Posted on 23/08/2017 by David
The nights are beginning to draw in and autumn is beckoning in North Wales, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop just yet. There are still plenty of big events taking place over the next few weeks. From modern music to ancient markets, and fantastic food to fan fiction - there really is something for everyone!
In this week's blog, we share our pick of late summer festivals. This isn't an exhaustive list by any means - there's so much going on we didn't have room to mention - but it should be enough to whet your appetite for one last cheeky trip to North Wales!
1. Goodlife Festival
Cerys Matthews, of Catatonia fame, was one of the founders of the Goodlife Festival. A weekend of fun, discovery, food, music, books, ideas and the great outdoors, the event celebrates all things simple and good in life. This year, star guests include novelist and poet Michael Rosen and Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers.
When: 15-17 September
Where: Hawarden Estate, Flintshire
2. Conwy Honey Fair
The historic Honey Fair comes to Conwy next month, a town with a long association of honey production and beekeeping. Talk to local beekeepers and producers, sample some of the freshest honey available and purchase beeswax candles, polish and honey soaps.
When: 13 September, 9am-4pm
Where: High Street and Lancaster Square, Conwy
3. Corwen Walking Festival
A free (although donations are always warmly welcomed) festival for walkers of all abilities. Choose from a selection of guided walks in and around Corwen, including high-level ridge walks, themed walks and walks around the town itself. With a programme of evening entertainment and a Cotswold Outdoors pop-up shop, it’s not one to miss if you’re a keen walker.
When: 2-3 September, registration opens at 8.30am
Where: All walks start from the Corwen Sports Pavilion in Green Lane
4. Gorjys Secrets
Celebrating the very best of local Welsh talent and international artists, Gorjys Secrets is a day of music and festivities set in a stunning country house estate. Artists include Wrexham based group Heal the Last Stand and award-winning British singer/songwriter Blair Dunlop. Alongside the music there's a host of fun family-friendly activities including comedy shows, donkey rides and circus skills plus delicious locally produced food and drink.
When: 15-16 September
Where: Caer Rhun Hall, Conwy
5. Festival Number 6
Entering its sixth year, this multi award-winning festival of music, arts and culture is fast becoming one of THE festivals of the year for the UK. There’s an eclectic line up of big name artists, including Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Bloc Party, Goldie and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s all set in the grounds of the beautiful and quirky Portmerion village, making it a magical experience for all the family.
When: 7-10 September
Where: Portmerion, Porthmadog
6. Mold Food Festival
The Mold Food Festival showcases the very best in local Welsh produce and high quality food and drink from across the region. The festival features demos from celebrity chefs, including Jo Wheatley and Jean-Christophe Novelli, cookery workshops and, of course, plenty of shopping opportunities! Alongside the food there's live music, a kids cooking lab and a Bake-Off competition - Welsh style!
When: 16-17 September
Where: New Street Car Park, Mold
7. Sci-fi Wales
Sci-fi Wales is North Wales’ premier science fiction event. Taking place at Llandudno's Venue Cymru, the day will be packed with cosplay, celebrity guests, prop displays, retro gaming and plenty of fun photo opportunities - unmissable for sci-fi fans and movie geeks!
When: 2 September
Where: Venue Cymru, Llandundo
8. Gladfest
Gladfest is a literary weekend bringing together renowned authors and breakthrough writers and combining them with tasty local food - a festival for bookworms and foodies! Enjoy drinks by the fire with authors such as Sarah Perry and Diarmaid MacCulloch, attend a book signing or browse the crafts on sale in the Marketplace - all in the surroundings of the finest residential library in the UK.
When: 1-3 September
Where: Gladstone's Library, Hawarden
Image courtesy: Portmerion by Tanya Dedyukhin and Gladstone's Library by Michael D Beckwith, both via Wikimedia Commons.