Carmarthenshire

April

Viewpoint - An exhibition of paintings
Carmarthenshire County Museum, Abergwili.
Carmarthen Museum 01267 ​228696

April - June

Garden open for charity under The National Gardens Scheme
Llwyn Cyll.
Trap SA19 6TR. Visitors welcome by appointment. Admission £3, children free. www.ngs.org.uk 01558 822398

1 April

Easter Egg Hunt / Easter Activities
Pemberton Victorian Chocolate Farm, Llanboidy.
www.pembertonschocolate.co.uk 01994 448800

1 April

Taking Flight, Gwion and the Witch, Story telling
Kidwelly Castle.
11am-2pm. Normal admission applies.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk 01554 890104

1-18 April

Dinefwr Park and Castle Exhibition
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
Origin Gallery. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 823902

2-5 April

Take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine
Gwili Railway.
Jump on board 'Thomas' or 'Percy' for a ride around the Carmarthenshire hills this Easter weekend at Gwili Steam Railway. Meet Sir Topham Hatt 'The Fat Controller' who can train you up as a 'Junior Engineer' and once the work is done it’s time for play on the carousel, trampolines and slide or take a ride on a vintage bus. Thomas will be pulling the Express Coaches on the Gwili Railway for Easter Weekend. The railway is a living reminder of a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking Carmarthenshire countryside. The scenic trip down memory lane starts at Bronwydd Arms Station and follows the route originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line to a delightful halt at Danycoed.
Cost: A family ticket is £34 and covers 2 adults and 2 children. Individual tickets cost: Adults £11 / Child £9. All Tickets allow unlimited travel for the day and all entertainment is free. Regular trains leave from Bronwydd Arms from 10.30-3.50, last train back from Llwyfan Cerrig is at 4.10.
www.gwili-railway.co.uk 01267 230666

(Back to top ↑)

2-5 April

Easter Activities at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
Spring is in the air at Dinefwr Park and Castle with an 'Eggcitinig Easter' weekend of egg trails, spring crafts for kids and fun and games at this wonderful National Trust property. Dinefwr Park has been a magical land of power and influence for more than 2,000 years and has an iconic place in the history of Wales. The two forts are evidence of a dominant Roman presence and the visionaries, George and Cecil Rice, designed the superb 18th-century landscape that you see today.
Cost: Adult £6.70, child £3.35, family £16.75. Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

(Back to top ↑)

2, 3, 4 & 5 April

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend Entertainment
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

2-18 April

Duck herding, dancing, magic and den building
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HG.
Fancy a spot of duck herding, a bonnet Parade, magic in a huge greenhouse or building your own den in the grounds of Wales’ most loved gardens? Well Easter’s your chance to dance among the daffodils and sing in the snowdrops as a host of activities mark the arrival of spring at the Botanical Gardens of Wales. Easter weekend sees a festival atmosphere with the marching ducks of 'Quack Pac' strutting their stuff, children’s theatre from Theatr na n'Og, magic shows, music and an Easter bonnet parade through the gardens. From 10-18 April would be badgers and those who like to hide can try their hand at den building in a special workshop.
Cost: Adults £8, Concessions £6.50, Children (5-16) £4.00, Families (2 Adults and up to 4 children) £19.50.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

(Back to top ↑)

2-18 April

Easter Holiday Fun
National Wetland Centre Wales, Llanelli.
www.wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

3 April

Eggstravaganza Event, St. Clears
Large Craft Fair featuring crafts from Carmarthenshire and demonstrations.

• Wood sculpture demonstration
• Dance sessions
• Interactive drumming sessions
• Stilt-walkers
• Pavement artist
• Balloon artist & willow workshop
• Fun-day out with something for everyone

3 April

My Mother told me not to stare
Miners’ Theatre, Ammanford.
Tickets: £5.50 - £6.50. Groups 10+ £4.50. 2.30pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

3 April

Tony Jacobs & Company
Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.
Tickets £10 - £12.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

3 &4 April

Train Club Steam Rides
Pembrey Country Park.
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk 01554 833913

3-5 April

Knights of Longshanks
Kidwelly Castle.
Head to Kidwelly Castle for a spectacle of warriors, weapons and warfare this Easter weekend. Cheer on your favourite Knight as they go forth into combat, keep your aim as you shoot some arrows or get into character as you don the heavy armour. Explore the impressive remains of Kidwelly Castle, first established as a huge earthwork in the early twelfth century.
Cost: Normal admission prices apply. Adult £3.00, Concession £2.60, Family £8.60. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk 01554 890104

(Back to top ↑)

