Newtown Summer ShareFest will bring together local organisations at the Town Hall Grounds on Saturday, June 15 for an afternoon of swapping, sustainability and fun.
 
Visitors will be able to enjoy free activities, share folk music, have their faces painted, meet local organisations and learn more about what is going on locally. 
 
This festival is part of the annual nationwide Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
 
Open Energy will be running a Swapping Station where people can take their clean clothes, including those worn by children and babies, toys, books, art pieces and plants and swap them for something.
 
This is a free event and visitors will be given tokens in exchange for their items which they can then swap. People who don’t have clothes to exchange can also earn tokens by joining a litter pick by Newtown Town Council and Keep Wales Tidy on the day.
 
Visitors are being invited to take their own picnics and blankets and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Newtown Food Surplus will be hosting a Food Share with donations  welcome.
 
Newtown Food Surplus aims to stop food from entering landfill and to reduce food poverty. It’s not a foodbank and everyone is welcome to share in the surplus food they collect. 
 
Food shares are every Monday and Friday at the Jubilee Scout Hall, Newtown from 10:30am to 11:30am.
 
Musicians are being invited to bring an instrument and share traditional tunes at a Folk Session.
 
Keep Wales Tidy is collaborating with Open Energy and other partners to host Newtown Summer ShareFest. A range of activities and workshops will be themed around upcycling and skill-sharing.
 
Activities include making a nature notepad, Bike to the Future’s bike library and repairs, learning how to make a non-electric slow cooker, upcycling T-shirts and more. 
 
Bike to the Future is inviting cyclists to bring their bikes for a free triage repair service, bike fault and repair diagnosis and a Bigger Bike Library.
 
Art by K Fitch is inviting children to have a go at making their own book using natural materials and handmade paper before identifying local plants and wildlife.
 
Sylvie from Sewn4u.uk will run a series of upcycling workshops using worn out garments and fabric scraps. She will demonstrate how to make reusable panty liners from old duvet covers, turn old curtains into drawstring bags and make a non-electric slow cooker which will be donated at the end of the event.
 
These activities provide an opportunity to learn how to use a sewing machine. 
 
Trefeglwys-refills offers affordable refills for personal care and household products with a free door-to-door delivery service in the Newtown to Llanidloes area. Visitors to the ShareFest will be able to get more information from the company’s stall.
 
Oriel Davies Gallery will be running ‘Art Cupboard Treasure’ workshops with artist Ezma Zhao throughout the day.
 
The workshops include badge making with recycled paper collage, collaboration on a community picnic blanket with recycled threads and fleece, making an art pack to take home and swapping art materials.
 
Visitors can also join Cultivate activities including a Carbon Top Trumps game, bee’s wax wraps and Our Planet - looking at carbon in the food system.
​
For more information about what you can bring to the event please visit:  https://greatbiggreenweek.com/events/newtowns-summer-sharefest/ 

Last weekend’s 12th Montgomery Canal Triathlon has been declared a success, having attracted 175 entrants from across Britain and as far away as France and Holland.
 
The entrants covered the 27 miles from Newtown to Crickheath, near Oswestry by cycle, canoe and on foot, with most of them attempting all three sections.
 
The event is organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal to raise money for the restoration of the canal and is supported by the Canal & River Trust.
 
Councillor Mike Childs, deputy mayor of Newtown, set the entrants on their way on bicycles and they changed to canoes near Whitehouse Bridge, Welshpool, with permission form Powis Estates.
 
After paddling through the centre of Welshpool, they left their canoes at Pool Quay ready for the final nine-and-a-half mile walk across the border at Llanymynech to the finish at Schoolhouse Bridge, the newest structure on the canal.
 
Christine Palin, Friends of the Montgomery Canal chairman, said: “So many people come back to the Montgomery Canal Triathlon year after year because it is such a friendly event.
 
