Celebrated writer Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916 (so in two more years, it will be his birth centenary). To mark this occasion, his homeland Wales – though he is of Norwegian descent – is organising ‘Roald Dahl Day’. Also, the publisher Puffin – along with the e-commerce giant Amazon – is running the
‘Whipple-scrumptious Roald Dahl Inspired London Holiday Contest’. Read on for all the Road Dahl-related activities and the other festivals that you can catch in Wales.
September 2014
The ‘Whipple-scrumptious Roald Dahl Inspired London Holiday Contest’
Where: On amazon.in
Puffin India and www.amazon.in are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the ‘Whipple-scrumptious Roald Dahl Inspired London Holiday Contest’. Like in the book, five children and their accompanying adults will get a chance to go on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tour. To participate, log on to www.amazon.in/roalddahlcontest and answer five questions about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Winners get an all-expenses paid trip to London for a child and an adult. The itinerary includes watching the spectacular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical in London’s West End; a visit to The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden; and a trip around the London offices of Roald Dahl’s UK publisher Puffin. Contest dates: September 9-30, 2014; Winner announcement: By October 8.
Roald Dahl Day, September 13, 2014
Where: Cardiff Norwegian Church, Wales
There are story-telling sessions, a special screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a Willy Wonka-inspired cookery event and a lot more. Wherever you are in the world, there are lots of ways you can get involved in the fun, from Puffin’s virtual live interactive webcast to the Dahlicious Dress-Up Day.
For more information, visit www.roalddahl.com/create-and-learn/join-in/roald-dahl-day
Mold Food and Drink Festival, September 20-21, 2014
Where: Mold, Wales
There will be cookery demonstrations, interactive foodie workshops, live music and children’s entertainment – all the things one would need for a wonderful foodie weekend that the whole family can enjoy.
For more information, visit www.moldfoodfestival.co.uk
Abergavenny Food Festival, September 20-21, 2014
Where: Abergavenny, Wales
The Abergavenny Food Festival is a non-profit organisation. It celebrates the diversity of food and tradition, both in Wales and further afield. Some of the most skilled, passionate, knowledgeable and articulate food-lovers in the country: growers, cooks, writers, processors, campaigners and artists attend this festival. The main aim is to celebrate the liveliness and sociability of eating and drinking.
For more information, visit www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com
Great British Cheese Festival, September 26-28, 2014
Where: Cardiff Castle, Wales
The Great British Cheese Festival is a showcase event for cheese-makers. The aim of the festival is to present a quality experience for visitors where they can enjoy the huge variety of British cheese and engage with the makers to learn more about their techniques.
For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com/en/Great-British-Cheese-Festival
October 2014
Llangollen Food Festival, October 18-19, 2014
Where: Llangollen, Wales
Discover great food and drinks in the marvellous local producers market. You can be a part of live cookery classes, take part in fun workshops and pick up exciting new recipes or learn about traditional dishes.
For more information, visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com
Do Not Go Gentle Festival, October 24-26, 2014
Where: Dylan Thomas Birthplace, The Garage, Mozart’s, The Chattery, St. James Social Club, Noah’s Yard, Wales
‘Do Not Go Gentle’ aims to be a festival that the great poet and author Dylan Thomas might have liked himself. It includes music, literature, comedy and film, and atmospheric venues.
For more information, visit http://donotgogentlefestival.com
Conwy Feast, late October 2014
Where: Conwy, Wales
It is more than a food festival; the Conwy Feast has exciting programmes for all gardening enthusiasts that include going all out to help visitors grow their own food. Their trees, bees and farming marquee – with a farmyard of live animals – will include lots of advice and information on growing your own fruit and vegetables. Look out for talks and advice from some of Wales’ greenest-fingered garden experts. For more information, visit www.conwyfeast.com
November 2014
Barry Island Firework Fiesta, November 5, 2014
Where: Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
The Rotary Club of Barry is set to stage an exceptional evening of fun and fireworks. The event will be on, whatever the weather. Organised along with Pendragon Firework, based in Wales.
For more information, visit www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk
Real Ale Wobble, November 15-16, 2014
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
Whether you are a hardcore mountain biker or a fun ride, and who happens to like a drop of real ale, ‘The Real Ale Wobble’ will be right up your street. The wobble is a non-competitive event marking the beginning of a 10-day Mid Wales Beer Festival.
For more information, visit www.wales-holidays.co.uk/festivals-and-events
Waterfront Winterland, November 14, 2014-January 4, 2015
Where: Swansea, Wales
Lighting up the skyline this winter is the Sky Ridealong. Ice skating still tops the bill with two fantastic outdoor ice rinks – the Admiral Rink and a children’s rink – plus there is Santa’s Grotto and an indoor café.
For more information, visit www.swanseachristmas.com/waterfront-winterland
Christmas Market, November 22-23, 2014
Where: Pembroke Castle, Wales
Ease yourself into the Christmas spirit by picking up some gifts, and enjoying some of the best local food and drink. The market will be housed within a large marquee in the Outer Ward of the Castle grounds. There will be a variety of crafts, toys, handmade jewellery,etc.
For more information, visit http://pembroke-castle.co.uk
Cowbridge Reindeer Parade, November 30, 2014
Where: Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Treat yourself to a mug of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine and soak up the atmosphere before Santa and his reindeer sleigh begin the Reindeer Parade.
For more information, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Mid Wales Beer Festival, dates to be announced
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
Held in the various free houses of the town, this friendly festival offers a great selection of real ales, including many Welsh brews. There are over 100 ales on offer through the week. A male voice choir concert is held on the traditional Ffairbont Day.
For more information, visit www.neuaddarmshotel.co.uk/events