The industry predicts that 2023 will be a vintage year for English wine due to the combination of a wet spring and a subsequent heatwave, leading to early flowering vines, abundant bunches and potentially a bountiful harvest, similar to 2018.
Kerry Vale Vineyard continuously monitors grape sugar levels. Once the right balance of sugar and acid is reached, the grapes will be picked, with September 26 expected to be the first day of harvest. To help with the grape harvest visit: www.kerryvalevineyard.co.uk. Vineyard tours are organised every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from May to September. The vineyard, which is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, boasts an award-winning coffee shop that serves homemade food, cakes and wine. There is also a shop where the award-winning wines can be sampled and purchased with other local, artisan produce and gifts.
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Other Voices Cardigan has revealed the next three headline acts to perform in St Mary's Church at this year's festival from October 26-28. Mercury nominees Yard Act, King Creosote and Colm Mac Con Iomaire will join Adwaith, Cerys Hafana, Sans Soucis and Susan O'Neill in the church line-up on Friday and Saturday, with the performances also streamed live online via Other Voices YouTube. The festival is thrilled to welcome one of the most essential British bands of the moment, Mercury Prize nominees Yard Act from Leeds, whose superb debut album, ‘The Overload’, hit No. 2 in the UK Albums Chart last year. Dublin's Colm Mac Con Lomaire is a skilled composer, multi-instrumentalist and violinist whose works have been featured on film scores, TV shows such as 'Blue Planet' and award-winning animation shorts. Colm draws inspiration from the countryside of his home in Wexford and is a founding member of Kila and The Frames. Since the mid-late 1990s, Kenny Anderson's DIY pop alter-ego King Creosote has released more than 100 records and his songs have been covered and performed by artists including Simple Minds and Patti Smith. Cardigan audiences will be treated to tracks from Anderson's latest King Creosote album ‘I DES’. The final Other Voices Cardigan Music Trail line-up has also been announced, with 80 performances taking place across the three days at venues in the town, featuring 40 hand-picked artists from Wales and Ireland. With an extraordinary mix of talent ,across hip-hop, folk, rock, RnB, punk, electronica, grime, soul and everything in between, the final 19 artists are: Alffa, Autumns, Cáit Ní Riain, Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain, Ceitidh Mac, Dionne Bennett, Edie Bens, Gallops, Gráinne Hunt, Lowri Evans, Malaki, Mari Mathias, MissFaithee, Natasha Watts, Simon Whitehead, Sywel Nyw, Teddy Hunter, THUMPER and TRAMP. Formed by the talented duo of Dion Jones (guitar) and Siôn Land (drums), Alffa is a Welsh rock sensation known for their electrifying live performances and raw energy. TRAMP are a constantly evolving alt-indie rock band, based in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone in the North West of Ireland, who cite Tool, Dander, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sinead O'Connor and CMAT amongst their influences. From Wrexham, Gallops are an alternative instrumental trio presenting a mixed bag of sound and noise consisting of harsh electronic, sparse post-rock, jagged guitars and raucous percussion. It's a big weekend for Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Dublin’s Aoife Ní Bhriain, who met through Other Voices in lockdown and now celebrate the launch of their Irish-Welsh lovechild debut album ‘Double You’ on October 27. One of Ireland's most prolific young talents, Malaki burst onto the scene in 2019 with the powerful spoken-word epic ‘Call Us By Our Names’ and the Dubliner has been steadily carving out his place in hip-hop ever since. With a line-up of two drummers and four guitarists, THUMPER's maximalist wall of sound has long since set them apart in the booming Dublin music scene and has them "punching like heavyweights alongside Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital", according to Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6. Back to Wales, R&B singer-songwriter MissFaithee creates soulful music based on personal experiences. Sywel Nyw is the brainchild of musician, multi-instrumentalist, and electronic producer Lewys Wyn, whose recent release ‘Deuddeg’ featured an enviable list of Welsh artists. He has produced music for Dionne Bennett, a Welsh-Jamaican vocalist whose Afro/Caribbean cultural influences are woven into her vocals and who also features on this year's trail. Teddy Hunter, a Cardiff-based musician and songwriter, works in alternative music and immersive audio, her music taking its root in sonic arts, the environment and gentle, immersive ambience. Mari Mathias conjours a mystical creativity inspired by the folk tales and traditional songs of West Wales and Pembrokeshire. Her debut album 'Annwn' is described as an alternative folk sound. A Welsh-born Tynesider, Ceitidh