“It is an endurance event rather than a race and many people take much of the day to complete it, some over eight hours. Others, however, want to better their previous times and arrive at the finish just over three hours from the start.
 
“The triathlon raises funds for the restoration and it is a great advertisement for the area too. It takes many months for our volunteer team to set up the event and we call on 100 supporters who enjoy it as much as those taking part.
 
“We are always glad of more help and anyone who would like to support the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and the triathlon can contact us through our website www.TheMontgomeryCanal.org.uk.”
 
Michael Limbrey, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust chairman, said: “It has been great to see so many people enjoying the canal again this year. The restored Montgomery Canal is a unique cross-border linear attraction for wildlife, history and recreation and well-being.
 
“Restoration concentrates on the canal’s ecology and history. At the same time, bridge improvements will make road crossings safer for walkers and cyclists and coming months will see more works under the UK Government Levelling-Up Fund.
 
“Two blocked bridges near Carreghofa will be rebuilt and new nature reserves will be created to enhance the canal’s ecology. In Shropshire, the new Schoolhouse Bridge, the finish for this year’s triathlon, has been a project led by canal volunteers to remove the final highway obstruction in the county.
 
“Volunteers are now working to restore the channel to the bridge, assisted by our Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal which is always glad to receive donations at https://localgiving.org/appeal/restorethemontgomerycanal/ .
 
“So many places along the revived Montgomery Canal are worth a visit. It has been fun to show them to this year’s triathlon entrants and we hope they will come back to join us again next year.”
 
The organisers thanked Montgomery Waters, Morrisons and Tesco who donated refreshments, volunteers from Welshpool Towpath Taskforce, TRAMPS, who helped prepare for the event and Hire a Canoe of Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, who provided canoes for many of the entrants for the first time.

The oldest surviving Corris Railway steam locomotive will be joining the newest at the Mid Wales narrow gauge line during June.
 
The 1878 built number 3 “Sir Haydn” is visiting from Talyllyn Railway, where it has been based since 1951, following the closure of the original Corris line. Sir Haydn will be in action alongside number 10, which was completed last year.
 
Despite the 145-year gap between the construction of the two engines, visitors will see that the pair are of the same design. Number 3 is the remaining member of the original trio of locomotives that brought steam trains to the Dulas Valley for the first time.
 
Number 10 is part of the modern day Corris revival which aims to evoke the finest years of the original railway in the latter years of the 19th century and early part of the 20th.
 
The revived railway had another steam locomotive, number 7 - a new member of a class that first appeared on the line in 1921 - completed in 2005. Passengers today travel on the round trip between Corris station and Maespoeth Junction in volunteer built carriages that follow the design of their Victorian era predecessors, while meeting modern day safety standards.
 
Numbers 3 and 10 are planned to be in action on regular service trains on June 8, 16, 22 and 29. A Gala Day on June 15 will see a more intensive train service, with number 7 also in steam.
 
It is believed that the last time two, let alone three, locomotives were seen in steam on the Corris was over a century ago.
 
Visitors will also be able to look around the workshops at Maespoeth Junction and visit the Museum at Corris Station, from which it is a short walk to the village cafe or the Slaters Arms.
 
For many years, the Slaters Arms had its beer supplies delivered by railway, with the barrels being rolled across the road from the train to the pub’s cellars.
 
Advance tickets can be purchased via www.corris.co.uk.

Music lovers are in for a feast of fabulous performances at Gregynog Hall near Newtown this June as the historic house gets ready to host a sensational series of musical events!
 
The concerts are part of the Gregynog’s growing cultural programme celebrating the hall’s history as one of the most significant arts and music venues in Wales throughout the early 20th century.
 
June’s musical extravaganza begins on Sunday, June 2at 3pm with Gregynog Young Musician’s Summer concert in the beautiful Music Room. The afternoon will feature performances by world renowned harpist Ieuan Jones as well as the Official Royal Harpist Alis Huws.
 
