance Inbetween, and prematurely hailed the return of the psych-pop oddballs with whom we originally fell in love. BW

DEAF HAVANA **

HILANG CHILD **

LUCERO ****

Ritual (SO)

Years (Bella Union)

Among The Ghosts (Thirty Tigers)

Lacking in the emotionally driven anthems which defined Deaf Havana’s past works, Rituals does not effectively live up to its themes of immorality and redemption. Instead, we are presented with a collection of bland dirges. With the exception of the adequate single Sinner, everything from Hell to Heaven, is insultingly lacklustre. ‘’I’m moving on from fools and worthless liars,’’ Gilodi sings in reference to one of his better albums. Considering the wasted potential here, you are left wishing he wouldn’t. AS

Years lives in a weird place between gentle, pastel-coloured synths, and some hefty beige songwriting. Mostly home produced, it’s the work of half-Welsh, half-Indonesian Ed Riman, whose swooning style aims for epic ethereal, but lands safely in Radio 2 waters with every song. Bella Union are clearly a label welcoming to all kinds of winsome, but as the piano clanging Crow ushers in thoughts of Keane, you have to wonder. A far too gentle prodding of the pop prostate. WS

Alt-country five-piece Lucero have been quietly going about their business for 20 years now, but Among The Ghosts may just change all that. The band encompasses that Southern gothic vibe like nobody else; throw in some E-Street influence and you are on to a winner. Hell, even singer Ben Nichols’ raspy throat is reminiscent of The Boss. Widely celebrated in their hometown of Memphis, it’s time we all joined the party. CA

DEAF WISH ****

INTERPOL ****

Lithium Zion (Sub Pop)

Marauder (Matador)

Legendary Seattle label Sub Pop could be forgiven for continuing to harbour a grudge against Sonic Youth for tempting Nirvana to join them at Geffen for Nevermind, but are instead apparently putting out records dedicated to their memory.

Lithium Zion finds Aussies Deaf Wish faithfully and adeptly recreating the utterly splendid noise the New Yorkers made during their late-80s/early-90s imperial phase – angry guitars, odd tunings, rat-a-tat drums, drawling Kim‘n’Thurston vocals and all. BW

Interpol took a break from recording sixth album Marauder to go out on the road to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut, Turn On The Bright Lights. They returned to the studio fired up, and Marauder is proof that the band are still firing on all cylinders and exploring new depths of intense moodiness.

What is different this time round is that the Interpol sound has evolved into something that has a dark and spacious psychedelic edge. DN

FOXING **** Nearer My God (Triple Crown) With stalwarts like La Dispute already onto pastures new, progressive hardcore is hurtling towards its inevitable saturation point.

Foxing were always an odd fit for the bands they routinely tour with anyway, and while Nearer my God is certainly more song-led than previous outings, it retains the vastness they have made something of a trademark.

This is pretty timeless stuff – like Everything Everything tinkering with a load of Deus B-sides – and should play particularly well on vinyl if that’s your bag. GP

GULP *** All Good Wishes (ELK) The second album by the Super Furry Animalsrelated digital-synth trio who make “Kraut-pop epics, informed equally by the sun flares of the Californian desert and the drizzle of pure, sweet Scottish rain...” – but forget the blurb: what you’ve got, essentially, is 11 tracks of very short songs in a similar vein and, although pleasant enough, I longed for the ‘epic’, the elevation in voice or music. It almost happens in their single Morning Velvet Sky, but not quite. LN

JAMES **** Living In Extraordinary Times (Infectious) James have always been known for their enthusiastic and uptempo rock, yet they are never ones to shy away from experimentation. From the bright keyboards and crunchy guitars of Coming Home (Pt. 2) and Hank) to ballads which swell and crescendo (Broken By The Hurt, Busted), it is clear that these indie champions have lost none of the heart and charming songwriting prowess which went into some of their most famous works, even if their music today is markedly different from before. AS

OH SEES **** Smote Reverser (Castle Face) John Dwyer and his mutating Oh Sees crack out their zillionth release, with artwork and songs seemingly inspired by the doommongering beastie of Stranger Things 2. Starting out relatively quiet/loud with gentle lyrics and duelling riffs and Hammond B3 on Sentient Oona, they switch to funky metal on Enrique El Cobrador; C is a jaunty boogie, Overthrown a vicious assault, Beat Quest is like late 60s Blue Note on PCP and Moon Bog an eldritch groove. CS

THE PROCLAIMERS **** Angry Cyclist (Cooking Vinyl) The opening title track is a great mini-epic that sets up many of the sociopolitical themes the Reid brothers explore on Angry Cyclist, but it’s an odd title that doesn’t really sum up the wit and bonhomie of most of the album. The songs are short and snappy. If there’s one criticism, it is that some of the 13 tracks are just a little too similar. But, there is no denying the incredible strength in the vocal delivery or the brilliance of their lyric writing. JPD

KODALINE ***

SHADOWPARTY ****

Politics Of Living (RCA)

ShadowParty (Mute)

This latest release by the Irish four-piece sees a who’s who of pop music writing and production assisting in the development of these 12 tracks. The band’s sessions with producer Kygo two years ago have surely rubbed off on their ‘new sound’, with the majority of these latest songs sounding more at home on the dancefloor than a festival.

Album opener Follow Your Fire is a real eyeopener – didn’t see that coming at all. Definitely worth a listen. OS

Straight from the newer members of New Order and Devo, ShadowParty’s love of flangey basslines, 80s synth pads and Stephen Morris-brand snare may raise an eyebrow or two at first, but the result is so strong and fresh regardless that the only thing they really have to worry about is whether they break first on Radio 6 or Radio 2.

Celebrate leads the album and is far and away the weakest track, so plumb beyond for the real crackers. JM

GAMES REVIEWS SEA OF THIEVES

Windows 10 / Xbox One (Microsoft Studios) Such was Microsoft Studios’ faith in Sea Of Thieves that they even roped in a Goonie to advertise it. The online multiplayer sensation gives you the chance to take to the waves as a pirate, where traders at the outpost will provide you with quests to go on and ultimately achieve the rank of pirate legend. Battles with mythical creatures such as the Kraken are part and parcel of the game, as is getting drunk and vomiting on your pals. There’s never a dull moment – fantastic fun. EA

BUZZ 48

SPLATOON 2: OCTO EXPANSION

Nintendo Switch (Nintendo) Nintendo delivers the single-player campaign we always wanted for our favourite aquaticthemed paintball shooter. Eighty levels of devilish dayglo joy await in the mysterious metro beneath Inkopolis. Despite the odd cheap death and some control quirks, the sheer imagination and invention in this expansion’s design is beautiful to behold, culminating in a truly epic final boss encounter. There’s little here for multiplayer Splatooners beyond cosmetic unlocks, but for those looking for a severe solo challenge, this is DLC done right. RH

TIRZAH ** Devotion (Domino)

LATE NIGHT PICTURE *****

After a promising start to her career the London soul singer arrives at her debut album, but unfortunately initial impressions aren’t great. The barren arrangements of the songs can be woefully repetitive and together with a flat vocal delivery in places and an absence of a much wanted bottom end, the average listener could be forgiven for assuming some of these tracks are just the groundwork for a future effort, in other words... demos. Demos with potential, sure, but still disappointingly undercooked at this point. CPI

Better Land (self-released)

TONY MOLINA **** Kill The Lights (Slumberland) Drawing on influences from the Beatles to the Byrds, Molina flaunts his influences proudly.

While that can be seen to be a bad thing, nothing feels stale or uninspired. Each of the 10 songs barely run over a minute in length, yet make every second a delight. From the joyously upbeat Nothing I Can Say to the mournful Now That She’s Gone, precise guitar work, relatable lyricism and an acute sense of melody make Kill The Lights a charming listening experience. AS

WHITE DENIM ***** Performance (City Slang) Is this lucky seven for White Denim? Ever popular but not quite as mammoth as Black Keys, who they most resemble on the southern rockin’ It Might Get Dark and the horn-heavy Magazin, the addition of a new keyboardist and drummer have given them another Doctor Who-style regeneration. Sky Beaming skips frothily like Azymuth vs Last Days Of Summer. Weldon Irvine jazz-funk gives way to handclapping blue-eyed soul on Double Death and Moves On fizzes by with a Baba O’Reilly keyboard denouement. CS

singles CARW **** Lovers (Blinc) Alligning firmly with the ‘80s is cool again’ philosophy which seems to be quite a draw now, this track is a well executed recreation of that glistening 80s synthpop sound. Equal parts romanticised vocal and uplifting synth lines, it conjures that pink-sunset-over-a-city-skyline type of imagery that many know and love. CPI

EADYTH & SHAMONIKS *** Ymlaen Yr Awn (Rasal) A charity shop find that’s turned up if not Discogs gold then a single-worthy hook, Ymlaen Yr Awn takes Edward Morus Jones’ 1968 paean to Welsh spirit and threads it through this vocalist/producer collab. The vibe is happy hippy electronica, nagging and positive, drifting pleasamostly sunny music festival. WS

ILU **** Graffiti Hen Ewrop (Libertino) The new single from these Welsh krautrockers takes you on a journey whether you speak the language or not. A solid beat with space-rock elements, things get a bit Doctor Who-ish in the middle but that just adds another dimension.

Not long enough to make a big impact, though would be very effective played on a loop. LN

This is melancholic downtempo with just the right amount of hopefulness. The vocals strike an uncanny resemblance to those of London Grammar’s Hannah Reid, while tickling bass, riffs and melodies come together in sublime subtly and ambience. A track that would slide perfectly into the Drive soundtrack. CP

THE NAKED CITIZENS (FEAT. SUZI CHUNK) **** Space Touring (Country Mile) The first offering from this highly original, highaiming supergroup of sorts doesn’t disappoint, with smoggy songstress Suzi Chunk lending her vocals to a 70s disco appetiser. Featuring Dan Nichols (Railroad Bill) and Rob Smith (Wonderbrass), with many more collaborators lined up for future songs, this whistle is well and truly whetted. JE

UNDERWORLD & IGGY POP ****

WE'VE BEEN WATCHING...

HOW IT ENDS (Netflix)

A Blandy McBlandface film for the blandiest of McBlandy viewers. Forest Whittaker groans through this end-ofthe-world survival thriller as a father who can barely countenance his Blandy McBlandface son-in-law Theo James, who is blandly handsome in that kind of “ooh he’s blandly handsome” way. There’s no real ending here as well, which means the film plays out as some kind of elongated joke to get people to shout “Is that How It Ends?” at the end, and then you just want to slap yourself for watching this.

Thank God I was drunk for most of this crap. **FT

QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY (Netflix)

It’s a credit to the Trainspotting universe that this went so right, a project intended for soundtracking T2 that grasps the story’s themes inherently but retains the flavour of both artists without any visible kicking or screaming. Druggy and cynical, this EP works a little too well to be a one-off. JM

‘The success of the first season of Netflix’s Queer Eye (a reboot of the 00s original) has become one of the more positive stories to emerge from 2018. Its second season launched last month, sooner than fans expected, with the charm and sweetness of the debut series yet even more emotional twists and support. Tan France, Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness – collectively, the Fab 5 – are all gay and each an expert in areas such as food and fashion, who make over a different ‘hero’ each episode, typically shy, straight men who need a little help with their style and confidence. Season two maintains the comforting positivity of the first, and is as refreshing and compassionate as its preceding series. *****CE

demos

MORTIMER & WHITEHOUSE: GONE FISHING

Teatime Dub Encounters (Caroline)

LIVE, DO NOTHING facebook.com/livedonothing Sunbeam-with-a-sadface indiepop from Cardiff which probably features members of other extant Cardiff bands, except Live, Do Nothing (that comma is a subeditor’s nightmare, which I’m sure they find highly amusing) don’t go great guns to trumpet their identities, so I can’t be certain.

Anyway, this is a six-song cassette titled Oh Dear, released by Exeter tape label Circle House, and it’s an ultracute dash through boy-girl harmony swapping, moments of folky delicacy and chunkier, Weezer-ish pop-punk. NG

HOT KNIFE CLUB facebook.com/hotknifeclub Anyone instantly driven to roll their eyes at this Caldicot band’s name is unlikely to be swayed by the info that the fourth and final track on their Moonbox EP is titled Fozzy’s Blimtin. Whatever Hot Knife Club have been ingesting in their three years together has inspired a sound variously redolent of funk-rock, post-baggy late-90s indie (Black Grape and Ian Brown’s solo releases, specifically) and, in vocalist Simon Babb’s intermittent glottal stops, the urchin energy of earlyish Arctic Monkeys. NG

DING DONG PROBABLY dingdongprobably.bandcamp.com Ding Dong Probably come from Neath, as does the Buzz writer who recommended them to me; they’ve released three albums, played zero gigs, describe themselves as “south Wales’ only hardcore band” and get more obnoxious from there. Dingdology, their latest effort, contains 31 frantic skatepunk songs lasting between 10 seconds and three minutes whose lyrical topics include punk, porn, Neath and a sincerely affecting song about the vocalist’s cat.

Descendents, Stikky and Lawnmower Deth have much to answer for. NG

BBC (available on BBC iPlayer)

When Bob Mortimer had a triple heart bypass, he admits it “knocked me for six”. In stepped old pal and fellow comic Paul Whitehouse with an invitation to go fishing. Whether having a camera crew present to record the results was always part of the plan isn’t clear, but the pair are certainly amiable company. There are echoes of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon’s The Trip – episode one even features Mortimer’s Robert de Niro impersonation – as they compare ailments, gently spar and occasionally catch some fish. ***BW

G.L.O.W (Netflix)

Recently nominated for handful of Emmy’s, G.L.O.W ( standing for Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling) chokeslammed its second season on to Netflix recently and boy does it deliver. Loosely based on the stories behind the 80s wrestling promotion of the same name, G.L.O.W is the story of a ragtag bunch of aspiring actresses and filmmakers who come together to form a ladies wrestling promotion. With a cast full of larger-than-life characters, brilliantly played by lesser known actresses (including singer Kate Nash), this is a classic underdog story, but at 10 episodes each, I just wish the seasons were longer. ****CA

SMASHING HITS! THE 80S POP MAP OF BRITAIN & IRELAND BBC (available on iPlayer)

In the first episode of the series, Midge Ure asked Kim Appleby whether the pop music of Britain in the 1980s receives the fair press it deserves nowadays, as the pair set out to explore the ground-breaking and innovative sounds which came out of Britain’s urban spaces in the 80s in this fascinating series. From the politically driven 2-tone of Sheffield to the new romance of London via stops in Wales, Ireland and Scotland, Ure’s question will at least be positively answered by viewers who bask in the sonic rainbow of 1980s British pop on this audio trip down memory lane. *****CE

BUZZ 49

music news EXTRA

Running from Mon 20-Thurs 23 Aug, and preceding the Hub Fest which you can read about on the Live Music previews page, will be an exhibition titled Cardiff Music Women. As the name suggests, it’s a celebration and documentation of female contributions to musome 60 years to the early career of Shirley Bassey and moving through the decades, taking in the likes of Alison Statton [pictured, with bandmate Spike Williams] and Cerys Matthews – to the present day. Aiming to highlight not just musicians but women behind record shops, venues, festivals and so forth, the collected archive will be shown in various venues along Womanby Street plus the recently opened Campfa Gallery in Queens Arcade.

There’s also time to submit your own memorabilia – email liz@themooncardiff.com if interested Toy Mic Trevor, Cardiff’s most famous busker and an iconic figure in the city’s lore, has died aged 80. A daily fixture during much of the 90s and 00s on the Queen Street thoroughfare, Trevor Rees lived in the Rhondda but journeyed to Cardiff to sing crooner standards into a child’s microphone, hence his name. Having abandoned his spot around a decade ago and disappeared from public view, Trevor was presumed dead by many until being profiled in a South Wales Echo article earlier this year. Following the piece, he performed twice in his old spot with an intention to make regular appearances, but passed away in hospital after a brief illness

Anorac is a new documentary presented and devised by stalwart radio DJ Huw Stephens, in conjunction with producers Boom Cymru. Its premise finds Stephens travelling across Wales, checking the pulse of the current Welsh language music scene while weighing up its history via meetings with elder figures such as Meic Stevens and Gruff Rhys. Described as “an insight into ... a language that is fighting for survival” by the promotional blurb, Anorac is being premiered at a BAFTA Cymru screening in Cardiff Bay’s Norwegian Church on Sat 4 Aug, the opening day of this year’s Eisteddfod, and will also be screened at the Green Man festival this month David R Edwards of Datblygu follows up his first collection of English-language poetry, Search In English For The House Of Tolerance, with a spoken-word cassette titled A Novel For Lazy Readers – An Antidote To The Headache Of BBC Radio 4. Released by the Prin label on Fri 27 Aug, it’s less like a novel than a podcast – a collection of rants and anecdotes about matters which occupy Edwards’ mind caverns, including vegetarianism, the royal family and standup comedy. He even takes time out to interview his friend Patricia McParlin, an artist from Carmarthen, about her practice. If you’re already plugged in to Edwards’ worldview, it’s a typically marvellous listen, and can be purchased from Recordiau Prin’s Bandcamp page

ONES TO WATCH...

ESTUARY BLACKS

The six-song, self-titled debut album by Estuary Blacks, an atmospheric stoner-psych trio from Swansea’s Gower region, has been online since February of this year but is getting bigged up in this issue due to its late-August vinyl release by a German label. Kozmik Artifactz, from Berlin, maintain a prolific schedule of hard rock, stoner and doom metal bands, some of which you might have heard of and dozens you very likely won’t.

Estuary Blacks could well be among the latter: they formed in 2014, self-releasing a CD EP the following year, but have yet to gig outside Wales at the time of writing and are not live scene regulars even locally. Not that Kozmik Artifactz seem bothered. They’ve pressed Estuary Blacks in three colours, like they did with the posthumous LP by Bomb The Sun – who mined a stoner groove for most of the 00s, featured Estuary Blacks’ Alex Bodinger and Dan Williams, and again were to all intents and purposes a Local Band. A curious business, if in no way unwelcome.

Now, to address the actual music on this album, Estuary Blacks is an impressive document which knows its tropes but avoids clichés. So there’s postrocky build-and-release without the windy pomp; stoner low end with halfway-tofunky dynamics instead of gum-chewing machismo. The label namecheck Kyuss and Mogwai, I’d add – or counter with – Thought Forms and Pelican. If that sounds like your bag, they’ll be selling it at their launch gig in Swansea’s Cinema & Co on Fri 24 Aug. facebook.com/estuaryblacks

BUZZ 50

one louder

AT the time of writing, the World Cup has only been over for a few days, and it was a compelling rollercoaster month. Shocks, drama, underdogs, dicey political angles and some of the worst discourse I’ve ever clapped eyes on – truly, nothing brings out the bad opinions like football’s most celebrated tournament.

Accordingly, I was going to write about them, but knew it was already a bit redundant. Like a weekend crusty going back to his civil service job on Monday, once the final was wrapped up many of those responsible for the daftest takes got shot of soccerball for four more years.

One Louder, then, needed a saviour, and one landed in my inbox going by the pen name of Clark Twain. Clark is a solo musician from Austin who has self-released his debut single, Fly High (Like Richard Branson), and the parentheses in the title ain’t the half of it.

The song is a doe-eyed and purple-hued tribute to the ghastly mogul, who Clark describes as his “biggest hero”. The lyrics came about during a long holiday off the Mexican coast with only one book taken for company – Branson’s autobiography Losing My Virginity. (A very long time ago, I lived with someone whose literary collection consisted of this and two other titles, also memoirs – by Nelson Mandela and Lenny ‘The Guv’nor’ McLean. To this day he is probably the weirdest person I’ve ever met.) Later on, this was supplemented by a video for which Clark rented a houseboat and a private jet, and despite or more likely because of this gives the impression that its budget was essentially zero.

Musically, Fly High (Like Richard Branson) is as blandly sinister and inane as its subject: defanged powerpop whose verses lift Olympically from Flaming Lips’ Race For The Prize, a chorus cynically tooled in the manner of Owl City or someone. An inexplicable turn comes around the three-minute mark, as the unintentionally amusing lyric “Every day is a new journey… of virginity” gives way to the sound of a real ‘Bronx Cheer’, a sample of Branson himself gabbing about high-speed flight, and an excerpt of the yippie tinkling that launched his fiefdom, Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells.

“This life is once, let’s give it a go,” suggests a refrain in this song, and having tidied up the grammar one could imagine those words being spoken by, say, a gravely ill person’s next of kin, searching for the best treatment for their loved one and finding no choice but Virgin Care. Having not only made winning bids for a record number of NHS contracts in recent years, but also sued the NHS itself when it didn’t win one it considered entitled to, the profit-in-sickness wing of Branson’s empire is a glimpse into the grim prospect of a fully privatised health service.

Doubtless Clark, being from Texas, can’t imagine anything different – but, more broadly, what motivates a relatively young man to be so publicly obsequious to a celebrity billionaire (even to the extent of releasing this single on Branson’s birthday)? You see this predominantly with Elon Musk right now: there’s nothing the flap-jowled Tesla psycho can say or do that’s too stupid not to be instantly defended by an army of Twitter lickspittles. In the 90s people sometimes used to say Richard Branson should be Prime Minister; over time, probably ‘thanks’ to New Labour, this idea lost currency, but now I think about it, it feels more plausible now than it ever was then.

None of CRUMBS and OH PEAS (Gwdihw, Cardiff, Wed 8 Aug); LLWYBR LLAETHOG, TY GWYDR and ANI GLASS (Clwb Ifor Bach, Thurs 9); DUNCAN REID & THE BIG HEADS (Dolls House, Abertillery, Sat 11); HEXIS, LIFESICK and TIDES OF SULFUR (Fuel, Wed 15); KUUNATIC (Gwdihw, Tue 21); BAND OF HOLY JOY (Le Public Space, Newport, Fri 24) and CAMP COPE (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 29) tongue the boots of the fabulously wealthy. NOEL GARDNER

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales Cerddorfa a Chorws Cenedlaethol Cymreig y BBC

Tickets on sale now Find out more

bbc.co.uk/now

Tocynnau ar werth nawr

Darganfod mwy @bbcnow @bbcnowcymraeg

Butetown Carnival 2018 “…let’s get together and feel alright…”

August Bank Holiday Sunday 26 & Monday 27 (12.00-8.00 pm) Canal Park, Butetown, Cardiff , CF10 5JA Carnival Parade starts at 12.00 from WMC to Loudoun Sq …

Theme: “birds, bees, flowers and trees” • Live music • Dance displays and workshops • Children’s activities and entertainments • Food, crafts & information stalls Support from Wales Millennium Centre and National Eisteddfod

books

BOOK OF THE MONTH

HURTLE OF HELL Simon Edge (Eye)

When Stefano Cartwight is on death’s door after nearly drowning on his beach holiday in the Canary Islands, he sees the eye of God in his near-death moments. This came as a shock, considering he’d been a self-proclaimed atheist since the age of 14, as everyone who knew him could verify. The only person more shocked, perhaps, is God himself, peering down his celestial telescope, experiencing for the first time anyone ever seeming to have seen him back.

This light-hearted thought experiment by Simon Edge delves into the religious unknown, giving a twist to theistic writing that will make you smile. It does so without too much condescension, though not entirely without it, and successfully balances Edge’s research in near-death experiences with a fun and narrative storyline. Most impressively, it gives a voice to God that retains and combines a uniquely human flare with hilarious detachment, with statements like, “It was rare enough to raise Earth a good deal higher on God’s list of rocks worth keeping tabs on.”

I was skeptical of the voice of God at first, thinking it was unlikely that it would be able to keep up its comedic tone throughout, but I was pleasantly surprised. In spite of being a relatively otherworldly novel in terms of content and storyline, it still has its roots firmly planted in the real world, which is admirable considering how easy it might have been to get lost in this celestial realm. This is a stimulating yet entertaining story of self-exploration and redemption, as well as a recognition of the way religion deals with homosexuality in modern society. MEGAN THOMAS Price: £8.99. Info: eye-books.com

A DOUBLE LIFE Flynn Berry (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) Picture this: a peer of the realm lives with his family and a live-in nanny in a beautiful home in Mayfair, London. Everything appears to be a fairytale, but underneath all is not well. The Lord is a gambler on a perpetual losing streak, and his wife is from the wrong strata of society. Then, one night his wife is attacked and left soaking in blood, and the nanny is found murdered.

The husband disappears, only to be sighted hundreds of times over the next 40 years, from the local chip shop to Timbuktu. Sound familiar? To those of a certain age the story of Lord Lucan will be. And now, it appears as a what-if thriller by Flynn Berry, as one of the children left bereft decides to try and find her father. It’s a superb crime novel that mixes fact and fiction. (MTI) Price: £14.99. Info: www.penguinrandomhouse.com

UP TOP – FROM LUNATIC ASYLUM TO COMMUNITY CARE Hugh Purcell and Margaret Percy (Y Lolfa) Up Top was what the Talgarth locals called this hospital, a colossal structure of a mental asylum. Over 100 years later and renowned historians Hugh Purcell and Margarte Percy dissect the history of the hospital. Leaving no stone unturned, this detailed and thorough account throws light on the goings-on of a mental asylum in 20th-century mid-Wales. From its humble beginnings, when health officials had truly good intentions of “fresh air, exercise and hot baths,” to the harrowing details of patients being reduced to vegetative states through leucotomies and ECT, and the new age medication that put an end to the innovative yet gruesome mental health treatments of the 1960s, in Up Top Purcell reveals a slightly more sinister side to an otherwise sleepy valleys town. (JD) Price: £9.99. Info: www.ylolfa.com

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NO GOOD BROTHER Tyler Keevil (Borough Press) Currently employed as a Cardiff University lecturer, Tyler Keevil has lived in Wales for several years but continues to set his fiction in and around his native Vancouver – including No Good Brother, his latest novel and one which highlights his talents for drawing affecting, rounded characters and conjuring engagingly screwball storylines. Two brothers – Tim, a semi-respectable everyman working on a fishing boat, and trouble magnet Jake – contrive to steal a prize horse, with the promise of financial reward from some smalltime gangsters, and transport it down the Pacific northwest coastline. Their hairbrained schemes are variously amateurish, desperate and inspired; their conversational dialogue crackles with the knowing bluntness of so many sibling relationships. No Good Brother seems unsure if it wants to be a knockabout comedy or emotional road novel, yet does both very well. (NG) Price: £12.99. Info: www.harpercollins.co.uk

A TERRIBLE COUNTRY Keith Gessen (Fitzcarraldo Editions) A Terrible Country follows the story of Andrei Kaplan, a Russian who emigrated to America, as he returns to Moscow to look after his grandma, who has dementia. The second novel

by Keith Gessen offers an insight into how Russia has modernised – or westernized – since the fall of the Soviet Union. Through this exploration, as well as musings on family, nationality, and political ideology, A Terrible Country really flourishes: it raises questions of political protest and activism, the hardship of the financial market we find ourselves in, and the importance of expanding one’s political outlook. With nuanced characters and a sophisticated setting, Gessen has crafted a narrative filled with emotion, critique and often humour. Although it doesn’t overly romanticise, it doesn’t discourage either: a chillingly relevant breath of fresh air. (CAU) Price: £12.99 Info: www.fitzcarraldoeditions.com

DEATH OF THE SNAKE CATCHER Ak Welsapar, ed. by Richard Govett (Glagoslav Books) Death Of The Snake Catcher is a collection of short stories featuring tales of people in one of the most isolated countries in the world – Turkmenistan. This is certainly something you won’t see every day.

The Turkmenistani writer uses the Asiatic backdrop to deliver a group of unique and thoughtprovoking narratives here. This is particularly prominent in the titular story, where an old snake catcher meets a giant cobra in the heart of the baking desert. Welsapar uses his style of magical realism to portray the delicate relationship between man and nature, as well as showing the subtle balance between the strong and weak in society. With its intense and striking language, Death… is a page-turner from start to finish. (LS) Price: £14. Info: www.glagoslav.com

PEOPLE IN THE ROOM Norah Lange, trans.

Charlotte Whittle (And Other Stories) And Other Stories are making fantastic good on their promise to publish only female authors in 2018, and this modernist, psychodramatic tale by the relatively unknown (in the UK at least) Argentine author Norah Lange (contemporary of Borges) is as fine a pick as any. It tells the story of a young woman who spots three female faces in a house on the other side of the street and becomes obsessed with them, filling in their backstories through her own imagination – they are at times brokenhearted, dead, or plain malevolent. It’s about as unreliable as an unreliable narrator gets, and although the language is so ethereal and ghostly so as to at times make it difficult to parse, the novel maintains a wonderful ephemeral air throughout, a mystery in perpetual stasis. Hard work, but voyeurism always is. (FT) Price: £10. Info: www.andotherstories.org

GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY WALES Wales has some fantastic outdoor destinations for summer holiday entertainment. Venture out of the 4G signal area and show your kids how to enjoy the analogue world. Buzz picks some non-electrical things to play with.

Wild Camping

Bike backpacking

The problem with wild camping is finding the perfect flat spot. The uneven cold ground, the frustration of trying to hammer the tent pegs into the stony ground with a kettle. The solution is the hammock tent, made from the strongest material for the toughest environments (as long as there are trees).

Prices from £183 www.tentsile.co.uk

We’ve all have an old bike in the shed that doesn’t get used much. Why not turn it into a bike packing tourer and head into the hills for a weekend or more? These British-made bike bags come in various options to fit any bike, they don’t need special pannier attachments and are fully waterproof to handle our less than predictable weather.

Prices from £40 www.apidura.com

Go-Anywhere Barbecue

The foldaway Kayak

For those who love the outdoors but don’t want to rough it too much and use disposable grills. This compact barbecue has a carry handle on so it can be used in your favourite locations. It also comes in a gas option and has plenty of additional extras to improve your cooking.

Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbecue – £79.99 www.weber.com

Ever wondered where people keep their kayaks in the winter? This fantastic kayak folds away so you can store it when not in use, or carry it on your back until you find water. From recreational paddling to full-on expedition touring, check out the website for UK stockists.

The Beach LT – £987.00 www.orukayak.com

Everlasting bodyboard

Dog Backpacking

Cheap polystyrene body boards will barely last you a holiday and pollute the oceans when they snap and break down. These amazingly strong HÖNÖ bodyboards will last for years and what’s even better is that due to its robust build it can be used for sledging too.

Hönö Bodyboard – £74 www.fatyak-kayaks.co.uk/product/hono

If your pooch wants to come too then they better carry their own stuff! This waterproof bag is designed for mediumsized dogs and up and won’t put too much strain on them.

Dog Backpack Carrier Saddlebag – £16.99 www.amazon.co.uk

Orienteering

Fly a Kite

People used to be able to find places without Google Maps, believe it or not.

Find out how it’s done at one of many orienteering clubs offered across Wales.

You can even do it in Cardiff!

One year’s membership £10 adults / £3.30 juniors www.swoc.org.uk

Dick Van Dyke knew the importance of kite flying. It’s a hobby that’s not just for the children anymore, the choices are endless starting from a simple single line diamond to incredibly complicated box kites.

Orao R201 Stunt Kite – £47.99 www.decathlon.co.uk

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Pic: Keiran Rowlinson

travel

Pic: Owen Howells

2 3

4

1 1. Stella Cottage Lighthouse 2. Lawrenny Glamping 3. Slate Caverns 4. Boatel

A I R B N B S A N D U N I Q U E P L A C E T O S TAY Looking for a unique place to stay? Joe Ali tracks down the best hideaways, cubbyholes and hobbit houses in Wales.

Boatel Machynlleth, Powys Literally a bed in a boat! And it’s right in the middle of Wales! Offering a tranquil, fresh flavour to the growing world of ‘glamping’ (which is, let’s face it, a rather silly word), the Boatel consists of a converted previously functioning boat where guests will sleep, as well as the Boat Roofed Shed offering a lovely open-plan cooking and living space for guests to mingle in. Built in 2012 with entirely recycled materials, the shed’s remote location offers beautiful views of Cader Idris, part of the Cambrian Mountains.

Info: www.airbnb.com The Decoy Bunker Llangybi, Monmouthshire This bunker was originally a decoy target for the Luftwaffe during World War II. Submerged into the Monmouthshire hillside, it disguised itself as the nearby munitions factory, and this historic building is one of only seven to even exist in Wales. Today the bunker has been transformed into a lovingly contemporary, rural getaway with guests able to view the stunning backdrop of the Seven Esturary.

Sleeping a total of three people, the Bunker offers a stylish, fully equipped space, creating the perfect ambiance for peace and tranquillity.

Info: hello@hostunusual.com

Hobbit House Pengenffordd, Powys They’re taking the hobbits to… Pengenffordd? This amazing little build is tucked into the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Not shy of personality, the little retreat offers visitors to enjoy the surreal views of the mountains and endless hiking trails, which include the famous trek to the summit of Wales’ highest point, Pen-Y-Fan. The fairytale getaway is situated only 15 minutes from Hay-On-Wye, making it the perfect accommodation go to for the Hay Festival. Perched just next door to a pub, guests can enjoy hearty pub grub and drinks, with small extra costs getting you fresh stew and bread made in the Hobbit House’s wood–fired oven.

Info: www.airbnb.co.uk Lawrenny Glamping Lawrenny Able to cater for up to six people, this domed paradise is equipped with a massive hot tub, outdoor kitchen, hammocks and sauna. Situated 20 minutes from Tenby, your visit will also benefit local environmental projects focusing on habitat creation, with every visit guaranteeing the planting of at least one new tree. Being a part of the Greener Camping Club, the stay will automatically grant you membership as well – saving the environment has never been so relaxing!

