Food
It attracts 40,000 people over one weekend and has recently prompted the Observer to quote “Abergavenny is to food as Cannes is to film”.
Brecon Jazz
9-11th August 2013 A world famous annual jazz festival based in Brecon. This year Dionne Wawrick headlined at the event.
Crickhowell Walking Festival
1st - 10th March, 2013
The Crickhowell Walking Festival takes place around the beginning of March each year and lasts nine days. It consists of a number of guided walks of various grades, all led by local experienced guides. There is something for every level of walker, whether you are happy trekking all day across the tops of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons or would rather keep to paths and the lower slopes.
Royal Welsh Show
22nd - 25th July 2013
One of Europe's biggest events of its kind. With displays of nearly 7000 livestock, the buzz of 1000 shops and trade stands and the hundreds of interests and activities to be found around every corner at the Royal Welsh. It's well worth a visit.
Hay Festival
23 May–2 June 2013
A world-famous, 10 day festival in the beautiful setting of Hay on Wye. Hay celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, and the power of great ideas to transform our way of thinking, inspire, delight and entertain.
Green Man Festival
15,16,17,18 August 2013
Music Festival in stunning Welsh Mountain setting. 2012 featured Metronomy, Van Morrison, and the Slow Club.
Farmers Markets
There are lots of farmers markets around the Brecon Beacons where you can try and buy delicious fresh and local produce.
Brecon - 2nd Saturday of the month
Monmouth - 4th Saturday of the month
Llandovery last Saturday of the month
Abergavenny - 4th Thursday of the month
Merthyr Tydfil - 1st Friday of the month
Llangynidr - last Sunday of the month
Bwlch with Altitude
An energetic 12-mile circular walk that involves climbing two hills (that’s the altitude bit), starting and ending at Bwlch’s cosy pub, the New Inn. The challenge bit means answering questions posted along the route and maybe winning £100 for a charity of your choosing. You’ll also get to enjoy a hard-earned hot dog and chips once you’re done walking, as well as stunning views of the surrounding Beacons throughout.
Wild Garlic Festival
13th and 14th April
Everyone loves garlic, which is exactly why the Wild Garlic Festival has proven so popular since it began on 2011. You’ll get to forage for your own wild garlic in a 50-acre woodland near Abergavenny and learn some neat recipes from Franco and Ann Tarushio, formerly of the Michelin-starred The Walnut Tree.Llangynidr Duck Race
26th August, 2013
You’ll have great fun watching this annual race that involves around 3,000 plastic ducks! The race starts at the Coach and Horses Bridge in Llangynidr, and finishes at the Bottom Lock, with first prize getting you a weekend for two on a Castle narrowboat and second prize being a dinner for two and B&B at the Old Rectory at Llangattock. There are other prizes up for grabs and you can buy a ticket from the Coach and Horses pub from Easter onwards
The Llanthony Valley and District Show
3rd August, 2013
The Llanthony Show is one of the best loved shows in South Wales, and with good reason! Organised completely by volunteers since it began in 1962, this show boasts one of the most scenic locations possible, hidden away in the valley and surrounded by the Black Mountains of Monmouthshire. Expect horse judging, sports, livestock classes and delicious local produce.