Mac is an alt.folk cellist/singer with a progressive twist to her music - indie-folk infused with a smoky style, lo-fi studio sound and a contemporary electronic edge - and a BBC Introducing tip for 2022. Swansea-born Edie Bens blends folk and country influences with the momentum of grand pop hits and the honesty and twists of singer-songwriters. Gráinne Hunt is a contemporary folk singer and songwriter raised in Monaghan and based in Kildare, Ireland. With consistently on-point, captivating vocals and well-honed, insightful songs, Gráinne has been described by Declan O'Rourke as 'a natural performer, with an astounding voice that will melt your heart.' Kerry native, trad singer and musician Cáit Ní Riain brings potent songs for healing heads and hearts and Autumns is the solo project of Derry's Christian Donaghey, an outlet for electronic post-punk with a lethal pulse. Completing this year's line-up from closer to home are Llangrannog-based Natasha Watts, a leading light in the international soul and funk scene, Abercych artist Simon Whitehead, who brings his watery experimental sound installation ‘Dulais’ to Cardigan gallery Canfas, and Pembrokeshire folk/Americana singer-songwriter Lowri Evans who joins the music trail for the first time. They join the previously announced artists from Wales, Angharad, Climbing Trees, Dead Method, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, HMS Morris, Mace The Great, Mali Hâf, MELLT, Minas, Samana, Tara Bandito, and, from Ireland, amy michelle, Chalk, Fia Moon, Joshua Burnside, Lemoncello, Les SalAmandas, Mount Palomar, Scustin, Seba Safe and Uly. The festival will be hosted by Welsh TV and radio presenter Huw Stephens and presented in partnership between South Wind Blows, Mwldan and Triongl. Sitting alongside the live music programme, the Clebran discussions and performances at Mwldan will bring together broad and compelling voices to consider the flowing tides of past, present and future. First Minister Mark Drakeford joins the event alongside poets, musicians, journalists, playwrights, activists, authors and historians. Early booking weekend wristbands, giving access to the festival events, are available now priced at £25, rising to £35 on October 1. Full details on line up and tickets are available at Othervoices.ie Other Voices Cardigan is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl and made possible thanks to support and investment from Welsh Government and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The third Mid Wales Autumn Fayre returns to the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells on October 7 and 8 with a packed programme of attractions for all the family. The popular event, with headline sponsor Cambrian Training Company, is a celebration of Welsh artisan food and drink, arts and crafts and culinary skills. Mid Wales Autumn Fayre also combines a large truck showcase from many of the major haulage companies across Wales, together with classic tractors, cars and motorcycles. The organisers are keen to hear from owners of lorries, classic tractors, cars and motorcycles who would also like to participate. The best in each class voted by fayre visitors will win a meal for two at Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen, Llanidloes. To book a space or to receive more information about the event, contact midwalesfayres@gmail.com or call 07779 012019. Early Bird tickets can be booked online at www.midwalesautumnfayre.co.uk for £6 for one day or £12 for the weekend. All Early Bird ticket holders will be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of products from the artisan food and drink producers Entry at the gate will be £8 and children aged 12 years and under and carers accompanied by a paying disabled adult have free entry. All dogs must be kept on leads. The event, which has free car parking, opens at 10am on Saturday and Sunday and will remain open until late for those who wish to stay and watch Rugby World Cup matches. Free camping may also be booked in advance by those wishing to stay for the weekend by emailing the midwalesfayres@gmail.com. Electric points will be charged at cost - £50 per connection. Attractions include more than 40 Welsh artisan food and drink stalls, cooking demonstrations by some of Wales’ top chefs, 40 arts and crafts exhibitors, street food and artisan beers. There will also be a Rugby World Cup Fan Zone to coincide with matches in France, a Kid’s Zone featuring Andrew Holmes Fun Fair; have a go archery with Radnor Scouts; Emma’s donkey rides and remote control cars. Training officers from Cambrian Training Company will be running a Careers Zone over the weekend to provide information about the range of apprenticeships available to those starting or wishing to upskill and develop their careers. The Mid Wales Autumn Fayre supports the Welsh economy by promoting the country’s high quality artisan food and drinks companies and arts and crafts producers. The organisers hope to attract more than 5,000 visitors, providing an autumn boost to the Mid Wales tourism and hospitality