Info: 07973 373833 / www.lawrennyglamping.com

Glamping at the Slate Caverns The Slate Caverns, Gwynedd These five-star lodges give visitors the perfect space to relax and unwind, offering stunning views of the Slate Caverns with a unique style open stay. Guests are free to explore the mountains of Snowdonia National Park, with Zip World and Bounce Below both situated close by. The lodges have been designed with peace and quiet in mind, welcoming guests with breathtaking views of the Vale Of Ffestiniog.

Info: 01766 830306 / bookings@theslatecaverns.co.uk The Bluebell Wagon Carmarthenshire Nestled away in its namesake wood lies this intimate and unique space. Not only will guests be able to take in bluebells in bloom, amenities such as the wood-fired hot tub next door provide for a lovely luxurious twist. Set on a family-run farm, secluded and peacefully tucked away from busy everyday life, this gorgeous getaway is perfect for intimate stays with that special somebody so you can let your hair down together.

Info: 01550 777368 / info@mandinam.com BUZZ 54

Stella Cottage Lighthouse Macross, Llantwit Major This unique property situated on the Vale Of Glamorgan coast allows guests the opportunity to stay in a fully converted lighthouse. Just a short drive away from Cowbridge, offering a multitude of shops, boutiques, craft and art galleries, this three-bedroom lighthouse sleeps five people, meaning you can bring your family and friends. Offering incredible panoramic views, guests are encouraged to travel further down coast to the famous Gower peninsula, walking onto the Mumbles and visiting Welsh locations such as Barry Island, Southerndown and Porthcawl.

Info: 01386 897923 / info@ruralretreats.co.uk

CARDIFF HARBOUR

FESTIVAL HOSTS

EXTREME SAILING SERIES™ 25 - 27 AUGUST 2018 FREE ENTRY

CARDIFF BAY FAMILY FUN, BARS, FOOD STALLS & LIVE MUSIC For VIP Packages visit: extremesailingseries.com/tickets

visitcardiff.com/events

MAKING ENGAGING AND FRESH VIDEO CONTENT

-Nia Jones - Wales Millennium Centre ‘We love Buzz Media's creative approach to producing our short films, creating fresh and impactful videos that pack an emotional punch.’

Emma Clark or Jaydon Martin 02920226767 / info@buzzmag.co.uk www.buzzmag.co.uk

Newport County

sport

CLUB FOOTBALL RETURNS Still suffering from post-World Cup withdrawal symptoms? Going to bed still dreaming of Luka Modrić dancing through midfields? Never fear, the Welsh Premier League returns! Ross Dawson looks ahead.

This month, Welsh domestic football makes its triumphant return. While for some this may not mean much – especially given the four weeks we just endured as part of the World Cup – but for others, it means the world (pardon the pun).

While some Welsh sides thrived in their previous campaigns, others may not have enjoyed such success. Swansea City are one of them.

Not too long after being labelled one of the Premier League’s dark horses, with names such as Michu, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Joe ‘the Welsh Pirlo’ Allen once among their ranks, the Swans suffered a tepid season in the top flight, resulting in relegation. Östersund’s Graham Potter has been the man elected to pick up the pieces left by Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal last season. As expected, with relegation comes a drastic change in the club’s personnel. The Swans have failed to convince a number of key stars to stay, including goalkeeper Łukasz Fabianski, midfielder Ki Sung-Yong and defensive cult hero Angel Rangel. However, the Swans have done a commendable job so far in the summer transfer window to replace some of those stars. They spent £2m to allure 19-year-old centre-forward, Joel Asoro, from Sunderland, as well as securing free transfers for Real Madrid and Liverpool prospects, Jordi Govea and Yan Dhanda. This is very much a year designed to instil stability into the club, given the fact they ploughed through managers quicker than lager turns to urine. Building a foundation for the future should be Potter’s main priority. Only then they should turn their heads towards reclaiming a spot in the top flight.

In League Two, Newport County will hope to build on a successful season and push for promotion to League One. After the great escape of the 2016-17 season, the Exiles bounced back the following season, finishing in a respectable 11th place. The side were even treated to a tantalising FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup after bloodying the noses of Leeds United in the third round, eventually forcing Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a replay at Wembley Stadium. The Exiles have done some smart business so far in the

BUZZ 56

transfer window, importing five players on a free transfer and a further two on loan. Bristol City youngster, Antoine Semenyo, is the latest to join gaffer Michael Flynn’s team, while Brighton right-back Tyler Hornby-Forbes has also made the move from the Premier League. There’s no reason why Newport aren’t able to push for a playoff spot this season. The club have leaders on the field in David Pipe and Josh Labadie and an abundance of youthful talent to provide excitement in the final third. This is a massive season for County.

Finally, the hub of Wales’ grassroots game also makes a return. The first phase of the Welsh Premier League kicks off on Fri 10 Aug as Bala Town welcome Carmarthen and Aberystwyth welcome Llandudno. The New Saints cruised to a sixth consecutive league trophy last year and were awarded with the chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. They lost on aggregate 5-4 to Shkëndija from Macedonia, but new qualification rules mean they still have a chance at Europa League qualifications and will be playing against Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps as we go to print. Though TNS will likely win the league again, Cardiff Met FC have been one of the sides to rise from the ashes and become their main competition. The side, made up entirely of university students, made national headlines not too long ago for their efforts in earning Europa League qualification, but sadly fell at the final hurdle. Wayne Allison’s men were narrowly edged out by The New Saints in the Welsh League Cup final last season, suffering an agonising 1-0 defeat. Make sure you mark Sat 29 Sept on your calendars, as that is when both teams clash for the first time in the season.

Swansea kick off in the Championship against Sheffield Utd and Newport in League Two against Mansfield on Sat 4 Aug. The Welsh Premier League kicks off on Fri 10 Aug. Info: www.efl.com / www.wpl.cymru

listings

Inclusion in Buzz listings is free. Send via email (listings@buzzmag.co.uk) or post (220c Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1GY) by the 17th of the previous month. Buzz takes no responsibility for material sent or any errors made after this date.

recommended *–u – repeated

FFOTOVIEW Ffotogallery, 29 Castle Street, Cardiff, Thurs 2 Aug-Fri 28 Sept Admission: free.

Info: 029 2034 1667 / ffotoview.org Ffotoview is the first exhibition in Ffotogallery’s new city centre home. A celebration of Welsh and Wales-based talent, featuring the 12 selected artists from Ffotogallery’s online calendar, the work is bold, thought-provoking and does not shy away from tackling social issues.

The collection’s most striking contributions include Suzie Larke’s In The Mind’s Eye, photographs challenging stigma around depression. The most hardhitting image depicts a woman trying to force multiple versions of herself spilling out back into a closet, synonymous with another where the woman, with a blurred, blank face, puts on a ‘happy’ mask.

The gallery also features Sam Ivin, whose project Lingering Ghosts questions the unethical treatment of those waiting for asylum. The portraits have scratched-out eyes and faces, embodying the imposed dehumanisation asylum seekers face; yet we are reminded that these people are mothers, fathers, children – human beings, and should be treated as such.

Also defying negative misrepresentation is Ayesha Khan’s The Everyday; half-Welsh and half-Pakistani, Khan has identified and faced some of the issues of stereotyping and Islamophobia as a ‘minority within a minority’. Her empowering project features strong, working Muslim women including poets, teachers, footballers

CONTENTS

and chiropractors, with a quotation next to each, explaining how they overcome negative misrepresentation every day.

Megan Winstone further explores what it is to be a Welsh woman in Fenyw: portraits of strong women around her in different stages of life, undertaking puberty, sexuality and disability.

pg 58 pg 60 pg 62 pg 69 pg 74

art clubs events live stage BUZZ 57

* – recommended

art ABERGAVENNY MUSEUM Castle Street, Abergavenny.

Daily 11am-4pm. Free.

01873 854282 / www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk Ben Okri & Rosemary Clunie ‘The Magic Lamp’ Collaboration between Booker Prize-winning writer Okri and painter Clunie, whose history of working together dates back to the 90s; here we have 15 pieces with accompanying text, acting as fairytales for adults.

(Until Sun 2 Sept) ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE University Of Wales, Aberystwyth. Free. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. 01970 621903 / www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre

Picture Makers Work by a collective of 15 visual artists from mid Wales, who have been exhibiting since 2006.

(Until Sun 9 Sept) David Jones ‘Angles On Washing Lines’ Prints and sculptures full of strange characters of Jones’ own devising. (Until Sun 9 Sept) Is This Planet Earth? Sculptures, paintings and video about nature and the landscape, with a technological and futuristic feel. (Until Fri 14 Sept) ALBANY GALLERY 74b Albany Road, Cardiff.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Free. 029 2048 7158 / www.albanygallery. com Summer Show A changing exhibition of over 50 established and emerging artists in a variety of media, including sculpture and

ceramics. (Until Sat 18 Aug) Penny Timmis, Nick Holly & Siôn McIntyre Three established gallery artists with contrasting styles and subjects. (From Thurs 23 Aug until Sat 15 Sept) ANDREW LAMONT GALLERY (THEATR BRYCHEINIOG) Canal Wharf, Brecon. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Free.

01874 611622 / enquiries@brycheiniog.co.uk / www.brycheiniog.co.uk Maurice Selden Selden’s photography chiefly concentrated on rallying, with the photographer covering a record-breaking 449 WRC (World Rally Championship) rallies worldwide. This show features shots taken between 1972 and 2017. (Until Mon 20 Aug)

ARCADECARDIFF / CAMPFA GALLERY Queens Arcade, off Queen Street, Cardiff. Usually open Wed-Sat 12.30-5.30pm. arcadecardiffcic@gmail. com / www.arcadecardiff. co.uk Pleased To Meet You Work by Pauline Gompertz, Stéfan Tulépo, Jean-François Courtilat, Béatrice Dacher and Michel Gerson, five artists based in Galerie RDV, Nantes, France – part of an artist swap programme which also sees a group of four Arcadecardiff artists exhibit their work in Galerie RDV. (Until Sat 1 Sept) Elijah Thomas ‘A Scene Within A Scene’ In celebration of Cardiff being named the UK’s first ‘music city’, photographer Thomas presents an exhibition of musicians and faces from the city’s scene in the Campfa space here. There’ll also be a bunch of the photos shown in the Blue Honey Night Cafe at the same time. (Until Sat 1 Sept) Cardiff Music Women Coinciding with this year’s Hub Festival and also located in various venues on Womanby Street as well as in Arcadecardiff’s new Campfa space, this aims to celebrate celebrating the contributions of local women to our popular/alternative music scene, from the late 1950s onwards, in the form of memorabilia/ artefacts, artwork, playlists, zines, photographs, videos and more. (From Mon 20 until Thurs 23 Aug) ART CENTRAL Barry Town Hall, King Square, Barry. Tue-Sat 11am-4pm. Free. 01446 709805.

Peter Sainty South Walesbased sculptor who developed his career working in theatre and television propmaking. (Until Sat 8 Sept)

ELIJAH THOMAS: A SCENE WITHIN A SCENE Campfa Gallery / Blue Honey Night Café, Cardiff, until Sat 1 Sept Admission: free. Info: arcadecardiffcic@gmail.com / www.arcadecardiff.co.uk The scenes referenced in this photo exhibition’s title are musical ones, and the inner scene that Elijah Thomas documents is Cardiff-based, indieish in style and predominantly comprised of bands in their early 20s. His style – snapshot-like in a good way, often capturing a certain background detail rather than the obvious focal point of the image – lends itself well to live gig photography, and accordingly A Scene Within A Scene features plenty of onstage action shots. There’s also offstage pictures – some posed, some not – of bands like Rainbow Maniac and Boy Azooga, the best known act from this emergent scene. Both of those, plus fellow Cardiffians Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard [pictured], will play a launch gig in the Campfa Gallery on Thurs 2 Aug – expect that to be heavily subscribed, so turn up for the 5pm opening.

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THE ART SHOP & CHAPEL 8 Cross Street, Abergavenny. Tue-Sat 9.15am-5pm. Free. 01873 852690 / www. artshopandgallery.co.uk Hedgerows & Gardens Mixed summer show of paintings, drawings and ceramics with work from Lily Irwin, Agnes Treherne, Maude Smith, Andrea McLean, Cornelia O’Donovan, Jane Bennett, George Rowlett, Helen Beard, Caitlin Jenkins and Barry Stedman. (Until Sat 18 Aug) ATTIC GALLERY 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Tue-Fri 10am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Free. 01792 653387 / www. atticgallery.co.uk Summer Group Exhibition Reopening under new ownership, specifically Lisa and Andrew Green, this venerable gallery eases back in with its traditional seasonal show.

(Until Thurs 27 Sept)

BARKER GALLERY / TORFAEN GALLERY Pontypool Museum, Park Buildings, Pontypool. MonSat 11am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.

Free Wed/Sun 2-5pm.

01495 752036.

Generation Games Play your way through the history of home computer games consoles, following developments in the technology, the programming industry and entertainment in the home.

(Until Sun 28 Oct) BAY ART 54 B/C Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. Free. 029 2065 0016 / www.bayart.org.uk Dim Ond Geiriau (Ydi Iaith) Curated by Iwan Bala, this new exhibition (whose title in english is (A Language Is) Only Words) celebrates traditional Welsh cultural identity and features John Abell, Jonathon Adams, Ivorr Davis and Christine Mills among others. (From Tue 7 until 31 Aug) BOUNDARY ART 3 Sovereign Quay, Havannah Street, Cardiff.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 029 2048 9869 / www. boundaryart.com Teulu Mati, Tegerin and Gwyn Roberts, three artists from the same family, display – respectively – jewellery and lampshades, photographs and paintings of south Wales’ industrial landscape, and oil paintings inspired by the Welsh landscape. (From Sat 4 until Sat 18 Aug) CARDIFF STORY The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff. Daily 10am4pm. Free. 029 2034 6214 / cardiffstory@cardiff.gov.uk Tenovus Exhibition Discover the history of Tenovus Cancer Care from its establishment 75 years ago to today. (Until Thurs 26 Aug) Protest! Objects For Change Discover the stories behind the protest objects in our new display, from badges and banners to T-shirts and embroidery. (Until Sun 30 Sept) CHAPTER GALLERY Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff. Tue, Wed, Sat + Sun 12-6pm; Thurs + Fri 12-8pm. Free. 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org A Slight Ache Exhibition curated by James Richards, the previous artist to feature in this gallery, and featuring work from Tolia Askavili, Wojciech Bakowski, Christian Friedrich, Isa Genzken, KHISHVI, Dani ReStack, Torsten Slama, Cathy Wilkes and JX Williams. (Until Sun 30 Sept) Cornelia Baltes Art In The Bar exhibition(also featured on the Lightbox above Chapter’s front doors) for a Germanborn, London-based artist whose brightly coloured paintings combine simplicity with humour and playfulness. (Until Sun 7 Oct)

u – repeated

CRAFT IN THE BAY The Flourish, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff. Mon-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Free. 029 2048 4611 / www. makersguildinwales.org.uk Makers Merge Wales/ South Tyrol Collaborative show between Makers Guild Wales and artists from the South Tyrol region of Italy: pairings of Shelley Doolan and Alessandra Piazza; Jon Bull and Laurenz Stockner; Beate Gegenwart and Othmar Prenner; Karen Williams and Daniela Chinellato; and Rauni Higson and Gabi Veit.

(Until Sun 19 Aug) THE ENVIRONMENT CENTRE Old Telephone Exchange, Pier Street, Swansea.

01792 480200 / environmentcentre.org.uk/ Haf Weighton & Ruth Norbury Joint exhibition of stitch-based work with paint and recycled materials, as part of the Swansea Festival Of Stitch. (From Tue 7 until Thurs 30 Aug) THE FORUM / Y FFORWM SA1 Library, University Of Wales Trinity Saint David, Heol Ynys Kings Road, Swansea. Free. www.uwtsd. ac.uk/events/ swansea-college-of-art/ Pictures And Words Exhibition celebrating illustration and design for books, comprised of current and graduating student work.

(From Tue 14 Aug until Fri 12 Oct) FFOTOGALLERY 29 Castle Street, Cardiff.

Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free.

029 2070 8870 / www. ffotogallery.org Ffotoview A celebration of Welsh and Wales-based talent in photography and digital media, featuring work from Suzie Larke, Dan Wood, Amanda Jackson, Megan Winstone, Ellie Hopkins, Ayesha Khan, Sam Ivin, Jason Thomas, Ann Davies, Rob Hudson, Ani Saunders and Abbie Trayler-Smith.

This is the first exhibition in Ffotogallery’s new Cardiff space. (From Thurs 2 Aug until Fri 28 Sept) FFOTOGALLERY Turner House, Plymouth Road, Penarth. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. 029 2070 8870 / turnerhouse@ ffotogallery.org Chronicle Ffotogallery is 40 years old in 2018 and thus is having a retrospective show this summer, highlighting exhibition posters, past projects and event images. (Until Sat 4 Aug) FOUNTAIN FINE ART Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free. www. fountainfineart.com Tywi Valley Open Studios Work by makers from the Open Studios trial with over 35 exhibitors in total and a special focus on

the paintings of Andrew Douglas-Forbes. (Until Fri 10 Aug) Summer Group Exhibition Mixed and changing exhibition of new work from the gallery artists. (From wed 15 Aug until Sat 8 Sept) G39 Oxford Street, Roath, Cardiff. Saturdays 11am5.30pm. Free. 029 2047 3633 / post@g39.org UNITe 2018 A summer programme of experimentation, research, discussions, screenings, socials, lectures and more featuring work from the following: Edita Atmaja, Clare Charles, James Cocks, Lauren Heckler, Helen Malia, Lydia Meehan, Dai Howell & Kate Mercer, Florence Moon, Hannah Morris, Dan Pritchard, Claire Prosser, Aled Simons, Laura Welsman and Ellie Young..

(Until Sat 22 Sept) Y GALERI, CAERFFILI Lower Ground Floor, The Visit Caerphilly Centre, The Twyn, Caerphilly. TueSat 10am-5pm. Free. 029 2132 2570 / www. ygalericaerffili.co.uk Elizabeth Butler ‘Dead Famous’ Sculptures of dead musicians. Also on display: ceramics from Christine Gittins and an evolving summer showcase of work by established and emerging Welsh artists and makers. (Until Sat 1 Sept; closed from Tue 7-Thurs 9 Aug) GALERIE SIMPSON 222 High Street, Swansea.

Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free.

07714 327523 / galeriesimpsonswansea. com Joy Revision Part of the BEEP painting expo across Swansea this month (see Art for more), this will feature work by Angela de la Cruz, Sarah Pickstone, Andrea Ruthi, Anne Ryan and Stephen Snoddy. (From Fri 3 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) GALLERY 211 211 High Street, Swansea.

Wed-Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.beeppainting.com Everything Now Elysium Gallery offsite exhibition showcasing Swansea College Of Art painting alumni from the past 50 years. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) THE GATE Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 10am9pm. Free. 029 2048 3344 / info@thegate.org.uk Woman “An exhibition that celebrates the 21st century woman,” according to the blurb, but no further info is provided. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY Alexandra Rd, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free.

01792 516900 / www. swansea.gov.uk/ glynnvivian N.S. Harsha ‘Facing’ One of India’s leading artists, Harsha works in painting, sculpture and installation, but is also inspired by a socially engaged practice, drawing communities into his work which echoes his generosity and spirit allowing the viewer to look at the world around them in a playful way. (Until Sun 9 Sept) GRAND PAVILION The Esplanade, Porthcawl.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01656 815995 / www. grandpavilion.co.uk Joe Rhodes Oils and watercolours from local artist whose style ranges from realistic/figurative through semi-impressionism to abstract. (Until Sun 9 Sept) Summer Art Exhibition 2018 Annual showcase for artists in the area, along with photography from members of Pyle & Porthcawl Photographic Society. (From Mon 6 until Sun 12 Aug) HUB FESTIVAL Various venues, Womanby Street, Cardiff. liz@ themooncardiff.com / www.cardiffmusicwomen. com Cardiff Music Women Located in various venues on Womanby Street as well as in Arcadecardiff’s new Campfa space (see listing on the previous page), this aims to celebrate celebrating the contributions of local women to our popular/alternative music scene, from the late 1950s onwards, in the form of memorabilia/ artefacts, artwork, playlists, zines, photographs, videos and more. The event will also include talks, workshops, interviews and career profiles. (From Mon 20 until Thurs 23 Aug) INSOLE COURT Fairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Daily 10am-5pm.

Free. 029 2116 7920 / www.insolecourt.org This House Is A Stage A new permanent ‘experience’ tour focusing on the history of Insole Court, tracing the legacy that the Insole family left through coalmines, and the family menbers themselves. (Permanent exhibition from early August) THE KICKPLATE PROJECT 2​ Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool, Torfaen. Tue + Thurs 10.30am-5.30pm, ​ Wed, Fri + Sat 11am6pm. Free. thekickplateproject@ gmail.com / thekickplateproject. blogspot.co.uk Stéphane Pellennec ‘Exhale’ Photographer from Brittany living in Finland, whose predominantly black

and white images reflect the fluctuations of light, clouds and air. (Until Wed 8 Aug) KING STREET GALLERY 33 King Street, Carmarthen. Free. 01267 220121 / gallery@ kingstreetgallery.co.uk Matt Pearce ‘In The Spotlight’ Paintings, created in mixed media, which focus on the circuses of the early 20th century.

(Throughout August) KOOYWOOD GALLERY 8 Museum Place, Cardiff.

Free. 029 2023 5093 / www.kooywoodgallery.com New To The Kooywood Paintings by Nia Mckeown, David Vibert and Adrian Green. (From Thurs 2 until Fri 31 Aug) THE LAB Old Ocky White’s Department Store, Riverside Market,

case from a maker inspired by decay, dilapidation and marks on the urban environment. . (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 22 Sept) LOOK OUT ARTS CAFE Porth Teigr Way, Cardiff Bay. Daily 10.30am-11pm 07970 816906 / www. lookoutcafebar.co.uk Paul O’Donnell Paintings and limited edition prints on the history of Cardiff and south Wales, Penarth, Barry, Rhondda, Gower and Pembrokeshire. (Throughout August) M.A.D.E. GALLERY 41 Lochaber St, Cardiff.

Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. Free.

029 2047 3373.

Ray Hobbs ‘Sofa To Shed’ photographic and video enquiry into the lives and personal journeys of four men from the isolation and loneliness of their homes into the community

The fortnight of Sat 4-Sat 18 Aug sees Boundary Art in Cardiff Bay given over to a family affair – father Gwyn Roberts, son Tegerin and daughter Mati, a painter, photographer and jeweller respectively.

Haverfordwest. www. thelabhaverfordwest.org Ethan Dodd ‘Penance’ Site-specific exhibition stemming from a short residency within the town of Haverfordwest and surrounding Pembrokeshire; a thematic follow-up to two brief exhibitions, Death and The Maiden, in Cardiff’s Ruin Cafe last month. (From Fri 3 until Fri 31 Aug) LC2, SWANSEA LEISURE CENTRE Oystermouth Road, Swansea. 10am-4pm. Free.

01792 466500 / enquiries@the-lc.co.uk Quilt Expo 2018 Two-day showcase of quilts from individual makers and groups from across south Wales. (On Sat 18 + Sun 19 Aug) LLANTARNAM GRANGE ARTS CENTRE St. David’s Rd, Cwmbran, Torfaen. Mon-Sat 10am5pm. Free. 01633 483321 / www.lgac.org.uk Portal / One Year On Showcase of work of this year’s top UK graduates in the applied arts. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 22 Sept) Leto & Ariadne Craft showcase for the studio label of Nick Ozanne, a handweaver working on hand operated wooden looms. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 22 Sept) Amanda Denison Jewellery show-

of a Men’s Shed, which originated in Australia with the aim of tackling socvial isolation among the male population. (Until Fri 3 Aug) MARTIN TINNEY GALLERY 18 St Andrew’s Crescent, Cardiff. Mon-Fri 10am6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

029 2064 1411 / mtg@ artwales.com Neil Canning Abstract/ landscape painter who moved from Oxfordshire to Wales in 1990, then to Cornwall at the end of the decade, winning various arty prizes along the way. (Until Thurs 23 Aug) MISSION GALLERY Gloucester Place, Swansea.

Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Free.

01792 652016 / www. missiongallery.co.uk Gnarls Curtaco Maker In Focus show featuring work by a collective living and working in the Sketty area of Swansea. (Until Sat 4 Aug) Elysium Gallery And Studios Work in the [...] space from members of this fellow Swansea gallery. (Until Sat 1 Sept) Nightswimming Showcase exhibition for LLE, a Walesbased, artist-led curatorial project with a focus on contemporary painting.

(Until Sat 8 Sept) Jane Phillips Award Graduate Showcase Maker In Focus show featuring selected work by recent graduates,

chosen from various degree shows and New Designers.

(From Sat 11 Aug until Sat 29 Sept) MONMOUTH MUSEUM Priory Street, Monmouth.

Daily 11am-4pm. Free.

01600 710630 / www. monmouthshire.gov.uk/ monmouth-museum The Arborealists In Lady Park Wood Work by a group of artists working in different media, who all specialise in depicting trees; these works were specially created in an area of woodland in the Wye Valley above Monmouth. (Until Sun 9 Sept) NATIONAL MUSEUM CARDIFF Cathays Park, Cardiff.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free except where noted. 029 2057 3500 / museumwales. ac.uk/cardiff Cerith Wyn Evans ‘Radiant Fold (...The Illuminating Gas’) Installation commissioned for Amgueddfa Cymru through the Contemporary Art Society’s Great Works scheme, and referencing Duchamp’s The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Batchelors, Even. (Until Sun 2 Sept) Who Decides?

Long-term exhibition from the collections of the Museum and the Derek Williams Trust, curated by service users from The Wallich homelessness charity. This detail seeks to highlight issues around curation and the narrow demographic of those usually involved in it. (Until Sun 2 Sept) Kizuna Exhibition exploring the links between Japan and Wales in terms of art, culture and trade. See Upfront. (Until Sun 9 Sept) NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY St Fagans, nr Cardiff.

Daily 10am-5pm. Free.

0300 1112333 / stfagans@ museumwales.ac.uk Traces Launch of a sitespecific downloadable audio app which can be used as a guide to the various attractions around this museum.

(Until Sun 30 Sept) NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Daily 10am5pm. Free. 01792 638950 / museum.wales/swansea Pirates: The Truth Behind The Tales As Wales celebrates its Year Of The Sea, discover the truth behind the legends in an exhibition explaining the history of pirates, privateers and buccaneers throughout the world. (Until Sun 30 Sept) Lost Ports Of Wales As part of the 2018 celebration of Wales’ Year Of The Sea, this exhibition recalls lost and defunct ports in parts of the coastline which may now be hard to imagine.

(Until Sun 21 Oct) NEWPORT MUSEUM & ART GALLERY John Frost Square, Newport.Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm.

Free. 01633 656656 / museum@newport.gov.uk Newport Library, Museum And Art Gallery – 50 Years In John Frost Square Photographic exhibition, plus film footage, of the opening of said building

by Princess Margaret, who generously broke off her busy schedule of extramarital affairs to visit Newport on 5 Apr 1968. (Until Sat 15 Dec) Women’s Suffrage Banners Rotating exhibition to mark a century since the Representation Of The Peoples Act was passed. Two banners will be on display at a time, one in the Museum and one in the Art Gallery.

(Until Sat 29 Dec) NORWEGIAN CHURCH ARTS CENTRE Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay. Daily 11am-4pm.

Free. 029 2087 7959 / www. norwegianchurchcardiff. com The Gallery Gift Shop A collaboration of artists, artisans, crafters and photographers from around South Wales offering their products at this exhibition-cumpop-up. Launched in June and returns this month.

(Throughout August) OFF THE WALL The Old Probate Registry, Cardiff Road, Llandaff, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 9.30am5.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Free. 029 2055 4469 / art@galleryoffthewall.com Mixed Summer Show Work from gallery artists.

(From Fri 3 Aug until Tue 18 Sept) ORIEL CANFAS Glamorgan Street, Canton, Cardiff. Tue-Fri 1-4.30pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. 029 2066 6455 / www. orielcanfas.co.uk 20th Anniversary Exhibition (From Fri 10 Aug until Fri 1 Sept) ORIEL CRIC Beaufort Street, Crickhowell. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am1pm. Free. 01873 813669.

Warren Storey RWA Retrospective exhibition.

(Until Sat 11 Aug) ORIEL DAVIES The Park, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625041 / enquiries@ orieldavies.org Oriel Davies Open 2018 Contemporary practice by established and emerging talent across the UK and overseas, selected by Sacha Craddock, Jane Simpson, Matthew Collings, Steffan Jones-Hughes and Alex Boyd Jones. (Until Wed 5 BUZZ 59

* – recommended Sept) ORIEL JOANNA FIELD Torch Theatre, St. Peter’s Road, Milford Haven. Free.

01646 695267 / www. torchtheatre.co.uk Beth Mccoll Moyse ‘Painting Pembrokeshire – Year Of The Sea’ “Dublin-born, west Walesbased painter presents new landscapes and seascapes in acrylics. (Until Wed 29 Aug) ORIEL MWLDAN Bath House Rd, Cardigan.

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm. Free.

01239 621200 / www. mwldan.co.uk Sera Wynn Walker Work using early camera-less photography techniques as a means of regaining something lost through technological advancements in photography. See Art. (Until Sun 2 Sept) ORIEL MYRDDIN Church Lane, Carmarthen.

01267 222775 / www. orielmyrddingallery.co.uk Haptic/Tacit: In Search Of The Vernacular See Art for more on this artists/ writers collective, comprising Jane Cairns, David Gates, Grant Aston, Henry Pim, Kim Norton, Gail Mahon, Kimberley Chandler and Mark Cousins. (Until Sat 13 Oct) ORIEL Q The Queens Hall, High Street, Narberth. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. 01834 869454 / www. orielqnarberth.com Eamon Colman Internationally known Irish artist whose work is based on storytelling in colour, and who has been compared to Howard Hodgkin. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 15 Sept) Leigh Sinclair Showing in the Oriel Fach gfallery here, the west Wales-based Sinclair uses pattern line and colour to create semi-abstract images. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 15 Sept) ORIEL Y PARC The Grove, St Davids, Pembrokeshire.

Free. 01437 720392 / info@orielyparc.co.uk Karen Ingham ‘Deluge’ Inter-related artworks by Ingham, incorporating photography, film, digital textiles and hybrid craft, that focus on how human activities are endangering important ecosystems. (Until Sun 12 Aug) Susan Thorne Paintings on glass relating to the artist’s childhood memories of Pembrokeshire. (Throughout August) William Stott ‘Le Passeur (The Ferryman)’ Stott, a leading figure among a group of late-19th century British artists influenced

by French naturalism, has his best-known work shown here, alongside works from Amgueddfa Cymru, chosen to explore rural life. (Until Sun 2 Sept)

BUZZ 60

ORIEL YR ARDD National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Middleton Hall, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. Daily 10am-6pm. £10.50/£8.75 concessions/£4.95 under17s/free under-5s. 01558 667149 / botanicgarden. wales Regency Restoration: Responses Sculptures, textiles, collages, photographs, prints, paintings and ceramics, created by members of the Carmarthen Artists’ Network to interpret the Restoration Scheme’s aim to restore the landscape to its Regency splendour. (Until Tue 18 Sept) PONTARDAWE HERITAGE & VISITORS CENTRE Herbert Street, Pontardawe.

Free. facebook.com/ pontardaweheritagecentre Hilary Bryanston & Jane Carpenter ‘Gower To The Gwrhyd’ Contemporary and traditional glass by Carpenter; ceramics, original prints and watercolours by Bryanston. (Throughout August) PONTYPRIDD MUSEUM Bridge Street, Pontypridd.

Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm.

Free. 01443 490748 / www. pontypriddmuseum.cymru Pontypridd & District Art Society Mixed exhibition.

(Throughout August) QUEEN STREET GALLERY 44, Queen Street, Neath.

Wed-Sat 11am-5pm or by appointment. Free. contact@queenstgallery. co.uk / www.queenstgallery. co.uk Lynnford Jones ‘A Lifetime Of Color’ A small selection of the prolific output of one of Wales’ best known abstract expressionist artists. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) REDHOUSE Old Town Hall, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free. 01685 384111 / info@ redhousecymru.com Matt Botwood ‘Ephemeral Pools’ Forest landscapes whose composition highlights such places’ transience and unpredictability. (Until Sat 18 Aug) Lleisiau (4 Artists) Group exhibition by five Merthyr artists: Luis E. Tapia Munoz, Guilia Chiappa, Liz Steed, Goff James and Jo Headington. (From Thurs 23 Aug until Tue 18 Sept) SPIT & SAWDUST Rhymney River Bridge Road, Cardiff. Free. 029 2049 4741 / www. spitandsawdust.co.uk Chris Alton ‘Crudely Plucking The Strings’ S&S’ inaugural Billboard Commission, located in the park’s yard space and depicting/reimagining the flood of the Bristol Channel in 1607.

The billboard is accompanied by a film by Alton, screened on occasion until November.

(Until Mon 12 Nov)

SWANSEA COLLEGE OF ART Dynevor Campus, De-La Beche St, Swansea. Tue-Sat 11am-5pm. Free. www. uwtsd.ac.uk/events/ swansea-college-of-art/ Beep Wales International Painting Prize 2018 Contemporary painting prize drawing artists from all over the world and taking place every two years. Judges this year are artists Andre Stitt and Sue Williams; the winner will receive £1000 and a solo exhibition with Elysium Gallery. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) SWANSEA GRAND THEATRE Singleton St, Swansea.

Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

01792 475715 / www. swanseagrand.co.uk Stitches Coven Work by the sister group, as it were, to Itchy Fingers. (From Tue 7 until Fri 24 Aug) Itchy Fingers Textile Group One of two textile exhibitions relating to the Swansea Festival Of Stitch, happening in various locations in the city and previewed in Art. (From Fri 10 until Fri 24 Aug) TAPESTRI CAFE Old Police Station, Orchard Street, Swansea. Free. cuttingedgetextiles@gmail. com Cutting Edge Textile Group: The Sea Vale Of Glamorgan-based art group present work inspired by 2018 being Year Of The Sea in Wales. Artists showing here: Stephanie Aplin, Marie austin. Fran Barrett, Fiona Brook, Hilary Carney, Isobelle Davis, Monica Dennis, Chris Dobson, Jeannie Duncan Farr, Pat Earing, Janet Green, Salinder Gammage, Lasley Halliwell, Hillary Hill, Keris Howard, Helen Morgan, Liz Price, Amanda Randall, Corinne Roberts, Jan Webster and Sally Wood.

(From Fri 10 until Fri 24 Aug) TENBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Castle Hill, Tenby. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, £4/£3/£2 kids.

01834 842809 / www. tenbymuseum.org.uk Wendy Yeo Hong Kong-born semi-abstract painter whose work, inspired by landscapes, townscapes and nature, combines Western art values with her own interpretation of traditional Chinese brushwork and atmosphere. (From Fri 3 Aug until Sun 9 Sept) THEATR HAFREN Llanidloes Road, Newtown, Powys. Mon-Sat 10am5.30pm. Free. 01686 625007 / thehafren.co.uk AIG Work by a confederation of artists, working in a variety of media, who originate from different cultures (Britain, Russia, USA, Bulgaria, Turkey, Slovenia, Italy and Germany) and wish to explore cultural diversity

and promote international understanding. (Until Thurs 23 Aug) TOWER GALLERY 49 High Street, Crickhowell.

Wed-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.

01873 812495 / www. towergallery.co.uk Lesley Lillywhite & Robert Macdonald Joint exhibition between two Welsh printmakers, Macdonald also being a painter and current president of the Royal Watercolour Society Of Wales.

(Until Sat 8 Sept) VICTORIA FEARN GALLERY 6B Heol y Deri, Rhiwbina, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm, Sun 10am-3pm.

Free. 029 2052 0884.

Summer Exhibition Mixed exhibition featuring paintings, ceramics, glass, sculpture, jewellery and gifts.

(Until Sat 8 Sept) VOLCANO THEATRE 27-29 High Street, Swansea. Mon-Fri 10am4pm. Free. 01792 464790 www.volcanotheatre.co.uk.

Meridian Contemporary Chinese works on paper from Yuan FengHui, Meng Jie, Wang LinTong, Zhao Hai Long, Gao Rong, Zhao Bao Shan, Qiang ShiJun, Dong Tao, Mu Ya Wei, Chen Ye, Ouyang YuLing and Zhang Yun. Part of the Beep citywide festival of contemporary painting. (From Sat 4 Aug until Sat 1 Sept) THE WELSH QUILT CENTRE Town Hall, Lampeter. TueSat 11am-4.30pm. Free.

01570 422088 / www. welshquilts.com Nos Da Goodnight! A Panoply Of Historic Welsh Quilts Historic quilts from the early 19th to early 20th centuries. Room one features examples from the Jen Jones collection; room two a glimpse into Welsh Samplers, many of which were made by very young girls in the 19th century. (Until Sat 10 Nov) WEST WHARF GALLERY Jacobs Market, Cardiff.

Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. Free. westwharfgallery@gmail. com Summer Open Exhibition Work by artists TBC. Maybe the gallery owner will answer your email if you send one asking for more details about the exhibition, as she certainly doesn’t answer any of mine. (Throughout August) THE WORKERS 99 Ynyshir Road, Ynyshir, nr Porth. 11am-4.30pm Thurs-Sat and by appointment. Free. 01443 682024 / wood4tt@gmail.com Taboo Exhibition exploring dark desires, fears and ‘the forbidden’ through art, design, craft and the written word.Some visitors may find the exhibition content disturbing or upsetting, advise the gallery. (Until Sat 4 Aug)

WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE Castle Street, Builth Wells.

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm. Free.

01982 552555.

Jo Young ‘Ultraviolet Wall Hangings’ A self-explanatory title, although you may also like to know that Jo has been painting these hangings for over 25 years, having initially been inspired by rave graphics. They’re way better looking than your average shonky psytrance night daubs, too, more like sci-fi

u – repeated

and funk. Fri 24 Killing Moon 10pm. Eighties alternative hits. Saturdays Under A Groove 9pm-3am, £3 after 10. Funk and neosoul. Sat 4 Robot Monkey Hula Party 9pm-3am, £5 adv. Deep/prog house with live vocals, saxophone and tribal drumming. Free drink for the first 50 people in.

BLIND TIGER 49 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 243500.

Cardiff mod night Fabulous departed the schedules last year with the closure of its regular home Dempseys, but on Sat 18 Aug it returns, in its 20th birthday month, for a oneoff bash at Cathays Sports & Social Club. book jackets or Hawkwind LP covers. (Until Thurs 30 Aug)

clubs THE ARCH 11 Commercial Street, Neath. 07791 923214 / jack. thearchneath@gmail.com Sun 26 90s Old Skool Presents 001 9pm-4am, £4/ free before 10. Rave revival vibes from Lee Grey, Chris Miller, Phill Williams, Nicky G, DJ Nvee, Rob Evan and Jake McAvoy. Plus confetti, CO2 cannons, inflatables and other things you didn’t really get in the 90s.

THE ATTIC 5-6 Castle Bailey St, Swansea. facebook.com/ theatticswansea Sat 11 Con7rol x The Zoo Project Ibiza Summer Party 9pm-4am. House and techno, lineup TBC. Sat 25 100% Old Skool 9pm-4am, £8-£10 adv. With a live PA by house vocalist Soraya Vivian, plus Greg P, Nicky G, John Steffanick and Newman & Steins in room 1; Kai & Footy, Greg P, Lloyd-E and Niccky G in room 2.

BAR COCOA Broad Street, Barry. facebook.com/cocoabarry Fridays + Saturdays 10pm-3.30am, £3. With DJ James Bourne and sopecial guest appearances/live sets.

Fri 3 is an afterparty for Keyboard Warriors 4 – The Final Chapter, which is an evocatively named charity boxing tournament.

THE BIG TOP / 10 FEET TALL 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / thisis10feettall@yahoo. co.uk Thursdays Rock hits from DJ Andy Rhys Lewis.

Fridays + Saturdays Resident DJs playing soul

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek session. Fridays Beekay & Friends 11pm, £3-£5.

House, techno and bass music with guest DJs, breaking producers and residents from Wales’ freshest nights.

Saturdays Re:work 11pm, £5. Underground and cutting edge club music promised.

Sat 25 Fixate 10pm5am, £5. With a headline set from tech-house duo Tuff London plus Owen Kilby, Paul Blandford, Jack Edinborough, Tom Mahoney, Dan Waite and Madame Twisted. Sun 26 Hardcore Classix 10pm-5am, £5.

Featuring Scott Brown with MC Wotsee, Adam Harris, Pikey, Denzo, Leif Boi and Jonny P. BLUE HONEY NIGHT CAFE Quay Street, Cardiff. 07512 247712 / facebook.com/ bluehoneynightcafe Thurs 2 A Scene Within A Scene Exhibition Launch 9pm, free. The exhibition in question (see Art listings) is showing here and in the Campfa Gallery, who have some bands playing earlier in the evening; from 9pm the Drunk Yoga DJ collective will soundtrack Blue Honey’s part of the launch.

BUFFALO 11 Windsor Place, Cardiff.

Open Mon-Thurs 11am3am, Fri + Sat 11am-4am, Sun until 4am. 029 2031 0312 / www.buffalocardiff. com Mondays Bump & Grind 10pm-3am, from £2. R’n’b/ hip-hop night. Fri 17 Spectrum 10pm-4am, £5/£4 before 11. Techno from JaMo, J-Tech, Iolo and Luke Winds.

Saturdays The Shake Up 10pm-4am, £3. Pop, chart, house, r’n’b funk and soul from residents over two floors.

BUFFS 6 Station Road, Brynmawr.

01495 315334.

Sat 4 Infinity: Goes Beyond! 7pm-2am, £5.

House, techno and trance from DJs TBC.

Fridays Flashback 10pm-3am, Retro hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Saturdays Gravity 10.30pm-3am, £7/£5 before 11. House, techno and dance every week on the club’s Void soundsystem.

BUTETOWN COMMUNITY CENTRE 40 Louden Square, Cardiff Bay. 029 2048 7658 / butetowncommunitycentre.strikingly.com/ *Fri 3 Royal Ascension Sound 9pm-2am, £10 adv.

Roots reggae and dub from this south Wales sound system, with a great special guest in London veteran Sir Coxsone. Dirty Harry (One Love Sound) and Royal Ascension themselves also feature. See Clubs.

CLUB OXYGEN 1 Northampton Lane, Swansea. 0844 8849171 / www.globaloxygen.co.uk Fridays Dance Anthems 11pm-6am, free. House and commercial music all night from Big Al, Nicky G, 3 Bird, Jordan Steins, LJ Isaac and Tom Chizzy. Saturdays 11.30pm-5am, £5/free before 1. Upstairs: deep house, commercial house and techhouse. Downstairs: urban, chart, classics, r’n’b, hiphop and UK garage.

CASTELL ROC Chepstow Castle. 01291 627122 / chepstowcastellroc@ gmail.com Fri 31 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 6.30pm, £20 adv. With live support from Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band.

CLWB IFOR BACH Womanby St, Cardiff. 029 2023 2199 / www.clwb.net Fridays (bottom) Team Up! 11pm-3am, £3-£5.

Weekly clubnight offering emo, pop-punk and alt-rock.

Fri 3 Dazed 11pm-4am, £3-£5. Drum’n’bass headlinedf by Clique with MC XL. Saturdays Dirty Pop 10pm-4am, £5. Three floors of fun: The Vinyl Vendettas’ top floor resident indie shindig; Dirty Pop and Mr Potter’s proper disco.

CATHAYS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB 152-156 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff. 029 2022 0906 / www.cssc.ukpub.net Sat 18 Fabulous 7.30pm1am, £5. Yep, the longrunning mod night that hung up its desert boots when Dempseys closed last year, but has returned for a one-off 20th birthday bash.

Expect Motown, northern soul, ska, R&B, reggae etc.

CLUB ICE Broadway, Pontypridd.

07771 920726 / www. clubiceponty.com

COFFEE BARKER Castle Arcade, Cardiff. 029 2022 4575 / facebook.com/ coffeebarker Fri 3 + Fri 7 Sept The Shakedown 8.30pm12.30am, free. Funk, jazz, R&B, boogaloo etc from DJs Lee, Matt and Andy, newly in this venue on the first Friday of every month.

COURTYARD 48 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

Wednesdays Wild Wednesdays Upfront dance anthems and “Urban Vibes”. Fridays Spotlight Sessions / The Kickstart 5pm, £3/free before 9.

Urban and club anthems and drinks deals. Part of the NPCLUBHOP price deal which also includes entry to Blind Tiger, Meze Lounge and Lambaba. Saturdays Mischief Beat-driven anthems is the ambiguous description for tonight’s music policy. Sundays Good Time Social Club 8pm, free. DJs til late and the weekend’s sports highlights. Sun 12 Eclipse – Adults Special Needs Night 6.30-10.30pm, £3/ carers free. New club night aimed at adults with autism, Downs Syndrome, or a physical or mental inability.

This month’s edition has a Disney theme.

CREATURE SOUND Ken Bu Kan, 1 Bethesda Street, Swansea. 01792 301178 / www. creaturesound.com Fri 17 Wonkcrafts 6-11pm, £4/£3 adv. Drum’n’bass from Wonkcrafts residents Teejay, LRB, Syphr, Aksrevenge, Pie-Fi, Boyley and Top Grot.

DE VALENCE PAVILION Upper Frog St, Tenby.

01834 218228 / www. devalencepavilion.co.uk Fri 24 Tranz@action vs Evolution Experience 8pm-2am, £16.50 adv. With headliner Dave Pearce, off of the radio, plus hardcore techno don Slipmatt.

THE TECHNO ASYLUM Sin City, Swansea, Sat 4 Aug Tickets: £10. Info: 01792 468892 / www.sincityclub.co.uk This is the opening night for new Swansea promoters The Techno Asylum, so in theory they could go in all kindsa directions from here, but on the basis of this bill it looks like their favoured brand of techno is that functional, sweeping big room type that draws people in from the trance and hard house fandoms. Tonight’s headliner is DMCK, a Glaswegian DJ named Duncan who trades in what some might call Beatport techno, and is making his debut appearance in this region. The bill also features Madame Twisted – herself a hard house maven in her Club X residency days, now in more techy waters – Cardiff stalwarts Jack Darwin and Tom Ware, and uberbosh duo Fattman & Salted Slug.

THE DILWYN ARMS Herbert Street, Pontardawe. 01792 863310.

Sat 18 Logic Festival 3 Launch Party 2 11am11pm, £12/£9. Logic Festival itself is in September in Swansea; this 12-hour bash follows a night on Sat 4 Aug at the Rainbow Rooms and features 90s pop-dance colossus N-Trance plus Rob Rees, Jason Pufal, Danny Slade, Trixta, Chris Miller, Jay Pufal, Rob EJ and more TBC. Best info number is 07763 000382. See Clubs.

EDDIES 4 Quay Street, Haverfordwest. 01437 779595 / www.eddies.co Sat 4 Cafe Mambo Ibiza 9pm-5am, £10. House from singer and sax player Lovely Laura plus DJs Ben Santiago and Ridney, with local support TBC FICTION & VINYL The City Gates, Little Wind Street, Swansea. 01792 828777 / www.fictionclub. co.uk/swansea Mondays Quids In 10.45pm-2.30am, £3.50/£2 before 11. Chart, cheese, r’n’b, dance and house. Wednesdays Underground 11pm3.30am, £3.50/£2 before 1. House, chart, r’n’b and cheese across two rooms.

Fridays 11pm-3am, £5/£3 adv. Drinks offers and, uh, music I guess. Saturdays Agenda 10.30pm-3am, £3.50/£2 before 1. Fiction: house, r’n’b, EDM. Vinyl: pop and party.

FUEL 5 Womanby Street, Cardiff.

07970 063107 / facebook. com/fuelcardiff Thursdays FUBAR 10pm-2am. Rock, metal and alternative clubnight.

Fridays + Saturdays Rock and metal anthems each weekend, plus special guests when such types are in town.

GLAM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2022 9311 / info@ glamnightclub.co.uk Mondays Bed 10pm-3am, £2/free before 11. A mashup of chart, r’n’b, cheese and dance across two floors.

Formerly known as The Fest. Fridays Gasolina 11pm-4am, £4 before 12.

Reggaeton, r’n’b and club bangers. Fri 10 Summer Madness Rooftop Party 5-10pm, £5. Tone Pagoda, Groove Theory and Viewpoints with an evening of disco and house up on the roof. Saturdays Rumour 9pm-3am, £5-£10.

Two rooms of quality music, everyone catered for it is claimed. Formerly known as Vanity. Sat 4 Groove 4-10.30pm, £12.50-£17.50.

Regular-in-the-summer house night with a big headliner TBC.

THE GLOBE 125 Albany Rd, Cardiff.

07590 471888 / www. globecardiffmusic.com Sat 4 Huey Morgan’s NYC Block Party 8pm-1am, £14 adv. Funk, hip-hop and the groovier end of rock, I would imagine, based on the times I’ve heard his 6 Music show in shops or cars or whatever.

Fri 10 Club Tropicana 9pm-2am, £6 adv. Eighties night. Sold out.

THE GLOBE AT HAY Newport Street, HayOn-Wye. 01497 821762 / events@globeathay.org Sat 25 A Jaunt Through The Kingdom 7pm, £20 adv.

See Clubs for more on a night which launches Kingdom, a mysterious project starting next year in Hay. As well as live music from Stoke-based hip-hop/shoegaze project Footdragger, there are DJ sets from Rita Ray, Don Letts and Tom Ravenscroft.

GWDIHW Guildford Crescent, Cardiff. 029 2039 7933 / www.gwdihw.co.uk Sat 5 Solar Orbit 2pm.

Afternoon session of techno, ambient and the like from (in July) ARC 170, Varndell and more.

Sat 11 Red Room 9pm.

New night promising disco, Italo and electro. Sat 18 Cosmogramma 9pm, £5/£3 adv. With a live set from The Lotus Tribe, plus DJs. Sun 19 Speakeasy x Zambouley Bros 7.30pm, £5. DJs and performers playing music of all genres and backgrounds to show the diversity of the Cardiff artist, apparently. Fri 24 That Good Night v Hey Mary 9pm, £5. Eclectic, cheap and good dance night, until recently in the Big Top, hooks up with Cardiffian queer/drag night for a pre-Pride special with It’s Dando and Sissy Boy Tears DJing.

HANGAR 18 (FORMERLY THE SCENE) 50 Plymouth Street, Swansea. enquiries@ hangar18musicvenue. co.uk Fri 3 Heft 10pm-3am, £5.

Bassline and drum’n’bass from Rogue One feat Illustrate MC, Raptcha, Tvndra, Martyn Kinnear, Hayez MC, Mr Matenj and Llew. Sun 26 Delusion Bank Holiday Classics 9pm. Swansea’s top trance promoters with a night whose details are TBC, although unlikely to deviate from their norm I daresay.

INKSPOT The Old Church, Newport Road, Cardiff. 029 2049 0254 / www. inkspotartsandcrafts.com Fri 24 Instincts: Spirit Trance Gathering 10pm4am, £5. Psytrance type stuff from Dr Nitrogen, Meskalin and Radiostorm.

INTRIM Queen Victoria Street, Tredegar. 01495 725510 Sat 4 Alternate 8pm-2am.

House and techno from Alter:Ego, Undercover DJs (Cellar Door), Orangepeel, Brad Dunk, Joel Jones and Jordan Morgan b2b Jay Jones.

JACOB’S MARKET West Canal Wharf, Cardiff.

029 2039 0939.

Sat 4 Teak x Blue Honey 3-10.30pm, £10 adv. House, techno, disco etc from two local promo sorts. DJs: Andy Richards, Ben Arthur, David J Bull, Esther, James Teak and Seka. Sat 11 Babylon 4-11pm, £22.50 adv. Some kind of summer day party rave presrnted by the Depot and ShangriLa. All sold out I think.

Sun 26 Delete 1-10.30pm (outdoor)/10.30pm-late (indoor), £27.50 (daytime and afterparty)/£25 (daytime only)/£5 (afterparty only). Romanian and Italian techno faves plus some local goodness for bank holiday: Raresh, Francesco Del Garda, Matt Owen, Lee Graves, Marc Parsons and Knoll Beach. Initially in a dome in thge carpark until 10.30pm, it then moves inside for an afterparty.

THE LAST RESORT 207 High Street, Swansea. www.lastresortswansea. com Sat 4 Dogruff Open Air Summer Series Part 2 3pm-4am. Techno and minimal specialists return for a second alldayer and allnighter. Daytime: Rumple, Dan Brooks, Nicky Hewitt, Ulex, Amy Amor, Luke Tainton, Gareth Richards and Shaun Edwards.

Evening: Mikki James, Dan Knight and Alex Taylor. Sat 11 + Sat 1 Sept Dead Of Night 10pm-3am, £3. Goth/ alternative club night, on the first Saturday of every month (apart from August).

Fri 31 The Anti-Social 7pm-2am. Showcase for underground talent in multiple genres: hip-hop, beatbox, grime and drum’n’bass are the ones they mention as examples.

LEGACY Old Works Lane, Pontardawe. 01792 865370 / mamas-paradise.wixsite. com/swansea Sun 26 Modaa 9pm-4am, £6-£8. Rescheduled from the late May bank holiday, this also features Jortdan Steins, Cory Squires, Joshua Dale Morgan and Chris Miller in addition to the chunky house headliner, real name Lloyd Scoulding.

MARY’S 89 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon-Thurs 4pm-2am, Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-1am. 029 2066 8647 / www.maryscardiff. co.uk Wednesdays Wednesday BUZZ 61

* – recommended Club 8pm-2am. Dance and chart toppers with DJ Chris. Thursdays Mixxet 8pm-2am. Fun, games, and cabaret with Amber Dextrous and Alphaa Heart. Fridays Non Stop Party 8pm-2am.

DJ Lee plays tunes from the 90s onwards. Saturdays 8pm-2am. Dance, pop and chart with DJ Billy Joe. Sundays Service 5pm-2am, free. Bingo with Aunty Ade and Aunty Betty from 5pm, with cash prizes; DJ Mary Golds until 9pm; guest cabaret at 9pm and DJ Billy Joe on the tapes (this is an odd turn of phrase but I like it) until 1am.

METRO’S Baker’s Row, Cardiff. 029 2039 9942 / www. metroscardiff.com Wednesdays Cheapskates 10pm-4am, £4/free early bird. Hywel plays ‘alternative mayhem’ and old skool cheese. Fridays Havoc 10.30pm-4am, free before 11. Mismatched alternative tunes from Hywel (apart from Fri 10 Aug, when it’s a takeover by DJ Scoundrel).

Saturdays Lose Yourself 10.30pm-4am, free before 11.

Stereo Brain playing indie, beats, treats and pop-punk.

MINSKYS SHOW BAR Cathedral Walk, St David’s Centre, Cardiff. 029 2023 3128 / www.minskysshowbar.com Fridays & Saturdays 8pm1am. Dancing and cabaret with regular drag acts including Tina Sparkle, Miss Babs and Jolene Dover.

MISSOULA 84-86 St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 1315 / www.missoulabars.co.uk/ missoulacardiff Mondays Mojito Mondays 5pm-12am. Motown classics and mojitos 2-4-1 all night. Thursdays Rock The Night 5pm-12am. Indie classics. Fridays #Friday 5pm-2am. Funky house and half price drinks from 5-10pm.

MOCKA LOUNGE Mill Lane, Cardiff. Mon-Sat 11am-late. 029 2022 1295 / www.mockalounge.com Thursdays Iqos Social Club / Intuition 7-9pm: Iqos Social Club; 9pm-late: Intuition with DJs Monique B and Dan Willow. Fridays Feeling Soul, funk, disco, rare groove and r’n’b with resident DJs and happy hour from 5-8pm. Saturdays House Of Play House and r’n’b from resident DJs. Sundays Secret Resident DJs play 90s music.

THE MOON Womanby Street, Cardiff.

029 2037 3022 / info@ themooncardiff.com Fridays Gigantic Until 4am, free. Funk, punk, rock’n’roll, hip-hop, indie, reggae and soul after bands finish playing. Saturdays Five Dollar Shake Until BUZZ 62

4am, free. Bebop, funk, soul, Motown, hip-hop, reggae, ska and everything in between, after bands finish playing.

NEON LOUNGE Market Street, Newport.

01633 533666 / theneon. co.uk/neon-bar-lounge Fri 3 Old School R’n’B Night 9pm-2am, free. With some old skool hip-hop and reggae too, on the first Friday or every month.

Saturdays Urban Dance Night 9pm-3am, free. Classic urban, house and r’n’b from DJ Steve C. OCEAN ARTS CARDIFF Unit 2, East Moors Business Park, East Moors Rd, Cardiff. 029 2132 0030 / www.oceansrtscardiff. co.uk Sat 11 Warehouse Afro Beats 9pm-3am, £20. DJs playing Afrobeats, Afro-pop , soukous coupe decale, South African house, Zim dancehall and more, on the secoind Saturday of each month.

Price includes a BBQ dinner.

THE PHILHARMONIC St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon-Thurs 11am-12am, Fri + Sat 9am-3am. 029 2132 0740 / www. thephilharmoniccardiff. co.uk Sun 26 Liberate 9pm-4am, £5 adv. Headlined by Dave Pearce and also featuring Kris Hill (associated with early 00s Cardiff club Evolution), Gavin Pearce, Dean Angel, Rui J, Kiki V and Hampton & Collard.

PITCHER & PIANO Wind Street, Swansea.

01792 461312 / www. pitcherandpiano.com/ Sat 4, 11 + 25 Sonik 6pm. Three dates, a sort of residencyt you might say, for Bristol-based DJ/producer Marco Strous. He’s on Solid Grooves and looks so much like he plays mersh techhouse that I’m not going to bother verifying this. Sat 25 Shangri-La 4-11pm, £12.50.

Another day party from this “clubbing brand”, headlined

by Liverpool DJ Lauren Lo Sung, who it says here plays dub techno.

POPWORLD 96 St Mary Street, Cardiff.

Mon, Tue + Thurs 9pm3am; Wed 8pm-3am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 1pm-3am.

029 2023 5825.

Mondays Pop Rocks 9pm.

A night of what they call alternative pop but their examples (Green Day, Blink, Linkin Park) seem to suggest will be pop-punk and nu-metal. Ah, it’s all just names at the end of the day.

Thursdays Top Of The Pops 10pm-3am. Discounted drinks, free entry and a chance to party the night away, all advertised using the logo from defunct TV show Top Of The Pops which, as a national brand of venues, I assume Popworld are using with the full permis-

sion of the BBC. Fridays + Saturdays Popworld Party Until 3am. Drinks deals from 5-11pm (Fri) and 3-8pm (Sat).

POPWORLD Wind Street, Swansea.

Mon-Fri + Sun 8pm-3am; Sat 3pm-3am. 01792 470676.

Wednesdays Quids In 8pm-3am. Student night where drinks are £1.

Thursdays Pop Rocks 10pm-3am. The very best in pop-punk, pop-rock, alternative music and pop classics.

Fridays Ain’t No Party Like A Popworld Party 8pm-3am, £2-£4. Saturdays Club Classics 8pm-3am, £2-£4.

PRYZM Greyfriars Road, Cardiff.

029 2023 3854 / www.

nights listed below. Sat 4 Logic Festival 3 Pre Party 9pm-6am, £10 adv. Trance anthems from Sonique, Big Al, Danny Slade, Rob Rees, Jason P, Mark Muller, Rob EJ, Jay Pufal, Chis Miller and Jonny Griffiths. Sat 18 Logic Festival 3 Launch Party 2 Afterparty 11pm4am. This confusingly named night follows the alldayer in Pontardawe’s Dilwyn Arms and is headlined by Trixta.

REVOLUTION Castle Street, Cardiff. Open from 11am. 029 2023 6689 / www.revolution-bars. co.uk Tuesdays Mode 9pm3am, £4 adv. Popular student night. Fridays + Saturdays 9pm-3am. DJs, drinks offers, free area hire.

SIN CITY

Clubbing promo crew ShangriLa are most often found in Cardiff, but on Sat 25 Aug they try Swansea on for size with a day party at the Pitcher & Piano. Liverpool house fave Lauren Lo Sung is guest of honour. pryzm.co.uk/cardiff Thurs 16 A-Level Results Fest 9pm-3am, £7.50 adv Featuring Artful Dodger, Danny T, EO, Mozafari, DJ Blighty and DJ Hilly.

Fridays Smack. 9pm-3am, £4 adv. Weekly student event described by one enthusiast as “lit Friday nights with chilled fam bams and regular bants”. Fri 3 features a guest appearance by Adam Collard off of Love Island.

Saturdays Agenda 10pm3am, £5. Three music arenas, VIP booths, other stuff. Sat 11 features a guest appearance by Josh Denzel off of Love Island.

PULSE 3 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

029 2064 1010 / www. pulsecardiff.com. Gay venue.

Wednesdays Kapow!

10pm-4am. Student night with Jolene Dover and DJ Warren. Fridays Full On 10pm-5am, £4/£3. DJ Craig downstairs, Opal upstairs.

Saturdays The Sound Of Saturday 10pm-5am, £5/£4 b4 11. The very best chart remixes and classic hits all night long.

THE RAINBOW ROOMS 12 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea. 07763 000382 / www.the-rainbowrooms. com Fridays 9pm-4am. Resident DJs every week. Saturdays 9pm-4am. With residents plus guest DJs each week – in August it’s Rob Rees (Sat 11) and Dip-E (Sat 25) in addition to the two

Dilwyn Street, Swansea.

01792 468892 / www. sincityclub.co.uk Tuesdays Hustle 10pm3am, £3/£2 before 12.

Motown, r’n’b and hip-hop.

Thursdays Sin Savers 10pm-3am, £3. Student night. Fridays Monsters Of Rock 10pm-3.30am, £4/£2 before 12.30. Indie in room 1, metal in room 2.

Saturdays Sink 10pm-3am.

Hip-hop, drum’n’bass, dubstep etc, with special guests plus resident DJs Dubman, Swiss Elf and South.Sat 4 Techno Asylum 10pm-4am, £10. Featuring Glasgow’s DMCK, Madame Twisted, Jack Darwin, Tom Ware and Fattman & Salted Slug.

SODA St Mary Street, Cardiff. 029 2037 3363 / www. sodacardiff.com Wednesdays Replay 9pm4am, £4. Chart, cheese and r’n’b for students. Fridays Fade 10pm-3am, £4/£6 VIP. R’n’b, hip-hop, house and UK garage from Vijay, Jigga, Monique B and Dan Willow.

Saturdays Soiree 9pm4am. Three rooms including the Attic which is “the social playground for the high flyers and social elite, the only place to be seen.” Imagine catching your reflection in the mirror just after writing that. Sundays Soda Sundays 9pm-3am, £4/£8 VIP. Three floors of music for students and industry workers.

TIGER TIGER Friary House, Greyfriars

Rd, Cardiff. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-2am, Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12pm-12.30am. 029 2039 1944 / www. tigertiger-cardiff.co.uk Every Day Lucky Voice Karaoke From £2.50 per session. The UK’s leading private karaoke experience each day of the week.

Wednesdays Shotgun Rules 10pm-3am, £5/£3.50.

Exclusive midweek student party. You don’t need NUS to get in though. Thurs 16 A-Level Results Party 9pm-3am, £5 adv/£10 VIP. With a guest live set by Dappy, who according to the internet boasted about his three GCSEs when he was in the Big Brother house, meaning this will surely be a humbling experience for him.

Fridays Tic Toc 10pm-3am, £4. “Forget the DJs who play the stuff you’ve never heard of, ours will be playing your favourite tracks all night long.” Saturdays Kanaloa Polynesian style area with cocktails, VIP booths, dancers etc.

UNDERTONE (BASEMENT OF 10 FEET TALL) 11a + 12 Church Street, Cardiff. 029 2022 8883 / www.undertonecardiff.com Sat 4 Flatline 10pm.

Drum’n’bass. Fri 10 Selecta 11pm, £5/£3 adv. UK garage classics. Sat 11 Paranoize 10pm. Drum’n’bass. Fri 17 Cosmonaut 11pm. UK “speed breaks”, which I’ve put in inverted commas because it’s still not a real genre. Sat 18 The Wave 10pm. Trap and “twerk”, again not a style of music.

Fri 24 Switch Up 10pm.

Drum’n’bass. Sat 25 Ascend 10pm-4am, £5/4 with Hub wristband. House and techno. Sun 26 Disko Rekah 10pm. Drum’n’bass.

THE VAULT 56 Wind Street, Swansea.

01792 465300 / www. nosignwinebar.com Fri 17 Eruption Vol.1 9pm3am, £7. Drum’n’bass and bassline from Antix Sounds, Crag, Gemini Twins, Suspect, Culprit and Raw b2b Kross Sektion.

THE VAULTS / PORTLAND HOUSE The Old Natwest Bank, 113-116 Bute Street, Cardiff Bay. www.vaultspresents. com *Sun 26 Vaults Presents 9pm-5am, £14.50/£13.50. See Clubs for a writeup of this night, especially boshy techno headliner Blawan. Joining him in room 1 are Compound residents Julez Wyl, Midge, Blap and Luke Winds. Room 2 is hosted by Spectrum and features Iolo, JaMo, J-Tech and Tom Ware.

WAREHOUSE 54 54 Cambrian Road, Newport. 01633 213161.

Wednesdays Krazy Wednesdays Cocktails, drink deals and tunes as part of a cross-city midweek

u – repeated

session. Fridays Party Like It’s 1999 7pm-5am, £4/£1.99 before 12. Part of the NPclubhop multi-venue deal. Saturdays The Indie Rock Disco 12am. (Former) Meze Lounge DJs playing indie and rock classics. Also an NPclubhop night.

WOW BAR 4 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

Gay venue. Free all day Sun-Thurs; before 11pm Fri + Sat. 029 2066 6247 / www.wowbarcardiff.com Wednesdays Get Pounded Free. Hosted by Gypsy Divine, soundtracked by DJ Basil and named in reference to the £1 drinks offers. And nothing else. Thursdays Let’s Have A Kiki Free. DJs Basil and Chris soundtrack non-stop fun and games.

Fridays Kitty’s Kabaret Free before 11. With WOW Showgirls Miss Kitty and Marcia, plus special guests every week. Saturdays Hi Energy Free before 11. Pop and party upstairs, chart and dance downstairs. Sundays The Cuckoo Club Free.

DJ Krys plays the tunes until late.

events EVERY MONDAY Bharatanatyam Dance Classes For Adult Beginners Bayview House, Cardiff Bay. 8.15-9.15pm. Info 029 2075 1158.

Book Club Evergreen Hall, Bridgend. 2-3.30pm, £3/£1 members. Info 01656 815757.

A group for reading and discussing literature.

Brecon Town Band Rehearsals Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623650. Hosted by Dave Jones – contact him on the above number.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting The Plum Tree, Canton, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (three-month trial membership). Info 07526 141392. A friendly social group offering the chance to “liven up your social life and meet new friends” through a varied events programme including theatre, live music, walks, badminton, table tennis and pub nights. More info at www.cardiffivc.org.uk.

Ceroc The Gate, Cardiff.

7.45-10.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info 029 2048 3344. A fusion of salsa, ballroom, tango, hip-hop and jive. Classes are easy and relaxed.