Last year’s Gregynog Young Musician of the year winner, cellist Ivan Cherednichenko, will also be performing, as will Hafren Youth Strings, a newly formed group of young string players from North Powys.
 
Tickets costing £20, including afternoon tea, can be bought from [email protected] .
 
On Friday, June 7, Gregynog welcomes local legend Dai Rob for an evening of pies and pints. Dai’s blend of chilled out tunes are perfect for a summer evening. Booking details on Gregynog’s website.
 
On Saturday, June 8, The Music Room will be hosting an unforgettable evening of beautiful music with renowned Welsh pianist Llŷr Williams. He will perform Beethoven’s Sonata op 31 no 2 The Tempest at the start of the concert and Sonata op 53 Waldstein to close.
 
Llŷr will be joined by violinist Ezo Sarici, who will perform a solo piece by contemporary composer Huw Watkins.
The concert is a fundraising performance for the Council for the Protection of Rural Wales. Llŷr Williams is CPRW’s countryside champion and shares its vision and passion for protecting and conserving Wales’ beautiful landscapes.
 
On June 10, Gregynog’s resident orchestra Sinfonia Cymru return for a week of
rehearsals with two free public performances.
 
Sinfonia Cymru is known as Wales’s most dynamic and exciting orchestra, always breaking the mould, taking audiences to new places and showcasing some of the best under 30s musicians in the UK
 
The week-long residency in Powys is part of a long-standing partnership between Gregynog and Sinfonia Cymru which celebrates the hall’s incredible history as a venue for classical concerts.
 
This June and July, the orchestra is collaborating with acclaimed musicians and climate activists Simmy Singh (violin), Will Pound (harmonica) and Delia Stevens (percussion) on a new tour named Regenerate: Seasons for Change, a ground-breaking project using music as a catalyst to discuss the future of the planet.
 
Caroline Tress, Sinfonia Cymru chief executive, said: “We’re passionate about supporting young musicians in every way possible. In this project we’re proud to provide the next generation of incredible musicians with a stage to explore the climate crisis and the future of our planet.
 
“We’re grateful to Gregynog Hall for supporting this project and we are excited to rehearse in their stunningly beautiful green spaces. We can’t wait to share our music and inspire important discussions with audiences across Wales.”
 
There will be a free but ticketed open rehearsal of Regenerate: Seasons for Change in Gregynog on Thursday, June 13 from 6pm to 7.30pm. Tickets for concerts and the rehearsal at Gregynog are now on sale and available at: https://sinfonia.cymru/programme .
 
The final event of the week will be a free, 50-minute concert with Sinfonia Cymru at 11am on Saturday, June 15. In this performance, the musicians have put together pieces with a mix of musical styles – something for everyone and a chance to chat with the musicians after the concert.
 
Gregynog's performers will be Alis Huws, Official Royal Harpist to King Charles II, flautist Mina Middleton and Ben Tarlton on cello. The performance is free and everyone is welcome but a ticket is required. Details on Gregynog’s website
 
Gregynog is looking forward to announcing its new cultural programme soon with support from Powys County Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
 
The new programme will run from June to November this year and offer something for everyone, from folk concerts to free chamber music performances and art classes for local schools.
 
Lydia Bassett, Gregynog’s business development director, said: “We are so excited to be one of the organisations selected for support through the Levelling Up budgets. We will be able to share our programme very soon as we are making exciting plans with our partner organisations.
 
“The Davies Sisters’ vision for Gregynog was as a centre for art and music for all the people of Wales. Great composers like Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Holst performed here and the Music Room was once host to one of the greatest collections of Impressionist art, including Monet’s Water Lilies.
 
“We want to share the history and culture of Gregynog as widely as we can so we are working on an exciting new programme of affordable events which will offer something for everyone to enjoy.”

Thousands gathered to enjoy a sunny, fun-filled couple of days at the Royal Welsh Smallholding and Countryside Festival in Llanelwedd at the weekend.
 
