 The Silver Mountain Experience is opening to local residents at a 30% discount. The Silver Mountain Experience, a unique visitor attraction based at a historic silver-lead mine near Aberystwyth, is giving local residents a 30% discount during May and June, excluding school half-term. The attraction is keen to thank residents living in the surrounding community, covered by postcodes SY17 to SY25, LL35 to LL36, LD6, SA40 and SA44 to SA48, for their support. Designed to provide an affordable and memorable day out for local families and groups, this discount will apply for groups of two or more when booking onto any tour. In addition, Ultimate Xscape, also located at the site, has a choice of two thrilling escape rooms which are offering a 30% discount to students in the Aberystwyth area during May and June. Students must book online using the promotional code UXSTUDENT30 and present proof of student status upon arrival. Visit www.ultimateexscape for more information. It’s an ideal opportunity to experience one of Mid Wales’ most unique attractions at a greatly reduced price. While the offers exclude half-term (May 24 - June 1) they apply on all other days, including weekends. To take advantage of the Silver Mountain Experience discounts, visitors must either book online using the promotional code SMELOCAL30 and present proof of address upon arrival or show valid address identification at the front desk when they booking in person. Visitors are encouraged to check current opening times on the Silver Mountain Experience website - https://www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk - before their visit. There is so much to pack into a visit. Choose one of the guided or actor-led tours, both above and below ground. Set off on a family-friendly journey to hunt down the elusive dragon Grotty on the “A Dragon's Tale” tour or brave the dark depths of “The Black Chasm,” a thrilling exploration into ancient myths and legends. For history enthusiasts, “A Miner’s Life” offers a fascinating 280-year journey through Welsh mining history. Each ticket grants access to the mining museum, onsite café, Woo Hoo Woods, play area and a range of family-friendly tours and trails. To encourage groups and families to join together, Ultimate Xscape’s offer applies to groups of four or more with at least one student participating in the escape. Students can be of any age, from college to university and from any establishment in Aberystwyth. There’s a choice of ‘Diamond Heist’ or ‘Jack The Ripper’ escape rooms. With ‘Diamond Heist’, intelligence reports indicate that a priceless diamond has just been locked away in a high-security bank. The challenge is to crack the code to pull off the heist of the century. ‘Jack The Ripper’ transport players back to London in 1888, where a chilling shadow looms over Whitechapel as a notorious killer stalks the streets. Step into the shoes of George Lusk, leader of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee and follow the clues to uncover Leather Apron’s identity. The nearby Red Kite Café, just across from the site, offers delicious hot food. For more details, visit www.redkitecafe.co.uk.
0 Comments
 Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park For once, tourism businesses in Mid Wales are enjoying being kept in the dark! That’s because the darkest region in Wales, which has the country’s only International Dark Sky Park, is set to become an astro-tourism destination. The darkest region title is based on a recent report by Land Use Consultants for NRW, which also revealed that the Cambrian Mountains and the Epynt Mountain were the darkest landscapes. Being so rural and often remote, tourism and hospitality businesses in this part of Wales are best positioned to benefit from the astro-tourism boom. Food, drink and craft businesses are already capitalising on this growing trend with the recent production and launch of Dark Skies Rum, Dark Skies Preserve and Dark Skies chocolates. In Rhayader, which fringes the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park, accommodation owners are beginning to cash in on astro-tourism by using night photography and starry timelapse videos to highlight how amazing a place it is to discover the wonders of the night sky. Astro-tourism specialist, Serydda - https://www.serydda.co.uk - has supported more than 25 accommodation providers so far. For many visitors, visiting Mid Wales will be an astounding experience as both the Cambrian Mountains and the Brecon Beacons offer breathtaking views of planets, constellations and galaxies. Even our own galaxy, the Milky Way, can be viewed with the naked eye. Lucky visitors can also photograph these celestial events with basic smartphones or even special cameras. Booking accommodation in the Rhayader area offers a special experience by day and by night. Visit the Elan Valley by day and view the incredible reservoirs built in the 19th century. However, by night the reservoirs are kept company by a multitude of stars that significantly enhances the experience. “Nothing beats breathing in the cool mountain air at night,” said Dafydd Wyn Morgan, owner of Serydda. His company provides 60-minute stargazing sessions to visitors to the area as well as one-to-one and group night photography sessions in partnership with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Recently, Serydda launched the Alyn Wallace Big 5, an astro-marathon of visiting locations made famous by late photographer Alyn, himself a regular visitor to the Elan Valley. Dafydd believes there's much more to come from the astro-tourism trend. “People want to reconnect with nature,” he said. “By stargazing, they can do that and create mini adventures at night that will leave them wanting more. “By using special apps on phones, budding stargazers can discover more about the night sky including identifying what they can see and planning when special celestial events will happen, including meteor showers and the Aurora Borealis”. The Rhayader and Elan Valley area has a great offering of accommodation with many up to speed with promoting stargazing experiences. Local mountain bike company, Riding with Pippa works with Serydda to offer astro-cycling opportunities along the Elan Valley Trail at night. Cyclists enjoy a dark sky spectacular culminating with a visit to the Alyn Wallace Art Installation, erected in his memory in March, following his untimely death in 2024. The Elan Valley also celebrates 10 years as an International Dark Sky Park in June with numerous events to highlight the incredible dark skies still available in this spectacular valley.