Children’s Ballroom Dancing Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7-9pm. Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Rehearsals Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 7-9pm, free. Info 01443 491424.

Drop-in Meditation And Mindfulness Classes The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm, £5/£3 unwaged. Info 01792 458245.

New weekly class led by Mike Garside, Resident Teacher of Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Swansea.

FAN Group Meeting Grange Pavilion, Grangetown, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. FAN (Friends And Neighbours) groups offer the chance to meet people, speak about a chosen topic for one hour, and have a chat and a cuppa. More FAN meetings are elsewhere in Cardiff every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check www.thefancharity.org before going.

FAN Group Meeting Grangetown Hub, Cardiff.

9.30am, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting Whitchurch Library, Cardiff.

2pm, free. Info 07512 638792.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga Pontcanna Dojo, Cardiff.

7.15-8.15pm, £7.50/£35 for five classes. Info sarasclasses4@gmail.com.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Boxing-based high-intensity workout with a house soundtrack. Today’s lineup looks like this. Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm.Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 5-5.45pm.

Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Funkypump 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm.

Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely, Cardiff: 6.15-7.15pm.

Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.15-7.15pm.

Health Qigong Glyndwr Community Hall, Penarth.

10.30-11.30am. Info 07772 657692.

Little Monkey Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30am. Info 01656 649190.

9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: Jiggety-Jig. Also on Fridays.

Musical Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 5.458pm, £6/£5. Info 01633 656757. 7-11 years old: 5.456.45pm; 12 and up: 6.45-8pm.

Newport Badminton Club Bettws Active Centre, Newport. 7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285. One of the largest badminton clubs in south-east Wales. Also on Thursdays.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule looks like this.

4.30-6pm: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years). 6-8pm: Aerial Hoop Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 3. 7.45-9.45pm: Aerial Hoop Levels 3 and 4, Static Trapeze Level 4.

Pilates-Based Back Care Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

10.30am. Info 01874 625992.

With Katy Sinnadurai. Also on Wednesday afternoons.

Pilates-Based Body Conditioning Theatr

Brycheiniog, Brecon.

11.45am. Info 01874 625992.

With Katy Sinnadurai. Also on Wednesday evenings.

Qigong Class The Sunhouse, Gwaelod-y-Garth, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £5. Info 07779 151916. More at www. bringingbalance.co.uk.

Ruff Folk Dance Club St Andrew’s Methodist Church Hall, Birchgrove, Cardiff.

8pm. Info 029 2051 3440.

With Ian Lewis.

Salsa Classes Horse & Groom, Cowbridge. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651. Beginners for the first hour, then improvers/ intermediate.

St Donats Atlantic Chorale St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7.30pm. Info 01446 799100.

Choir rehearsals.

Tango Dancing Argentine Barocco, Cardiff. 8-10.45pm, £3/£1. Info 029 2023 7332.

Tang Soo Do Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7-9pm. Info 07734 557767.

Learn traditional Korean karate; beginners welcome.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 3-6pm Open training; 6-8pm Intermediate Aerial Hoop And Circus Fitness; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Hoop.

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

On tomorrow also.

Yoga With Valerie Price St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-9.30pm. Info admin@yoga-works.co.uk.

6.30-8pm: intermediate; 8.109.30pm: beginners.

EVERY TUESDAY A Ballroom Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

7-11pm. Info 01495 243252.

Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff.

6.30-7.50pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday to Thursday.

Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown.

8-10pm. Info 07790 167560.

Every Tuesday and Friday.

Beginners Ballet Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6.157.30pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Covering key ballet principles including developing core strength, improving posture, basic steps, flexibility and coordination. Hosted

by National Dance Company Wales.

Beginners Contemporary Dance Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30-8.45pm, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. Exploring the basic principles of contemporary dance through a set of exercises. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales.

Beijing 24 Step Tai Chi St Mary’s Church Hall, Canton, Cardiff. 6.30-8pm. Info 07772 657692.

FAN Group Meeting Butetown Community Centre,

Cardiff Bay. 12.15pm, free.

Info 07512 638792. Men-only group. Some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check www. thefancharity.org before going.

FAN Group Meeting City Church, Riverside, Cardiff.

10.30am, free. Info 07512 638792. Women-only meeting.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info www.funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebell 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10.30-11.30am; HIIT 1.15-1.45pm; Funkypump 5.15-6 + 6-7pm; Funkypump Kidz 5.15-6pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funky Pump Lite 7-8pm.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bootcamp 6.157.15pm; Bags 7.15-8.15pm.

Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7pm. Daleon Fitness, Merthyr: Funkypump 6-7pm.

Gitananda Yoga St David’s Uniting Church, Pontypridd.

7-8.30pm, free. Info 01443 408065.

Glam Dram St Donats Arts Centre, Vale Of Glamorgan.

7pm. Info 01446 799100.

Amateur theatre company for adults.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Atradius Offices (4th floor), Cardiff Bay. 6.208pm, £10. Info 07806 625717.

All instruments and ages welcome.

Karate Classes Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15-8.15pm. Info 029 2087 7959. With Emma Robins.

Knap Art Group All Saints Church Hall, The Knap, Barry. 2-4pm. Info glyn@ glynpooley.com. Hosted by Glyn Pooley. Get in touch if you are interested in developing your creativity through learning to draw or paint.

Laughter Yoga Llandaff North Community Centre, Cardiff. 7.15-8.15pm, £5 (suggested donation). Info www.sparklylaughter.co.uk.

“No experience required, no stretching and no mats needed,” promise the organisers.

Learn To Rock’n’Roll 50s Style Kenfig Hill Rugby Club, Bridgend. 8-10.30pm, £5.

Info 07400 080101. Hosted

by Frank. Lessons are from 8.15-9pm; there’s a disco from 9-10.30. First dance lesson free.

Life Drawing Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 6-8pm, £7.50. Info 07830 381930.

Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing The Garage, Swansea.

6-10pm. Info 01792 475147.

Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff. 9.45am. Info 01656 649190. 9.45 + 11.05am: Rock’n’Roll; 10.25am: Jiggety-Jig. Also on Thursdays.

Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info

BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLACK PIRATE FESTIVAL Llancaiach Fawr Manor, nr Caerphilly, Fri 10-Sun 12 Aug Tickets: £11 weekend (£5 kids); £6 Sat 11 or Sun 12 only (£3 kids); free under-5s. Info: 07411 132940 / www.brotherhood-of-the-black.co.uk Time was the presence of hundreds of pirates and similar ne’er do wells on the grounds of a country manor house would have been cause for deep concern, likely indicative of a violent uprising by the lower orders against their social betters. In this case, however, it simply means that a three-day festival celebrating the life of a pirate (or a jolly, sanitised version of it, at any rate) has been organised by Brotherhood Of The Black, a group of hearty funsters who specialise in such events. On the agenda here is all manner of horseplay including bar brawls, swordfights and explosive cannons; wandering minstrels and other theatrical performers; lots of mermaids (aka women in seashell bikinis) and almost as many ferrets, tenuous as that creature’s link with piracy may be.

01874 623219. With Lesley Walker. Also on Thursdays, Fridays aand Saturdays.

Morning Yoga Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8-9am, £6. Info 029 2063 5614. A Vinyasa flow class, aimed to develop functional, athletic abilities and maximise strength. Hosted by National Dance Company Wales.

Music Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.45am-1.45pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. Music and movement class for babies aged eight weeks to five years.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 5-6pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years). 6-7pm: Hula Hoop.

6-8pm: Supervised Training.

7.45-9.45pm: Beginners’ Mixed Aerial.

Open Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Pregnancy Yoga Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 6-7.15pm, £35/£30 (five-week blocks). Info kalavathi@omstudio.co.uk.

Qigong Class Bute Park, Cardiff. 6-7pm, pay by donation. Info 07779 151916.

More at www.bringingbalance.co.uk.

Salsa Classes Kapu,

Cardiff. 7.30-10.30pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

Beginners’ class starts 7.30pm; improvers 8.30; bachata 9.30.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com. Every Tuesday and Friday. This one visits Big Pit Mining Museum of Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park (including BBNP visitors centre).

Student Night Cardiff City Table Tennis Club, Dominion Way, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £2. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 10am6pm Open Training; 6-8pm Trapeze For Beginners And Acrobalance; 8-10pm Chinese Pole.

Yoga Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 5.30-6.30 + 6.45-8pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

Yoga Classes Om Studio,

Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

7-8.30pm, £9. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio. co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.

Yoga Share M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff.

5-7pm, £4 (suggested donation). Info 029 2047 3373.

Led by Ashtanga practitioner Sarah Cleary.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff.

6-7pm, £6. Info 029 2048 4880. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yoga With Valerie Price Llandough Institute, Penarth.

8.30-9.30pm. Info admin@ yoga-works.co.uk. Mixed level class.

Zhan Zhuang Qigong Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 12.301.30pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 029 2087 7959. ZZQ is an ancient Chinese health system based on a series of static postures.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Fairwater Social & Athletic Club, Cardiff. 6-7pm.

Info 07891 712344. Led by Irene Davies, as is...

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes St Faith Church Hall, Llanishen, Cardiff.

8-9pm. Info 07891 712344.

EVERY WEDNESDAY Adult Drama Carnegie House, Bridgend. 7.30-9pm, £6. Info 01656 815757.

Develop performance skills using impro, drama games BUZZ 63

* – recommended and scripts.

Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff.

6.30-7.50pm, £15. Info 029 2048 4880.

A Tea Dance Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 2-4pm. Info 01495 243252.

Ceramics For Adults The Riverfront, Newport. 6-8pm.

Info 01633 656757.

Ceroc Dance Class Dockers Club, Swansea. 7.45pm12am, £6/£8 freestyles. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail. com.

Cheer Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.15am, £3. Info 01633 656757.

Movement session for babies.

Circus Club Carnegie House, Bridgend. 5.30-7pm, £1. Info 01656 815757. Come and learn a range of simple circus skills with Organised Kaos.

City Of Cardiff Rotaract Meeting Refectory Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 07768 108394.

An 18-30s community group that integrates young professionals, students and refugees through community projects and social events.

Creative Wednesdays Evergreen Hall, Bridgend.

2-4pm, £3/£1 members. Info 01656 815757. Workshops in drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles etc.

Djembe Drumming Workshops Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.309.30pm, £5/£3. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. 6.30-8pm: beginners (£3); 8.15-9.30pm: intermediate/ advanced (£5). Drop-in classes.

Drop-in Exploring Drawing Workshop Workers Gallery, Ynyshir, Rhondda. 7-9pm, £10. Info 01443 682034. With tutor Chris Williams.

FAN Group Meeting Barry Library. 11.30am-12.30pm, free. Info 07857 755951.

Make friends and practise English. More info at www. thefancharity.org. Some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check the website before going.

FAN Group Meeting Canton Library, Cardiff.

5.30pm, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting Oasis, Splott Road, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting Severn Road Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Canton, Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 07512 638792. Women-only group FAN Group Meeting The Gate, Cardiff. 10am, free. Info 07512 638792.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; Bag Circuit 5-6 + 6-7pm; Warehouse ABC 5-7pm; Abs 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm.

Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump 6-7 + 7-8pm.

Funkypump Fitness, BUZZ 64

Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.15-7.15pm.

Inclusive Stay & Play Group Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 12.45-2.45pm.

Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. Hosted by KeyCreate – specialists in play, education, disabilities and creative arts – and aimed at children with additional needs, disabilities and life limiting conditions.

Jazz Workshops For Beginners Zion Chapel, Ponthir, Newport. 6.308.30pm, £10. Info 07806 625717. All instruments and ages welcome.

Little Monkey Club Primo School Of Music, Insole Court, Cardiff. Info 01656 649190.

Newport Youth Dance The Riverfront, Newport. 4.156.15pm, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757. 7-10 years old: 4.15-5.15pm; 14-18: 5.156.15pm.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 4.15-6pm: Youth: Jedi Acrobatics (11-18 years); 6-8pm: Adult Acrobatics; 8-9.30pm: Handstands; 8-10pm: Physical Theatre & Clown with George (every Wednesday in May only).

Pilates The Gate, Cardiff.

10.30am-1.30pm. Info info@ harnisch-lacey.com. 6pm: general; 7pm: advanced; 8pm: beginners.

Pilates-Based Back Care Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

5.45pm. Info 01874 625992.

With Katy Sinnadurai.

Pilates-Based Body Conditioning Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7pm.

Info 01874 625992. With Katy Sinnadurai.

Pub Quiz The Pilot, Penarth.

8pm. Info 029 2071 0615.

With Hayley.

Qigong Class The Hub Community Centre, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 2-3pm. Info 07772 657692.

Salsa Classes Rhiwbina Recreational Club, Whitchurch, Cardiff. 8-10pm, £5/£4 NUS. Info 07800 565651.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Day tours from Cardiff, every Wednesday and Saturday.

This one visits Caerleon, Caerwent, Tintern Abbey, the Wye Valley, Abbey Mill Craft Centre and Raglan Castle.

Toddler Time Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 10-11am. Info 01685 384111. Pre-school stories, rhymes and crafts for toddlers.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 10am6pm Open Training; 6-8pm

Introduction To Aerial (beginners mixed); 8-10pm Aerial Silks Intermediate.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff. 9.3011am, 1-2.15pm + 7-9pm, £9/£8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio.co.uk.

Yoga Trwy Gyfrwng Y Gymraeg Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 7-8.30pm.

Info admin@yoga-works. co.uk.

Yoga With Tori Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff.

6-7pm, £6. Info 029 2048 4880.

Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments The Freaks Geeks and Autographs Store, Swansea.

5.30pm, £3.50. Info 07914 683534.

EVERY THURSDAY Adult Give It A Go Climbing Session Boulders, St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff.

6.30-7.50pm, £10. Info 029 2048 4880.

Alexander Technique & Yoga M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11.30am-1pm, £16/£80 for six sessions. Info 029 2047 3373.

Art Club Penarth Pier Pavilion. 4.15-5.15pm, £5.

Info 0844 8700887. Creative fun for 5-11-year-olds with tutor Becky.

Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Children 6-11 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

4-5pm, £4.95. Info 07837 937351.

Beijing 24 Step Tai Chi Albert Rd Church & Community Centre, Penarth.

7.45-9pm. Info 07772 657692.

Bingo Market Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm. Info 01446 733863.

Breakdance The Riverfront, Newport. 6.30-7.30pm, £3.50 per session. Info 01633 656757. Learn break dancing styles, uprock, freezes and power moves. For ages 8-18.

Ceroc Dance Class Lysaght Institute, Newport. 7.3010.45pm, £8/£6 NUS. Info cerocsouthwales@gmail. com.

Children’s Latin/Ballroom Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 4.30-8pm. Info 01495 243252.

FAN Group Meeting Cardiff Central Library. 5pm, free.

Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English.

More info at www.thefancharity.org. Some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check the website before going.

FAN Group Meeting Cardiff MADE Cafe, Roath, Cardiff.

11am, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting Cathays Heritage Library, Cardiff. 2.05pm, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting St Baruc’s Church, Barry Island. 2-3pm, free. Info 07857 755951.

Fitsteps FAB The Riverfront, Newport.

10-11am, £4. Info 01633 656757. Low intensity dance fitness workout.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-8.15pm. Info

www.funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: TRX & Kettlebells 6-7am; Buggy Blast 10-11.30am; HIIT 1.151.45pm; Funkypump 5-6 + 6-7pm; White Collar Boxing Training 6-7pm; Funkypump Lite 7-8pm. Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6.30-7.15pm.

Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bootcamp 6-7am. Ufit, Cardiff: Funkypump 6-7 + 7.15-8.15pm. Elympia Fitness, Ely: Funkypump 7.15-8.15pm. First Choice Fitness, Llantrisant: Funkypump Lite 6-7pm.

Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Funkypump 6.15-7.15pm.

Hand Drumming Group Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff. 6-7pm, £25 (five weeks). Info 07980 742328.

Hosted by Ronald Macauley.

Hatch Youth Theatre The Riverfront, Newport. 4.306.30pm. Info 01633 656757.

Hosted by Tin Shed Theatre.

Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 6-7.30pm, £4/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions per week. Info www. brawlers.co.uk. With Cardiff roller derby team Tiger Bay Brawlers; fully coached and with veteran skater lead. Also on every Sunday.

Little Monkey Club Old Church Rooms, Radyr, Cardiff. 9.45am. Info 01656 649190.

Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219.

Newport Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport. 8-10pm. Info 07789 965285. Coached by Rhys Pritchard who represented Wales at the Junior Commonwealth Games.

Newport Junior Badminton Club Pill Millennium Centre, Newport.

7-8.30pm. Info 07789 965285.

Coached by Rhys Pritchard.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 6-8pm: Ropes & Silks Level 2, Static Trapeze Level 2.

7.45-9.45pm: Static Trapeze Level 2, Ropes & Silks Level 3, Ropes & Silks Level 4.

Pilates Conway Road Methodist Church Hall, Cardiff. 6.30-7.30pm, £7.50/£35 for five classes.

Info sarasclasses4@gmail.com.

Pilates Stretch Tramshed Studio, Cardiff. 12.301.30pm, £10/£8. Info www. tramshedstudio.com.

Qigong Albert Rd Church & Community Centre, Penarth.

6.30-7.30pm. Info 07772 657692.

Salsa & Bachata Classes Kapu, Cardiff. 7pm-2am, £4-£7. Info 07800 565651.

Beginners 7.30pm; improvers/intermediates 8.30.

Free bachata dancing from 9.45pm.

Salsa Dancing Classes Revolucion De Cuba, Cardiff.

8-10pm, £6/£5 NUS. Info 029 2023 6689. Salsa, bachata, zouk and kizomba.

Samba Band Carnegie House, Bridgend. 6.30-8pm, £1. Info 01656 815757.

Re-create the sound of Brazilian Carnaval with Sallie MacLennan. No experience necessary, instruments provided.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine.

Info 029 2022 7227 / www. seewales.com. Thursday and Sunday. This one visits the Gower, Swansea Bay, ParcLe-Breos, the Dylan Thomas Centre and more.

The Alexander Technique M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11am-12pm, £16.

Info info@yogaskies.co.uk.

Small group class hosted by Mike Young.

University Of The 3rd Age Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

Info richard-walker@live. co.uk. Hosted by Richard Walker – contact him on the above email.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Introduction To Aerial; 8-10pm Beginners Aerial Silks.

Yarny Army Evergreen Hall, Bridgend. 10am-12pm, £2/£1 members. Info 01656 815757.

Knitting and crocheting; beginners welcome.

Yoga Classes Cardiff Steiner School, Llandaff North, Cardiff. 6-7 + 7-8pm, £8/£6.50. Info info@yogaskies.co.uk. Hosted by Mike Young.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

7-8am + 1-2.30, 6-7.15 + 7.30-8.45pm, £9/£8.

Info 07727 139379 / www. omstudio.co.uk. 11am: Mums & Baby yoga; 7.30pm: Pregnancy yoga.

EVERY FRIDAY Aikido Village Hall, Heol Syr Lewis, Morganstown.

8-10pm. Info 07790 167560.

Bingo Lingo The Depot, Cardiff. 6pm, £5. Info www. depotcardiff.co.uk. Features street food, a wheel of fortune and “rubbish prizes”.

Cardiff Aikikai The Dojo, Roath, Cardiff. 6.30-10pm.

Info mcaluan@cardiffaikikai. co.uk.

Cardiff Table Tennis Community Club Upper Hall, Sport Wales, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. 7-9pm. Info 01446 412352. Featuring 16 table tennis tables; players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Check in advance on the sessions as the hall is occasionally booked by someone else.

Children’s Tap/Ballet Classes Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 10.30-11.30am.

Info 01495 243252.

Community Choir Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9.4511.45am, £72/£48 (12 weeks).

Info 01446 401209.

u – repeated

Dance Tots The Riverfront, Newport. 9.30-10.05am + 10.15-10.50am, £3 per session. Info 01633 656757.

Parent/toddler dance and exercise session.

FAN Group Meeting Salvation Army, Grangetown, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792. Make friends and practise English. More info at www.thefancharity. org. Women-only group. Some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check the website before going.

FAN Group Meeting STAR Hub, Tremorfa, Cardiff.

10am, free. Info 07512 638792.

FAN Group Meeting Women Connect First, Riverside, Cardiff. 11am, free.

Info 07512 638792. Womenonly group.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: Bootcamp 6-7 + 10-11am; ABC 5-7pm; Kettlebell 5.156pm; Bag Circuit 6.15-7pm.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: HIIT 6-6.45pm. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Funkypump 6-7pm. Rainbow Rooms, Gorseinon: Bag Circuit 6-7pm.

Little Monkey Club Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

9.30am. Info 01656 649190.

9.30am: Heigh-Ho; 10.25am: Rock’n’Roll; 11.05am: Jiggety-Jig. Little Monkey Club TrrRex Soft Play, Cardiff. Info 01656 649190.

Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219.

Movement And Music For A Fuller Life Bishop Of Llandaff High School, Cardiff. 7.45-9.30pm, £5.

Info 07726 360584. Biodanza session, on most weeks (ring ahead to check) aiming to help you “discover the joy of living, feel better and happier, benefit from more energy, and be more flexible”.

Newport Photographic Club Skip Jennings Hall, Maindee, Newport. 7.30pm.

Info 01633 400685.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 4.15-6pm: Youth: Jedi Aerial Skills (11-18 years); 6.307.30pm: Hula Disco!

Older Adult Dance/ Exercise The Riverfront, Newport. 11am-12pm, £3.

Info 01633 656757. Low impact dance and exercise class aimed at the over 50s.

Rhiwbina Farmers Market The Butchers Arms, Rhiwbina. 10am-1pm, free.

Info 029 2022 7982.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Mines & Mountains National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Tango Argentine Chapter

Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff.

7.30-8.45pm, £7/£4. Info 029 2023 7332. No experience or partner required.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 6-8pm Circus Fit; 6-8pm Supervised training.

Zumba: Dance Exercise Classes Sbectrwm Community Centre, Fairwater, Cardiff. 1-2pm.

Info 07891 712344. With Irene Davies.

EVERY SATURDAY African Drumming Sessions Glyndwr Community Centre, Penarth.

10-11.30am, £7. Info 07974 635502 / dan@phelpsmusic. com.

Ballroom Dancing Class Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

10am kids / 11am adults, £4 per class. Info 01685 384111.

10am: kids; 11am: adults; 12pm: private tuition.

Family Saturdays Foyer, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2063 6464. Craft workshops for kids and parents.

FAN Group Meeting United Reformed Church Cafe, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 11am, free. Info 07512 638792.

Make friends and practise English. More info at www. thefancharity.org. Some groups may close during the summer holidays, so please check the website before going.

Funkypump Fitness Various venues across south Wales. 6am-7pm. Info www. funkypumpfitness.co.uk.

Ware-house, Swansea: Abs 8-9am; TRX & Kettlebells 9.15-10.15am; Funkypump Kidz 10.30-11.30am; Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am.

Ware-house, Port Talbot: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am.

Ufit, Cardiff: Bag Circuit 9.30-10.30am. Funkypump Fitness, Ammanford: Bag Circuit 10.30-11.30am.

Funkypump Fitness, Carmarthen: Boot Camp 8-9pm.

Mid Wales Dance Academy Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Info 01874 623219.

Movement For Children Volcano, Swansea. 10am12pm, £4. Info www. volcanotheatre.co.uk.

Energetic classes with a focus on creativity, supporting physical development and building confidence. Ages 4-7: 10am; 8-12: 11am.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class. Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 10-11am: Family: Prewoks (2-4 years, with an adult); 10-11.30am: Youth: Wookies (7-9 years); 11.30am12.30pm: Youth: Ewoks (5-7 years); Youth: Padawans (9-11 years); 2-4pm: Youth: Jedi Performance Skills (11+); 4-6pm: Youth: Jedi

General Skills (11-18 years).

Performance Academy Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil.

10am-1pm, £10. Info 01685 384111. Offering professional theatre and performance coaching in dance, acting, musical theatre and singing.

Roath Real Food Market Mackintosh Sports Club Car Park, Roath, Cardiff.

9.30am-1pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982.

SeeWales Sightseeing Tour: Romans And Ruins National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Sewing Workshops Barnabas Arts House, Newport. 10am-1pm. Info 01633 673739. Hosted by Ellery Design – see www. ellerydesign.com for details of how to book and/or contact them.

St Mary Street Cardiff Market St Mary Street, Cardiff. 11am-5pm, free.

Info 029 2019 0036. Selling artisan foods, vintage clothing, antique furniture and bric-a-brac.

rehearsal space.

Learn To Roller Skate Cardiff Central Youth Club, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £3/£40 for eight weeks at two sessions per week. Info www. brawlers.co.uk. Uncoached session hosted by Tiger Bay Brawlers.

Lindy Hop Dance Classes & Social Swing Dancing Pontardawe Arts Centre.

6-10pm. Info 01792 863722.

NoFit State Circus Classes And Courses Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. £4-£12 per class.

Info 029 2022 1330 / www. nofitstate.org. Today’s schedule: 1-3pm: Flying Trapeze Beginners & Improvers; 3-5pm: Flying Trapeze Level 1; 5-6.30pm: Acrobalance; 5-7pm: Flying Trapeze Intermediate & Advanced.

Open Breaking/ Breakdance Training Session Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff. 5-8pm, £3. Info 029 2009 5590. Hosted by Cardiff City Breakers, The Hold Up and Elemental Force. *Riverside Farmers’ Market Fitzhammon Embankment, Cardiff. 10am-

The Big Welsh Bite takes place in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd, on Sat 4 and Sun 5. It’s a food festival whose stallholders have all grown/ cooked/produced everything they sell.

Up Side Down Circus Classes Cave Venture Workshops, Tremorfa Industrial Estate, Cardiff.

Info 029 2048 8854 / info@ upsidedowncircus.co.uk.

Today’s schedule: 10am-12 pm Introduction to Aerial (beginners mixed); 10am - 12pm Introduction To Chinese Pole; 12-2pm + 2-4pm Drop-in Training.

Yoga Classes Om Studio, Partridge Lane, Cardiff.

8-9.30am, £8. Info 07727 139379 / www.omstudio. co.uk. With Kalavathi Devi.

EVERY SUNDAY Ballet Academy Wales Classes – Adults Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 12-1pm, £6.50. Info 07837 937351.

Bridgend Undercover Car Boot Sale Multistorey Car Park, Bridgend Town Centre.

7am-12pm, free (selling cars £6; selling cars with trailers £10). Info 01656 661338.

Cooper’s Quiz Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm, £1 to play. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Hosted by Ben Cooper.

Draw Somebody’s Sunday Body Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 1.30-3.30pm, £7.50.

Info 07830 381930. Hosted by Cardiff Life Model.

Hold Up Sunday Social Cardiff Speaker Hire, Cardiff.

2pm, free. Info 029 2009 5590. Pool, table tennis and access to The Hold Up’s jam/

2pm, free. Info 029 2022 7982. Always worth a trip.

SeeWales Sightseeing Day Tour: Golden Gower National Museum Cardiff (pickup point). 9am-5.30pm, £5 off if you present this magazine. Info 029 2022 7227 / www.seewales.com.

Sunday Board Games Cardiff Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Weekly session featuring a mixture of competitive and co-operative games.

WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST uAdult Workshops Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea.

1-3pm, free. Info 01792 516900. A class for people of all abilities to create art in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Every Wednesday this month. uBat Walks National History Museum, St Fagans.

9pm, £5. Info 029 2057 3500.

Look around the Museum’s grounds for bats; bring a torch and wear sensible clothing. Also on Wed 8 (8.45pm start), Wed 15 (8.30pm), Wed 22 (8.15pm) and Wed 29 (8pm). uFamily Activities Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3650. Trails, crafts and soft play, every day this month. (Until Fri 31) uFamily Crafts Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, £1. Info 029 2034 6214. Creative drop-in sessions, on every Wednesday until 29 Aug. uGadget Club The Riverfront, Newport. 10am12.30pm, £10. Info 01633 656757. Kids aged 7-12 can try their hand at various digital activities, including stop motion animation, using Lego and coding. Also on Wed 15 this month. uHedgehog Helper Morning Howey Hedgehog Rescue, Llandrindod Wells. £20. Info 01874 749092. Be a volunteer at a hedgehog rescue for a morning, helping their work to nurse sick and injured hogs and hoglets.

Also on Tue 7, Wed 15, Fri 17, Sun 19, Tue 21 and sat 25 this month. uMakers’ Market National History Museum, St Fagans.

10am-5pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500. Workshops and demonstrations as well as the chance to buy stuff.

(Until Fri 10) uMeet A Meerkat National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. 10am-6pm, £3. Info 01558 667149. Other animals also feature in this show but the meerkat is still deemed the marquee name.

Maybe fashions will change in years to come. Also on Mon 13 and Tue 14.

National Play Day National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am-2pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. With a sea/pirate/mermaid theme. uOperation Earth Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee.

Info 029 2047 5475. New family show exploring the stories and science of the environment, and giving you the chance to become a trainee environmental scientist.

(Until Sun 2 Sept) uPawprints In The Summer Sky Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Discover the stories of mythical creatures in the stars, like the winged horse Pegasus or Draco the Dragon. Suitable for under7s. (Until Sun 2 Sept) uPirate Week Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea.

10am-5.30pm. Info 01792 371206. Kids’ activities such as gold panning, bouncy castle, craft activities, movies held in Wales’ smallest cinema La Charrette, and the opportunity to cross swords with Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Charlotte Duberry. (Until Sun 5) uPop-Up Yoga Sessions M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2047 3373. These are on every day this month, hosted by yoga teacher Scarlett O’Connor and held in the Garden Studio here. Find her on Facebook to confirm times etc. (Until Fri 31) Reminiscence Monthly Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, free.

Info 029 2034 6214. Come to the museum and share your memories of Cardiff, on the first Wednesday of every

month. uRoll Up, Roll Up! – Creative Arts Workshops The Welfare, Ystradgynlais.

10am-2pm, £5 per workshop.

Info 01639 843163.

Circus-themed summer crafts and activities: create a circus poster, make funny photo props, circus games and toys, and a big top puppet show. Suitable for ages 6-10. Also on Wed 8. uSheep Trekking Crai, Brecon Beacons National Park. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a sheep for a walk on a lead in a 200acre organic farm. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sat 4, Wed 8, Sat 11, Sun 12, Sat 18, Sun 19, Sat 25 and Sun 26 this month. uStar Tours Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £1.50 after admission fee. Info 029 2047 5475. Find out more about some familiar constellations, the planets, how stars are born and how they die. (Until Sun 2 Sept) uSummer Holiday Crafts Pontypridd Museum.

11am-3pm, free. Info 01443 490748. All-ages event for the summer holidays (kids have to come with a parent or guardian though). Every Wednesday this month.

Under The Sea Ball With The Little Mermaid Memorial Hall, Newbridge.

2-4pm, £10. Info 01495 243252. In which Ariel will host an afternoon tea for kids and entertain them generally for two hours. uYouth Art Summer School: Modus Operandi St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

10am, free. Info 029 2087 8444. Performance art courses for ages 14-25, presented

by Community Music Wales, Literature Wales, Citrus Arts and Arts Active. Directed by James Williams. (Until Sat 4) uYouth Circus Summer Schools: Wookies Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 9am-3pm, £160/£150 (five days). Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

This week is for ages 7-9; Mon 20-Fri 24 Aug is for Padawans (aged 9-11) and Mon 27-Fri 31 Aug is for Jedi (aged 11-18). (Until Fri 3) Zest In The Park Pontypool Park. 12-4pm, free. Info 01495 762200. Featuring face painting, a bouncy castle, Green Meadow Community Farm, free fruit, a climbing wall and more.

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST Dinosaur Print Making Swansea Museum. 10am1pm, free. Info 01792 653763.

Drop-in workshop. A different one is on here every Thursday until 30 Aug. uFlying Kites & Lazy Owls Caerphilly Castle.

11am-4pm, £8.50. Info 0300 0256000. Courtesy of Pembrokeshire Falconry. Also here on Tue 28.

Introduction To Natural Skincare M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 6-9pm. Info 029 2047 3373. Hosted by Gareth Daniels (of skincare company Old Faithful) and Louise Adams.

Ocean Mic Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff.

7-10pm, £2 corkage fee. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk.

BYOB open mic night, hosted

by Jonathan Powell and on every first Thursday of the month.

Paige Toon & Lindsey Kelk National Museum Cardiff. 6.30pm, free. Info 029 2066 5606. Two bestselling authors talk about their work.

Presented by the Cardiff branch of Waterstones.

FRIDAY 3 AUGUST Arts & Craft Table Top Sales Ebenezer Chapel, Tonypandy. 10am-1pm, £5 to set up a table. Info ebenezercraftsfair@gmx. co.uk. First Friday of every month.

Beep VIP Event Mission Gallery, Swansea. 4-5.30pm, free. Info 01792 652016. Meet some of the artists exhibiting in Nightswimming (see Art listings) and this year’s Beep Painting Biennial before taking a journey to this year’s Beep International Painting Prize (Swansea College Of Art, 6-8pm).

Boxing: Keyboard Warriors 4 – The Final Chapter Vale Sports Arena, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £20 table seat/£15 standing. Info 029 2240 4901. Charity event aiming to raise mental health awareness and featuring nine bouts during the evening.

Cardiff Inter Varsity Club Meeting Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff. 8.30pm, £5 (threemonth trial membership).

Info 07526 141392 / www. cardiffivc.org.uk. Meeting here on the first Friday of each month.

Cricket: Vitality Blast – Glamorgan v Gloucestershire SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380. uDinky Donkey Walking Venue TBC, Brecon Beacons. £35/£25 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Spend a couple of hours with a pair of Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. Also on Sun 5, Sun 12, Wed 15, Sat 18, Mon 20, Sat 25 and Sun 26 this month.