The two-day event celebrates the many aspects of rural life, showcasing the real diversity of the Welsh countryside and proved to be a great attraction for young families, dog-lovers, smallholders and gardeners.
 
A centrepiece of the event, the Smallholders Centre, provided opportunities for visitors to benefit from a wide variety of information. Smallholding farmers were able to learn about all sorts of interesting activities, including talks on getting started with their farming journey, workshops on making cheese and soap from goat's milk, beekeeping and no-dig gardening demonstrations.
 
There was plenty on offer for gardeners and horticulturalists as Farming Connect Horticulture took over the Members Centre for the Growers Market, giving growers the opportunity to showcase and sell their products over the two days.
 
The festival is always filled with exciting entertainment and this year was no exception. From woodchopping and forestry competitions to the Medieval Re-enactment Camp, there was a wealth of different rural crafts on display.
 
The Country Life Area was bustling with have-a-go activities, such as the children’s cycling course, small breeds petting farm, circus skills from the Panic Family Circus, donkey rides with Emma’s Donkeys Llanidloes, the Swansea Beekeepers Experience, and a fun fair.
 
The event is great for dog lovers, with hundreds of dogs competing to qualify for Crufts 2025 at the Premier Open Dog Show and the fun novelty dog show hosted by this year’s Royal Welsh Show feature county of Ceredigion.
 
Many children enjoyed the activities and facilities on offer at Play Radnor, whose aim is to enhance the development and well-being of children by providing quality play provision and raising awareness of the importance of play.
 
Attracting competitors and smallholders from near and far, the livestock and equine competitions had an excellent line-up of animals in all sections. For many, the festival is an introduction to the showing world and a first step up the ladder to exhibiting at larger events. The event also shines the spotlight on the more traditional, rare and native breeds.
 
Geraint James, honorary festival director, said: “We were blessed with excellent weather throughout the weekend and everyone was excited to be back in Llanelwedd to kick-start the show season.
 
“The festival complements the other two larger society events - Royal Welsh Show and Royal Welsh Winter Fair - and provides our visitors a relaxed, family-focused event with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. As dogs are welcome too, it really is the perfect family day out.”
 
The RWAS is passionate about promoting the versatility of wool and the creations that can be made of the material. Meirionnydd Shearing Centre showcased woolhandling and blade shearing competitions, for both novice and intermediate classes, along with a vintage shearing display.
 
Next door in the Craft Art & Education Hall, visitors enjoyed demonstrations from the Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers and many wool-related trade stands.
 
The festival display ring was jam-packed with entertainment throughout the two days. Crowds gathered to watch show jumping and working hunter competitions, Dangerous Steve’s quad and motorbike performance, the Paws for Thought Dog Display team’s agility tricks, Scurry Driving competitions, Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs, along with the spectacular display of The Hackney Horse & Pony Driving.
 
No Royal Welsh event would be complete without its offering of food and drink and this year’s festival didn’t disappoint. As well as the Food Hall, which hosts producers showcasing the very best produce from Wales, the popular Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast was bustling throughout the weekend with live music from local performers.
 
“We are very pleased with how popular the new Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast was with our visitors, particularly the live music stage. The area was busy throughout the weekend with the artisan Welsh producers reporting a brisk trade from happy customers.” added Geraint.
 
Aled Rhys Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) chief executive, said: “The Smallholding and Countryside Festival has been the perfect way to begin the show season. The weather has been glorious and the atmosphere fantastic.
 
“So many families have told me how much they have enjoyed bringing their children to the event and taking part in all the activities.
 
“We are so fortunate to have tremendous support from our sponsors, traders, competitors and visitors at all our events, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in July for the summer show.”
 
The festival success bodes well for the upcoming Royal Welsh Show, to be held from July 22 -25, just nine weeks away.
 
The festival’s top results were: Sheep: Supreme champion, Jac Issac, Blue Texel; reserve supreme champion, Andrew Davies, Beltex. Group of three: Supreme champion, Jac Issac, Blue Texel; reserve supreme champion, Mr & Mrs Bryn and Glenda Hughes, Black Welsh Mountain.
 