industry. “It’s going to be a great weekend for Welsh food and drink, arts and crafts and everyone interested in lorries and classic tractors, cars and motorcycles,” said Andrew Powell, one of the organisers. Arwyn Watkins, OBE, Cambrian Training Company’s executive chairman, said: “We see the Mid Wales Autumn Fayre as a market place for food, crafts and skills and an opportunity for a fun family day out. “The event also creates an ideal environment for parents to have a conversation with their children about career opportunities, especially within the food and drink and hospitality sectors within Wales.” An impressive line-up of lorries from A. E. Gough and Sons, Llandrindod Wells at last year’s event. The challenging Devil’s Staircase awaits runners on Saturday. Do you have what it takes to conquer the challenging Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race this weekend? The race, which covers around 31 miles with a total ascent and descent of about 4,700ft, takes place on Saturday, September 16 and entries will be accepted on the day. Postponed on April 1 when heavy rain made a river crossing along the route dangerous, the race starts and finishes at the Neuadd Arms in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells. Reputedly the smallest town in Britain, Llanwrtyd Wells is home to some of the world’s most wacky and wonderful outdoor activities. Held for the first time last year, following a delay caused by the pandemic, the Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race is designed to test endurance and stamina. The route combines a mixture of tarmacadam road, forest tracks, bogland, farmland, river crossings and the hellishly steep 25% ascent of the iconic Devil's Staircase. Local landmarks along the route include St David's Church which dates to the 12th century, an old drovers road to the Abergwesyn Valley, the Devil's Staircase, Soar y Mynydd Church, built in around 1822 and claimed to be the remotest chapel in Wales and Llyn Brianne Dam. The course will be marshalled and waymarked with water points and two feed stations providing cold and hot drinks, bananas, biscuits and sweets. Waiting at the finish will be Welsh cawl and a vegetarian alternative. Each runner will receive a unique devil medal and there will be prizes for the first three male and female runners. The entry fee is £45 and commemorative technical t-shirts, in a variety of sizes, can be ordered at time of entry for an additional £15. The race is sponsored by Welshpool-based Get Jerky snacks manufacturer Trailhead Fine Foods, whose executive chairman Arwyn Watkins, OBE, was brought up in the shadow of the Devil’s Staircase and his family still farms there. The award-winning Get Jerky snacks are made from Welsh Beef and venison jerky. Gluten free and available in eight flavours - three of which are Great Taste award-winners - Get Jerky is a healthy, high protein snack for all ages, which provides an energy boost when you need it, especially when playing sports. Get Jerky is available to buy online at www.getjerky.wales or in farm shops and other quality food retailers across the UK. Trailhead Fine Foods also the headline sponsor of the Get Jerky Rally North Wales based in Welshpool and sponsors junior playing strips for COBRA Rugby Club, based in Meifod. The company supports sports and events for young people and adults that benefit the Mid Wales tourism economy and encourage a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, leadership, competition and discipline. Llanwrtyd Wells has developed a reputation for organising a series of off the wall outdoor activities since 1980 under the leadership of Green Events. Thousands of visitors enjoy annual events such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Whole Earth Man versus Horse race and the World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing Championship. . The other events planned for the rest of this year include an International Four Day Walking Festival from September 20-23, the Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon to raise funds for research into MND on October 22, the Real Ale Wobble, a non-competitive event for mountainbikers through local forestry and other trails, on November 18, the Real Ale Ramble, comprising gentle walks through the surrounding countryside, on November 25 and 26 and the Mari Lwyd New Year Walk on December 31. Green Events is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation representing around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Responding to tourism figures published today, the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, said:
"Figures published today give a picture of overnight stays to Wales from the UK domestic market – which is Wales main source of visitors. "It is excellent news that between April to December 2021 and 2022 there was an increase of 13% in volume of trips taken in Wales and an increase of 35% in spend in the same period in 2022. There has been an increase in spend per trip across all GB nations which will of course partly driven by higher costs. "In addition, the estimates for January to March 2023 are also looking hopeful. The estimated figures show that 1.74 million trips were taken and £341 million spent in Wales for the first 3 months of 2023 by visitors from the UK staying overnight in Wales. "It’s positive that compared to January to March in 2022, it is estimated that the volume of trips taken in Wales in 2023 is 4% higher, whilst expenditure was 35% higher. "It is encouraging to see these results and we hope that the positive trend continues. "Domestic overnight visitors have always played a very important role in the Welsh visitor economy with over 90% of visitors coming from within Wales and the rest of UK. "Visit Wales is committed to agile marketing, informed by consumer insights and highlighting Wales’ unique culture, landscapes and adventure offer. This year that includes taking opportunities internationally to capitalise on the increased awareness of Wrexham and by default Wales, as well as domestically, showcasing the depth and breadth of experiences on offer to both visitors and residents of Wales. " Organisers of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal have raised more than £95,000 in three months following generous donations from supporters.
A substantial donation from an anonymous family company has been added to online donations, cheques and cash in collecting buckets to boost the £250,000 appeal. The company is hoping other businesses will follow its lead. Appeal chairman Michael Limbrey said: “There are only two miles of dry canal left in Shropshire and volunteers of the Shropshire Union Canal Society have already started to restore the next half mile. “The last section was restored with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The appeal we launched in June will provide the experienced work parties with vital materials and equipment. Without public donations, the volunteers may have to stop. “We are particularly delighted that a private company has given £25,000 to the appeal in the hope that other businesses will follow its example.” A representative for the company, which wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We have been so impressed by the work of the volunteers in the restoration to date. We welcome the huge benefits which restoration will bring to the community in terms of economic regeneration, wellbeing - both physical and mental health - towpath use and improvements to the built and natural world heritage. “This donation is coming from our Corporate Social Responsibility budget and we hope other companies will follow our lead.” Mr Limbrey added: “In Powys, the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund is supporting an amazing programme of works which will bring nearer the day when the canal is fully open from Welshpool to the Shropshire border at Llanymynech. “There will be new bridges, a revived canal channel and new nature reserves to safeguard valuable wildlife. But that still leaves the Shropshire Gap, those two miles of derelict canal. “Donations to the appeal have been from £5 to £1,000 and many donors have added Gift Aid which makes a welcome 25% increase in the value of the gift. These donations show how much local communities and supporters across the country value the Montgomery Canal as a special part of the canal network. “The reopened canal through the borderlands of Shropshire and Mid Wales will be a great amenity for recreation and conservation which can help to make this a more attractive area to visit, live and work.” Donations can be made online at https://localgiving.org/appeal/MontgomeryCanal or can be sent to Restore the Montgomery Canal!, Tixall Lodge, Stafford ST18 0XS. Come along to a Visit Wales industry roadshow in your region this autumn, to hear from the team and meet fellow industry colleagues.
Visit Wales will be updating on marketing and development, including research and insights. There will also be news from Event Wales and a chance to hear from your Regional Forum chair. We’re also delighted that we will have a tourism industry guest speaker specific to each region as part of the programme. There will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A as well as a chance to enjoy great networking opportunities and learn about the latest support available from Visit Wales and other key organisations within our trade stand area. And, for those who have a particular interest in events, or want to find out more about Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) - the platform that links UK tourism booking systems or own inventory with a global network of distributors - there will be an opportunity to stay on that afternoon for a detailed session. " Find out more information and book your place at the roadshow here: Business Wales Events Finder - Visit Wales Industry Roadshows - autumn 2023, Events (business-events.org.uk)
Apart from meeting Haribo, Sophie introduced Ophelia to Think Like a Pony training techniques. “For children like Ophelia, who are generally quite anxious, Sophie’s work is really empowering and uplifting,” said Angela.