Entertainment Quiz Clwb Y Bont, Pontypridd. 8pm, £1 to enter. Info 01443 491424.

In aid of Cancer Research Wales.

Farmers Market High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Free.

Info 01685 725106. Quality produce from no more than 50 miles away, on the first Friday of each month.

Hand Felted Creatures Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am12pm, £8/£6. Info 01633 483321. First in a series of five summer workshops, on every Friday this month, aimed at ages 11-16.

Joon Dance Taster Day Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

10am-12pm, free. Info 01874 611622. Relating to a performance called Tongues, with Joon Dance and Rufus Mufasa.

Let’s Get Quizzical The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £2 to enter. Info 01497 BUZZ 65

* – recommended

BAFTA CYMRU AUGUST 2018 The National Eisteddfod lands in Cardiff Bay on Sat 4 Aug and we’ll be hosting 39 events at our cinema tipi, Sinemaes, and offering access to 40 guest speakers from the industry. You can find out more about the programme, running until Sat 11 Aug, on the What’s On pages of the BAFTA Cymru website.

We’re excited about the whole programme, which celebrates Welsh film and TV but the premiere of new documentary from Huw Stephens, Anorac, and other previews as well as a chance to celebrate the work of some of those we have lost in recent months will certainly be highlights during the week.

Later in the month we’re screening a preview of new Welsh documentary, The Ballamurphy Precedent, which premiered at this year’s Sheffield DocFest.

We’re also looking ahead to September – the announcement of this year’s British Academy Cymru Nominees on Thurs 6 Sept via a livestream on our Facebook page, and the unveiling of this year’s Special Award recipients at the Nominees Party on Thurs 4 Oct. Tickets go on sale for the Awards on Thurs 6 Sept via St David’s Hall. You are all invited!

Info: www.bafta.org/wales

BUZZ 66

821762. Pub quiz.

Little Mice Club: Under The Sea National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10.30am12pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Bilingual playtime for babies/toddlers.

Low ‘n‘ Slow Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £185. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk. uMuseum Premium Ghost Walk National History Museum, St Fagans.

9.15pm, £15.50. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Also on Sat 11 (9pm start) and Sat 25 (8.30pm start).

Robert Knight: All Our Yesterdays Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £8. Info 01656 815995. Singer and entertainer, joined here onstage by a psychic medium named Kelvin. uWorkshop Bike Sale Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 1-5pm. Info www.cycletrainingwales. org.uk. Adult bikes on sale from £60; kids’ bikes from £10. Also on tomorrow, from 10am-12pm, and every Friday this month.

SATURDAY 4 AUGUST uArt Trolley Saturday Drop-In Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 12.303.30pm, free. Info 01792 516900. Every Saturday this month. uBig Welsh Bite Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd. 11am-5pm, free.

Info 01443 424123. Two days of fun (on tomorrow also) featuring pizza, hog roast, cakes, ice-creams, cheeses, a funfair, bouncy castles, cookery demonstrations and more. The promo photo for this features a woman in a big fabric suit that I think is meant to be a peach but looks more like a testicle. uBreakfast Club G39, Cardiff. 10am-12pm, free.

Info 029 2047 3633. A way of meeting other people in the visual arts community and catching up on what’s going on. Every Saturday as part of the Unite exhibition/series of events here, until late September; today is themed around to Eisteddfod which is currently happening in Cardiff Bay. British Charcuterie Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am-4pm, £145. Info 01600 714595. uCoronau Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. 10am4.15pm, free. Info 029 2048 4611. Family workshops coinciding with the Eisteddfod, offering the chance to make your own crown inspired by bardic crowns. (Until Fri 10) Craft Fair Coffee Cove Cafe Bar, Barry Island.

10am-3.30pm, free/£10 to set up a stall. Info 07948 399111. Every first Saturday of the month.

Dewch i Ganu National Waterfront Museum,

Swansea. 11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Join musician Delyth Jenkins and learn Welsh through song.

Eclectic Crafters Centenary Hall, Maryport Street, Usk. Info eclectic. crafters@gmail.com.

Craft fair held on the first Saturday of each month.

Enfys Craft Fair St. Francis Millennium Centre, Barry. 10am-4pm. Info 01446 792149. Every first Saturday of the month.

Fundraiser / Booksale M.A.D.E. Gallery & Shop, Cardiff. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2047 3373. Selling books and DVDs. Funky Craft Fayre Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, Swansea. 10am-4pm. Info nigel.mason@ntlworld.com. uHave A Go Archery Caldicot Castle & Country Park. £1.50 for four arrows.

Info 01291 420241. On tomorrow also, and from Sat 25-Mon 27.

Machen Rural Market Machen Church Hall. 10am2pm. Info 07737 630657. On the first Saturday of every month.

Maeda Kamari Calligraphy Performance And Workshop National Museum Cardiff. 11am12.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. I have never imagined watching calligraphy performed (?) live until now but I do quite like this Japanese fella’s style. Attendees can have a go themselves after watching Kamari.

Open Haus The Printhaus / The Bone Yard, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-2pm, free.

Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly open studios here, an opportunity to meet the artists and makers in this creative community. On the first Saturday of every month.

Pop-Up Skate Park National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Hosted by Exist and for ages 7 and up. uSports Weekender Various locations, Barry Island. 12-5pm, free. Info 01446 704867. Two-day event including demos and taster sessions from local sports clubs and organisations today and a 10K run tomorrow (9am start). uSt Fagans Dark Castle Tour National History Museum, St Fagans. 9.15pm, £12.50/£10 kids. Info 029 2057 3500.

Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Fri 10, Fri 24 (8.45pm start) and Sun 26 (8.30pm start).

Summer Vegetarian Feast Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk. uTalk At 4 Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 4pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. A guide to the exhibition currently running here, the James Richards-curated A Slight

Ache. Also on Sat 18.

Ultimate Selfie Ffotogallery, Penarth. 11am3pm, free. Info 029 2070 8870. One of three drop-in family sessions here this month, as part of a series titled Capture + Create. uVintage Guitar Weekend Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 10am4pm. Info 029 2030 4400.

Two-day event where you can try out the guitars in the Vintage range in the daytime (on tomorrow also, from 10am-5pm with a guise appearance by Bryn Fon) and watch acoustic sets in the evening from Gordon Giltrap, John Etheridge, Paul Brett, Ray Burley and Carrie Martin (see the Live Music listings).

Vintage Kilo Sale Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

10am-6pm, free. Info 029 2037 3144. Designer labels at £15 a kilo they’re saying.

SUNDAY 5 AUGUST Belle’s Vintage Fair Belle Vue Park, Newport. 11am4pm, free. Info 0303 7622680.

On the first Sunday of every month this year.

Bring And Share Supper Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff. 6.30-9pm, free. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. Community social, every first Sunday of the month.

Cardiff Storytelling Circle: Tales For The Turning Year Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 7pm, £4. Info 029 2030 4400.

Craft Fair St Mary’s Church, Swansea. 10am4pm, £22.50 to set up a table. Info ariancrafts@hotmail.co.uk.

Cwmbran Craft Fayre Our Lady’s School Hall, Cwmbran. 1-4pm. Info cwmbran_crafts@hotmail. co.uk. Every first Sunday of the month. uDark Castle Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 9.15pm, £12.50/£10 kids. Info 07538 878609. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Tue 7, Sun 12, Wed 15, Sun 19 and Tue 21 (9pm starts from Sun 12).

Friars Walk Market Friars Walk, Newport. 11am-4pm, £24 to set up a table. Info 07954 654220. On the first Sunday of every month, on John Frost Square (in good weather) or inside the Mall (in normal weather).

Stretch Revive and Relax Workshop Tramshed Studio, Cardiff. 10.30am-12.30pm, £20. Info sarasclasses4@ gmail.com.

Swing Dance Sunday Bootlegger, Cardiff. 7pm, £4.

Info 07495 657407. Taster classes, every first Sunday of the month, with Anna Rogers from Lindy Hop Cardiff.

Wildlife Walks: Brilliant Bumblebees National History Museum, St Fagans.

2-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

MONDAY 6 AUGUST 24 Hour Residency Spit & Sawdust, Cardiff. 7-9pm.

u – repeated

Info 029 2049 4741. Artists Bob Gelsthorpe, Helen Anna Flanagan, Libita Clayton, Natalie Ramus and Sophie Lindsey will be in this place for 24 hours coming up with some... arty stuff, and for two of those hours you are entitled to pop in and see what the craic is. uAfro-Swing Dance Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £8. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx. co.uk. Classes with live musicians. Also on Mon 13 and Mon 20 this month.

Drawing Faces Junior Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 10am-12pm, £12.

Info 029 2116 7920. One of nine creative children’s art and craft workshops taking place here this week; this one is for ages 6-11.

Drawing Faces Senior Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 12.30-2.30pm, £12.

Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 11+.

Fashion Design Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

3-5pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 9-16.

Gwd Mondays: Musical Bingo Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. uHafren Summer Dance Intensive Theatr Hafren, Newtown. 9.30am. Info 01686 614555. Presented by Gwyn Emberton Dance and Ballet Cymru, and culminating in a short performance on the afternoon on Fri 10.

Ages 7-9: 9.30am-12pm, £35 for the week; ages 10-12: 9.30am-3pm, £45 for the week; ages 13+: 1-7pm, £55 for the week. (Until Fri 10) Make A Story Drop-In Family Workshop Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

1-4pm, free. Info 01792 463980. uMake It Mondays Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 12-3.30pm, free after admission. Info 029 2059 3328. Family craft activities, on every Monday this month. uMake Your Own Willow Coffin Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. £380-£480 (five days).

Info 01639 881635. “The coffin that you make will be yours to take home.” I should hope so! (Until Fri 10) uWatercolours Of Wales Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. £287-£454 (seven days).

Info 01639 881635. A painting course with tutor David Johnson. (Until Mon 13) uWrite On Writers Morganstown Village Hall.

6.30-8.30pm. Info 07512 235758. An open group of writers who encourage others to write and also critique work. Also on Mon 20; it takes place here every first and third Monday of the month.

Y Siwper Stomp Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £16. Info 029 2063 6464. Poetry competition of sorts, part of the Eisteddfod events this week.

TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Creative Vision Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

10am-12pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 9-16.

Cricket: Vitality Blast – Glamorgan v Essex SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380.

Interior Design Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

12.30-2.30pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 9-16. uMake Your Own Magnificent Hot Air Balloon Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am-4pm, free. Info 01685 727371.

Family activities based on a time in 1847 when a hot air balloon was flown in Merthyr for the first time. On tomorrow also. uRemember When...?

Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 2pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Join museum volunteer Peter Brown and share memories of growing up in Newport. Every Tuesday until 18 Dec. uRoath Writers The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £3. Info 029 2048 3344. A space for writers of all levels to write, develop and share their work in an informal workshop environment. Every first two Tuesdays of the month (also on Tue 14 in August) Rules Of Play The Gate, Cardiff. 6.30-11pm, £3.50.

Info 029 2048 3344. Board game evening on the first Tuesday of every month.

The River Taff Shuffle Bute Park Education Centre, Cardiff. Free. Info www.butepark.com. Free activity sessions for families; put wellies or sandals on and see what creatures you can find in Cardiff’s iconic tributary.

WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST uCanal Walk With Dinky Donkeys Venue TBC, Pencelli, Brecon. £55. Info 01874 749092. Take two miniature Mediterranean donkeys for a wander along the Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal. Price includes food and drink. also on Thurs 16, Sun 19 and Wed 22.

Country Games Day Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea.

10am-5.30pm. Info 01792 371206.

Family Crafts: Bridge Building Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 10am-1pm, free. Info 01633 656656.

Drop-in workshops lasting one hour each.

Living Seas Live Roadshow National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. The Sea Wales 7D augmented reality family experience, presented by the Wildlife Trust. uPiggy Walking With A ‘Pig-Nic’ Senni Valley, Brecon Beacons. £25/£10 under-16s. Info 01874 749092. Take a pair of friendly Kune Kune pigs (from New Zealand, look a bit like Ewoks) for a walk, then return to the smallholding for refreshments. Also on Fri 10, Sat 11, Sun 12, Thurs 16, Tue 21, Sat 25 and Sun 26 this month. uScriveners Writers’ Group The Badminton Club, Beaufort, Ebbw Vale. 8pm.

Info 01495 753629. Also on Wed 22 this month. uSummer Art Short Course Carnegie House, Bridgend. 6.30-8.30pm, £10/£35 for four weeks. Info 01656 815757. With tutor Claire Hiett, every Wednesday this month.

Summer Of Stories Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

1-3pm, free (donations welcomed). Info 01792 463980.

Creative writing workshop for 6-10-year-olds, hosted by Eloise Williams.

Vale Of Glamorgan Agricultural Show Fonmon Castle Park, Vale Of Glamorgan. 8.30am-7.30pm, £12/£10 adv (kids £5). Info www.valeofglamorganshow. co.uk. Featuring over 200 trade stands, displays, produce for sale etc.

THURSDAY 9 AUGUST An Evening with Euryn Ogwen Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.15pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464.

Hosted by BAFTA Cymru.

Crafty Beer Evening NosDa, Cardiff. 6.30pm, £15.

Info 029 2037 8866. Do crafts and drink some drinks, with your hosts Twin Made. Price includes one drink and crafting materials/equipment.

Crazy Bug Making Swansea Museum. 10am1pm, free. Info 01792 653763. uHowl Mozarts, Swansea.

8pm, free. Info 01792 649984.

Poetry open mic, every second and third Thursday of the month (also on Thurs 16 in August ).

Pompom / Tassel Hanger Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff. 12.30-2.30pm, £12.

Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 6-11.

Rainbow Hoop Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

10am-12pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 9-16. uSpice Islands Scratch & Sniff National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

12-3.30pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Make a treasure map complete with real spices. (Until Sat 11) FRIDAY 10 AUGUST uBrotherhood Of The Black Pirate Festival Llancaiach Fawr Manor, nr Caerphilly. £11 weekend (£5 kids); £6 Sat 11 or Sun 12 only (£3 kids); free under-5s.

Info 07411 132940. Featuring lots of people dressed up as pirates or, er, mermaids; staged bar brawls; wandering minstrels; various vintage weaponry and lots of ferrets (?). (Until Sun 12) uCraft*Folk Craft Market Tacoma Square, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2048 0077.

(Until Sun 12) Cricket: Vitality Blast – Glamorgan v Hampshire SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff. 7pm. Info 029 2040 9380.

Dinky Dragons Cardiff Story, The Hayes, Cardiff.

10am-3pm, free. Info 029 2034 6214. Family fun day for 0-5-year-olds on the second Friday of every month. uLlangwm Literary

Festival Llangwm Village Hall, nr Haverfordwest. 10am, events priced indivudually. Info 07970 812050. New Pembrokeshire festival with lots of lectures, demonstrations etc over three days. Full programme found on www. llangwmlitfest.co.uk, however today festures a grand opening by David Lort-Phillips and Michael Pugh followed

by Meredith Hooper, Fran Evans and Anna Wilson, Alis Hawkins, Norman Davies, Buzzard Chris, Tony Riches, Phoebe Smith, the Village Voices choir and a poetry and ballads bring’n’share with Chris Jessop. Sat 11: Phoebe Smith, David Wilson, Liza Lort-Phillips, Tunde Olatunji and Al Brunker, The Children’s Soapbox, Liz Monk, Julia Howton-Powdrill, Dervla Murphy, Shonaleigh and a Spanish suppoer at the Cottage Inn. Sun 12: Bob Phillips, Diana Darke,

Stories On The Bridge Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 11am, free. Info 01633 656656. Storytelling session.

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Georgina Newson Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763. First in a two-week series of masterclasses running for two weeks. In this one, students will learn a range of fabric surface design techniques.

Terrarium And Macramé Hanger The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.308.30pm, £40. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop. uTraditional Fishing National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. Try out the techniques, not sure you do any actual fishing though.

Also on Sun 12.

Like a real life version of the Troy McClure instruction video Dig Your Own Grave And Save, from Mon 6-Fri 10 you can Make Your Own Willow Coffin in Margam Park, near Port Talbot. Like death itself, they’re good for the environment.

The Bishop Of St David’s, Bob Marshall Andrews and a festival closing BBQ with The Skylarks.

Insole Bee Festival Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

12.30-2.30pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 6-11.

Little Man Quiz Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7-9pm, £1 to play. Info 07933 844234.

Newport Coffee Festival Newport Market. 10am-6pm, £4. Info scott@ hortonscoffeehouse.co.uk.

Organised in conjunction with Horton’s Coffee House, this will feature input from coffee roasters, suppliers and shops in the city, promising to bring its “coffee community” together no less.

Pasta Masterclass Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 9.30am3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray. co.uk. uPhilosophy In A Cafe Steen’s Cade, Windsor Place, Cardiff. 2-4pm, pay by donation. Info lindaburnell@btinternet.com. Every second and fourth Friday of the month (also on Fri 24 in August). uRope Making National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. Also on Sun 12, and from Fri 24-Sun 26. uSnapped Up Summer Market The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 4-8pm. Info 029 2022 0349. Fun and games, t-shirt printing, open studios and makers’ craft and art stalls. On tomorrow also, from 11am-5pm.

Woodland Painting Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff.

10am-12pm, £12. Info 029 2116 7920. For ages 6-11.

Woven Textile Jewellery Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am12pm, £8/£6. Info 01633 483321.

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST Artist Talk: Eddie Peake G39, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2047 3633. Part of the Unite exhibition/series of events here. uA Weekend With Bowlore Caerphilly Castle. 10am-5pm, £8.50/free members. Info 0300 0256000. Archery and sword skills, plus weapons displays and demonstrations.

On tomorrow also.

Caerwent Craft Fayre Caerwent Village Hall, Monmouthshire. 2.304.30pm. Info cwmbran_ crafts@hotmail.co.uk. Every second Saturday of the month.

Chepstow Farmers’ Market Cormeilles Square, Chepstow. 8.30am-1pm, free.

Info 01291 626370. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month (also on Sat 24). uFamily Festival Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Free.

Info 01874 611622. Featuring live music from musicians who’ve played the Live @ The Waterfront events, plus street theatre and plenty of activities. On tomorrow also.

Farmers’ Market Twyn Community Centre, Caerphilly. 9.30am, free. Info 01656 658963. Every second Saturday of the month.

Football: EFL Championship – Swansea City v Preston North End Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Football: EFL League Two – Newport Country v Crewe Alexandra Rodney Parade, Newport. 3pm. Info 01633 481896. uFor King Or Parliament? National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. 10am-4pm, free after admission. Info 01558 667149. Sealed Knot Civil War reenactment. On tomorrow also. uJurassic Kingdom: Where Dinosaurs Come To Life Bute Park, Cardiff.

10am-6pm, £9.50-£13/free under-3s. Info info@jurassickingdom.uk. Animatronic touring dino show featuring life-size moving bastards.

No shows on Mon 14, Tue 14, Mon 20 or Tue 21. (Until Mon 27) Level 1 Bike Maintenance Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am4pm, £65. Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

Middle Eastern Feast Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

Mumbles Produce Market Seafront Car Park, Mumbles.

9am-1pm, free. Info 01792 361012. Every second Saturday of the month.

Museum Sleepover – Dino Nights! National Museum Cardiff. 5.30pm-9am, £48.

Info 029 2039 7951. Featuring a live dinosaur-related show, a tour of the museum and the chance to have a kip in the theatre after watching a movie and not be banned from the premises for doing so. Book in advance please.

Newport Craft Fayre The Gallery, Newport Indoor Market. 9am-4.30pm, free.

Info 01633 656656. Every second Saturday of the month.

Pet CPR Taster Event The Apothecary, Canton, Cardiff.

11am-4pm, £10. Info 029 2132 0020. As in, learning how to perform CPR on your pet. This could be useful, shut up. Also you get tea and cake with the price. uPremium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle. 9pm, £15.50.

Info 07538 878609. Presented

by Cardiff History & Hauntings. Also on Sat 18.

SA4 Market Canolfan Centre, Gorseinon. Free. Info andwoo29@gmail.com. Craft and local produce market, every second Saturday of the month.

Sheep Dog Shepherding Morning Venue TBC, nr Crickhowell. £45. Info 01874 749092. Learn how to work with a sheep dog on a Welsh hill farm and move sheep from field to field. A Good Day Out event.

Simple Skirt With Pockets The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £35. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

Smallholding For Beginners Humble

By Nature, Penalt, nr Monmouth. 10am-4pm, £130.

Info 01600 714595.

Spoken Word Saturday Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 3pm, £3.

Info 0845 2263510.

Summer Cider Cycle Various locations, Llanwrtyd Wells. Info 01591 610270. A fun bike ride of 14-25 miles, wherein you drink cider here and there: either Ralph’s or an obscure new name calling itself ‘Strongbow’.

Summer Fair & Market High Street, Barry. 10am4pm, free. Info highstreetbarry@gmail.com. Family fun day with an artisan market and music from Project B and the Jamaican Steel Band Summer Fayre Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 11am-3pm, free. Info 01495 243252. uSwansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Jennifer Collier Swansea Museum. 10am-4pm, £60 (two days). Info 01792 653763. Experimental samplers using paper and stitch.

On tomorrow also.

The Chepstow Show Chepstow Racecourse. 8am, £10/£8/£4 under-16s/free under-5s. Info 01291 622260.

Competitions, trade stands and family attractions, hosted by the Chepstow Agricultural Society.

The Summer Cider Festival The Depot, Cardiff.

12-5 + 6-11pm, £5 per session. Info info@depotcardiff. com. Featuring lots of local cider producers plus pseudocountry fair stuff like apple bobbing and hay bales.

T-Shirt Printing The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff.

12-3pm, £45. Info 029 2022 0349. Monthly course aimed at beginners.

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST Barry Island Handmade Market Barry Island train station. 11am-3pm, free. Info facebook.com/ barryislandhandmademarket.

Every second Sunday of the month.

Dungarees The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 1-5pm, £40. Info twinmadethings@ gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop. Fully booked though.

Full Steam Ahead National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3.30pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. See the Penydarren steam locomotive replica on the move (if the weather’s nice).

Gourmet Barbecue Course Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

9.30am-3.30pm, £175. Info 01443 222716 / www.angelagray.co.uk.

Ice Hockey: Pre-Season – Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 6pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Marina Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-3pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. Monthly event outside on Dylan Thomas Square for the BUZZ 67

summer.

Sea2shore Food Festival Aberystwyth Promenade.

10am-5pm, free. Info rhiyay25@gmail.com.

Including food stalls, chef demos, a Punch & Judy show, the Living Seas Wales Live Roadshow and more.

Storytime With Mr Trevithick National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 2pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Hear the amazing tale of how the first steam locomotive came into being in Wales.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST Holiday Memory: Puppets And Theatres Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

1-4pm, free (donations welcomed). Info 01792 463980.

Drop-in family workshop. uJoy Of Living Mindfulness Group Meeting Gaia Yoga Studio, Roath, Cardiff. 7.30-9pm, free (donations welcome).

Info 07412 346054. On the second and fourth Monday of every month (also Mon 27 in August). uMid Wales Dance Academy Summer School Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon.

Info 01874 611622. For students aged 8 -18 years. More details: info@mwda.co.uk.

(Until Fri 17) Pirate Science National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11.30am, 1pm + 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Hands-on expeirments and science demos for kids with Jon Chase off Cbeebies.

Book in advance please. uSummer Camps Techniquest, Cardiff Bay. £38 per day. Info 029 2047 5475. Giving children the opportunity to try activities from rockets to robots, plants to puzzles. Book in advance please. Not taking place on Saturdays or Sundays. (Until Fri 31) Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Catherine Lewis Swansea Museum. 10am-4pm, £30.

Info 01792 653763. Shibori and cyanotype print and stitch. Currently fully booked though. uVelotech Gold Cardiff Cycle Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff. 9.30am-4pm, £495 (four days). Info www. cycletrainingwales.org.uk.

(Until Thurs 16) TUESDAY 14 AUGUST Board Games The Lansdowne, Canton, Cardiff.

6.30-10.30pm, free. Info 029 2022 1312. Play, and/or learn how to play, party games, two-player games, strategy games, bluffing games, family games, traditional games and more. Hosted By Rules Of Play.

Exhibition Launch: Woman The Gate, Cardiff.

7.30-10.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344. See the Art listings for (slightly) more on the show itself, which actually opens earlier in August; this evening will feature poetry and live music performed by women.

BUZZ 68

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Susie Vickery Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763. Freeform straight stitch embroidery.

Talk: Japanese Clothing National Museum Cardiff.

1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Dr Kazuto Sawada, Associate Professor at the National Museum Of Japanese History.

Tea Dance Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 2pm, £6. Info 0845 2263510.

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST Beach Fun Day Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea.

10am-5.30pm. Info 01792 371206. It’s not actually on a beach but it has lots of the sort of activities you might get up to on one. uBeauty & the Feast Margam Park Orangery, nr Port Talbot. 12.30 + 4.30pm, £15.95/£10.95 kids. Info 01639 881635. Children’s afternoon tea with a show, aimed at ages 11 and under.

Also on Wed 22.

Celebration Of Welsh Women Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £15. Info 01656 815995. Featuring high tea and a talk from Ceri Joseph about historically significant Welsh women.

Family Crafts: Circus Puppets! Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 10am-1pm, free. Info 01633 656656.

Drop-in workshops lasting one hour each. uGurkha Cooking Experience Venue TBC, nr Sennybridge. £25. Info 01874 749092. Learn how to make a delicious Nepalese curry with a demonstration from an ex-army Gurkha chef. A Good Day Out event. Also on Sat 25 this month.

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Mary-Clare Buckle Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792

of events here.

Egyptian Mask Making Swansea Museum. 10am1pm, free. Info 01792 653763.

Gin & Jazz Racenight Chepstow Racecourse.

3.50pm, £18/£15 adv. Info 01291 622260. Featuring seven races and a live jazz band.

Sparkly Bum Bags The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £25.

Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Lara Sparks Swansea Museum. 10am4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763.

Brooches and lanterns.

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST uBoutique Gift Markets Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am5.30pm. Info 029 2087 7959.

(Until Sun 19) Cricket: Vitality Blast – Glamorgan v Surrey SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.

6.30pm. Info 029 2040 9380.

Family Friday Special: Circus Story Trail Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 11am, 12.15pm + 2pm, free. Info 01633 656656.

FriYAY Evening Of Craft The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.30-8.30pm, £15.

Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

Holiday Memory: Holiday Comic Book Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. 1-4pm, free (donations welcomed). Info 01792 463980. Drop-in family workshop aimed primarily at kids aged 8+.

Iolo Williams & Martin Hughes Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20.50.

Info 01656 815995. Wildlife TV presenters talk about their craft.

Jake A Griffiths: Fickle Pickle Flute & Tankard,

The latest literary festival to take over a small Welsh community for a weekend is in Llangwm, near Haverfordwest, from Fri 10-Sun 12. Lectures, readings and demonstrations take place in the village hall, pub etc, and there’s a BBQ at the end.

653763. Felt collage.

Talk: Japanese Metalwork National Museum Cardiff. 1pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951. With Tetsuo Ito, researcher in Applied Arts at the Japanese government’s Agency For Cultural Affairs. I guess Tetsuo could, at least in the context of this talk, describe himself as an ‘iron man’ of sorts.

THURSDAY 16 AUGUST Artist Talk: Matthew De Pulford G39, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2047 3633. Part of the Unite exhibition/series

Cardiff. 7pm. Info www. thefluteandtankard.com.

Described as “a noise and visual trip” but with no further info given beyond that.

Midnight Premium Ghost Tour Cardiff Castle.

10.30pm, £15.50. Info 07538 878609. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Paper Cutting – Intricate Illustrations Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-12pm, £8/£6.

Info 01633 483321.

Quizbit The Gate, Cardiff.

7pm, £2.50. Info 029 2048 3344. A pub (well it’s in the bar) quiz about video games.

So You Think You’re Smart? Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, free. Info 01495 243252. Quiz night, every third Friday of the month. uSummer Feastival Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

4-11pm, free. Info www. depotcardiff.com. This year’s street food assembly in this area runs for four weekends and has a bunch of traders from Wales and the south-west. Confirmed so far: Brother Thai, Dirty Bird, Meat & Greek and Tukka Tuk, ie the same people who rock up at all these things.

(Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sun 9 Sept) uSwansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Frances Pickering Swansea Museum. 10am-4pm, £60 (two days). Info 01792 653763. Make a book with a rich textured cover with an antique look. On tomorrow also but fully booked.

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST u2018 Welsh Street Food Awards Mackerel Quay, Milford Haven. 12-10pm, free.

Info info@ streetfoodwarehouse.co.uk.

In fact the Welsh heat of the British Street Food Awards, the winners of which compete at the European Street Food Awards in Berlin. After that they stop competing as it would quite simply become too global. Anyway this is hosted by Street Food Warehouse and is on tomorrow also.

Back To Basics Screenprinting Workshop The Printhaus, Canton, Cardiff. 10am-4pm, £60. Info 029 2022 0349. Get to grips with the basics of the screenprinting process. Email info@theprinthaus.org to book. On once a month until November. uBarry Breakout 2018 Barry Island promenade.

11am, free. Info 07889 803932. Battlecry and Elemental Force with a weekend-long hip-hop beach jam (well next to the beach to be strictly accurate). Lots of B-boy battle, graffiti jams, DJs, MC’s, beatboxers etc. I went to a day of this last year and it was pretty cool. On tomorrow also.

Bedwellty Agricultural Show Llancaiach Fawr Manor, nr Caerphilly. 9am, £7/£5/free under-5s. Info 01443 412248. Annual show with livestock, horse exhibits, trade stands and craft displays.

Botanical Art Course Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10.30am-4pm, £37.50. Info 029 2059 3328.

Monthly workshop hosted by Debbie Devauden.

Brecon Craft Fair Market Hall, Brecon. 9am-4.30pm.

Info 01495 753782. Every third Saturday of the month.

Build A Gallery Ffotogallery, Penarth. 11am3pm, free. Info 029 2070 8870. Drop-in family session.

Build A Wood-Fired Clay Pizza Oven Humble

By Nature, Penalt, nr

Monmouth. 10am-4pm, £105.

Info 01600 714595. uCardiff Anime & Gaming Con Mercure Holland House, Cardiff.

10.30am, £9 per day/£18 both days. Info 029 2047 3456. Featuring exhibitors, performers, TCGing, game tournaments, talks and the sinister-sounding Cosplay Masquerade. On tomorrow also.

Cardigan River & Food Festival Quay Street carpark, Cardigan. 10am5pm. Info 01239 615554.

Featuyring a good few dozen food and drink stalls (some of who turn up at basically all these things, some of whom don’t), cookery demos, skiff boat racing and representatives from the RNLI. Darts: Newport Masters 2018 The Neon, Newport.

6pm, £10-£20. Info 01633 533666. Featuring Justin Pipe, Wes Newton, Steve Beaton, Glen Durrant, Jamie Hughes, Robert Owen, Lisa Ashton and Nick Kenny plus eight qualifiers from regional qualifying events. uDungarees Dress Making The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 2-5pm, £35. Info twinmadethings@ gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop. Also on Sun 26, but both are fully booked uFestival Of Stitch Makers & Traders Market National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 10am-4pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. On tomorrow also.

Football: Premier League – Cardiff City v Newcastle United Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. 12.30pm. Info 0845 3451400.

Garden Gathering National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Sow seeds and toast marshmallows in the GRAFT garden here.

Grand Medieval Mêlée Cardiff Castle. 10am-5pm, £4.50-£6.50. Info 029 2087 8100. Annual two-day event (on tomorrow also) promising “all the hustle and bustle of a medieval encampment!” uIce Hockey: Pre-Season – Cardiff Devils v HK Poprad Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7pm. Info 029 2038 2001. On tomorrow also, at 6pm.

Killing Dreams: The 50th Anniversary Of The Assassination Of Martin Luther King And Robert F Kennedy National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 11am, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Lecture by Dr Stephen McVeigh.

Llantwit Major Horticultural Society Annual Flower And Vegetable Show Llantwit Major Leisure Centre.

2-5.50pm. Info 01446 704867. uMedieval Fun Week Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. 10am-5.30pm. Info 01792 371206. Various eraappropriate summer holiday family activities. (Until Sun 26) Photography: Capturing The Natural World Humble By Nature, Penalt, nr

Monmouth. 10am-4pm, £120.

Info 01600 714595.

Pig Street Craft Fair The Queens Hall, Narberth.

10am-4pm, free. Info enquiries@pigstreetcrafts.co.uk.

Selling original arts and crafts, semi-regularly until Christmas.

Riverside Festival Despenser Gardens, Riverside, Cardiff. 12-4.30pm, free. Info info@thenetcardiff.org.uk. Family fun event including bouncy castle, live music and lots of stalls.

Simple Cushion Covers The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 11am-1pm, £25. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

St Fagans Real Food Market National History Museum, St Fagans. 11am4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3500.

Talk: The Japanese Tea Ceremony And The Tea Garden National Museum Cardiff. 1pm, free. Info 029 2039 7951. With Cardiffbased writer Yoko Kawaguchi.

Textile(s) Language Mission Gallery, Swansea.

11am-4pm, £25. Info 01792 652016. Adult workshop hosted by Shellie Holden and helping attendees “develop a message, motif, manifesto or motto of your own as a poetic, personal, and/or political response to the brief”.

Upper Killay Market Upper Killay Recreational Hall, Swansea. Free. Info andwoo29@gmail.com.

Every third Saturday of the month.

Vintage Kilo Sale Creature Sound, Swansea. 10am, £3.

Info 01792 301178. Selling vintage gear at £15 per kilo. uWales Loves Wood National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. 10am-5pm, free after admission. Info 01558 667149. Woodcraft demonstrations, tree-climbing, family fun, music and more. On tomorrow also.

SUNDAY 19 AUGUST uCricket: Specsavers County Championship – Glamorgan v Durham SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff.

11am. Info 029 2040 9380.