 A library image of the Tour of Britain when it visited Aberystwyth in 2021.
British Cycling has confirmed the route for the Lloyds National Road Championships in Ceredigion between June 26-29. A total of 10 coveted national champion’s jerseys are up for grabs across three days of racing, with the time-trial on Thursday, June 26, the circuit race on Friday, June 27 and the road race concluding the action on Sunday, June 29. Entries for all three events are now open and will close at midnight on Sunday, June 1. See the routes at: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/news/2025/routes-revealed-for-the-2025-lloyds-national-road-championships/ Lloyds National Time-Trial Championships, Aberaeron on June 26 The challenging time-trial route starts in Ffos- y-ffin and the route extends along the fast-rolling roads to Ciliau Aeron before heading back to Aberaeron, including a short, sharp ascent of the Rhiw Goch climb. The elite women, under-23 women and under-23 men will complete one and three-quarter laps to give a race distance of 27km and the elite men’s field will be tested over two and three-quarter laps for a total distance of 41km. Lloyds National Circuit Racing Championships, Aberystwyth on June 27 On the evening of Friday, June 27, the circuit championships will take centre stage in the picturesque town of Aberystwyth. The new course starts and finishes on the iconic seafront before taking to the town centre streets in an anticlockwise direction to complete an exciting 1.6km lap. Fifty minutes and five laps of racing will decide both the elite women and open championships. It will also provide numerous opportunities for spectators to cheer on the riders as they pass by. Passing the Bandstand on each lap, the race will take a left turn into Pier Street and travel along Portland Street, before heading into Queens Road before rejoining Victoria Terrace, where the races will reach their thrilling conclusions. Lloyds National Road Racing Championships, Aberystwyth on June 29 After a presentation start on the seafront, the road races will head out of town towards Y Gors as far as Trawsgoed on a picturesque, yet testing 23.4km anti-clockwise loop, heading back towards Aberystwyth passing Abermad. With a maximum gradient of 9.1% at the beginning of each lap, the peloton will be thinned out as the action moves onto the finishing circuit after three laps for the women's race and five laps in the men’s race. The finishing circuits of 12.4km - four for the women’s and five for the men’s race - use the start and finish point on the seafront as its central focus. It will run along almost the entirety of the promenade, past the old college and the castle grounds, before a technical section through the old harbour before looping out over Trefechan bridge. Such is the testing nature of the course, there is a maximum gradient of 8.7% through Southgate to be tackled each lap. The narrow, technical 13.8% descent from Moriah back to the main A44 will be a test of bike handling skills as the riders reach the final few kilometres of each championship. From there, the race heads back into the town before concluding on the seafront promenade after 128km for the women and 187km for the men. Stevie Williams, winner of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men last year, who hails from Aberystwyth, said: “Racing on home roads is a rare opportunity which always makes it extra special, so I can’t wait to get out on the roads I know so well as the Lloyds National Road Championships heads to Ceredigion. “As a proud Welshman, it is brilliant to see this iconic fixture in the domestic road season brought to the country's roads and to show the peloton a real Welsh reception. “The support I received at events in the UK last year was outstanding, so I can only imagine what it will be like to hear the home support in Wales at the end of June. I look forward to seeing everyone in Ceredigion then for some highly entertaining road racing.” Jonathan Day, Managing Director for British Cycling Events, added: “We are pleased to have worked with our stakeholders to lay out these exciting and testing courses for our riders at the 2025 Lloyds National Road Championships. “The locations for each of the championships are stunning and provide a great test for the riders as they aim to win the prestigious national champion’s jersey. “In addition, there are multiple opportunities for spectators to see the riders pass these iconic landmarks. We are looking forward to delivering the championships in Ceredigion in June.” Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management, said: “The routes will demonstrate all that Ceredigion has to offer, from the coast to the countryside, taking in iconic sights along the way. “Ceredigion is delighted to welcome the championships here in June and is indicative of our continued support for sporting events in the county.” Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "We are committed to hosting major events across Wales, so it's fantastic to see these exciting race routes that will showcase Ceredigion as a premier cycling destination so well later this year. “Our country has produced remarkable elite riders including Josh Tarling and Stevie Williams who are both local to Ceredigion. These championships will give spectators the chance to see the next generation of British and Welsh talent who will go on to compete in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes in 2027. “This event marks another milestone in our continuing preparations for the Le Tour coming to Wales for the very first time, putting Wales firmly on the global cycling map."  A activity-packed weekend awaits visitors to the Royal Welsh Spring Festival this weekend. Organisers of this coming weekend’s 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival (May 17-18) have revealed an exciting programme of events, competitions and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The festival marks the first event in the calendar for the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon, represented by president, John Owen and ambassador, Rhys Griffith. Visitors will notice vibrant, new branding, which incorporates the traditional 'Brethyn Cymreig' pattern, emphasising the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's (RWAS) deep commitment to Welsh heritage whilst appealing to families with bright, welcoming colours. The main display ring will host a packed timetable of competitions and demonstrations, including thrilling dog scurry demonstrations by Scurry Dogs, exotic camel racing with Joseph's Amazing Camels, the majestic Gentle Giants & Friends Shire Horse display team and the always-popular Meirion Owen and his sheepdogs. Traditional showjumping, scurry driving and show and working hunter competitive classes round off the programme. The Country Life area offers a wealth of experiences, with the Woodville Re-enactment Group transporting visitors back to the Middle Ages. Children can enjoy close encounters with animals at Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys, whilst the Panic Family's Circus Big Top offers opportunities to develop circus skills. Water sports enthusiasts can participate in activities on the lake, whilst the Builth Bulls Biking Activities team will demonstrate impressive cycling feats. Wood Choppers and MWMAC will be giving forestry-based demonstrations. Younger visitors will delight in rides on the Mini Off Rovers in the dedicated display area. Dog lovers are particularly well catered for this year. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section has organised a prestigious Crufts qualifier accredited dog show, whilst less competitive pets can participate in Caernarfon's Fun Dog Show. Numerous dog-oriented trade stands will offer treats and accessories and Scurry Dogs in the Country Life area provide an opportunity for dogs to try new skills. The livestock competitions continue to grow, with over 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, over 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys entered. New classes this year include Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep. Representatives from livestock breed societies will be available to share information about their cattle and sheep, including the Ancient Cattle of Wales, which have recently been awarded Rare Breed status by the Rare Breed Survival Trust. The improved Wool Zone offers a variety of demonstrations from the Gwent Spinners & Weavers and Goat to Garment, while visitors can also watch the craftsmanship of stick making by Bond Sticks & Stiches and wooden stool creation by Taylor Made. Additional demonstrations include gun dog displays by the BASC, bushcraft and First Aid by Learn Outdoors, traditional rope making and much more across the showground. The Smallholders Centre offers attractions for all ages, including a pets' corner and storytelling for children, with Foster Wales providing indoor activities for younger visitors. Those interested in smallholding can receive tips and advice from the 'Getting Started' stand and the Glamorgan Smallholders or discover new skills from Smallholding Courses Wales. Cheese making demonstrations and beekeeping information from the Welsh Beekeeper Association and Brecon and Radnor Bee Keepers are just some of the other stalls to visit in the Smallholders Centre. Gardening enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Farming Connect Growers Market and a variety of specialist stalls. Visitors can refuel at the Gwledd|Feast area whilst enjoying musical entertainment and sampling some of Wales's finest street food. The Food Hall offers opportunities to taste and purchase produce from Wales's top food and drink producers. Alternatively, guests are welcome to bring picnics and enjoy the calm, picturesque surroundings, with plenty of seating areas available throughout the Countryside Living areas and around the display and competition rings. In an educational initiative, the RWAS has partnered with Twinkl to produce downloadable learning resources for children, focusing on the Native and Rare Breed livestock at the Festival. Families can collect stamp cards at the entrance and explore the livestock areas to learn more about these special breeds from their owners. Finally, a nostalgic Vintage Machinery and Vintage Tools display will transport visitors back to a bygone era, celebrating Wales's rich agricultural heritage.