Pigs: Supreme champion, Amanda Phillips, British Saddleback; reserve supreme champion, Isabel Soar with any other modern breed.
 
Angora goat: Supreme champion, Debbie Francis with Cwmstwrdy Kristoff, a pure-bred buck; reserve supreme champion, Jeannie Camm with Paradise Nesta, a pure-bred doe. Angora goat fleece: Supreme champion, David Norman; reserve supreme champion, Debbie Francis. Dairy goat ‘Back to Back’ Show day one and day two, champion, Rachel Sparkes with Wilowriver Yuzu, a female goat entered in the British Alpine Herd Book; reserve champion, R. Sparkes with Wilowriver Aurora, a female goat of any other variety. Dairy goats male champion day one: Champion, Snowdonia Goat Company with Darwil Adonis, a male goat entered in the Saanen o British Saanen section of the herd book.
 
Pygmy goat: Breed champion, Jill Osborne, Penrhiw Cleo with a veteran female seven years and over; reserve champion, Jill Osborne, Penrhiw Gabrielle, an adult female not exceeding six years. Pet champion, P. M. Keates with Gemstone Callista; reserve champion, Tracey Cater with Dreamers Nancy.
 
Cattle: Supreme champion,  Mr David Powell with Shelsleys Kwagga, a Belted Galloway bull;  reserve supreme champion, I. & H. Macleod with Carpenters Curly 20th.
 
Equine Supreme Champion: Mrs A. Crawford with Bassymoor Distant Land, a RIHS large riding horse mare or gelding, handled/ridden by Zara Owen; reserve supreme champion, Rowena Cooper and handled/ridden by Poppy Anderson.

A popular Welsh Marches tourist attraction has appointed a new artist in residence for the ensuing season.
 
Chris Williams has already moved to a new studio at the 70-acre Hergest Croft Gardens in Kington, which has one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the British Isles and has been owned by five generations of the Banks family.
 
The estate has more than 130 ‘Champion Trees’, 5,000 rare trees, plants and shrubs together with National Collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas.
 
Originally from North Wales, Chris studied art at the Laird School of Art, Birkenhead and gained her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Fine Art from Newcastle Polytechnic.
 
In the recent past, she has pursued a year-long post graduate level drawing course with the Royal Drawing School and joined others from the course to form a collective called Studio 22. 
 
Primarily a landscape painter, she has exhibited at the RBSA, RWA and RCA and in galleries in Somerset and London. A former entrant on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year in 2017, she recently completed a part funded artist residency at Stiwdio Maelor in Corris.
 
Chris’ work is based on observation and she likes to work outside whenever possible whether this is drawing or making plein air oil studies. This memory of this experience goes on to inform her studio paintings.
 
She is fascinated by natural forms, changing light, weather and the seasonal and daily rhythms of the landscape.
 
“We are absolutely thrilled and very excited about this appointment,” said Austyn Hallworth, head of marketing and public relations for Hergest Croft Gardens. “Chris will bring a huge depth of knowledge and experience to this role which can only continue to enhance and promote our stunning gardens.”
 
Chris will replace the incumbent Kathryn Moore, who has recently produced a beautifully illustrated book ‘A Brush with the Borders – An Artist’s year’. The unfolding seasons, drawn and painted in sketchbooks, depict the flora and fauna of the gardens, along with observations of natural history, discussions with the gardeners, historical research, poetry and artistic references. 
 
The book, which is available from https://www.kathrynmoore.co.uk , provides a fascinating insight into the natural landscape of the gardens and their close observation by an artist who became even more attuned to shifting moods and seasonal changes.
 
Hergest Croft Gardens is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), which represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses and organisations across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia

The chairman of regional tourism organisation MWT Cymru is delighted that 13 beaches along the Ceredigion coast have been recognised in this year’s Wales Coast Awards for water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management.
 
