How can you find family-friendly folk music festivals in Wales?
When the warmer months are on the horizon, your thoughts may naturally wander to the festive season, filled with music, food, arts, and a myriad of live events. But where can you find family-friendly festivals that provide this bounty of entertainment, especially if you love folk music? If you're in Wales or planning a visit, you're in for a delightful surprise. This stunning nation, known for its breath-taking landscapes and rich history, is also a hub of vibrant festivals, especially folk music ones that welcome families.
Locating Welsh Folk Music Festivals
Wales, known for its melodic language and lyrical tradition, is a paradise for folk music enthusiasts. To find family-friendly folk music festivals, you could start by searching online or in local Welsh newspapers. But we've done the legwork for you and gathered some valuable info that would help you plan your perfect family outing.
Many websites and apps specialize in providing comprehensive details about various events. By setting filters such as 'family-friendly', 'music', 'festivals', and 'Wales', you can discover a line-up of suitable options. Websites like Visit Wales and Wales.com have event calendars highlighting the dates, tickets availability, and other relevant details about these festivals.
Enjoy Folk Music at The Festival of Voice, Cardiff
Held annually in July, the Festival of Voice in Cardiff presents a mix of music genres, with folk being a prominent one. This festival is not just a series of performances, but an opportunity to understand and celebrate the power of the voice and the magic it brings in uniting people. With a diverse line-up of artists from Wales and other parts of the world, you can enjoy an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary folk music.
This festival is not restricted to any age group. The organisers ensure that there are activities and performances that entertain and engage all family members. From dance workshops to art installations, storytelling sessions to food stalls showcasing local Welsh goodies, it's truly a family-friendly festival.
Step Into Folk Traditions at The Big Tribute Festival, Aberystwyth
The Big Tribute Festival, often touted as 'the best family-friendly festival', is a three-day event held in Love Lane, Aberystwyth. This festival, usually held in late August, is a no camping, no tribute acts event that provides the perfect end to the summer holidays.
The festival features live performances by a mix of popular artists and upcoming talents, many specializing in folk music. For the little ones, there's a dedicated Kidzone with plenty of activities like face painting, magic shows, and puppet theatre. For the adults, there's a range of gourmet food stalls, a variety of arts and crafts stalls, and a real ale and cider festival within the festival.
Dance to the Folk Rhythms at The International Musical Eisteddfod, Llangollen
For a truly unique experience, head to the historic town of Llangollen in July for the week-long International Musical Eisteddfod. This festival prides itself on promoting peace and goodwill through music and dance. It showcases traditional folk music and dance from around the world, with a special focus on Welsh music and culture.
The festival is immensely family-friendly, with a dedicated Children's Day and a range of activities throughout the week. These include dance workshops, storytelling sessions, and arts and crafts. The festival also features a variety of food stalls, offering both local Welsh cuisine and international dishes.
Revel in Folk Music at The Fire in the Mountain, Cwmnewidion Isaf
Set amidst the picturesque Welsh countryside, the Fire in the Mountain festival is a celebration of folk music, traditional dance, and arts. Held annually during the late May Bank Holiday, this small, intimate festival is the perfect family getaway to enjoy the best of Welsh folk traditions.
The festival boasts a fantastic line-up of folk musicians and bands, both from Wales and beyond. Besides music, there are dance workshops, craft sessions, storytelling, and more for children. The festival also offers delicious food options, with a focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients.
These are just a few examples of the plethora of family-friendly folk music festivals that Wales has to offer. Each festival imbued with the unique Welsh spirit is a testament to the nation's strong cultural heritage and love for music, especially folk. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable experience of Welsh hospitality and enchanting folk music.
Experience Folk Culture at the Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons
The Green Man Festival, a four-day event typically taking place in the middle of August, is a hidden gem nestled within the verdant vistas of the Brecon Beacons. This festival is an homage to folk music's roots, encapsulating the spirit of communal celebration and the power of storytelling through rhythm and melody.
Blessed with a vibrant lineup of folk artists from the North Wales, South Wales, and the international arena, the Green Man Festival is an enchanting affair that leaves the audience spellbound with its lyrical narratives and mesmerising performances. The festival also serves as a platform for budding musicians to showcase their talent, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the event.
Beyond music, the Green Man Festival is a haven for families. The dedicated family area, Little Folk, offers a range of creative workshops and storytelling sessions designed to engage children and ignite their imagination. From wand making and nature walks to circus skills and puppet shows, there's something for every child.
Catering to the gastronomic delight of its attendees, the festival also boasts an impressive range of food and drink options. With an emphasis on sustainability, the festival offers locally sourced food and drink, including Welsh delicacies, artisanal cheeses, and craft beers. The festival even hosts a pop-up food festival, aptly named The Courtyard, where festival-goers can indulge in a variety of world cuisines and thirst-quenching beverages.
Immerse in Welsh Traditions at the Gŵyl Fawr Aberteifi, Cardigan
As July rolls around, the town of Cardigan transforms into a lively hub of traditional music, dance, and culture with the Gŵyl Fawr Aberteifi. This folk festival is a significant event in the Welsh calendar, celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage and showcasing the best of Welsh folk music.
The Gŵyl Fawr Aberteifi offers more than just music. For families, it is a chance to immerse in Welsh traditions. Children can participate in traditional Welsh games, learn Welsh folk dances, and engage in hands-on craft activities. For adults, the festival is a rare opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of Welsh ballads, storytelling sessions and the fluidity of traditional dances.
The festival also features a food and drink fair, where visitors can savor authentic Welsh cuisine. From local cheeses and meats to traditional Welsh cakes, the food fair is a testament to Wales' culinary heritage. The festival also celebrates the crown copyright, the 'Hawlfraint y Goron', involving local children in ceremonial events, which is a unique feature of the Gŵyl Fawr Aberteifi.
Conclusion
So, whether you're a folk music enthusiast or a family looking for a fun-filled outing, Wales offers a plethora of festivals that promise an unforgettable experience. From the Festival of Voice in Cardiff to the Fire in the Mountain in Cwmnewidion Isaf, these festivals not only showcase the best of folk music but also offer engaging activities, delectable food and drink options, and an insight into the rich Welsh culture and traditions.
Remember, these festivals, like the songs they celebrate, are about community—about coming together to share stories, experiences, and the joy of music. So pack your bags, mark your calendars, and get ready, because the Welsh folk festival season is a melody that resounds in the heart of Wales and reverberates in the souls of its people.