A popular Mid Wales silver-lead mine visitor attraction is welcoming back a curiously bonkers character from Wonderland itself during the school half-term holiday later this month.
A rather exceptional and undeniably Mad Hatter will guide visitors through the story of Alice in Wonderland like never before at The Silver Mountain Experience, located next to the A44 near Aberystwyth. This exciting experience will be included with standard entry tickets when visiting between May 25 to 30, adding even more value to a great family day out. Nearly 160 years ago, one of the most loved classic children’s stories was written by Lewis Carroll 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-led tour, guests are invited to complete The Time Quest to help the Hatter unstick time, which has mysteriously stopped at 6 o’clock, by finding clues around the site. There will also be Tea Party Garden Games, where you visitors play Flamingo Croquet and Top Hat Toss! They might even be able to enjoy a spot of tea with the Mad Hatter, too! This exciting event is included in standard admission this May half-term. A ticket grants access to the choice of one guided or actor-led tour, taking visitors both above and below ground. Set off on a family-friendly journey to hunt down the elusive dragon Grotty on the A Dragon's Tale tour, or brave the dark depths of The Black Chasm, a thrilling exploration into ancient myths and legends. For history enthusiasts, A Miner’s Life offers a fascinating 280-year journey through Welsh mining history. Each ticket grants access to the mining museum, the on-site café, Woo Hoo Woods, play area and a range of family-friendly tours and trails. To extend the fun even longer, Ultimate Xscape is on-site with the choice of two thrilling escape rooms. Head to www.ultimatexscape for more information. The nearby Red Kite Café, just across the A44 from the site, offers delicious hot food to recharge after the adventures. For more details, visit www.redkitecafe.co.uk. To find out more and book tickets online, visit www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/madhatter/ A wool art exhibition celebrating VE Day was unveiled for the first time at last weekend’s Wonderwool Wales, the premier wool and natural fibre festival in Wales held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd.
The ‘Britain at War’ exhibition – The Longest Yarn 2 – had nine panels for its launch but will grow to 80 as extra panels are added during a tour of the UK over the coming months. The first nine panels include VE Day, Bucklngham Palace, The Lorry on the Strand, The Street Party, The Conga at The Ritz with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, War is Declared, Coventry Cathedral is Bombed, Windows Taped up, The Few – Spitfire pilots with their dogs and Lumber Jills. Founder Tansy Forster and her fellow knitters and crocheters are creating the new installation to follow on from the great success of The Longest Yarn, an 80 metre, 3D wool art depiction of the D-Day landings in France on June 6, 1944, which toured the UK last year and is currently touring America. More than 1,000 knitters and crocheters from across the world contributed to the first project which snowballed from Tansy’s initial idea of a display for a garden wall at her home in Normandy. “We were thrilled that Tansy and her group of fellow knitters produced the fantastic VE Day exhibition to be premiered at Wonderwool Wales,” said event director Chrissie Menzies. “The exhibition attracted huge interest and so many positive comments over the weekend and I am certain it will meet with a same response as it tours the UK.” The ‘Britain at War’ exhibition moves to Wells Cathedral until May 10, Gosport from May 12 to June 4, Plymouth from June 5 to 29, a venue to be confirmed from June 30 to July 21, Brecon from July 22 to 31 and Chiltern Open Air Museum August 1 to 31, By September 3, at Southwell Minster, all 80 panels will be on show. The exhibition then travels to Stoke on Trent Minster in October, Sherborne Abbey in November and Leek in December. In 2026, the tour heads to Kilkeel, Northern Ireland in January, Enniskillen in February, Penrith in March, Belfast in April, Lichfield Cathedral in May, Peterborough Cathedral in June, Nothe Fort, Weymouth in July, Gosport in August, Welshpool in September, Wrexham in October and Chorley in November. “Due to the positive reception and success we have experienced with the Longest Yarn, we are excited to further develop our initiatives to ensure these significant commemorations continue to be recognised,” said Tansy, who attended Wonderwool Wales shortly after returning from America. “Britain at War examines how Britain navigated the war from September 3, 1939 to VE Day on May 8, 1945. Visitors to Wonderwool Wales were the first to see the start of 80-panel work we are currently working on. “We have taken all aspects of life, rationing, evacuees, The Blitz, terrible headlines, when Britain was looking at ‘The Darkest Hour’, to end with the euphoria of peace. “Our first 80 metre work, The Longest Yarn, which was done in time for the 80th anniversary of D Day, is basically a knitted and crocheted storyboard on June 5, 1944, showing the decision making, build up, invasion and local impact. “It reminds everyone of the destruction and ramifications of an event like this, plus it actually took 80 days to get to Paris with a bloody battle every day. “When I first had my lightbulb moment, I really had no idea that it would lead to this incredible rollercoaster that I’ve been on for almost two years. 