(Until Wed 23) Culottes With Pockets The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 2-5pm, £35. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop. uGuided Tour With William Crawshay Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 2pm, £2/£1. Info 01685 727371. Not the real one, who died in 1867, but an actor playing him, or a hologram or something. It doesn’t actually specify. Also on Sun 26.

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Ruth Norbury Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763. Create a piece of work ready to be mounted on a canvas frame.

Tea Dance Ocean Arts Cardiff, Splott, Cardiff.

4-7pm, £5. Info oceanartscardiff@gmx.co.uk. Every third Sunday of the month.

MONDAY 20 AUGUST Gwd Mondays: Mild Extravangansa #3 Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933. New spoken word, storytelling and poetry nights, hosted and curated by Mat Troy. uHatch Summer School The Riverfront, Newport.

1-5pm, £60 (five days). Info 01633 656757. Tin Shed Theatre Company present a week-long set of activities including game play, live performance and storytelling. There are two classes running simultaneously, for ages 7-12 and 13-18. (Until Fri 24) Holiday Memory: Letters And Postcards Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea.

1-4pm, free (donations welcomed). Info 01792 463980.

Drop-in family workshop. uJoon Dance Summer Workshop Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 11am4pm, £10 (five days). Info 01874 611622. Culminating with a celebration performance on Fri 24.

Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Alice Fox Swansea Museum. 10am4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763.

Stitch with found objects, Fully booked. uYouth Circus Summer Schools: Padawans Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff. 9am-3pm, £160/£150 (five days). Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org.

This week is for ages 9-11; Mon 27-Fri 31 Aug is for Jedi (aged 11-18). (Until Fri 24) TUESDAY 21 AUGUST Family Fun Day Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am3pm, free. Info 01685 727371.

“Things that will be happening: owl sanctuary show, fossil hunting, make a bird cake, glider workshop, ‘Guess Poo!’ interactive hunt, Shave Horse demonstrations, bug hunts, free access to Stuffed, Pickled And Pinned exhibition.”

Football: EFL Championship – Swansea City v Leeds United Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Football: EFL League Two – Newport Country v Notts County Rodney Parade, Newport. 7.45pm. Info 01633 481896. uSwansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Carol Bartlett Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £60 (two days).

Info 01792 653763. Mixed media and stitch workshop.

On tomorrow also.

WEDNESDAY 22 AUGUST uPirate Decoders National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12.30-3.30pm, free.

Info 029 2057 3600. Make a dial decoder to uncover pirate fact from pirate fiction. (Until Sat 25) Spice Preview Night Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Info 07376 604291. Monthly evening offering a chance for you to go along and see what you might get out of this adventure, activity, sports

and social group.

THURSDAY 23 AUGUST Making A Flying Machine Swansea Museum. 10am1pm, free. Info 01792 653763.

St Fagans Dark Museum Tour National History Museum, St Fagans. 8.45pm, £12.50/£10 kids. Info 029 2057 3500. Presented by Cardiff History & Hauntings.

Summer Afternoon Racing Chepstow Racecourse.

12.05pm, £15-£37.50. Info 01291 622260. Featuring seven races. uSwansea Bay Beer & Cider Festival Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. 5-11pm, £5/£3 CAMRA members. Info 01792 475715. Annual event featuring around 150 real ales, ciders and perries. Entry price includes a glass and programme. Starts at 12pm on Fri 24 and Sat 25. (Until Sat 25) Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Christine Chester Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763. Experimental samplers.

FRIDAY 24 AUGUST An Introduction To Sculpture Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am-12pm, £8/£6.

Info 01633 483321.

Baltic Music Since The End Of The Soviet Era Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, Powys. 4-5.45pm, £7.50. Info 01544 267800. Lecture by Stephen Johnson. Presteigne Festival event.

Black Bart Pirate Show National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Llandysul.

1+ 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3070. Learn about this noted Welsh pirate. In Swansea tomorrow.

Gregory Leadbetter St Michael’s Church, Discoed, Powys. 11am, £7.50. Info 01544 267800. Poetry reading.

Presteigne Festival event.

Neon Light The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 6.308.30pm, £35. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop. uPride Cymru Big Weekend Civic Centre, Cardiff. 5pm, £5 per day (£20 VIP). Info www.pridecymru. co.uk. LGBT+ weekender featuring live music, DJs, a funfair and other stuff including a march through town on Sat 25 which I’ve listed separately. Today features Flip’n’Fill (DJ set), Sonique and Angie Brown; Sat 25 has Derrick Barry, Saara Aalto and Laura Bannon; Sun 26 has The Sundaes, Jess Kemp and Kinetic Theatre. Plus, on dates TBC: Lauren Harries, Hazell Dean, Night Ride, Channy, Gracey Parry, House Of Chords, The Songbirds, South Wales Gay Mens Chorus, The Admiral Choir, Chris Hughes, Son Of A Tutu, Sum Ting Wong and tributes to Little Mix, Lady Gaga, Cher and Amy Winehouse.

(Until Sun 27) Swansea Festival Of Stitch Masterclass: Dorothy Tucker Swansea Museum.

10am-4pm, £30. Info 01792 653763. Make an A5 quilt.

Fully booked though.

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST 68 At 50: Fifty Years Since The ‘Revolutionary’ Year Of 1968 Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, Powys. 11am, £7.50. Info 01544 267800.

Lecture by Ian Marchant.

Presteigne Festival event.

Artist Talk: Rory Macbeth G39, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2047 3633. Part of the Unite exhibition/series of events here. uBank Holiday Weekend National Botanic Garden Of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire. 10am-6pm, free after admission. Info 01558 667149. Family activities, zorbing, a haybale maze, Manx dancers, pop-up theatre, movie screenings and live music from Lowri Evans & Lee Mason on Mon 27. (Until Mon 27) Black Bart Pirate Show National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 1+ 3pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Bogsnorkelling Triathlon Waen Rhyd bog, Llanwrtyd Wells. 11am, £15 to enter/£25 per team of three. Info 01591 610270. Featuring an eightmile run followed by two lengths of the 60-yard peat bog trench and then a 12-mile mountain bike ride. uCardiff Harbour Festival Extreme Sailing Series Cardiff Bay. Free. Info 029 2087 2087. Annual event, one of six stops in this worldwide sailing competition.

The three days the event will also feature entertainment in the vicinity, including family activities, food stalls, handmade crafts from Craft*folk, bars and live music. (Until Mon 27) Chepstow Vegan Fair The Drill Hall, Chepstow. 10am, £3/free under-12s. Info stroudveganfair@gmail.com. uCinema By The Sea Barry Island seafront.

7.45-10pm, free. Info 01446 704737. Outdoor screenings of ET today and The Greatest Showman tomorrow. Bring a blanket and a picnic (if you like).

Craft Fair Community Hall, Neath. 10am-4pm, £22.50 to set up a table. Info ariancrafts@hotmail.co.uk.

Darts: Worthington’s Champion Of Champions St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

10am, £10. Info 029 2087 8444. Quickfire rounds with no less than 256 darters taking part.

Football: EFL Championship – Swansea City v Bristol City Liberty Stadium, Swansea. 3pm. Info 0870 400004.

Football: EFL League Two – Newport Country v Grimsby Town Rodney Parade, Newport. 3pm. Info 01633 481896.

Ice Hockey: Pre-Season – Cardiff Devils v Coventyr Blaze Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7pm. Info 029 2038 2001.

Life Drawing Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 2-4pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 516900.

Book in advance please. uLiving History Weekend Margam Park, nr Port Talbot.

Free (fee applies on Mon 27).

Info 01639 881635. (Until Mon 27)

uMargam Model Boat Club Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. Free (fee applies on Mon 27). Info 01639 881635.

Demos on the pond. (Until Mon 27) Pirate Fun Day National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600.

Pride Cymru Parade 2017 Churchill Way, Cardiff (starting point). 10am-12.30pm, free. Info 029 2087 2087.

Simple Summery Shift Dress With Pockets The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 2-5pm, £35. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

Summer Spirits Festival Tramshed, Cardiff. 2-11pm, £17.50/£15. Info 029 2023 5555. Featuring over 100 different types of spirits, so about as many as you could find in any decently sized supermarket. What do you get for your entry fee? A complimentary tasting glass.

Hmmmmm. uThe Harb’s Gin, Cider & Street Food Festival 2018 The Harbourmaster, Milford Haven. 12pm, free. Info 01646 695493. On tomorrow also. *The Kingdom Project St Mary’s Church, The Old Electric Shop + The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 2pm.

Info info@kingdomproject. co.uk. Launch event of sorts for a multi-discipline arts event in Hay next year, as the town is famously lacking in that sort of thing. It begins in St Mary’s Church at 2pm with a film installation by Jaime Jackson and Coulrophobia, a live theatre piece by Pickled Image (tickets £15); continues at the Old Electric Shop at 6.30pm with live sets by Max Reinhardt, Sheema Mukherjee and Syncrosystem, a trio of the aforementioned two plus Rita Ray (tickets £18); and finishes at the Globe with a second Jaime Jackson film intallation, live music by Footdragger and DJ sets by Rita Ray, Don Letts and Tom Ravenscroft (tickets £20).

Vintage Kilo Sale St Catherine’s Church Hall, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am5pm, free. Info 07923 142285.

Designer labels at £15 a kilo, on monthly here.

Weekend Adult Workshop Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 10am-1pm, £5 adv.

Info 01792 516900. With this month’s theme being Painting On Packaging. Book in advance please.

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST Circle Skirt With Pockets The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am-1pm, £40. Info twinmadethings@gmail.com.

Twin Made craft workshop.

Fully booked though.

Family Boardgaming Day Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

11am-3pm, free. Info 029 2030 4400. Hosted by Rules Of Play.

Pontcanna Brocante – Vintage Flea Market Kings Road Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 10am-4pm. Info www. pontcannamarket.co.uk.

On the last Sunday of every month until October.

World Bogsnorkelling Championships Waen Rhyd bog, Llanwrtyd Wells. 10am.

Info 01591 610270. Annual event here in mid-Wales which attracts hundreds of participants.

MONDAY 27 AUGUST A Walk Through Time Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 10am, £7/£5/free under-4s. Info 01639 881635.

Enactment displays, jousting and the Knights Of Arkley.

Big Bank Holiday Monday Family Race Day Chepstow Racecourse. 12pm, £20-£47. Info 01291 622260.

Featuring seven races and various things to keep your kids entertained while you gamble away their future.

Dungarees The Bone Yard, Pontcanna, Cardiff. 1-5pm, £40. Info twinmadethings@ gmail.com. Twin Made craft workshop.

Merthyr Fayre Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 11am4pm, free. Info 01685 727371.

Hosted by Merthyr Farmers Market and celebrating local small businesses, producers, crafters and artists in a 20-mile radius of Merthyr.

Welsh Art In Twelve Paintings Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, Powys. 11am, £7.50. Info 01544 267800.

Lecture by Peter Lord.

Presteigne Festival event. uYouth Circus Summer Schools: Jedis Four Elms Road, Adamsdown, Cardiff.

9am-12pm, £85/£75 (five days). Info 029 2022 1330 / www.nofitstate.org. (Until Fri 31) TUESDAY 28 AUGUST Art Course: Dasvid Tress Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire.

8am-6pm, £150 (five days).

Info 01239 841387. Landscap painting tutorial from one of the UK’s leading exponents of the form.

Berkeley’s Passions Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, Powys. 11am, £7.50. Info 01544 267800. Hour-long conversation between Michael Berkeley and David Wordsworth.

Presteigne Festival event.

Ekphrastic Writing Group The Gate, Cardiff. 7-45-9.30pm, free. Info 029 2048 3344.

Readings and discussions. On the fourth Tuesday of every month.

WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST Family Crafts: Peg People Newport Museum & Art Gallery. 10am-1pm, free. Info 01633 656656. Drop-in workshops lasting one hour each.

Local-Global Art World Festival Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. Free. Info 01792 516900. Inspired by the gallery’s latest contemporary exhibition featuring NS Harsha, this is a day of art in the form of a series of dropin workshops.

Mini-Massive Art Festival Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea. 11am-3pm. Info 01792 516900. Various familyfriendly drop-in workshops. uPirate School National Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 12-4pm, free. Info 029 2057 3600. Hour-long

courses on how to be a, quotre, swashbuckling scoundrel. (Until Fri 31) Quantum Physics For Beginners Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 6.30-9pm, £12 adv. Info 0871 4720400. A Funzing lecture by Michael Brooks.

Skill Builder Masterclass: Knife Skills Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am-2pm, £120 (£500 for five courses). Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk. First of five Skill Builder classes on each day until Sun 2 Sept.

THURSDAY 30 AUGUST Ice Hockey: Champions League – Cardiff Devils v Red Bull Salzburg Ice Arena, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm.

Info 029 2038 2001. So wait, are Red Bull just the ice hockey wing of the football team of the same name?

Guess that’s fairly on-brand for Red Bull if so.

Make Your Own Suffrage Sash/Rosette Swansea Museum. 10am-1pm, free.

Info 01792 653763.

Skill Builder Masterclass: One Pot Classics Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan. 10am2pm, £120 (£500 for five courses). Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Talk: Katie MortimerJones National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, Llandysul. 12pm, free. Info 029 2057 3070. Discover what creatures lie beneath the waves around our coasts, including worms, shells, starfish and more.

FRIDAY 31 AUGUST An Evening With Ant Middleton St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £27. Info 029 2087 8444. The latest rugged fellow to drop off the brave urine-drinking TV survivor conveyor belt, his background being Special Forces.

See Upfront.

Fashion Illustration And Design Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. 10am12pm, £8/£6. Info 01633 483321.

Football: Women’s World Cup Qualifier – Wales v England Rodney Parade, Newport. 7.45pm. Info 029 2043 5830. See Upfront for an interview with Wales’ centurion of caps Jess Fishlock.

Murray May’s Street Food Popup Academy Espresso Bar, Barry. 6-9pm, free. Info 07557 773723. Charcoal grilled kebabs and other Turkish street food.

Skill Builder Masterclass: Pasta, Grains & Rice Angela Gray’s Cookery School At Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol, Vale Of Glamorgan.

10am-2pm, £120 (£500 for five courses). Info 01443 222716 / www. angelagray.co.uk.

Show & Tell Ffotogallery, Penarth. 4-6pm, free. Info 029 2070 8870. An exhibition of works made in the Capture BUZZ 69

* – recommended

THE BIG CWTCH FESTIVAL Crugybar, Carmarthen, Fri 31 Aug + Sat 1 Sept Tickets: £30-£50 / Info: www.thebigcwtch.com The clue is in the name – The Big Cwtch is the equivalent of a Welsh hug in the form of a charity music festival. The event promises to be intimate with acoustic sets and street food stalls. Headlining this year are Martyn Joseph and Into The Ark, while joining them on a lineup of breakthrough Welsh artists are, to name a few, HMS Morris [pictured], The Moon Birds and Nia Wyn. This year, The Big Cwtch are proud to be raising money for Ski4All Wales, enabling adults with disability to ski as part of their rehabilitation. + Create sessions.

The Cellar Bards Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 8pm, £3. Info 07818 056599. Monthly literature event.

live WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST !!! The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £14 adv. Info 07590 471888. Funky postpunky American band, also known as Chk Chk Chk. Previewed in Music last month.

Black Water Country + Under A Banner Blestium Car Park, Monmouth. 8pm, free. Info info@ monmouthfestival.co.uk.

Coltrane Dedication The Queens Head, Monmouth.

8.45pm, free. Info 01600 712767.

Donnie Joe’s American Swing Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Penarth. 7.30pm, £5/£4.40 adv. Info feelgoodmusicorg@gmail.com. Also featuring swing DJ The Medicine Man. Monmouth Big Band St Mary’s Church, Monmouth.

7pm, free. Info info@ monmouthfestival.co.uk.

Mono Club + Red Telephone + To Bear Sir + Kid Reddy & The Features Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £6/£4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Morfa + Brigyn Riverside Hotel, Monmouth. 8pm, free.

Info info@monmouthfestival.co.uk.

Musicfest: Evening Orchestral Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

8pm, £24/£22. Info 01970

623232. Toby Purser conducts a programme of Ibert, Copland and Schubert.

Musicfest: Lunchtime Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01970 623232.

Featuring Kyle Horch and Lars Lien (saxophones) plus Anya Fadina (piano). uOpen Mic Market Street Club, Barry. 8pm. Info 01446 733863. Every Wednesday.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is Sophie Crabtree.

Open Mic Night Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, free.

Info 01685 384111. First Wednesday of every month.

Peter Donohoe Holy Name Catholic Church, Fishguard.

2.30pm, £1-£15. Info 07474 072118. Fishguard Music Festival event; Donohoe will be performing five different Mozart piano sonatas on each day.

Puppy + Grove Street Families Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Poppy hardcore type Americans headline.

Skymasters Little Big Band Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Tom Harris Quintet Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST Anchor Lane + 58 Shots Blestium Car Park, Monmouth. 8pm, free. Info

info@ monmouthfestival.co.uk.

Boy Azooga + Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard + Rainbow Maniac Campfa Gallery, Queens Arcade, Cardiff. 5-8pm, free. Info arcadecardiffcic@gmail.com.

This is a gig to launch an exhibition, A Scene Within A Scene (see Art listings).

Boy Azooga are playing in solo form but I would expect this to be pretty popular either way, so get there early I guess.

Catrin Finch & Fiona Slominska St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest.

7.30pm, £1-£18. Info 07474 072118. Harp/flute duo.

Fishguard Music Festival event.

Craig Ogden Tabor Chapel, Newport, Pembrokeshire.

11am, £1-£12. Info 07474 072118. Classical guitar concert. Fishguard Music Festival event.

Desdemondo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026.

Fioled + Sian Richards + Eleri Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178. A night titled Let’s Hear It For The Girls. uFrankie Weeson Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny.

8pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events. Also on every Sunday this month, plus Thurs 23.

Georgia Paterson The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events.

George Montague + Frankie Wesson Riverside Hotel, Monmouth. 8pm, free.

Info info@monmouthfesti-

val.co.uk.

Jane’s Calamity Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Monthly singalong around the piano.

Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £20/£18. Info 01970 623232.

Musicfest: Late Night Jazz Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 9.30pm, free. Info 01970 623232. Local musicians perform in the Round Studio.

Musicfest: Lunchtime Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 1.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Solem Quartet, pianist Tom Poster and Joseph Shiner on clarinet.

National Youth Choir Of Wales Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, Cardiff.

8pm, £5-£10. Info 029 2039 1391. Conducted by Tim Rhys-Evans.

Superchoir Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 6pm, £9.

Info 029 2089 0862. Price includes a pizza.

Thee Manatees + Wookalily + Siobhan McCrudden & Lisa Brady Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £4/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. uThe Green Gathering Chepstow Racecourse. £110 adv/£75 16-17-year-olds/£55 11-15-year-olds/free under11s/£35 per day on the gate.

Info www.greengathering. org.uk. Hippyish festival, been going a few years now, with craft, permaculture, alt-tech, healing, activism and the like all available to do or investigate. Music-wise, though, expect to hear 3 Daft Monkeys, Dragonsfly, Kangaroo Moon, Nik Turner, Echo Town, Troyka, Poisoned Electrick Head, The Majestic, The Spacegoats, Dohnut, Smiley And The Underclass, Mobius Loop, Tetchi, She, Robot, The Brewer’s Daughter, The High Breed, River Roots, One Eyed God, Dub Thieves, Skiprat, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Brian Boothby, Hayereyah & The Human Bridge Band, Matthew Frederick, Terry Logan, The Balkaneers, Neil Pike, Nigel Shaw, Pagan Love Cult, Tracey Curtis, Vojta, Hannah Scott, Luke Philbrick & The Black Diamond Express To Hell, Mad Hallelujah Tribe, Restless Youth, Global, Bethlehem Casuals, The Brouhaha, Cloud Cuckoo, Sunny & Ed Davidson, Wierdstring Band, Mischa & His Merry Men, Catrin O’ Neill, Hallelugenia, Me And The Creepers, Dead Happy, Sarah Tonin, Water For Dogs, Andy Twyman, Husky Tones, Tori Reed and Dangerous Dinky over four days. Plus poetry and comedy from Three Acres And A Cow, Salena Godden, Peter Bearder (Aka Pete The Temp), Paul Eccentric (Of Antipoet Fame), Jamie Bevan, Clare Ferguson

u – repeated

Walker, Amy Rainbow, Johnny Fluffypunk, Great Big Feet, Cool Beans Roadshow, Circus Kaos and Pypedau Vagabondi. (Until Sun 5) FRIDAY 3 AUGUST Aubrey Parsons Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Bootrash District Club, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 402550.

Bute The Moon, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com.

Cloudbusting The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 07590 471888. Kate Bush tribute act.

Democratus + Excursia + Trep + Wild Abyss Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £7/£5 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Gimme Some Lovin + Elles Bailey Blestium Car Park, Monmouth. 8pm, free.

Info info@monmouthfestival.co.uk.

Henry Marten’s Ghost Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free.

Info 01446 407767. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Inhuman Nature + Sanity Check + Cauldron + Stained Class Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

7pm, £5. Info 029 2037 3144.

Hardcore bands, presented

by Heaven & Hell and Open Head. Cauldron are not related to the American classic metal band, and I don’t think the band named after a Judas Priest album sound like Judas Priest either.

Confusing out there.

Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £5 adv. Info sam@lepub.co.uk.

John Godwin The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Lee Calaway The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Live Acoustic Night The Pilot, Penarth. Free. Info 029 2071 0615. On the first Friday of each month.

Lleden + Reuel Elijah + Wigwam Tramshed, Cardiff.

3.45-9pm, £11 adv/£6 kids/£1 under-12s. Info 029 2023 5555. Live bands playing as part of some sort of family afternoon/evening called Bwgi Bach. Also features DJing from Ani Glass.

Mick O’Toole + Jack Woodward Riverside Hotel, Monmouth. 8pm, free. Info info@monmouthfestival. co.uk.

Miss Kitty’s Jazz Trio Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 5-8pm, free after admission. Info 029 2059 3328. Live music on the terrace every Friday evening this month (apart from Fri 24).

Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £20/£18. Info 01970 623232. A “nocturnal” programme devised by Tom

Poster, featuring music

by Beethoven, Schubert, Debussy and more.

Musicfest: Lunchtime Showcase Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

1.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the RWCMD’s Eureum Quartets Junior Fellows.

National Youth Choir & Orchestra Of Wales Holy Name Catholic Church, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £1-£20. Info 07474 072118.

The final Fishguard Music Festival event of this year.

National Youth Choir Of Wales St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire. 1pm, £1-£8.

Info 07474 072118. Fishguard Music Festival event.

Owen Money with The Travelling Wrinklies Miners Theatre, Ammanford.

7.30pm, £14/£12.50. Info 0845 2263510.

Punchline City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Saul Williams + Darkhouse Family Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 8pm, £15.

Info 029 2023 2199. Verbose US rap fella, played here a few years back also.

Simple Minded The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

9pm, £7 adv. Info 01685 387925. Simple Minds tribute band, again doing that thing of playing near the time/ place that the real band are also playing. There’s a Pretenders tribute band here tomorrow also. uThe 16th Dream Of Dr Sardonicus Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 4pm, £50 weekend.

Info 07818 056599. Annual psych underground threedayer here, organised by hippy rockers Sendelica who play this one alongside Nik Turner’s New Space Ritual, Fuchsia, Stay, Schnauser, The Fertility Cult, Elfin Bow, Nathan Hall & The Sinister Locals, Opel, Alain Pire Experience, The Fellowship Of Hallucinatory Voyagers, Ash Magna, Consterdine, The Gold Needles and more TBC. You also get a bunch of freebies included in the ticket price and a chance to buy some very limited gear on the Fruits De Mer label which will definitely not be sold on eBay at the first opportunity.

(Until Sun 5) The Brothel Creepers The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Fugitives Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Blues.

The Rubies Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Unknown + Al Moses + Parkview The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £3. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

The Witching Hour + Sssnakes + The Rivers + Kasia Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, £5/£4 adv. Info 01685 879491.

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER: RIDE (Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 1) UGLY KID JOE (The Globe, Cardiff, Sun 9) YOUNGBLOOD BRASS BAND (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Sun 9) NICK MULVEY (Tramshed, Sun 30) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER: SONS OF PITCHES (The Glee Club, BUZZ 70

Tredegar Orpheus Male Voice Choir St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. 7pm, free. Info info@monmouthfestival.co.uk. uTruefest Baskerville Hall, nr Hay-On-Wye. £95 (three days). Info www.truefest. co.uk. Live music and DJs of a hip-hop, funk, dub, danceable nature: Beardyman, Mungo’s Hifi ft. Jman, Dr Meaker, Imperial Leisure, Inja & Chris Munky, The Allergies, Boy Azooga, Afro Cluster, Regime, Solomon Ob, CW Jones, Twogood, Sounds Of Harlowe, Snazzback, Madame Electrifie, Timbali (DJ Set), China Bowls, Unkut/Swankout, Boston, Milk, The Railway Sleepers, Hully Gully, Monty Carlo, Moonwax DJs, The Bandaoke Show, Blue Honey, Mansfield Green, Future Dub Orchestra, Reggiments, Mike Dennis, Tendons, Ravelston, Andrew Marston, Madi, The Washing Machine Soundsystem, Spinx B2b Soulcheeba, The DMT Experiment, Green King Cuts & Tailored Sound, De-Tu, C-Side, Thoby Davies, Benny Bootleg, Brix, Late Night Picture, Sock, Jimanoli & Oisin, Infamous Len, Lecu, Concoedial Perspective, Ledge’n’Deri, Aarmstrong, Fugues, Grooveslave, Josh Davies and Indo.

Year Of The Dog Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv.

Info 029 2039 7933. Ska/ funk/reggae band.

SATURDAY 4 AUGUST Aubrey Parsons + J & The Bullfrogs Lamb & Flag, Abergavenny. 7pm, free. Info 01873 857611. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Bryn Fôn + Adwaith + Plant Duw Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2023 2199. The Eisteddfod is in Cardiff Bay this week, and Cymdeithias Yr Iaith are doing a week of Welshlanguage bands here, one gig a night until Sat 11.

Children Of The Gravy The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm, £6/£5 adv. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com. Black Sabbath tribute band.

Christopher Howe Plas Derwen, Abergavenny. 7pm, free. Info 01873 853144.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Daniel Newbury Café Jazz, Cardiff. 7-10pm. Info 029 2038 7026. uEisteddfod: Encore Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay. 11am12pm, 3-4pm + 6-7pm. Info 029 2087 7959. Week-long programme of classical music performances – three hour-long shows per day – as part of the Eisteddfod here this year. Go to eisteddfod. wales to see the full lineup.

(Until Sat 11) Häxan + Savage Outlaw + Ravenbreed Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £7/£5 adv. Info

07970 063107. Hard rock bands. I should try and catch the headliners sometime, I gave an EP of theirs a positive review some time back.

Heavy On The Ride + Fallen Temples + Sky Valley Mistress Sin City, Swansea. 7.30pm, £5/£4 adv.

Info 01792 468892.

Inclines The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Single launch for local indie band.

Kat Jones The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Louise Halliday Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Matters + Hoopla Blue + Charlie Says + Perfect Body + My Name Is Ian Tiny Rebel, Cardiff. 8pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 9557. Presented by Otter Wales.

Mentallica Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.30pm, £11. Info 01495 708022. Metallica tribute.

Musicfest: Evening Concert Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 8pm, £24/£22. Info 01970 623232. Featuring the Orion Symphony Orchestra, pianist Tom Poster, soprano Raphaela Papadakis and conductor Toby Purser.

Final concert of Musicfest this year.

Nikki Pope The Pheasant, Bridgend. 9pm, free. Info 01656 653614. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Ped & Joe The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Penny Arcade Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Pi & Hash Showcase NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866.

Featuring Eden Shadow, The Kinky Wizzards and Tobias Robertson.

Pipe Dream The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm, £3. Info 01495 247178.

Poetic Justice The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2021 2509.

Rocket Joe Joe And The Old Time Bangers Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Stay + Aaronson The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Headliners are a Spanish psych band. albeit one who name Beady Eye in their list of influences so may not be as wild as the genre gets.

Talk Of The Town The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

8.30pm, £7 adv. Info 01685 387925. Pretenders tribute band.

The Bluesters Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

The Fortunate Sons Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, free. Info 01685 879491.

The Italics Birchgrove,

Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Marley Experience The Depot, Cardiff. 5pm, £8.

Info info@depotcardiff.com.

Bob Marley tribute band playing as part of a night which also promises rum and food.

The Melvin Hancox Band Cwmbran RFC, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran. 7.30pm, £10. Info 01633 483238. Borough Blues Club gig.

T. Rexstacy + Bad Touch Blestium Car Park, Monmouth. 8pm, free. Info info@ monmouthfestival.co.uk. Plus fireworks after the T. Rex tribute band finish.

Vintage Guitar Weekend Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2030 4400. Two-day event where you can try out the guitars in the Vintage range in the daytime (see the Events listing) and, this evening only, watch acoustic sets from Gordon Giltrap, John Etheridge, Paul Brett, Ray Burley and Carrie Martin.

SUNDAY 5 AUGUST Bandiau Cymraeg The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. With Welsh-language bands TBC. Breichiau Hir + Cadno + Hyll + Wigwam Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10.

Info 029 2023 2199.

Cymantha Ganu Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 10.30am, from £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Communal singing as part of the Eisteddfod.

Helen Ensor Morgan Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Junior Hacksaw Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff.

6-8pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

National Youth Choir And Orchestra Of Wales St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 4pm, £14/£5. Info 029 2087 8444.

Nikki Pope The Newbridge, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 8031. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Simple Minds + Pretenders + KT Tunstall Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, from £25. Info 01994 427688. See Upfront for an interview with Charlie out of Simple Minds. uSteve Tarner Jazz Hen & Chickens, Abergavenny.

2pm, free. Info 01873 853613.

Presented by Nailed It Events Every Sunday this month.

Teilwng Yw’r Oen Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, from £19. Info 029 2063 6464. Eisteddfod event, a Welsh language adaption of the Messiah that also promises a twist on some Welsh pop songs. Sold out I believe.

The Great Unknown The Windsor, Penarth. 9pm, free. Info 029 2070 8675.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Track Not Found +

Last Girl On Earth + Tyrannosaw The Moon, Cardiff. 6-10pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

All-ages gig, more acts TBC. Twmpath Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464. Wales Millennium Centre and the Eisteddfod present what they reckon is the first ever LGBT twmpath, while giving themselves an out in their description just in case it isn’t.

UltraSepulChral Margam Park, nr Port Talbot. 2, 3 + 4pm, free. Info 01639 881635.

Medieval songs, poems and chants with voices and instruments.

MONDAY 6 AUGUST uAcoustica54 Warehouse54, Newport. 8pm, free. Info 01633 213161.

Every Monday.

Candelas + HMS Morris + Papur Wal Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10.

Info 029 2023 2199. uLive Jazz Noah’s Yard, Swansea. 8pm. Info 01792 447360. Here every Monday. uUkulele Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8.30pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Monday, with The Plucking Fourstrings.

Twmpath Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £5. Info 029 2063 6464. This evening’s one is celebrating 50 years of folk dancing in Cardiff.

TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Acoustic Tuesday South Riverside Community Development Centre, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £5. Info 029 2030 4400. Regular event led by pioneering local musicians and singers.

Brooke Sharkey + Esther + Chloe Lawrence Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6.

Info 029 2039 7933. uCommunity Samba Band – Practise Dates Llanfrynach Village Hall, Brecon. 7-9pm, £4/£2 under16s. Info sambabrecon@ yahoo.co.uk. Every Tuesday.

Fellow Pynins The Lost Arc, Rhayader. 7.30pm, £20 adv. Info 01743 860246.

Oregon bluebrass duo. Price includes two-course meal.

Larry And His Flask Le Public Space, Newport.

7pm, £8 adv. Info sam@ lepub.co.uk. American folkpunk band who sell out Le Pub every time they play (including this time) but who I never hear anything about otherwise. Weird. See Upfront for an interview! uOpen Jam Session The Andrew Buchan, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2021 2509. Every Wednesday.

Expect to hear jazz, blues, rock or ska here. uOpen Mic The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, free.

Info 01497 821762. Every Tuesday. uOpen Mic Night Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Every Tuesday.

The Paul Munnery Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Yr Eira + Serol Serol + Los Blancos Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10.

Info 029 2023 2199.

WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST Band Pres Llareggub + Y Cledrau + Cadno + Gwilym The Dr Who Experience, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £12 adv. Info 0845 4090800.

First of four Maes B gigs here between today and Sat 11, with Welsh-language bands. uBella & Gareth Blues Duo Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Wed 22.

Crumbs + Oh Peas + Beige Palace + Live, Do Nothing Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Punk and indiepop.

Gethin Liddington’s Goodkatz Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8.

Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is Joe Kelly.

Les Barker Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Meic Stevens + Heather Jones + Jamie Bevan Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2023 2199.

Moscow Drug Club Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

The Hot Seats Art Shop & Chapel, Abergavenny. 7.3010pm, £12 adv. Info 01873 852960. String band from Virginia.

THURSDAY 9 AUGUST *Bonnacons Of Doom + Stereocilia The Moon, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £7/£6 adv.

Info info@themooncardiff. com. UK psych/Krautrock band headline.

Broken Lines The Parrot, Carmarthen. 8pm, £3. Info 01267 231012. Punk rock psychedelia.

Burum Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £6/£5. Info 029 2038 7026. *Llwybr Llaethog + Ty Gwydr + Ani Glass + Pasta Hull Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10. Info 029 2023 2199.

Mark Holley Little Man Coffee Co, Cardiff. 7pm, £8 adv. Info 07933 844234.

Acoustic set by the singer of Black Foxxes, presented here

by Fuelled By Jealous Lovers.

Open Mic The Unicorn, Pontypool. 7.30pm, £3. Info 01495 751304. Playing the monthly Upstairs At The Unicorn folk night.