The popular beaches at Borth, Aberystwyth South, Llangrannog and Tresaith will be flying Blue Flags, while Clarach, Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau/North and Aberporth have achieved the Seaside Award.
 
Llanrhystud, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Penbryn and Mwnt have received the Green Coast Award.
 
Beaches achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status must meet the highest “excellent” water quality standard and are judged for the provision of facilities for beach users and for demonstrating good management and safety provision.
 
The Seaside Award recognises beaches that have an overall “good” standard of water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management.
 
All designated bathing waters in Wales are monitored by Natural Resources Wales from May to September, annually.
 
The Wales Coastal Award schemes are co-ordinated and run by Keep Wales Tidy who conducted a survey last year which found that more than 75% of businesses located near Blue Flue beaches believe the award attracts visitors to the area
 
Rowland Rees-Evans, MWT Cymru’s chairman from Penrhos Park, Llanrhystud, said: “These awards are fantastic news for the communities along the Ceredigion coastline as well as for tourism businesses and visitors.
 
“It’s very reassuring that Ceredigion has clean and safe beaches which local people and visitors alike can use with confidence. We look forward to welcoming them this summer.
 
Keep Wales Tidy whose chief executive Owen Derbyshire said: “We're delighted to see another successful year of Coast Awards here in Wales, with 49 stunning locations recognised among the world's best.

“Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come. This success is testament to the hard work of all involved in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our Welsh coastline.”

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for the economy and regeneration, thanked individuals, voluntary groups, organisations and businesses along the county’s coastline for their regular beach, promenade and foreshore cleans, environmental conservation, wildlife education and water safety activities.
 
“Without this support, we would simply not be able to put forward so many of our beaches and successfully obtain these prestigious awards,” he said. “These awards place Ceredigion beaches amongst the very best coastal destinations in Wales and the UK, forming an integral part of the local tourism economy.”
 
The council is advising bathers to always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, denoting the designated swimming areas patrolled in Ceredigion by RNLI Lifeguards.
 
Beaches with lifeguards are Borth, Clarach, Aberystwyth North and South, New Quay Harbour, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth.

The sun welcomed the crowds at Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways’ Blaenau Ffestiniog Family Fun Day on May 6.
 
Locomotives ‘Blanche’ and ‘Lilla’ were on footplate ride duty during the day and proved popular with children and adults alike! 
 
There was also a variety of stalls on the platform including Ffestiniog Railway Society Information, popular local author Mike Leaver signing books and Debbie Jones of ‘Debbie’s Cake’ole’ with a stall full of freshly baked treats. 
 
“It was a really successful day,” said Debbie. “I sold out of almost everything with my lemon drizzle cake and Bara-brith being snapped up first. I even got to have a footplate ride on Blanche, my first time in 18 years of living here!” 
 
Mike, whose book titles include Yeti Seeks Mate and Nork from Nowhere, added: “It was good to meet readers and work with the railway where locos, which have been built over three different centuries, still work on the line.” 
 
The special locals’ train from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Tan y Bwlch Station was also full of happy passengers enjoying a trip in the sunshine. 
 
The railways’ commercial manager, Clare Britton said: “A big thanks to all the staff and volunteers who helped throughout the day and a special thanks to the children who helped out on the society stall, distributing leaflets and badges and speaking with visitors. Their help was much appreciated!” 
 
The Ffestiniog’s newest double Fairlie, James Spooner was also on the platform for photo opportunities.   
 
Follow the Festrail Facebook page and keep an eye out for future events on the Festrail website – www.festrail.co.uk - where visitors can also book one of the ‘How a Steam Engine Works’ workshops and the soon to be available tours of Boston Lodge.
 
Anyone who would like to volunteer with the FfWHR is askes to contact [email protected]  

​A much-loved character from a magical world called Wonderland is paying a visit to a popular silver-lead mine visitor attraction based near Aberystwyth during the May school half-term break.
 