3-16 April

Easter Fun at Dolaucothi Gold Mine
Dolaucothi Gold Mine, Llanwrda (The National Trust).
There’s not just gold to be found at Dolaucothi Mine this Easter, there are eggs too. So pan for gold and take the Easter egg trail - anything you find is yours to keep! With a host of Easter activities for younger children. These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. 2,000 years ago, the powerful Romans left behind a glimpse of gold-mining methods and the mining continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, ending in 1938. This is a fascinating spot to explore - don’t miss the thrill of a guided underground tour.
Cost: Normal admission prices apply - Adult £3.60, Child £1.80, Family £9. Booking essential. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 825146

(Back to top ↑)

4 April

Easter Sunday at the Garden
Aberglasney Gardens.
www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

4 April

Garden open for charity under The National Gardens Scheme
Farmyard Garden.
Llandysul SA44 4RL. Adults £2.00, 10am-5pm, Teas.
www.ngs.org.uk 01559 363389

4 April

Garden open for charity under The National Gardens Scheme
Llwyngarreg.
Llanfallteg SA34 0XH. Adults £3.50, 2-6pm, Teas.
www.ngs.org.uk 01994 240717

5 April

Mayor’s Fun Run & Children’s Races
Competitive races for children and finale of an adult 5km Fun Run around the street for Carmarthen. All proceeds go to local mental health organisations. 01554 758036

5 April

Merlins Walk

• Monday April 5th, Owl Sanctuary, 10am - 3pm.
• Tuesday April 6th, Llanelli Scarlets player signings, 10.30am - 11.30am, ball pool, bouncy castle, street entertainment, face painter & craft-making, from 11am.
• Wednesday April 7th, Llanelli Scarlets from 9am, magic of business, medieval entertainment from 11am.
• Thursday April 8th, Animal Zone, Trysory workshop, walkabout entertainer, from 11am.
• Friday April 9th, Food & craft fayre from 9am, Simon Hedger woodcarving display & medieval talks.
• Saturday April 10th, Jimmy Juggle, kids crafts, Steps dance troupe, meet Merlin, medieval talks, Pavane musicians, Twirlers dance troupe, Wizards Academy with Karl & Owain. Afternoon - unveiling of the Merlin statue. Radio Carmarthenshire outside broadcast 1pm - 3pm. Plus Your chance to win £1,000 shopping vouchers to spend in Merlin’s Walk. Grab A Grand Cash Cube Competition from 10.30am. Final takes place in the afternoon.
  www.prplusmedia.com 01373 464439

6 April

Easter Eggstravaganza - Flat Racing
Ffos Las Racecource & Conference Centre
Thumping hooves meet chocolate eggs as Ffos Las puts on its 'Easter Eggstranvaganza' on the afternoon of 6 April, with the first race at 2.20 pm and the last race at 5.05 pm. Experience the thrill of fast and furious flat racing at Wales’ newest and finest course. Pick out your horse in the parade and cheer with the crowd as it gallops past the post, hopefully in first place!
Cost: A ticket to the Easter Eggstravaganza meeting costs £17. This will allow you full access to all public areas of the racecourse. www.ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

(Back to top ↑)

7 April

The Musicians of Bremen
Miners’ Theatre, Ammanford.
Tickets £5.50 - £6.50. Groups 10+ £4.50. 2pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

7 April

Jon Gower & Nigel Jenkins
Theatr Elli Llanelli.
Tickets £5 - £6.50. 7.30pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

8-22 April

David Cowdry Art Exhibition
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Normal garden admission applies, 10am - 6pm.
www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

9 April

High School Rocks
Theatr Elli Llanelli.
Tickets £9 - £12. Groups 10+ £8.50. 7pm
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

9-11 April

The Laugharne Weekend
The Festival - This literary festival is really gaining reputation as it goes into its forth year for 2010. The three day event is set in the beautiful coastal town of Laugharne, described by Dylan Thomas, the town’s most famous resident as a 'timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town.' The full line up is still to be confirmed, but already includes Roddy Doyle, Bill Drummond, Stuart Maconie, Nicky Wire, Martin Carthy, Niall Griffiths, Trembling Bells, David Quantick, Howard Marks, Mark Olson, Jane Bussman, Rachel Trezise, Alasdair Roberts, Trezza Azzopardi, Twin Town, Richard James, Helen Griffin, Nick Kent, Clinton Heylin and Rupert Thomson.
Accommodation - Available in Pendine or St. Clears, both 4 miles from Laugharne itself and there is a regular festival shuttle service laid on throughout the weekend which runs until the wee hours. In addition you can camp at Ants Hill Campsite (www.antshill.co.uk) in Laugharne itself if you want to be nearer.
Cost - A weekend ticket which will gain you entry into all events from the Friday evening through to the Sunday evening costs £65 per person and can be booked online.
www.thelaugharneweekend.com  08700 600 100