Pendevig Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £12-£25. Info 029 2063 6464.

The Eisteddfod presents a set from a folk band comprising members of Calan, Mabon and Plu. Peter Jagger Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 6pm, £9.

Info 029 2089 0862. Price includes a pizza.

Rhys Taylor’s Dixie Band Quintet Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 7.30pm, £10/£20 with a meal. Info 01874 611622.

Presented by Brecon Jazz Club.

That Guy We Saw Last Night The Pear Tree, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Hot Seats Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Old timey music from Richmond.

The Trials Of Cato Crindau Constitutional Club, Newport. 8pm, £8/£5. Info 01633 858636. A Lyceum Folk Club night.

Yr Ods + HMS Morris + Omaloma + Serol Serol The Dr Who Experience, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £12 adv.

Info 0845 4090800.

FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 360 Degrees The Newbridge, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 8031.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dan Phelps Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan.

5-8pm, free after admission.

Info 029 2059 3328. Classical pianist.

Drew Martin Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Fighting Fifth Husky + In With The Jellyfish Creature Sound, Swansea.

7.30pm. Info 01792 301178.

Festival Big Band Castle Hotel Ballroom, Brecon. 7.3010.30pm, £35 adv. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz event with a buffet included in the price. *Gasper Nali The Welfare, Ystradgynlais. 8pm, £12/£10.

Info 01639 843163.

Groovy rhythmic sounds from Malawi. See Music.

Gwenno + Omaloma + Bitw + Pys Melyn Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2023 2199.

Heather Jones + Jamie Bevan + Matthew Morris + Noel James Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Two musicians and two comedians, the musicians are billed top though so it goes in this section.

Ian Shaw St Mary’s Church, Brecon. 6pm. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Opening event of this year’s Brecon Jazz festival, a series of gigs taking place across five venues from today until Sun 12.

Jacdo + Smithgrind + Good Morning Vietnam

Cardiff Bay, Mon 1) COHEED & CAMBRIA (Cardiff University Students Union, Tue 9) GRACE PETRIE (The Moon, Cardiff, Wed 10) ROBERT PLANT (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 25) BC CAMPLIGHT (Clwb Ifor Bach, Wed 31) JUST ANNOUNCED FOR NOVEMBER: ROLO TOMASSI BUZZ 71

* – recommended The Dragonffli, Pontypool.

7pm, £2. Info gigs@ thedragonffli.com.

Jack Blackman The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5.

Info 01497 821762.

Jimmy Mac’s Blues Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026.

Blues.

Midnight Hour Band Black Lion, Llandaff, Cardiff.

9pm, free. Info 029 2056 7312. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Nikki Pope City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Paul Dark The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Reece + Digital Criminals McCann’s Rock N Ale Bar, Newport. 7.30pm, free. Info 01633 253648. uSolarsphere Penmaenau Farm, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. £45 weekend/£20 13-16-year-olds/free under12s. Info office@solarsphere. events. A music festival with a large side order of astronomy. Bands playing over three days: Access All Areas, Glas, Bell Hagg Orkestar, Alien Stash Tin, Sarah Jones, Dukes Of Bordello, Scarlet Twenty, Dirty Flowers, Bad Dog, Paul Henshaw & Scientific Simpletons, The Angry Badgers, Rogue Frequency, The Grey Skys, The Fireside Family and Luna Neptune. Speakers, Susie Imber, Professor Mark McCaughrean, Will Gater, Dr Paul Roche, Dr Megan Argo, Greg Smye-Rumsby, Emma Wride, Steve Tonkin and Ronnie The Animatronic Dinosaur. Plus lots of workshops and other stuff. (Until Sun 12) The Fevers The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 516194. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

The Heist District Club, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 402550.

The Skiptones Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com.

Tom Martin The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Y Reu + Mellt + Chroma + Los Blancos The Dr Who Experience, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £12 adv. Info 0845 4090800.

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST A Foreigner’s Journey The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £14.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute to both Foreigner and Journey.

Duncan Reid And The Big Heads The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, £7/£6 adv.

Info 01495 213300. Duncan used to be bassist for powerpop/punk band The Boys, whose first album is a minor classic in this reporter’s view.

Eisteddfod Closing Gig

NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2037 8866. With (presumably Welsh language) acts TBC. Falling From Grace The Patriot, Crumlin. 7pm, free.

Info 01495 247178. uFiddle Festival Of Wales Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea. £21 weekend; £14/£13 Sat only; £7/£6 Sat daytime only; £9/£8 Sat evening only; £7/£6 Sun only. Info 01792 371206. Two-day festival (on tomorrow also), on for the first time since 2012.

Featuring workshops, competitions, tune sessions and live performances from The Ploun Fiddle Band, Mazaika, Pat Smith & Ned Clamp, Gwyr Y Stac and more TBC, plus MC Ignacio Lopez.

Geraint Jarman + Bob Delyn A’r Ebillion + Ffracas + Eadyth Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £15. Info 029 2023 2199.

Henry’s Funeral Shoe + Everyday Heroes + The Philo Beddoe Band The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. 7pm, £10/£8 adv. Info 01685 387925.

Jess Stevens The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753.

Presented by Nailed It Events. uJon Crespo Quartet Café Jazz, Cardiff. 7-10pm. Info 029 2038 7026. Standards, funk and Latin tunes, also on Sat 18.

Manchester Jazz Connection Guildhall Theatre, Brecon. 2-3.15pm, £12/£6. Info info@breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig.

Midnight Black Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £5 adv.

Info 01443 682388.

Moongazer The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 516194. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Novana + String Theory Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 468892.

Nirvana tribute band headline.

Pavel PQ Czech Quartet St Mary’s Church, Brecon.

7-8.15pm, £14/£7. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig.

Peter Jagger The Maltsters, Llandaff, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2033 3096.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Skirrid Llantilio Pertholey Hall, Mardy, Abergavenny. £12.50. Info 07835 952754.

Ceilidh night with caller Anneth. Mardy is an amusing place name.

South African Jazz Sextet Guildhall Theatre, Brecon.

8.30-9.45pm, £22/£11. Info info@breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig.

Splitknuckle + Realm Of Torment + Blanket Hill + Mourning + Sick Ones + Stages In Faith + Shallow Graves + Slave To Misery + Vision Quest Fuel Bar, Cardiff.

4pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 07970 063107. Hardcore alldayer

presrnted by Heaven & Hell and Nuclear Family Steve Ignorant’s Slice Of Life + Red Or Dead + Fatal Blow + AddMission Jac’s, Aberdare.

6pm, £12/£10 adv. Info 01685 879491. See Upfront for an interview wioth Steve.

Taffy Was A Thief Cardiff Bus Transport Club. 7.45pm, £3 adv. Info 029 2023 3658.

The Demon Barbers XL Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01970 623232. UK folk big band.

The Firm The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Tom Emlyn + Joie Bayliss + Simon Parsons Creature Sound, Swansea.

7pm, £3. Info 01792 301178.

Tom Smith Septet Wellington Hotel, Brecon.

4-5.15pm, £12/£6. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig..

X Twenty-Two + Guilty Rascals + State Flow The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm.

Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Yr Eira + Cpt Smith + Adwaith The Dr Who Experience, Cardiff Bay. 9pm, £12 adv. Info 0845 4090800.

Also featuring a battle of the bands winner TBC. SUNDAY 12 AUGUST Droves + Lugubrious Children + Sunshine + White Privilege Cathays Community Centre, Cardiff.

7-11pm, pay by donation.

Info 029 2037 3144. Grind, hardcore and noise presented by FHED. Elaine Delmar Quintet Guildhall Theatre, Brecon.

2-3.15pm, £18/£9. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig. uFolk Music & Song Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells. 4pm.

Info 07477 627267. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month (also on Sun 26 in August), with an extra acoustic session on the third Sunday (Sun 19) too.

Harmonica Jazz Guildhall Theatre, Brecon. 3.304.45pm, £12/£6. Info info@ breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig.

Ian Shimmin The Newbridge, Cardiff. 3pm, free. Info 029 2030 8031.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Jarda Stastny And Friends Guildhall Theatre, Brecon. 8.30-9.45pm, £12/£6.

Info info@breconjazz.org.

Brecon Jazz gig.

Jim Hart’s Cloudmakers Trio Guildhall Theatre, Brecon. 7-8.15pm, £14/£7.

Info info@breconjazz.org.

Brecon Jazz gig.

Josephine Davies Trio Guildhall Theatre, Brecon.

5.15-6.30pm, £12/£6. Info info@breconjazz.org. Brecon Jazz gig.

River Browns, Laugharne.

3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Stratus Fear Earl Haig

Memorial Club, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

The Brightoners The Patriot, Crumlin. 6.30pm.

Info 01495 247178. Mod covers band, in Aberdare on Sat 18.

The Philanderers The Brunswick, Swansea. Free.

Info 01792 465676.

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST Hot Strings Cafe Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

Rockers Reunion Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2062 6015.

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST Andy Collins Open Mic Night Cockett Inn, Swansea.

9pm, free. Info 01792 588748.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Bob Wood Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club.

7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892. A Llantrisant Folk Club night.

Gary Phillips with Dave Cottle Trio Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789. *Hexis + Lifesick + Tides Of Sulfur + Levitas Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £7.

Info 07970 063107. Two blackened hardcore bands from Denmark plus sludgy locals TOS. Jeff Hooper & Nigel Hart Trio Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8. Info

u – repeated

he’ll also be at Tiger Tiger in Cardiff helping teens celebrate their A-level results.

Goldie Lookin Chain Coyote Ugly, Swansea. 7pm, £3 adv. Info 0208 4784888.

The Swansea branch of this national chain bar is opening today and GLC are doing a Legends Set whatever that is. uGreen Man 2018 Glanusk Park Estate, Brecon Beacons. £180 weekend/£155 NUS/£22 5-12-year-olds/under-5s free with a ticket. Info info@ thegreenmanfestival.co.uk.

See Upfront for more on this festival, which once again is fully sold out. Today: soft launch night with Public Service Broadcasting, Pictish Trail, Bas Jan, Ed Dowie and Jimothy Lacoste. Fri 17: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Dirty Projectors, The Lemon Twigs, Joan As Police Woman, King Tuff, Eleanor Friedberger, Amber Arcades and the winner of the Green Man Rising competition (main stage); John Talabot, Mount Kimbie, Floating Points, Whyte Horses, BEAK>, Wye Oak, Omni, Duds, The Lovely Eggs and Horsey (Far Out stage); HMLTD, Alex Cameron, Susanne Sundfør, Marlon Williams, Insecure Men, Snail Mail, Ari Roar, Juanita Stein, J. Bernardt and HMS Morris (Walled Garden). Sat 18: Fleet Foxes, John Grant, Cate Le Bon, Baxter Dury, Courtney Marie Andrews, Tamikrest, Seamus Fogarty and Sweet Baboo (main

The 16th Dream Of Dr Sardonicus is a mysterious name for an established, albeit low-key, festival. Held in Cardigan venue the Cellar, it’s organised in conjunction with psychedelic label Fruits De Mer, takes place from Fri 3-Sun 5 and features oodles of trippy acts like Sendelica and ex-Hawkwind man Nik Turner. malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is Christian Punter. uThe Bay Rum Hounds Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm.

Info 029 2038 7026. Also on Wed 29.

THURSDAY 16 AUGUST Dappy The Neon, Newport.

7pm, £10 adv/£14 VIP. Info 01633 533666. Phallic hat man, recipient of a rare twostar live review on Buzz’s website earlier this year, visits the most UKIPpy venue in Newport. Later this evening

stage); Simian Mobile Disco, Teenage Fanclub, Teleman, Kelly Lee Owens, Bo Ningen, The KVB, Boy Azooga, Sorry and Seazoo (Far Out stage); Snapped Ankles, 9Bach, A Hawk And A Hacksaw, Phoebe Bridgers, Goat Girl, Ider, Jade Bird, Shannon Lay, Westerman and Jim Ghedi (Walled Garden). Sun 19: The War On Drugs, Grizzly Bear, Anna Calvi, Kevin Morby, Curtis Harding, Xylouris White and Lost Horizons (main stage); High Contrast, Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Angels, John Maus, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Follakzoid, Spinning Coin and Group Listening (Far Out stage); Deptford Northern Soul Club, Tunng, The Surfing Magazines, Frankie Cosmos, Lucy Dacus,

Sacred Paws, Charles Watson, Haley Heynderickx and Stella Donnelly (Walled Garden).

Rising stage (running order TBC): Aadae, Accü, Adwaith, Black Midi, Buzzard, Fenne Lily, Haze, Sock, Squid and The Cosmic Array. Chai Wallahs (running order TBC): Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu, Agbeko, Amy True, Animal Noise, Animanz, Ben Catley, Berget Lewis, Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, Edd Keene, Friendly Fire Band, Gringo Ska, Groovelator, Holly Holden Y Su Banda, Joncan Kavlakoglu, Kiriki Club, Lazy Habits, Lost Tuesday Society, Monster Ceilidh Band, Samsara, Snazzback, Solana, Soul Grenades, Sound Of The Sirens, Tropical Tea Party feat. DJ Hiphoppapotamus, Will Varley and Wrongtom.

Last Laugh comedy stage (running order TBC): Annie McGrath, Beat This, Bec Hill, Bobby Mair, Caroline Mabey, Gabriel Ebulue, Gavin Osborn, George Egg, Hedluv & Passman, Howard Read, Lloyd Griffith, Mark Oliver, Pat Cahill, Phil Jerrod, Phil Wang, Rob Deering, Steve Hall, Stuart Laws and Tiernan Douieb. Talking Shop (interviews etc, running order TBC): Annie Nightingale, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Literary Death Match, John Grant, Peggy Seeger, Viv Albertine, The Three Track Podcast with Baxter Dury, Ross Sutherland, Rob Young on Can, Owen Sheers, Pete Brown and a pop quiz with Bob Stanley and Pete Paphides. (Until Sun 19) Letz Zep + Whitesnake UK + UK Guns N Roses Chepstow Castle. 6.30pm, £20/£18 adv. Info 01291 627122. Three hard rock tribute acts play the first night of Castell Roc, a series of outdoor gigs here until the end of August.

Mangata The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Mellor Gwdihw, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £4 adv. Info 029 2039 7933.

Pi & Hash Showcase The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST 360 Degrees + Laney B Rose & Crown, Porthcawl.

Free. Info 01656 784850.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Alabama 3 + Philippa Hanna Chepstow Castle.

7.30pm, £25/£20 adv. Info 01291 627122. Castell Roc gig.

Bandaoke Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. “Sing with a fully rehearsed band and become the Popstar you always dreamed of being.”

Cathays Brass Band Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 5-8pm, free after admission. Info 029 2059 3328.

Chamber Philharmonia

(Clwb Ifor Bach, Thurs 1) SOUL II SOUL (Cardiff University, Thurs 1) RICK ASTLEY + GABRIELLE (Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Fri 2) CORROSION OF CONFORMITY (Cardiff University, Sat 3) BUGZY MALONE (Cardiff University, Sun 4) CAR SEAT HEADREST (Tramshed, Mon 5) SLAYER + BUZZ 72

Cologne St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 8pm, £12-£16. Info 029 2087 8444.

Children Of The Gravy District Club, Pontypridd.

8pm. Info 01443 402550.

Daniel Bonner The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Dansette Café Jazz, Cardiff.

8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026. Soul.

ELO Encounter Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff. 8pm, £17 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Tribute band.

Funeral Shakes + Frown Upon Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £5. Info 029 2023 2199.

Hashtag Acoustic The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 516194.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Hide Your Eyes + The Catalysts + Vultures + Oblivion The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Knitwear Junkees 147 Lounge Bar, Roath, Cardiff.

8pm. Info 029 2049 7830.

Kurt Travis Hobo’s, Bridgend. 7pm, £7/£5 adv.

Info www.hobosmusicvenue. com. Solo set from the singer of hellishly named American band Dance Gavin Dance. uLanded Festival Doldowlod Estate, nr Rhayader, Powys. 7.30pm, £85 weekend/£70 adv. Info enquiries@landedfestival. co.uk. Eclectic hippyish festival with several stages. Schedule TBC but on the main stage there’s Zubzub, Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Fjokra, The Defekters, The Filthy Spectacula, Annie Bea, Dirty Vertebrae, Just Say Nay, Toffees, Smiling Ivy, The Hot Knife Club, Heavy Flames, Kuunatic, Spirit Level, Rufus Mufasa and Monsterometer.

Verbal Melodies stage: Pete Bearder, M-Power, Rufus Mufasa, Ananas Abertawe, Alex Milla, Paul Sees, Funk’d Up, Slippy Skills, Althea Sound, Dauda Sols Ladejobi, Joy France, Shoka Lab Rat, Rob The Rub, ANR, Erb N Word and Verbal Remedies.

The Spinney stage: “three banging nights of original upbeat EDM”. The Needlessly Happy stage: Red & The Hogweeds, Chimes, Palmes, The Sonic Jewels, Smiley & The Underclass, King’s Gambit, Platform 1, The Big Fibbers, Rosiue Swayne, Violet Contours, Quercus Burlesque, Sweetcorn Bread, Ed Tattersall, Lem & the White Fire, Sonic Gypsy, John Farnham, Dave Cox, Jonathan Markswood’s HooHaa Conspiracy and Big Love & The Fuzz. (Until Sun 19) Marcus T Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Never Found + One Last Daybreak + Ravenbreed + Static Fires Undertone, Cardiff. 6-10pm, £6 adv. Info

029 2022 8883.

One Wild Night Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £6 adv. Info 07970 063107. Bon Jovi tribute band.

Pardon Madame Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 8pm, free.

Info 01792 234447. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Rain Kings City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Rumney Folk Club St Augustine’s Church, Rumney, Cardiff. 7pm, £3.50/£1.50 for performers. Info derek@ rumneyfolkclub.co.uk.

Monthly night.

Selena In The Chapel The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762.

Simon Trigg The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Cutbacks Memorial Hall, Newbridge. 7pm, £3.

Info 01495 243252. Rock covers.

The Kut + Digital Crininals + Peaks The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

The Magic Of Motown Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

7.30pm, £25.50/£24.50. Info 01656 815995.

Whitesnake UK The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07590 471888. Tribute band.

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST Atmos + Prophecy + 9 X Dead + Gag Reflex The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £3. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com. uBarn Fest 2018 The Barn, Llantrisant. 12pm, free. Info 01443 222333. A beer/cider/BBQ fest with live music over two days, like so: The Prognosis, Capitol Confusion, The Masterplan (Oasis tribute band), Kissin’ Pink and The Copperthieves (today); Russ Mac, Contagious, Royal Valentines and Heartbreak Highway (tomorrow).

Classic Intentions + Mangata + The Shakes Beaufort Arms, Swansea.

8pm, free. Info 01792 234447.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Da Iawn Fest 4 The Big Top, Cardiff. 12pm, £12 adv. Info 029 2022 8883.

Annual August alldayer of punk and indie featuring Doe, Astpai, The Kimberly Steaks, Harker, Honey Joy, Latchstring, Peachfuzz, Bad Year, Human Heat, Salt Bath, Live, Do Nothing (that’s one band with a comma in their name, and nothing to do with 90s grunge band Live) and Enouement..

Dr Hook Starring Dennis Locorriere Chepstow Castle. 7.30pm, £39.50 adv.

Info 01291 627122. Castell Roc gig.

Eliott Oakley Duo The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2022 5235.

Hell’s Bells The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £13.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888. AC/DC tribute act.

Nikki Pope The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Pacha Mama The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

Paige Kenzie Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Penny Arcade Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Portstock Music Festival Tredegar Park, Newport.

11.30am-10pm, £22/£14 kids.

Info 01633 851051. Featuring two stages of live music (all TBC right now) plus family activities including a climbing wall, funfair and workshops.

In aid of St David’s Hospice

Evans + The Worried Men Chepstow Castle.

6.30pm, £26/£23 adv.

Info 01291 627122. Bluesrocktastic Castell Roc gig.

The Corn Potato String Band Hang Fire Southern Kitchen, Barry. 6.30pm, £10 adv. Info 07561 143114.

Roots N All gig with this old timey American band. In Pembrokeshire on Tue 21.

The Crackers Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff.

6-8pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

The Lotus Tribe Gwdihw, Cardiff. 9pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Local musicians on a jazz-funk tip. Not my go-to genre exactly but the track they have online really impressed me. I think this is their first gig too, and Cosmogramma are promoting it.

Two Fat Cyclists Browns, Laugharne. 3pm, free. Info 01994 427688.

Valley Folk Club

Three years not out for Truefest, a weekender of live bands and DJs who both tend towards the brassy party-soundtrack side of things. Rock up to Baskerville Hall near Hay-On-Wye from Fri 3-Sun 5 and catch the likes of Beardyman, Mungo’s Hi Fi and Afro Cluster.

Care.

Rain Kings Rose & Crown, Porthcawl. Free. Info 01656 784850. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Speak, Brother The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £7. Info 01497 821762.

Mumfordy folk-pop type stuff That Guy We Saw Last Night Three Horse Shoes, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2069 4630. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Brightoners + Inner City Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, £3. Info 01685 879491.

The Rosie Walters Band Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

White Tygër Rhondda Hotel, Porth. 7pm, £4 adv.

Info 01443 682388. Classic rock covers. I think you would pronounce Tygër like ‘tygeh’?

SUNDAY 19 AUGUST Acoustic Session Arvon Ale House, Llandrindod Wells.

4pm. Info 07477 627267.

Chapter Four Jazz Quartet Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Jazz in the bar.

Hot Squash Beaufort Arms, Swansea. Free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

King King + Buck &

Showcase Pontardawe Rugby Club. 2-5pm, free. Info 01792 425231.

MONDAY 20 AUGUST Easy Street Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm. Info 029 2038 7026.

Sean Paul Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 6.30pm, £35 adv. Info 029 2022 4488. See Music.

TUESDAY 21 AUGUST Corn Potato String Band Burnett’s Hill Chapel, Martletwy, Pembrokeshire.

7.30pm, £10 adv. Info 01646 651725. Appalachian string trio.

Hayseed Dixie The Globe, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £17.50 adv.

Info 07590 471888. *Kuunatic + Teddy Hunter + Hlemma Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £5/£3 adv. Info 029 2039 7933. Headliners are psychpunk Japanese women and ought to be good. uLet It Be Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £15.50£39.50. Info 029 2063 6464.

Theatrical Beatles tribute show. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 25. (Until Sat 25) Phil Wall’s Jazz Cardinals Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4.50/£4/£2 NUS. Info 029 2038 7026.

The Bon Jovi Experience

Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £9-£23. Info 01792 475715. Tribute band.

WEDNESDAY 22 AUGUST Jungle Demon + Valent The Parrot, Carmarthen.

6-9pm, £3. Info 01267 231012. Under-18s band night in aid of MIND. La Vie En Rose Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is currently TBC however.

Richard West Alicia Hooper & Trio Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport. 8pm, £8.

Info malc@dancebands.plus. com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig.

The Drifters Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £24-£26.

Info 01792 475715.

THURSDAY 23 AUGUST Acoustic Sinners The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dom Pipkin Smokin’ Boogie Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 8pm, £9.50. Info 01656 815995. Blues piano player.

Hub Festival Warm Up Acoustic Showcase NosDa, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866.

Pussy Riot Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £16 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. See either Music or Upfront.

Sacrilege Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178. NWOBHM band.

Sarah Meel / Gethin Liddington Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £6/£5.

Info 029 2038 7026.

The Joy Formidable + Bryde + Kidsmoke Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £18. Info 029 2023 2199.

Shoegazey pop band from north Wales who’ve been away for a while headline.

FRIDAY 24 AUGUST 360 Degrees City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Band Of Holy Joy Le Public Space, Newport.

7.30pm, £8 adv. Info sam@ lepub.co.uk. UK indie band who formed in the mid-80s.

I really like their double album City Of Tales but they probably don’t play anything from it.

Bina Williamson Cellar Bar, Cardigan. 7.30pm, £10. Info 07818 056599.

Album launch gig for a folk artist who “sings with the true sweetness of a magic songbird on May morning” according to her husband.

Breathe Fire District Club, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 402550.

Calypso Cockett Inn, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 588748. Presented by

Nailed It Events.

Democratus + Beneath The Divine + We Come From Ashes + Blackjack Zero The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli.com.

Electric Six + John Mouse + Head Noise Jac’s, Aberdare. 7.30pm, £13 adv. Info 01685 879491.

Sold out.

ESP Beaufort Arms, Swansea. 8pm, free. Info 01792 234447. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Estuary Blacks + Suns Of Thunder + Port Erin Cinema & Co, Swansea. 8pm, £5. Info 07982 624959. Album launch gig for the headliners.

See Music News Extra.

Godkilla + The Devolved + Sepulchre + Rapture’s End Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, free. Info 01792 468892.

Hub Festival Welcome Party The Moon, Cardiff.

6pm, free. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. See Music for more on the Hub Festival, the following two days of which costs (not much) money but this opening night is free! Here’s who’s playing: CVC, Qujaka, Jemma Roper, She Makes War, Minas and Naomi Rae. James Martin The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235.

Joseph Tong St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys.

2pm, £6-£15. Info 01544 267800. Piano recital.

Presteigne Festival event.

Lee Calaway Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Lonely Angel St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys.

7-9.30pm, £6-£26. Info 01544 267800. Works by Arvo Pärt, Huw Watkins and Béla Bartók. Presteigne Festival event.

Sheek Quartet The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5. Info 01497 821762. Jazz duo of Sarah Meek and Guy Shotton.

The Bella Collins Band Café Jazz, Cardiff. 8pm, £4/£3. Info 029 2038 7026.

Soul. uThe Big Tribute Lovesgrove, Aberystwyth.

1pm, £70 weekend/£25 kids/£10 under-12s/free under-5s. Info 01970 623232.

Annual weekend of tribute bands. Today (day tickets £30/£25 adv; £15/£12 adv kids; £6/£5 adv under-12s): Are You Experienced?, Planet Duran, Really Hot Chili Peppers, Whole Lotta DC and Kazabian. Sat 25 (day tickets £35/£30 adv; £18/£15 adv kids; £8/£6 adv under12s): Rats In The Kitchen, Little Chix, Stipe, J’Adele, Godfrey Gayle (Stevie Wonder tribute act), One Step Behind and Ohasis. Sun 26 (day tickets same price as Sat 25): Crowded Scouse, Katy vs Taylor, Sarah Jayne’s Dolly Parton Experience, Kings Ov Leon, Andy Wood

LAMB OF GOD + ANTHRAX + OBITUARY (Motorpoint Arena, Mon 5) FIRST AID KIT (Motorpoint Arena, Tue 6) DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL (Tramshed, Wed 7) JOHNNY MARR (Cardiff University, Thurs 8) BLACKBERRY SMOKE (Tramshed, Fri 9) CULTURE CLUB + BELINDA CARLISLE BUZZ 73

* – recommended

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NOW! as Tom Jones, U2UK and Totally Tina. Plus a stage for bands who play their own music like suckers, including Aber Jazz, The Surfergettes, Noughts And Crosses, Candy Mountain, Garin Fitter, The Screaming Abdabs, The Gunpowder Factory, Jesse’s Sister, Sharon Woolley, Backtrax and The Sheila Mac Band. (Until Sun 26) The Greatest Hits Of Motown Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £24/£22.

Info 01792 475715. No relartion to...

The Magic Of Motown Chepstow Castle. 6.30pm, £35/£30 adv. Info 01291 627122. Castell Roc gig.

Them 2 Fellas The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST A Charm Of Lullabies St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys. 2pm, £6-£15. Info 01544 267800. Soprano/ piano duo. Presteigne Festival event.

Crownload The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil. Free.

Info 01685 387925. Annual hard rock weekender or maybe alldayer, not much info up yet sorry.

DnA Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £8-£12. Info 01970 623232. Swansea folk

duo perform in the Summer House here.

El Loco NosDa, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866.

Elvis In Vegas Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £25. Info 01792 475715. With ETA (that’s Elvis Tribute Act) Fisher Stevens.

Explosive Light Orchestra Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £18. Info 01646 695267. ELO tribute.

Fleisch The Duke, Neath.

7pm. Info 01639 643892. UK industrial rock band who describe themselves as “like Rammstein’s kinky little cousin”. uHub Festival Various venues, Cardiff. 2pm, free.

Info info@themooncardiff. com. See Music for a preview of this festival! Even with a zillion things there’s still more TBC but here’s what’s confirmed so far. Today: The Moon: Stereoripe & The Reggiments present Aleighcia Scott, Codewalkers, Ramnastax, Wounded Healers, Rufus Mufasa, Phosphenes and Eden Roots Reggae Band. City Arms: Reggiments DJ set. Clwb Ifor Bach: Libertino Records presents Keys, Red Telephone, La Forme, Names and Papur Wal. Tiny Rebel (upstairs): Comedy Sheep stage, 2-4pm.

Tiny Rebel (downstairs):

Mega Verse spoken word and poetry, 2-4pm. Venue TBC: The Hold Up hip-hop stage.

Venue TBC: Ross Jones presents Perfect Body, Salt Bath, Knowbetter, Neurotic Fiction, Rosehip Teahouse and Private World. Blue Honey Night Cafe (upstairs): Cardiff Electronic Producers Network meet and demo at 2pm, followed by live sets from Conformist, Cult Of Doris, Umbromanni, Agiris & Sunbane and Sunbane.

Campfa: Mental Health In Music workshop (from 2pm); Pi & Hash presents Tanglejack, Beatbox Hann and Tom Minor (4-6pm).

Bootlegger: Pi & Hash presents The Algal Bloom, The Sam-Antonio Freeway, The Ped And Joe Show, Ilana Held and Joe Kelly (from 6pm). Womanby Street (outside): 3D Brass. Cardiff Buskers stage (location TBC): acts including Luke Ashley. Plus sets in venues TBC from Adam Stafford, Al Moses, Audio Pirates, Bel Blue, Chroma, Digital Criminals, The D Teez, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Hunter From Fremonte, I Fight Lions, Johnny Cage & The Voodoogroove, Laura Power, Late Night Picture, Lead Coloured River, Levi+, Lunar Bird, Madi, Natty Paynter, Parkview, Phoenix

Rise, Rainbow Maniac, Rufus Mufasa, Saccharyn, Sock, Tales In The Shade, Wounded Healers and XY&O. Sun 26: The Moon: Cosmic Carnage & Lesson No.1 present: Bodies On Everest, Body Hacker, Kong Lives and They Live | We Sleep (3.50-7.20pm). Tiny Rebel (downstairs): Mega Verse spoken word and poetry, 2-4pm; RecRock acoustic showcase, 4-7pm. Fuel: Eradication presents Arvas, Sufferer and more TBC. City Arms: Monique B presents acts TBC. Blue Honey Night Cafe (upstairs): Minty of Minty’s Gig Guide doing something with special guests TBC. Castle Arms: art exhibit, creative workshops and performing arts from 1pm. Plus sets in venues TBC from Adrian Skeleton, Bas Jan, Big Thing, Bryony Sier, Cadno, Christian Punter, Chupa Cabra, Dirty Alex, DJ Comfort, Edie Bens, Elektric Soup, Esther, Firewood Island, Francesca’s Word Salad, HMS Morris, Jack Perrett, Kaycee, Kiss Me Killer, Little Folk, Mace, Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard, Mike Dennis, Milk, Pay The Man, Picsel, Rachel K Collier, Remine, Sarah Brown, Selena In The Chapel, Silent Forum, Spencer Segelov, Sounds Of Harlowe, Surreal Kinnock, The Zinvandels, Toombs, Twin Siblings and Vince James.

Jack Mac’s Funk Pack Porter’s, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@porterscardiff.com.

Mr Hate The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm, £3. Info 01495 213300.

Navarra Quartet St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys. 7.45pm, £6-£23. Info 01544 267800. Presteigne Festival event.

Nothing Too Heavy The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free.

Info 029 2022 5235.

Paige Kenzie The Red Dragon, Bridgend. 8.30pm, free. Info 01656 654753.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Punchline Hen Dderwen, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 203631. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Simon Trigg Birchgrove, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2031 1319. Presented by Nailed It Events.

The Busstop Cowboys Welcome to Town, Llanrhidian, Swansea. 8pm.

Info 01792 390281.

The Hold Up: Inner City Cypher Oner Signs, Cardiff.

1-5pm, free. Info 029 2037 1231. Monthly hip-hop session inviting MCs, beatboxers, DJs etc down to jam.

The Now + Pastel + Shoot The Town Sin City, Swansea. 7pm, £3 adv. Info 01792 468892.

The Shires Chepstow Castle. 6.30pm, £30 adv.

Info 01291 627122. Castell Roc gig.

u – repeated

The Spectrums + Livestock Davies & The Lowdown Snakes Jac’s, Aberdare. 7pm, free. Info 01685 879491.

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST A Baltic Celebration St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys. 7.45pm, £6-£26. Info 01544 267800. Presteigne Festival event.

Blues Central Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

CC Smugglers Bluestone Brewing Co., Newport, Pembrokeshire. 7.30pm, £12.50 adv. Info 01239 820833. Folk, jazz, swing, blues and Americana .

Dictaphone Devil The Newbridge, Cardiff. Free. Info 029 2030 8031. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Glas + The Flares West End Club, Barry. 5pm. Info 01446 735739. Blues-rock.

Kristine Balanas St Michael’s Church, Discoed, Powys. 5.15pm, £14/£6 NUS. Info 01544 267800. Violin recital. Presteigne Festival event.

Leo Sayer + Mari Wilson Chepstow Castle. 6.30pm, £18.50/£16.50. Info 01291 627122. Tributes to Michael Jackson and Prince. Castell Roc gig.

Madassa Soul Band Acapela, Pentyrch, Cardiff.

8pm, £14 adv. Info 029 2089 0862.

Oas-is Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £13 adv. Info 0871 4720400. Oasis tribute band.