Visitors to The Silver Mountain Experience near Ponterwyd will experience the story of Alice in Wonderland like never before.
 
This exciting experience will be included within standard entry tickets when visiting between May 26-30, enhancing a great-value day out for all the family.
 
Nearly 160 years ago, one of the most loved classic children’s stories was written about a girl called Alice who went on many adventures in her family’s summer home in North Wales.
 
‘The Mad Hatter’s Tale’ reimagines this story by bringing it back to Wales, allowing guests to follow in Alice’s footsteps as they follow the Mad Hatter through a retelling like no other.
 
As well as this actor-lead tour, guests are invited to complete ‘The Time Quest’ to help the Hatter unstick time from 6 o’clock by finding clues around the site.
 
There will also be Tea Party Garden Games, where visitors can play Flamingo Croquet and Top Hat Toss! They might even be able to have a spot of tea with the Mad Hatter, too.
 
Alongside these special activities, visitors can enjoy a choice of guided and actor-led tours, above and below ground. Embark on a family adventure to hunt down the elusive and shy dragon Grotty on ‘A Dragons Tale’, or brave ‘The Black Chasm’ a thrilling tour that delves into ancient myths and gruesome legends.
 
For history buffs there’s ‘A Miners Life’, which goes through 280 years of fascinating Welsh History.
 
Included in every ticket is access to the mining museum, onsite café, Woo Hoo Woods, play area and tours and trails which are ideal for all the family.
 
To extend the fun even longer, Ultimate Xscape is onsite with the choice of two thrilling escape rooms. Head to www.ultimateexscape for more information.
 
The Red Kite café - www.redkitecafe.co.uk - located opposite the site, serves delicious hot food.
 
Find out more and book your tickets online at www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/madhatter/

The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership has launched a new website, designed to promote sustainable travel and outdoor exploration along the scenic railway route.
 
The website - https://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk - features an array of engaging content, including a series of short circular walks originating from railway stations along the line, meticulously mapped out by walking guide Lisa Denison of Quiet Walks.
 
One of the distinctive features of the new website is its emphasis on bilingualism, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Wales. The circular walks are presented in both English and Welsh, providing accessibility to a wider audience and championing the Welsh language and culture.
 
Each walk is accompanied by comprehensive route instructions, Ordnance Survey maps and GPX files, ensuring ease of navigation for both novice and seasoned hikers.
 
For the first time, the Heart of Wales Line Trail route instructions are available in Welsh, a significant milestone in promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity. This initiative not only facilitates a deeper connection with the local community but also fosters a greater appreciation for Wales' linguistic heritage.
 
The launch of the new website and the introduction of circular walks from stations along the line coincide with National Walking Month, a nationwide celebration of walking and its benefits to health, well-being, and the environment.
 
As communities across the country embrace the joys of outdoor exploration, Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership invites travellers and locals alike to discover the hidden gems nestled along the picturesque railway route.
 
Owen Griffkin, community rail officerm said: “We are delighted with the new website. There is so much information packed into it, it is easy to navigate and more accessible for all users.
 
“With a lot of patience and expertise provided by Touchdown Design, it is now a much cleaner user experience which looks as good on mobile as it does on desktop.
 
“This has allowed us to increase the amount of walks hosted on the site, with these wonderful new circular walks from stations along the line, some of which link with the Heart of Wales Line Trail.
 
Lisa Denison, of Quiet Walks, said: “The new website showcases the walks from Heart of Wales Line stations brilliantly. I really hope that anyone wanting to do these short, scenic, circular walks along the line can now do so confidently, using the materials developed.”
 
Melanie Lawton, Transport for Wales community rail strategic lead, added: “At TfW we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably and these walks are great for those who want to explore somewhere new. 
 
“We already have a number of family walks and guided walks from stations and we’re hoping these will be just as popular.”