26/7/2010

With the long summer holidays ahead, keeping children - and older members of the family - occupied can be a challenge, but with a host of festivals and events the Valleys is the place to spend the sunny weeks ahead.

Whether it’s open air activities, food, music or culture you’re into, the Valleys has something to entertain everyone.

The National Eisteddfod

The biggest festival of them all, the 2010 National Eisteddfod will be held in Ebbw Vale from 31 July to 7 August, with an eclectic mixture of culture, visual arts, poetry, dance, literature and activities for all ages across the week. As the focal point for The Valleys’ summer for locals and tourists alike and with the opening concert with Only Men Aloud and the newly formed Only Boys Aloud it couldn’t get much better. Traditional Eisteddfod-goers can also take the opportunity to visit the wider area and learn a bit about an area less-visited by the Eisteddfod in recent times.

After the festival leaves town the Eisteddod’s Pink Pavillion is being put to excellent use with a Will Young concert at on August 8th. There are limited tickets still available for the concert.

Festival Frenzy

There are festivals aplenty in the Valleys this year, with a big emphasis on music. Pontardawe Festival is just one of these from August 20 – 22.

Foodies may prefer The Big Welsh Bite in Pontypridd from 30th July – August 1st a food and farming event not to be missed.

The Margam Festival (July 4th – 30th) has something for everyone, from family fun at the Aberavon Beach Festival to music, dancing and drama.


Family days out

Keeping the kids entertained has never been easier with all the events going on in the Valleys this summer. Join in a teddy bears picnic at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre (Aug 22) or opt for all-round fun at Porthcawl’s Fun in the Sun event from August 26-30th. The Blackwood Kite Night at the Bedwellty Showground on August 21st will see giant kites being flown on the eve of the Bedwellty Agricultural Show Aug 22nd.

History Hunters

The Valleys’ rich history is waiting to be discovered right across the area. Learn about the area’s industrial past during Miners’ Fortnight at Big Pit from July 24th – 30th or go back further in time at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nelson by taking part in the King’s Weekend on August 7th and 8th. Combine history with music every Sunday at Big Pit during August, when there’ll be music on the patio.

Get back to nature

Despite their industrial past, the Valleys have an abundance of quiet spots where you can appreciate the beauty of the area. There are plenty of opportunities to get back to nature this summer with an evening bat walk at Cwmcarn Visitor Centre or the Wales Valleys Walking Festival right across the Valleys from Sept 4th – 19th.

Sportsmania

Sport fans have an abundance of events to choose from this summer. Enjoy the triple whammy of Triathlon with the UK Championships being held at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar on July 24th, and the The Cymer Afan Off-Road Triathlon in Port Talbot on August 7th. A day at the races provides some thing for everyone with a fun day at Ffos Las Racecourse on August 25th and Ladies Day on the 27th.


A three year campaign, The Valleys – Heart and Soul, is aiming to change perceptions, attract more tourists and bring long-term economic benefits to the area. A major regeneration project has also been undertaken in the Valleys with a total investment of £42 million and the area is becoming a flourishing tourism destination, waiting to be explored.

Speaking about Tourism opportunities within the Valleys, the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said: “Regeneration is about making the most of what an area has to offer, whether that is its natural resources, its people or its heritage.

"Tourism is an ideal way to capitalise on all of these things, as facilities born out of regeneration projects can often become attractions for tourists and local visitors alike.

“The Eisteddfod might be a new experience for the people of Blaenau Gwent this year, but in the same way, Blaenau Gwent could also be a new experience for Eisteddfod-goers so there is huge potential for the area to show exactly what it has to offer.

“We often take for granted what is on our doorstep but there is for everybody in Wales to make the most of what is available in their area this Summer and enjoy a great day out as well as making a positive contribution to their local economies and communities.”