(Back to top ↑)

10 April

Lighter Than Air
Miners’ Theatre, Ammanford.
Tickets: £5 - £6, groups 10+ £4.50 2pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

10 April

Drive a Steam Engine
Gwili Railway.
www.gwili-railway.co.uk 01267 230666

10 April

Edwardian Heydeys at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
11-4pm. Step back in time to 1912 at Newton House and sample life Edwardian style. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

10 April

Arts & Crafts Street Market
Guildhall Square, Carmarthen.
The best of Carmarthenshire’s vibrant arts scene show off their product range. 01269 590258

10 April - 15 May

Outsider
Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen.
'Outsider' is an exhibition of works by eight contemporary artists either living or working in Wales. The show deals with issues of the outsider in society. Each work offers insight into the nature of difference and otherness; some deal explicitly and poignantly with the identity of the outsider, others allude to the emotional and physical effect of being an outsider. Some artists introduce the possibility of positivity and humour in navigating this rocky terrain.
Oriel Myrddin Gallery 01267 222775

(Back to top ↑)

11 April

Carmarthen Youth Opera’s 30th year gala celebration
Miners’ Theatre, Ammanford.
Tickets £10 - £12. 7pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

13 April

Carmarthenshire Pop Idol Llanelli Regional Final
Theatr Elli, Llanelli, 7pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

13-15 April

How The Koala Learnt to hug
2pm.
13 April - Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.
14 April - Theatr Elli, Llanelli.
15 April - Ammanford Miners’ Theatre.
Tickets £5 - £6, groups 10+ £4.50. 0845 226 3510

13-16 April

Child Safety Fun Days
10am - 4pm.
13 April - Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre.
14 April - Carmarthen Leisure Centre.
15 April - Ammanford Leisure Centre.
16 April - Llanelli Leisure Centre.
Gari Gosafe will be making an appearance with his ‘friends’ Fireman Sam, Sali Mali and Cochyn, free family swims, stalls, Mr T.Ricks the clown and free bouncy castle. 01267 224331

14 April

Carmarthenshire Pop Idol Llanelli Regional Final
Lyric Theatre Carmarthen, 7pm.
www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

15 April

Edwardian Heydeys at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
11-4pm. Step back in time to 1912 at Newton House and sample life Edwardian style. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

16 April

Hardeep Singh Kohli, The Nearly Naked Chef
Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. 7.30pm.
Tickets £8 - £10. www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

16, 17 & 18 April

Caravan & Motorhome Show
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 236569

17 April

Cor Curiad
Theatr Elli, Llanelli, 7pm.
Tickets £10. www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

17 April

Postman Pat Live!!!
Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen.
Tickets £10, Groups 10+ £9 & family £36 www.carmarthenshiretheatres.co.uk 0845 226 3510

17 April

Natural Therapy Day
Llandeilo Civic Hall.
10-4pm. Taster sessions, books, health & beauty products and organic café. 01267 202786

17 April

Carmarthenshire Growers Plant Fair
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Held in the grounds of Aberglasney Gardens. Normal garden admission applies.
www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

18 April

Great Welsh Marathon
Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli.
www.humanbeingactive.co.uk 01554 758036

23 April

Murder Mystery Evening - May Ball Mayhem at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
7-10.30pm. The Brandon family's ball, being held in aid of fallen women, ends up containing a fallen corpse.... Can you spot the murderer? The evening includes a welcome drink, a three course dinner and plenty of fun.www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

23 April - 6 May

Creative Fusion Art Exhibition.
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Normal garden admission applies. 10am - 6pm.
www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

24 April

Drive a Steam Engine
Gwili Railway.
www.gwili-railway.co.uk 01267 230666

24 April

The Band of the Welsh Guards
St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire.
Performing a concert in St David's Cathedral entitled 'Heroes Return'. A £2.50 discount per ticket may be obtained by quoting`HEROES’ when purchasing through the Torch Theatre Box Office.

24 April - 18 September

Home & Away - Paintings by B.A. Lewis
Carmarthenshire County Museum, Abergwili.
Carmarthen Museum 01267 ​228696

24-25 April

Mediterranean Weekend, Med Craft and Food Fair plus entertainment
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

25 April

Spring Antiques & Flea Market
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
10am-4pm. www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 236569

26 April

Evening Jump Racing
Ffos Las Racecource & Conference Centre
First Race: 5:30pm. Last Race: 8:15pm. Cask ales & live jazz music.
www.ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

29 April - 4 May

Gold Fever
Dolaucothi Gold Mine (The National Trust).
Gold Panning competition, a piece of Welsh old Jewellery can be won, no experience necessary Gold themed activities for the Children and a Treasure Hunt. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 825146

All events subject to amendments.