250,000 people have visited the first exhibition and raised the same in monetary terms. “Through our efforts, we have actually strengthened the relationship between the historical remembrance and local engagement, demonstrating that celebrating history can also yield remarkable economic benefits.” She explained that she is hoping to double the £250,000 raised so far to establish a halfway house for British veterans, whilst also supporting dog charities which support people with disabilities and medical conditions. Tansy is also hopeful that The Longest Yarn will raise enough money in the USA to establish a halfway house for American veterans. She is also hoping to find a permanent home for both exhibitions following their tours. A book ‘A Thread Through History’ is now on sale to raise funds. More information at: http://thelongestyarn.com/ . A visitors who made a special trip to Wonderwool Wales at the weekend was Claire Holmes, leader of St Macartin’s Cathedral Knitwits Knitting and Crafting Group in Enniskillen. She was instrumental in bringing The Longest Yarn to Enniskillen in January and February this year, having previously seen it in Normandy last summer. Thousands of people from across Ireland and beyond travelled to see the exhibition at St Macartin’s Cathedral, giving a great boost to town traders during a traditionally quiet time of the year. Claire and The Knitwits group is now working on a panel for ‘Britain at War – The Longest Yarn 2’ focused on the Americans arriving in Belfast during the Second World War. “I was really pleased to see Tansy and the first panels on display at Wonderwool Wales, which was a great event,” she said.  Active Travel Class 153 at Dolau Station on the Heart of Wales Line.
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is to join community rail partnerships, station friends’ volunteers and other community groups across Britain to celebrate national Community Rail Week from May 19-25. The week, which coincides with the milestone Railway 200 anniversary year, showcases how the railway can bring people together. A networking event begins the week, as part of the partnership’s Make and Trade project which connects independent makers and traders along the Heart of Wales Line and promotes local business visibility. The event will take place at award-winning spring water and soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills, Knighton on May 19 from 12:30 pm to 4.30pm and will include a short marketing session led by Megan Birch and Chris Butler from the host business, followed by a tour of the facilities. The Make and Trade project recently received funding from the Community Rail Network to produce a 50-page booklet highlighting businesses in each town along the Heart of Wales line. The brochure will be distributed at tourist hotspots across the UK and showcase the attractions, shops and unique products linked to the railway. Businesses can apply to be in the brochure by emailing [email protected] . “This event is all about bringing people together and creating new partnerships that can make use of the railway to attract new customers,” said Owen Griffkin, community rail officer. "Having the support of Radnor Hills, one of the most recognisable companies along the line, will be a real asset to the project. The company’s experience in marketing and branding will be invaluable in helping smaller, local businesses reach new audiences." The following day, attention turns to the heritage of the railway as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations. A drop-in event titled ‘Trains, Tales and Tea’ will take place at the new KDM Gaming Hub in the recently-renovated Automobile Palace in Llandrindod Wells. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 from 2pm to 4pm, the event invites members of the public to share stories, photographs and memorabilia connected to the railway’s past. “Railways have shaped our communities for generations,” added Mr Owen. “This event is a chance for people to share their memories and help us capture the social history of the line for future generations.” The week will also see environmental improvements, with the installation of 15 new planters at five stations across Powys, thanks to a Local Places for Nature grant from Powys County Council . This will boost biodiversity and create a more welcoming station environment for passengers and volunteers. In addition, Owen will join a group of primary school pupils on their return train journey from Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s Pentwyn Farm site near Llanbister Road Station, highlighting the railway’s role in supporting environmental education and community engagement. Bill Freeman, Community Rail Network interim chief executive, said: “We’re proud to see such a packed programme of community-led activities being held across Britain during Community Rail Week, especially during Railway 200 anniversary year. “Community Rail Week shines a spotlight on community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups and the innovative projects they deliver across Britain, bringing people together and promoting the benefits of rail. “Community rail has an inspiring track record of promoting travel confidence and broadening horizons, sometimes with life-changing effects, while giving communities a voice on transport and putting railways and stations at the heart of community life.” For more information about the events, visit the Heart of Wales Line’s social media platforms (@heartwalesline) or email [email protected].  A selection of photos from when the Ukrainian Cossacks last visited the Royal Welsh Show in 2016.