“We had a fabulous weekend in Wales training with the wonderful Sophie, learning natural horsemanship techniques. This feels like the part of our journey that was missing and now we have a training programme that will help us fill in the gaps. “Sophie is an incredible instructor and not only has she taught us about the horses, but also about ourselves. “We stayed at the lovely Brandy House Farm which is the most beautiful horse and dog friendly place in Mid Wales. We can’t wait to return with our ponies and fully experience all they have to offer.” Sophie takes ponies that have had behavioural problems and then rehabilitates, re-trains and re-homes them. “Usually, ponies stay with us for around three months, and while Haribo won’t be leaving us any time soon due to the extent of his behavioural issues, he will be rehomed with a family,” explained Sophie. “While we love Haribo and have contemplated keeping him, his connection with one of the children he has made friends with makes us realise he needs and deserves a person of his own to love and care for him. “How proud I was to see little Haribo now using his newfound confidence and skills to help someone else to develop theirs.” Medina Brock, from Brandy House Farm - www.brandyhousefarm.co.uk - said: “Haribo came to Brandy House Farm for rehabilitation with Sophie Hildreth as a small, terrified pony with huge courage and he has captured the hearts of thousands. “Literally, he has a huge social media following with fans from all over the world. It has been an honour to witness Haribo’s journey first hand. He is now much more confident and trusting, so much so that he has been able to make friends with and connect with the children he meets.” Presentations at last year’s Innovation & Diversification Wales event. Farming Connect has announced speakers from across television and social media sectors for this year's Innovation & Diversification Wales event. The event takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on Thursday, September 21. Key speakers include farmer and social media influencer Ioan Humphries aka @that_Welsh_farmer, Dilwyn Evans, the Clarkson’s Farm veterinarian and Mandy Watkins, the face of interior design on S4C. A representative from Welsh Government will also provide information on the latest schemes, funding and support available to the industry. Held for the first time in 2019, the Innovation & Diversification Wales event took a break due to the pandemic before returning stronger than ever in 2022, when it attracted more than 1,000 visitors, 90 exhibitors and a host of recognisable faces, including social media sensation, Tom Pemberton. The 2023 event is looking to attract even more farm and forestry businesses which are looking to access the support, information, ideas and new technologies available to help stimulate innovation and diversification within the industry. Support, guidance, training and practical demonstrations will prepare farming businesses for the future. Eirwen Williams, Menter a Busnes’ director of rural programmes, has the exciting task of building on the success of previous events. “We were so thrilled to have such positive feedback from our previous events and we want to make sure that 2023 is even better,” she said. “The event offers those looking to innovate and diversify a chance to speak to those who have already taken the diversification leap whilst also making valuable contacts within the industry to help them on their own diversification journey.” Billed as an event to inspire, motivate and circulate, with networking and making new contacts cited as two of the key benefits, this year’s event promises to be a day no Welsh farmer will want to miss. There are a few exhibitor places still available to showcase a product or service, or to promote an organisation at event. To book exhibitor space or to attend the event, register for free at the Farming Connect website www.gov.wales/farmingconnect .
“The estate includes a National Nature Reserve and we’re working towards being plastic free, so giant knitted cobwebs are ideal.
“If you fancy having a go at creating your own cobwebs for the trail, there are plenty of great ideas on YouTube and they are fun to make. Just drop them in to the café and we can include them in our spooky trail.” There is no need to book in advance, but Lydia advises visitors to keep an eye on the weather and to remember their wellies. She says there will be lots of surprises along the route including plenty of pumpkins and face painting in the Painting Shed alongside Gregynog’s lily pond. It costs £2.50 to park at Gregynog, with the money going towards keeping the hall’s 750 acres of grounds open to everyone all year round. Run by a charitable trust, Gregynog’s events programme, café and weddings all help to support the maintenance of the picturesque historic house and estate. For more detail see www.gregynog.org. Gregynog Hall is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent organisation with 600 tourism and hospitality business members across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. |
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