Out Of Luck Party The Lost Arc, Rhayader. 8pm, free. Info 01743 860246. An evening of covers from two bands who I think are called Out Of Order and Lucky Pierre.

Red Rum + Iron Seawolf The Patriot, Crumlin. 6pm, free. Info 01495 247178.

Pirate metal bands.

Rhosygilwen Proms: Bach, Cello, Guitar, Violin Rhos Y Gilwen, Pembrokeshire. 7.30-9.15pm, £15. Info 01239 841387.

Performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations.

Songs And Dances From A Haunted Place St Stephen’s Church, Old Radnor, Powys.

2.45pm, £16/£6 NUS. Info 01544 267800. Chamber music. Presteigne Festival event.

The Voicetones Jac’s, Aberdare. 5pm, £5/£3 adv.

Info 01685 879491.

MONDAY 27 AUGUST Acoustic Open Mic Curado Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, free. Info 029 2034 4336. New event on the last Monday of every month and hosted by Bella Collins.

Albino Frogs Earl Haig Memorial Club, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2062 6015.

Gwd Mondays Open Mic Gwdihw, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2039 7933.

Joanna Gutowska St Mary’s Church, Kinnerton,

nr Presteigne, Powys.

11.30am, £14/£6 NUS. Info 01544 267800. Cello recital.

Presteigne Festival event.

Presteigne Festival Ensemble St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys.

7-9pm, £6-£23. Info 01544 267800. Presteigne Festival event.

Queen Of Heaven St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys. 9.30pm, £6-£15. Info 01544 267800. Choral concert with The Choir of Royal Holloway. Presteigne Festival event.

The Return + Prince Xperience Chepstow Castle.

7.30pm, £25/£20 adv. Info 01291 627122. Castell Roc gig.

The Trembling Knees Black Boy, Swansea. 9pm, free. Info 01792 299469.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

TUESDAY 28 AUGUST Festival Finale St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys.

7.45pm, £6-£26. Info 01544 267800. The final Presteigne Festival event for 2018. It took ages to type them all so someone reading this had better bloody go as a result of me doing so.

Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires + Peachfuzz Le Public Space, Newport. 7pm, £9 adv. Info sam@lepub. co.uk. Punky soul garage stuff from the headliners. *Metz The Globe, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £13.50 adv. Info 07590 471888. Canadian noiserock-ish band, fairly cleancut by the standards of the genre but decent stuff.

Navarra Quartet Play Britten St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys. 2pm, £6-£15. Info 01544 267800.

Presteigne Festival event.

Sage Francis & B. Dolan Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £12.50. Info 029 2023 2199.

Two indie-friendly rappers with bald heads and beards, indeed their tour has been dubbed the Epic Beard Men. WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST Camp Cope + Caves + Live, Do Nothing Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7pm, £8. Info 029 2023 2199. Headliners are an Australian indie band of some sort.

Gomez Tramshed, Cardiff.

7.30pm, £27.50 adv. Info 029 2023 5555. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album. I didn’t see that coming in 1998 and I doubt Gomez did either.

Guardalavaca De Cuba Jazzland, Swansea. 8.30pm, £10. Info 07802 912789.

Hot Shoe Band & Singers Whiteheads Sports & Social Club, Bassaleg, Newport.

8pm, £8. Info malc@dancebands.plus.com. A South Wales Big Band Society gig.

Knitwear Junkees + Little Rêd The Moon, Cardiff. 8pm. Info info@ themooncardiff.com. Playing a Gig Buddies night here.

Lego Man + The Rivers

(Motorpoint Arena, Sat 10) BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE (Motorpoint Arena, Sun 11) GARY NUMAN (St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Mon 12) COURTNEY BARNETT (Cardiff University, Sun 18) SEASICK STEVE (Motorpoint Arena, Sun 18) NOTHING BUT THIEVES (Motorpoint Arena, Mon 19) A + BUZZ 74

+ Sssnakes The New Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil.

9pm, £3. Info 01685 387925.

A U&I Radio night.

Open Mic Night NosDa, Cardiff. 7.30pm, free. Info 029 2037 8866. With a different guest host every week this month; tonight’s is The Freeway.

Perfect Body + Minas + Laundrette Porter’s, Cardiff.

8pm, free. Info info@ porterscardiff.com. Presented by the Forte Project.

Wör Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club. 7.30pm, £8/£5 members. Info 01443 226892.

A Llantrisant Folk Club night, featuring some Belgians.

THURSDAY 30 AUGUST Becki Biggins Quartet Angel Hotel, Abergavenny.

7pm. Info 07958 612691.

Wall2wall Jazz Festival opening gig, also featuring a festival dinner. The festival itself is on until Sun 2 Sept in a few Abergavenny venues.

Ian Poole Quartet The Pear Tree, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2025 2042. Presented by

Nailed It Events. *Imarhan Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £12. Info 029 2023 2199. Algerian band who are in that Tuareg/desert blues-rock vein of things, which normally spells good jams. See Music.

Ray Phillips’ Budgie + Ursine Princes + Spiral Key + Strike The Light Creature Sound, Swansea.

7pm. Info 01792 301178.

Budgie founder member headlines with his band.

The Dualers Chepstow Castle. 6.30pm, £20/£17.50 adv. Info 01291 627122.

London-based Jamaican R&B band. Wonder how pleased they are about the poster for this gig having a big quote from the Sun next to an even bigger image of the paper’s masthead.

FRIDAY 31 AUGUST Ben Creighton Griffiths Melville Theatre, Abergavenny. 8.15pm, free to Wall2wall ticket holders. Info 07958 612691. Wall2wall Jazz

Festival gig, taking place in the bar. uBetween The Trees Candleston Campsite, nr Bridgend. £10 Fri 31 (£5 kids); £25 Sat 1 Sept (£12.50 kids); £15 Sun 2 Sept (£7.50 kids). Info betweenthetreesfestival. co.uk. Newish three-day festival of wholesome indie/ folk/pop music plus natural science and art-based events including film screenings.

Today features live music from Noble Jacks, Joe Kelly and Ofelia. Sat 1 Sept: Bryony Sier, Rob Lear, Little Red, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow, Firewoodisland, Dan Bettridge, Martyn Joseph, Cattle And Cane, Natty Paynter and Cara Cullen.

Sun 2 Sept: Al Lewis, Gareth Clark, Sera, Darren Eedens and Matthew Frederick.

(Until Sun 2 Sept) Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band Chepstow Castle.

6.30pm, £20 adv. Info 01291 627122. In fact the support act for the Craig Charles

Funk & Soul Club, which I guess I have to put in the club listings.

Bryony Sier + Eleri Angharad + Genevieve + Rebecca Hurn + Genevieve Gyseman + To Bear Sir + Beatbox Hann + Sam Griffiths The Moon, Cardiff. 6pm, free. Info info@themooncardiff.com.

All the singer-songwriters it’s possible to fit in one room! Plus a token human beatboxer.

Calypso The Twelve Knights, Port Talbot. 9pm, free. Info 01639 882381.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Dale Storr: Sounds Of New Orleans Melville Theatre, Abergavenny. 7pm. Info 07958 612691. Wall2wall Jazz Festival gig.

Drew Martin City Arms, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2064 1913. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Enrico Tomasso Quartet Melville Theatre, Abergavenny. 9.15pm. Info 07958 612691. Wall2wall Jazz

Festival gig.

Fort + Excuses + Aaronson + Tookey The Dragonffli, Pontypool. 7pm, £2. Info gigs@thedragonffli. com.

Glas Ty Newydd, Barry. 9pm, free. Info 01446 407767.

Presented by Nailed It Events.

Guns 2 Roses + Surreal Panther + Motörlizzy The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £12.

Info 01633 533666. Three hard rock tribute bands.

Hi-On Maiden Ebbw Vale Institute. 7.30pm, £11. Info 01495 708022. Iron Maiden tribute.

John Godwin The Plum Tree, Cardiff. 9pm, free. Info 029 2022 5235. Also incorporating an open mic night.

John Nicholas The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01497 821762.

Bridgend singer-songwriter.

King Of Despair Creature Sound, Swansea. 7pm. Info 01792 301178.

Like A Lion The Vivian Arms, Swansea. 9pm, free.

Info 01792 516194. Presented

by Nailed It Events.

Lowri Evans & Lee Mason Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan. 5-8pm, free after admission. Info 029 2059 3328.

One More Night De Valence Pavilion, Tenby. 8.30pm, £15 adv. Info 01834 218228. Phil Collins tribute.

Organ Recital National Museum Cardiff. 1pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7951.

Paul Ashton The Duke Of Wellington, Cowbridge.

9.30pm, free. Info 01446 773592. Presented by Nailed It Events.

Simon Trigg Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. 8pm, free. Info 01446 781210. Presented by Nailed It Events. uThe Big Cwtch Glanrannell Park House, Crugybar, Carmarthenshire.

12pm, £40 weekend/£50 inc camping/£7-£30 per day/£5£15 per evening/free kids.

Info info@thebigcwtch. com. Newish two-day festival of wholesome indie/folk/

live review

MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT New Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 18 July

The Mischief Theatre group’s other comedies have become stage successes in recent years, The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong now West End staples. The setup of Mischief Movie Night is simple: each show is made up on the spot, the genre, location and name of the ‘film’ all chosen by audience members, who direct the ensemble. This premise, may sounds like another am-dram disaster but the speed and satire of the cast, fused with a clever narrative tailored to each subsequent show, produces quite the opposite.

Jonathan Sayer plays the Oscar, a movie mogul with a DVD collection comprised of every film that you could ever imagine. Less desirable in this age of instant streaming, perhaps, but Oscar challenges the audience to scrutinise his collection and choose a film to be played out by the cast, improvisation style. Tonight’s audience offers suggestions from the silly (kung-fu in Huddersfield?) to the sinister (Scandi noir-inspired propaganda); when the preliminaries fall into place, the troupe pieces together a Disneyesque comic caper set in the most magical place on Earth – Pontypandy.

The end result is wackier than your wildest dreams, complete with a talking lasagne, wavering Welsh accents and that lift from Dirty Dancing. Typical Disney film tropes remain prevalent, and a string of instantaneously made-up musical numbers shine as the narrative follows a damsel in distress, the Princess Of Pontypandy – whose knight in shining armour comes in the form of Gethin, a young poet who, despite his limited vocabulary believes he is quite the reincarnation of Dylan Thomas.

When the ensemble can’t contain their laughter, Oscar remains the lynchpin.

He uses a figurative remote control to rewind, pause and fast forward the film, cutting out dead ends or repeating audience-hit sequences. There are moments where the frivolity becomes too frantic, the jokes too repetitive or one-liners linger a little long, but the continuous slapstick and stupidity forces many a smile – and to play out an improvisation for 75 minutes is a feat in itself. (Director’s) hats off. words SOPHIE WILLIAMS

WHEATUS + INME (Cardiff University, Tue 20) MADELEINE PEYROUX (St David’s Hall, Wed 21) FLORENCE & THE MACHINE (Motorpoint Arena, Mon 26) MOGWAI (St David’s Hall, Mon 26) GLEN TILBROOK (Pontardawe Arts Centre, Nov 29) KATIE MELUA (St David’s Hall, Thurs 29) BUZZ 75

EVITA Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 28 Aug-Sat 1 Sept Tickets: £17-£38. Info. 029 2063 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk A new production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, touring the UK after further success in the West End, Evita dramatizes the life of Argentine political leader, Eva Peron – the second wife of Juan Peron, threeterm president of Argentina throughout the mid-cold war period. The musical follows her from her early life to her death; intertwining her political activism with infamous songs such as Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina, Another Suitcase In Another Hall and On This Night Of A Thousand Stars. The Wales Millennium Centre will host Evita for five days on its UK tour, and no doubt serve up an enticing evening. pop music (another one) plus decent quality food and booze stalls including a pop-up restaurant.

Today’s lineup, main stage (chronological order): Haelon, The Stangs, Martyn Joseph, HMS Morris and The Raspberry Jam. Lakeside Feast stage: Ian Shimmin.

The Wonky Table: Will Jones, Georgia Fearn, Begw and Ian Shimmin. Sat 1 Sept, main stage: Platform 1, The CVC, Ramnastax, Fflur Dafydd, La Forme, Rufus Mufasa, Picsel, Codewalkers, Novacub, Nia Wyn, Roughion (DJ set), Into The Ark, The Moon Birds and Disco Panther.

Lakeside Feast stage; Lucy Jones. Walled Garden: Will Jones, Georgia Fearn, Dead Crow, Begw, Broken Fires, Mari Mathias, Rebecca Hurn, Geraint Rhys, Toby Hay and Lowri Evans & Lee Mason.

The Boogiemen District Club, Pontypridd. 8pm. Info 01443 402550.

The Erotics The Dolls House, Abertillery. 7pm. Info 01495 213300. Glam/punk kinda band.

The Small Fakers The Vault, Swansea. 9pm, £10 adv. Info 01792 465300. Small Faces tribute band.

The Story Of The Beach Boys Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7.30pm, £22.50/£21.50. Info 01646 695267. Tribute band.

Vndta + Good Morning Vietnam + Backroads + The Hero Dies First Fuel Bar, Cardiff. 7pm, £5/£3 adv.

Info 07970 063107.

stage WEDNESDAY 1 AUGUST uBianca Del Rio + Sherry Vine St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7pm, £37-£150. Info 029 2087 8444. Two dates (on tomorrow also, added due to the demand) for drag scene superstar BDR. Top price, and the £75 one in the middle, are VIP tings. uMacbeth St Dogmaels BUZZ 76

Abbey, nr, Cardigan. 8pm, £10/£8. Info 01239 621200.

Shakespeare, by the Abbey Shakespeare Players. (Until Sat 4) Ned And The Whale Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

1pm, £8. Info 029 2030 4400.

Kids’ theatre devised by Flossy & Boo. uThe Nightmare Room Grand Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £11.50-£18. Info 01792 475715. Contemporary thriller based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery chiller. Also on at 2.30pm on Sat 4. (Until Sat 4) The Pirates Of Penzance Cardigan Castle. 6pm, £11£16. Info 01239 621200.

Outdoor theatre presented

by Illyria.

The Reluctant Dragon Bryngarw Park, nr Bridgend.

3pm, from £8.50. Info 01656 815995. Outdoor theatre presented by Quantum.

2263510. Comedy Club night, more acts TBC. Morgan & West Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show For Kids (And Childish Grown Ups) Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

2pm, £12.50. Info 01656 815995. uPeter White + Susie McCabe + Danny McLoughlin Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15.95/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink), one more comic TBC on both nights. uThe Snail And The Whale Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 2pm, £12.50/£10.50. Info 0845 2263510. Kids’ show based on a popular book and presented by Tall Stories.

On tomorrow also at 11am and 2pm.

THURSDAY 2 AUGUST uThe Gruffalo’s Child New Theatre, Cardiff. 2 + 4.30pm, £10.50-£14.50.

Info 029 2087 8889. Big hitter kids’ story in its well established stage form.

On at 11am and 2pm from tomorrow until Sun 5. (Until Sun 5) Treasure Of The Neverland Fairy Queens Hall, Narberth. 1.45pm, £15adv. Info 01834 869323.

Family pirate adventure with Billy Turnaround.

SATURDAY 4 AUGUST Modus Operandi St David’s Hall, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£5.

Info 029 2087 8444. Theatre production devised in this venue over the last few days (see Events listing for Wed 1).

Noel James + Jeff Japers Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

8.30pm, £10. Info 029 2030 4400. Welsh comedian. uNos Sadwrn O Hyd Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.45pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464.

Riger Williams’ play about a new relationship, produced in partnership with the LGBT community and Stonewall Cymru. An Eisteddfod show.

(Until Tue 7) Tale Of The Cockatrice Narberth Castle. 2pm, £6. Info 01834 869323.

Family drama presented by Mumblecrust Theatre.

The Merchant Of Venice Abergavenny Castle grounds.

7pm, £13/£11. Info 01873 850805. Open air theatre by Illyria.

FRIDAY 3 AUGUST Duncan Oakley + Keith Carter + Susan Murray Regency Hotel, Saundersfoot.

8pm, £12/£10. Info 01834 869323. Comedy Club night hosted by Span Arts. uHwn Yw Fy Mrawd Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, from £21. Info 029 2063 6464. Eisteddfod show, and also a world premiere of this dramatisation of Paul Robeson’s life. On tomorrow also, think both dates might be sold out however.

Keith Carter Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 8pm, £12. Info 0845

SUNDAY 5 AUGUST uLive Cabaret Market

Street Club, Barry. 8.30pm.

Info 01446 733863. Every Sunday.

Noel James + Paul James + Sarah Bridgeman + Kris Davies Cinema & Co, Swansea. 7pm.

Info 07982 624959. Standup comedy. uSieiloc Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464.

Eisteddfod event, a oneman show by Rhodri Miles looking at the legacy of Shakespeare’s character Shylock. (Until Tue 7) The Pirates Of Penzance Abergavenny Castle grounds.

7pm, £15/£13. Info 01873 850805. Open air theatre by Illyria.

MONDAY 6 AUGUST uAnweledig Portland House, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464.

Wales Millennium Centre and the Eisteddfod present a one-woman show set in the vaults of Portland House, best known as a club venue.

(Until Fri 10) uCyw A’r Gerddorfa Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 1.30 + 3.30pm, £8. Info 029 2063 6464. Kids’ theatre in Welsh and backed by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, as part of the Eisteddfod. On tomorrow also at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, but all performances are sold out. uGair O Gariad Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £12/£10. Info 029 2030 4400.

Welsh language production from Theatr Bara Caws, described as “somewhere between a wedding reception, a wake and a radio dedication show”. Also on at 2.30pm on Wed 8. (Until Fri 10) uMilwr Yn Y Meddyl Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 6pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Eisteddfod event held in Rehearsal Room 3 at this venue and presented by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. It’s a drama about a soldier who returns home to west Wales from war. (Until Fri 10) uMynd A Dod Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Also held in Rehearsal Room 3, this is Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr’s response to a National Eisteddfod commission. Also on Thurs 9.

TUESDAY 7 AUGUST Col Howarth The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff. 8pm, free. Info 029 2064 4952. A night of standup comedy hosted by Crafty Laughs, which is here on the first Tuesday of each month; Col is the host, in fact, with the rest of the bill currently TBC. The Hound Of The Baskervilles Cardigan Castle. 6pm, £9-£13. Info 01239 621200. Outdoor theatre presented by Illyria.

WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST uBred In Heaven 2 Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm,

£15/£12.50. Info 0845 2263510. Follow-up play to a successful rugby-themed original which opened last year; this one finds a group of friends going to the World Cup. Not that one, the rugby one. On at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Sat 11. (Until Sat 11) Stifyn Parri Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.45pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Eisteddfod edition of Welsh showbiz fella’s one-man anecdote show. uThe Greatest Showman Live Cinema Experience Bierkeller, Cardiff. 11am, 3pm + 7.30pm, £16/£8 under-14s.

Info 0845 533 3000. This is a live action screening of the movie about PT Barnum, featuring a cast of live singers and circus acts. On tomorrow also, at 11am and 3pm.

THURSDAY 9 AUGUST uGrease Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil. 6.30pm, £4.50/£3.50. Info 01685 722176. Presented by Ad-Lib Productions. On tomorrow also, at 7pm.

Nolton Comedy Nolton Corner, Bridgend. 7.30pm, free. Info 01656 655015. With standups TBC, every second Thursday of the month.

Steddfod Stifyn Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 8.45pm, £10. Info 029 2063 6464. Cabaret show at the Eisteddfod presented

by Stifyn Parri.

FRIDAY 10 AUGUST uAndrew Bird + Paul McCaffrey + James Sherwood + Cally Beaton Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15.95/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink), with a comic TBC replacing Beaton.

Joon Dance Summer School Performance Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. 7pm, £6/£5 kids.

Info 01646 695267. Amateur theatre show on the theme of ‘tongues’.

Snow White The Neon, Newport. 7pm, £16 adv.

Info 01633 533666. This is a smutty ‘adult’ version of the panto devised by Cattle Productions.

James Dunn.

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST uA Recipe For Sloe Gin World Of Boats, Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £10/£8.

Info www.clocktowertc. co.uk. New play from the Clocktower Theatre Company, set in a fishing village. (Until Sat 18) Boldyn & Tatws Betws Library, Bridgend. 11am + 3pm, free. Info 01656 815995.

Street theatre, except not in the street.

Le Flea (Du Cirque) Gorsedd Park Ystradgynlais.

12, 1.30 + 3pm, £6 per show.

Info 01639 843163.

Slapstick circus theatre presented by Tin Shed.

Pirate Pearl And The Big Blue Monster Bryngarw Park, nr Bridgend. 1pm, £8.50-£10.50. Info 01656 815995. Outdoor kids’ theatre. uSummer Holiday The Musical Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £15-£39. Info 029 2063 6464.

Ray Quinn stars in this adaption of a film chiefly associated with Cliff Richard. Also on at 2.30pm on Thurs 16 and Sat 18. (Until Sat 18) WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST Bacall In The Mind Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 1pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995.

Lunchtime theatre by Katie Bowman, about two actors attempting to emulate the onscreen chemistry of Bacall and Bogart.

Pride & Prejudice Bryngarw Park, nr Bridgend.

7pm, £10.50-£12.50. Info 01656 815995. Outdoor theatre presented by Heartbreak Productions. uTeletubbies Live Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 10am + 2pm, £16 adv/free under 6 months.

Info 01639 763214. On tomorrow also. uThe Rince Cycle Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea.

7.30pm, £12/£10. Info 01792 473238. Swansea Little Theatre with a production based on a Terry Pratchett novel. (Until Sat 18)

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST Hamlet The Globe At Hay, Hay-On-Wye. 7pm, £12. Info 01497 821762. Shakespeare performed by a troupe named Three Inch Fools, who each bring musical instruments to the fray for better or worse.

THURSDAY 16 AUGUST Dolly Chicken Comedy: Fun At The Flute Flute & Tankard, Cardiff. 7.3010.30pm, £6.50/£5 adv. Info dollychickencomedy@gmail. com. Featuring Jeff Japers with support from four more acts TBC, MC Anita Shaw plus house band Molly Katz.

Much Ado About Nothing Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 2 + 6pm, £8-£12. Info 01970 623232. Presentedc by Merely Theatre and taking place in the Summer House.

The Winter’s Tale Lampeter House, nr Narberth. 6pm, £6-£16. Info 01834 869323.

Outdoor Shakespeare presented by The Festival Players Theatre Company.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST Caterpillar Comedy Gwdihw, Cardiff. 8pm, free.

Info 029 2039 7933. Open mic standup night hosted by

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST uClint Edwards + John Fothergill + Anthony J Brown + President Obonjo Glee Club, Cardiff

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST uStreet Magic & Theatre Weekender Barry Island promenade. 12-5pm, free.

Info 01446 704867. OMG Magic presents its team of magicians performing interactive magic on the promenade. On tomorrow also.

Bay. 7pm, £15.95/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink), with a comic TBC replacing Obonjo. Very odd Twitter presence that fella has by the way.

The Midnight Gang Abergavenny Castle. 4pm, £14/£8 kids. Info 01873 854282. Outdoor theatre adaptation by Heartbreak Productions of David Walliams’ children’s book.

First of three productions in the castle grounds here this month. uWhen You Wish Upon A Star Bierkeller, Cardiff.

2-3.30pm, £10/£5 kids/£10 kids VIP. Info 0845 533 3000.

Live Disney singalong, also on Sun 19.

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST Bluestocking Lounge Grand Theatre Arts Wing, Swansea. 8pm, £16. Info 01792 475715. Regular burlesque night’s latest edition, headlined by Lena Mae. H.O.R.S.E Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8pm, £10/£8.

Info 029 2030 4400. A collaboration between Chapter Peilot artist Tim Bromage and Welsh magician Joseph Badman.

SUNDAY 19 AUGUST Howl! Comedy Tramshed Cinema, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £8/£6. Info 029 2023 5555.

Five standup acts on the third Sunday of each month, names currently TBC but hosted by Celya AB. TUESDAY 21 AUGUST DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 2pm, £6.50. Info 01656 815995.

Family show.

Latrice Royale Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 8pm, £15 adv.

Info 0871 4720400. You are never less than six days away from a Drag Race contestant appearing in Cardiff, and here is another promising a night of songs and stories.

WEDNESDAY 22 AUGUST Midnight Gang Bryngarw Park, nr Bridgend. 6pm, from £10.50. Info 01656 815995.

Outdoor theatre based on a David Walliams book.

Proceeds go to the Lord Funt Hospital.

Paw Patrol Motorpoint Arena Cardiff. 10am, 1.30pm + 4.30pm, £17.75-£57. Info 029 2022 4488. Kids’ TV show brought to the big stage. Top price is a meet and greet thing and I’m going to tell your kids about it unless you pay me.

Pride And Prejudice Abergavenny Castle. 7pm, £14/£8 kids. Info 01873 854282. Outdoor theatre adaptation by Heartbreak Productions of the Jane Austen classic.

The Dreamboys Savoy Theatre, Monmouth. 8pm, £27.50. Info 01600 772467.

It is getting more expensive every year to watch oily men do cheesecake stripping and

cause many pairs of hornrimmed spectacles to steam up. In Swansea tomorrow. uThe Truth The Gate, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £9/£7.

Info 029 2048 3344. Terry Pratchett novel adapted here

by Peculiar Productions.

Proceeds will be doncated to Cardiff MIND. (Until Sat 25) THURSDAY 23 AUGUST Dr Dolittle Cardigan Castle.

5pm, £9-£13. Info 01239 621200. Outdoor theatre presented by Illyria.

Juliana St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne, Powys.

8.30-9.45pm, £10-£32. Info 01544 267800. Opera written

by Joseph Phibbs. Presteigne Festival event.

Opera Cocktail Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

7.30pm, £14/£12. Info 01970 623232. OperaUpClose present some of opera’s best loved arias, duets and ensembles in the setting of the Chapel Court here.

BenDeLaCreme Ft. The Housewives Of Cardiff Mary’s, Cardiff. 7pm, £12£30. Info 029 2066 8647. This is hosted by Heidi Wurst and features a big Drag Race name TBC, except they won’t say who it is because they reckon another promoter will poach them.

Revengers Of The Galaxy Queens Hall, Narberth.

1.15pm, £7 adv/£6 kids. Info 01834 869323. Panto which is also a Star Wars spoof.

Roy Chubby Brown Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot. 7.30pm, £26.40 adv.

Info 01639 763214.

The Dreamboys Grand Theatre, Swansea. 7.30pm, £17.50-£27.50. Info 01792 475715.

FRIDAY 24 AUGUST uAdam Bloom + Rhys James + Richard Massara Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15.95/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink), with Rachel Jackson replacing Massara and one more comic TBC on both evenings. uAlfie Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 7.30pm, £12/£10.

Info 01970 623232. Castaway present 1960s-era shagadelic morality play. On tomorrow also, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

BenDeLaCreme Tramshed, Cardiff. 7.30pm, £28.50-£51.

Info 029 2023 5555. Drag Race season 6 fave with her new show, titled Inferno-AGo-Go. Perfect Bridgend Library.

2pm, £4.50. Info 01656 815995. Adaption of a book about a young boy and the birth of his disabled sister.

Tongues Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. 5pm, £3. Info 01874 611622.

Celebratory dance performance following a week of workshops presented by Joon Dance.

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST Cafficadabra Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. 8-10pm, free.

Info 029 2030 4400. Magic in the bar area from Tim

Bromage.

Chris Purchase + Paul James + Mike Reed + Simon Emanuel Welcome to Town, Llanrhidian, Swansea. 8pm, £5 adv. Info 01792 390281. Standup comedy.

This Is Me Gwyn Hall, Neath. 7pm, £12 adv. Info 0300 3656677. Songs from the musicals presented by Stage 8 Productions.

Snakes can predict earthquakes up to five days before they happen and can sense them from 75 miles away.

MONDAY 27 AUGUST Well Thumbed Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, Powys.

4pm, £16. Info 01544 267800.

One-man show by Terry Victor looking at the rude bits of classic literature.

Unsuitable for under-15s according to the organisers, for whom I have some bad news regarding what kids are able to access nowadays.

A hotel in Sweden is built entirely out of ice and has to

TUESDAY 28 AUGUST uEvita Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 7.30pm, £17-£38. Info 029 2063 6464.

Big ballin’ West End show returns to Cardiff. Also on at 2.30pm on Wed 29, Thurs 30 and Sat 1 Sept. (Until Sat 1 Sept) You Might Laugh Open Mic Night Le Public Space, Newport. 8.30pm, pay by donation. Info sam@lepub. co.uk. August’s edition of this comedy night, on here on the last Wednesday of every month.

fields every minute.

THURSDAY 30 AUGUST Freedom Of Movement Theatr Soar, Merthyr Tydfil.

8pm, £10. Info 01685 722176.

The story, set in 1931, of Giacomo, who emigrates from Italy to Merthyr on foot; and the 2018-era exploits of his nephew Luigi. uHouse Magicians The Small Space, Barry.

7.30pm, £20. Info info@ thesmallspace.co.uk. Notably small (only 20 seats!) magiccentred Vale venue. (Until Sat 1 Sept) uMacbeth Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli. 7.30pm, £10. Info 0845 2263510. This version is presented by Boom Productions and is set in the Welsh Valleys during the 1980s. Not sure what this will entail exactly but could be interesting. (Until Sat 1 Sept) FRIDAY 31 AUGUST uSol Bernstein + Michael Fabbri + Gary Meikle Glee Club, Cardiff Bay. 7pm, £15.95/£8 NUS/£23.95 with food. Info 0871 4720400. On tomorrow also (£17.95/£10 NUS/£27.95 with pizza and a drink), with and one more comic TBC this evening and Chris Betts replacing Meikle tomorrow.

The Crooners Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. 7.30pm, £20.50-£23. Info 01656 815995. Big band swingbased musical.

The Importance Of Being Earnest Abergavenny Castle.

7pm, £14/£8 kids. Info 01873 854282. Outdoor Wildean theatre adaptation by The Pantaloons.

be rebuilt every year.

The population of sheep in Wales is four times that of humans.

The rate of deforestation equals the loss of 20 football

A single ant can live for up to 29 years.

There are more trees on Earth than there are stars in the Milky Way. 16.4 million Americans believe that chocolate milk comes from brown cows.

Recycling one glass jar can save enough energy to watch TV for up to three hours.

Not one piece of square paper can be folded more than seven times.

After the Donald Trump Baby blimp touched down, it became a sentient being. It stared deep into the abyss, and promptly farted on Nigel Farage.

A single cloud can weigh more than 1 million pounds.

85% of plant life is found in the ocean.

Snow fell on the Sahara desert for 30 minutes on the 18th February 1979.

40 percent of all bottled water sold around the world is tap water.

(Disclaimer: some of these may not in fact be true)

Are you the friend everyone wants on their pub quiz team? If you’re a general knowledge general and want to be in with a chance of winning a book, film, or CD, then tweet us (@Buzz_Magazine) with your fact and #DidYouKnow.

If your tweet is used in the magazine you win a prize!

BUZZ 77

COMPETITIONS HOW TO WIN: Unless otherwise stated, our competitions are generally shared on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

To enter a competition, keep an eye on our social media channels and click ‘like’ and ‘share’ when published.

Alternatively, email competitions@buzzmag.co.uk with the name of the competition in the subject line and up to two sentences on why you think you should win the competition. The more original you are, the better your chances.

TWO TICKETS TO BETWEEN THE TREES FESTIVAL At Candleston Campsite near Bridgend from Fri 31 Aug-Sun 2 Sept, Between The Trees offers its guests music (folk, Americana, acoustic roots), natural science and art. It is passionate about preserving the natural world of its adjacent Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, promises to serve the best local food and beer, and we’ve got two tickets to give away!

FAMILY TICKETS TO THE BIG CWTCH Martyn Joseph and Into The Ark headline this Carmarthenshire charity affair, dubbed a “magical, feel-good festival of music, food and fun for all the family”.

Now in its fifth year, the 2018 edition of The Big Cwtch is raising money for Ski4All Wales, which enables adults with disabilities to experience skiing as part of their rehabilitation – if this ethos has caught your interest, you could win family tickets to the festival.

TWO TICKETS TO BIANCA DEL RIO AT ST DAVID’S HALL ‘The expert on nothing with an opinion on everything’ is back in the UK after her sell-out 2017 tour. Becoming a wellknown figure after her victory on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with her disarming humour and brash commentary, nobody is safe from being a target of Bianca Del Rio’s wit – win the chance to see for yourself on Thurs 2 Aug.

TWO TICKETS TO FESTIVAL NO. 6 Festival No. 6 truly is the jewel in the crown of Welsh festivals. Located in the coastal town Portmeirion and with a Grade-II-listed, Mediterranean-inspired village as its main stage, its backdrop is as idyllic as its lineup. A strong a reason as any to enter to win two tickets for the festival.

A COPY OF TYLER KEEVIL’S NO GOOD BROTHER Hailed as a portrait of brotherly love and loyalty and an examination of the ties which bind us, Tim Harding is content making a living for himself as a deckhand during Canada’s fishing season until his younger brother tracks him down. Jake is a drifter, a dreamer – and also an ex-con. Keevil pens the events which follow as the brothers travel to the US to repay the debts Jake owes to a notorious gang in the States.

TWO WEEKEND PASSES TO GREEN MAN It’s the biggest music festival in Wales, and one of the biggest in the UK period.

Tickets sold out well in advance, with this year’s lineup as cutting-edge as ever, with The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes and John Grant all appearing.

Our pair of weekend tickets are sure to have any self-respecting music fan salivating.

T & C s : W E D O N O T G I V E P E R M I S S I O N F O R T H E S E C O M P E T I T I O N S T O B E R E P L I C AT E D A N Y W H E R E E L S E

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