An exceptional line-up of main ring attractions has been announced for this year’s Royal Welsh Show which will be held from July 21-24 at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells. Headlining the event is the triumphant return of the Ukrainian Cossacks, whose daring display of horsemanship promises to be the crowning jewel of the 2025 show. Renowned worldwide for their extraordinary equestrian stunts, the Ukrainian Cossack Stunt Team will present a heart-stopping, 10-minute showcase of traditional Cossack riding daily. Spectators will witness gravity-defying feats as the master horsemen flip beneath galloping horses, form six-person human pyramids on horseback and execute somersaults mid-charge - all while riding side-by-side at full gallop. Their combination of precision, speed and courage has captivated audiences around the globe. Led by founder Oleh Yurchyshyn, the team has performed at more than 20 prestigious events across Europe and the Middle East. Their appearance at the Royal Welsh Show takes on special significance as Yurchyshyn and several team members have been actively engaged in defending Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. The team rides the hardy and fearless Ukrainian Warmblood horses, a breed renowned for its endurance and bravery, ideal qualities for high-speed stunt riding. Many riders maintain the traditional 'oseledets' hairstyle, a distinctive topknot on a shaved head that symbolizes their cultural heritage and willingness to face adversity with honour. Other spectacular main ring displays include: Bolddog FMX, the UK's number one motorcycle display team who perform death-defying stunts and jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics. Meirion Owen and his Sheepdogs, a partnership between handler and dog in a captivating demonstration of traditional sheepdog work. The Regimental Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh - stirring sounds and precision marching of this renowned military band, celebrating Welsh musical heritage with pride. RAF College Band - a special Tuesday-only performance showcasing the outstanding musical talent and drill precision of the Royal Air Force College Band. Tristar Carriage Driving, a dynamic display combining horsemanship, artistic performance and synchronized riding. RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, the RAF's premier parachute display team will descend into the main ring with pinpoint accuracy on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only. Discover the cutting-edge technology and skill behind military drone operations in this fascinating demonstration by the British Army Drone Sports Association on Monday and Wednesday. Heavy Horse Village – celebrate the majestic power and heritage of traditional working horses in a dedicated display area showcasing these magnificent animals. "The 2025 Royal Welsh Show continues our tradition of bringing world-class entertainment alongside the very best of Welsh agriculture," said Aled Rhys Jones, Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) chief executive. "The Ukrainian Cossacks represent exactly the kind of spectacular, culturally rich performance our visitors have come to expect from the main ring. Their appearance this year carries extra significance as a celebration of courage and resilience." The Royal Welsh Show remains Wales' premier agricultural event, showcasing the finest livestock, horticulture, forestry, food and crafts that the country and border counties have to offer. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of additional main ring entertainment throughout the show, including the Inter Hunt Team Relay on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, a parade of hounds, Mounted Games on Monday and Tuesday, Pony Club Mounted Games on Wednesday and Thursday and trotting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets are available online at www.rwas.wales or by calling 01982 553683. Early bird discounts are available until June 30.  In the Welsh Wind staff who will be completing a half marathon in the distillery grounds. The team at In the Welsh Wind Distillery near Cardigan will swap stills for sports shoes as they take on a unique challenge on Tuesday, May 27 to raise vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance.
