Events and Festivals

Rhayader and the Mid Wales area is the place to be for enjoying lively and unique events all through the year. The enthusiastic community spirit is what makes Rhayader and District a special place to visit.

Come along and join us at the many Events and Festivals that take place;

Local Village and small Agricultural Shows

These run most Saturdays from May until the end of September. Please ask and we’ll be able to tell you where the nearest one is taking place.

Rhayader Carnival Week

Held annually, this full week of events runs from 13th to 20th July 2013, many mad and wonderful competitions are on offer with a finale of a grand Carnival procession, which is thought to be one of mid Wales’ finest!

Photo: Roland Stevenson

CARAD (Community Arts Rhayader and District)

Located on the eastern outskirts of Rhayader town, CARAD offers many creative opportunities for people through its community arts and heritage programme, from small scale workshops to large scale outdoor live music events. A visit to the Rhayader Museum and Gallery to experience their biggest community project is a must for all visitors!

The Living Willow Theatre

Three miles from the Lôn is this unique, scaled down version of Shakespeare’s Globe in London, constructed entirely of living willow. The season of performances starts in April and runs throughout the summer. Highly recommended for a unique theatrical experience.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show

On a much larger scale, one of the biggest shows in the UK takes place over 4 days in July every year at Builth Wells. It’s a great day out and the 2013 show dates are from 22nd to 25th July. The showground also hosts many other events throughout the year.

Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival

Celebrating its roots as a Victorian Spa, this annual festival is being held this year from 17th to 25th August 2013. The main street is decorated and the town hosts a kaleidoscope of Victorian events.

Hay Festival of Literature

Hay on Wye is famous worldwide for it’s wonderful second hand bookshops (over 40 at the last count) and also for the Festival, which takes place from 24th May to 31st May 2013, and includes a programme of children’s events.

Photo: Richard Stanton

The Brecon Jazz Festival

This well established festival is a real gem amongst music festivals. Held over the second weekend in August each year, the festival takes over venues throughout Brecon’s vibrant streets.

Brecon Jazz Festival photograph of Houston Person, Dave Green and Steve Brown by Martin Russell ARPS

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship

And for something completely different….There are usually over 100 competitors bog snorkelling their way along a muddy trench, cut into a peat bog. Competitors wear a snorkel and fins and must not use any conventional swimming strokes. The event takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells as does the annual World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championship and a Bog Snorkelling Triathlon.

Photo: Chris Pritchard