4 Best Performing Arts Venues in Wales

Held on the third weekend in September, the Abergavenny Food Festival is a celebration for foodies and a symbol of the growing interest in Welsh cuisine, regularly attracting leading figures from the British food scene. There are demonstrations, lectures, special events, and, of course, a huge indoor and outdoor food market. Be sure to sample the delicious local cheese called Y Fenni, flavored with a piquant combination of mustard seeds and ale.

The four-day Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, held in early July, brings together amateur choirs and dancers—more than 4,000 participants in all—from all corners of the globe for a colorful folk festival. The tradition of the eisteddfod, held throughout Wales, goes back to the 12th century. Originally gatherings of bards, the eisteddfodau of today are more like national festivals.

For a week in late August, the Victorian Festival takes over Llandrindod Wells. Everyone from shopkeepers to hotel clerks dresses up in period costume for events from tea dances to street parades.

This prestigious literary festival, which runs for ten days from the end of May into June, has featured an illustrious line-up of speakers (including Bill Clinton) since its inception in 1988. They also run a more low-key Winter Weekend, which is held at Hay Castle in late November.