They will be walking, jogging or running a total of 13.68 miles, half the marathon distance, between them around the distillery grounds at Tan-y-groes, five miles north of Cardigan. The event, dubbed the ‘Helicopter Half’, is being organised to support the life-saving work of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, which provides emergency air cover across the country. Between them, the distillery team will be walking, jogging and running a continuous lap route around their own site until they hit the magic 13.68 miles. The local community can also get involved by donating, cheering them on or even running, jogging or walking alongside team members for part or all of the distance. “We wanted to do something a little different and very personal,” explained Ellen Wakelam, distillery chief executive. “13.68 miles may be a strange number, but it’s basically a half marathon, a challenging distance in itself. “It also provides a full lap-based adventure right here in our grounds. Living and working here, and enjoying all that the West Wales coast and mountains has to offer, we’re all conscious of the vital work of the Wales Air Ambulance. “They provide emergency medical care and evacuation where conventional road ambulances would struggle to access in time. Every pound we raise will help keep the Wales Air Ambulance flying and saving lives across Wales.” Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise more than £8 million annually to remain operational and relies on community fundraising efforts. Online donations to support the In the Welsh Wind team can be made directly to the Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust at https://gofund.me/490e863d . Spectators are welcome at the distillery on the day and the track will be open to the public between 12 noon and 8.30pm. Walkers, joggers and runners of all levels are welcome to take part, although children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. For those completing a full 13.68 miles individually, there is the chance to win a prize! Follow on the distillery’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages for updates in the lead-up to the event and live coverage on the day itself.  Guests at Rhiw Goch (from left) Andrew White, NLHF director for Wales, Claire Fear, architect, Denise Poulton, NLHF trustee, Dr John Prideaux, CBE, FFWHR chairman, Rebecca Ball, NLHF, Paul Lewin, F&WHR general manager, Edwina Bell, project manager and Graham Cole, Ffestiniog Railway Society chairman.
Image: Chris Parry. The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FFWHR) is celebrating the completion of a £5m project thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Building on the inscription of ‘The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site’, of which the railway is part, the Heritage Fund project set out to refresh this anchor attraction in North Wales, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this summer. The project included major works to revive the historic buildings at the railways works at Boston Lodge, Porthmadog. These are the world’s oldest railway works still fulfilling their original function and have built locomotives in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The multi-faceted project enabled the railway, recently named Best Attraction in Wales, to completely refresh the way it is interpreted for the 200,000 visitors that come in to contact with the railway annually. Skills training featured strongly in the programme for current employees, volunteers and the local community alike. An outreach programme provided the opportunity for work experience for over 200 young people and more than 250 have been engaged with a schools’ programme. Nearly 600 individual volunteers have contributed their time to the project, amassing almost 40,000 hours. More than 100 of those volunteers are new to the railway. Overall volunteer contribution to the FFWHR is more than 90,000 hours per year. Building work to the value of £3.3m has been led by local contractors and subcontractors. Celebrations took place on May 1 when the project completion was marked by a visit from the Heritage Fund team and heritage and tourism industry leaders. Andrew White, The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales director, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the completion of this project with the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways that has centred on the Boston Lodge Works. “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, over £3.7 million has helped to restore and revitalise Boston Lodge, creating opportunities for more people to volunteer, learn new skills and understand how this industry has shaped the landscape and community over 200 years. “The realisation of this ambitious project is a huge achievement and means this truly world-class heritage attraction will be enjoyed by visitors and its local community for many years to come.” Paul Lewin, FFWHR director and general manager, said: “After 70 consistent years as a leading attraction and caring for a large collection of rolling stock, buildings and infrastructure of national historic importance, the railway really needed help to refresh the offer to visitors and to make the original workshops at Boston Lodge fit for the next 70 years. “The National Lottery Heritage Fund listened carefully to the complex needs of our organisation and worked with us to develop a plan that has brought significant benefits for visitors, staff and the local community.” For those who wish to find out more, a new visitor experience in the shape of a behind the scenes, guided tour of Boston Lodge is now available. The three-hour tour, with its professionally trained hosts, brings visitors in to contact with the railway, its history and operations in a new way. The guided tours, along with train tickets, can be booked online at www.festrail.co.uk |
