Tag Archives: things to do

Q: Where did the idea for the benefit show came from? A: When the disaster in the Philippines occurred, like everyone I couldn’t believe the things I was seeing. I think what affected me most was the scale and length of the clean up operation which would be needed was already clear – as were the conditions people were going …

Jack and the Beanstalk is as festive as Brussels sprouts and bath salts but a lot more enjoyable, the New Theatre panto has a habit of attracting big names. And in keeping with tradition, this year’s show featured comedy star and world double entendre champion Julian Clary. Produced by leading theatrical producer Qdos, renowned for its special effects and high …

Dame Judi Dench is one of the stars who will be heading to the Hay Festival next summer to talk about their work. Tickets go on sale today for the main events at the world famous literary gathering in 2014. Further events, including the Nobel Laureates Series, will be announced in January. But festival director Peter Florence will announce the …

You can’t help but smile back at that unforgettable smile. For the cheeky grin of Marti Pellow is enough for most fans. Sounding as good as ever, Wet Wet Wet were back on fine form as they returned to Cardiff for their Greatest Hits tour. Joking around in a black sequined jacket and armed with a £2,000 brightly-lit microphone, Pellow …

Punk and glam rock came and went but the overriding musical question throughout the seventies was, ‘Will The Beatles ever get back together?’ And although the speculation died on a cruel December night in 1980 the idolatry lives on. There are countless tribute bands dedicated, it seems, to everyone who has had a hit record but The Bootleg Beatles are …

Behind the locked double doors on the first floor of National Museum Cardiff, there’s a flurry of activity taking place. One man is balancing on top of a step ladder as he adjusts the lighting, while another is adding vinyl lettering to the dove grey-painted walls. People are voicing instructions into crackling walkie talkies and a photographer is setting up …

Swap cider and marquees for mulled wine and roaring fires and you have the Hay Festival Winter Weekend. This is the bite-size version of the world famous summer event, which gathers the greatest literary minds from across the globe to chat, debate philosophies on life and generally enjoy a few days in the picturesque market town of Hay. “You’re far …

One of Wales’ oldest artists is breaking new ground by holding an exhibition for the first time – in his hundredth year. John Beck, 99, has spent a lifetime drawing and painting but until now has only sold his work privately. To celebrate his centenary year, members of John’s family have persuaded him to put his paintings on show in …

To artist Esther Eckley they’re her very own little superheroes – the two loving and boisterous young boys who have overcome the challenges of their early years. So it makes perfect sense that the sons she and her husband, Sion, adopted almost four years ago are now the subject of her latest exhibition. Her first show at a London gallery …

It’s a well known fact that the Davies sisters bequeathed more than 250 pieces of art to National Museum Wales following their deaths, including work by Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. But another benefactor has also helped boost the nation’s contemporary art collection during the last two decades. Exactly 20 years ago, the museum formed an agreement with the Derek …