Language, Literature & Animation

Get a taste of a “poetry stomp” and hear modern day heroes of poetry in Wales including our national poet and Children’s Poet Laureate. Learn some useful Welsh vocabulary, watch a master printer from historic Gregynog Press in action and have a go at creating stories through animation.

Industry, Heritage & Innovation

A former miner will talk about our coal heritage while renewable energy experts from the Centre for Alternative Technology will demonstrate the future of energy in Wales, including solar, wind and hydroelectric power. There will also be demonstrations from skilled craftsmen representing the slate and iron industries of Wales.

Building & landscapes

A small timber framed house will be the staging ground for the demonstration of lime mortars, sheep’s wool insulation and slate roofing. Or take a look around Coed Cymru's contemporary and sustainable pre-fab house - the Ty Unnos.

Ecotourism & Pastimes

Outdoor's experts will demonstrate the equipment and skills of adventure activities including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and coasteering (a sport that combines rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming). Look out for our rugby club where we'll be playing our national sport.

Homes & Community

Award-winning chefs will be promoting the use of fresh and local ingredients in our food demonstrations while Welsh home traditions will be on show around a large kitchen table.  Help the chefs prepare ingredients and try crafts like felting with wool and making a basket from plants found in hedgerows.

Medicinal plant experts will talk about new research into the healing powers of plants such as our national flower, the daffodil, which is being used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Along the Water 

Hear about salmon and mussel fishing as well as boat restoration and recreational sailing. Coracle maker Karl Chattington will share with visitors the traditional craft of making these small walnut-shaped boats which can be carried on fisherman’s shoulders.

Music & Dance

The Welsh National Opera, folk choir Parti Cut Lloi, fiddlers, harpists, folk groups and singer-songwriters will all be performing throughout the festival. You can join in the singing at workshops led by the Welsh National Opera’s outreach group in week one, and the popular men’s choir group, Only Men Aloud!, will perform during week two of the Festival.

Wales & the World 

Find out how Wales has influenced the world and some unexpected Welsh connections.  The National Library of Wales will also be on hand to help you trace your Welsh roots.

There will also be a narrative stage, a ‘pub’ stage and main stage.