Coast & Countryside

May - September

Garden open for charity under The National Gardens Scheme
Delacorse.
Laugharne SA33 4QP. Visitors welcome by appointment. Admission £4, children free, £3.50 for groups 10+
www.ngs.org.uk 01994 427728

May - August

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

1 May

Teddy Bears Picnic
Spring Gardens, Llanelli Town centre, 11-3pm.
Don’t forget your Teddy Bear as you join in the fun & competitions with the Crazy Bears Show, kids rides & side stalls. Join the 'Teddy Hunt' for a chance to win a Dunlop Sports Bike. Can you find the 12 Teddies hiding in shops & businesses in Llanelli Town Centre?
01269 590258

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1 May

Dawn Chorus
National Wetland Centre Wales, Llanelli.
www.wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

1 May

May Day Spring Fair
Catholic Church Hall and Gardens, Newcastle Emlyn.
11am-3pm. Includes Cardigan Brass band,stalls and refreshments, European circle dances,Aberporth Dog Agility obedience demo, May day procession through the town, May queen competition and crowning, fancy dress competitions, pony and donkey rides. 01239 711211

1, 2 & 3 May

May Day Bank Holiday Weekend Entertainment
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Bank Holiday weekend with Fiddlebox, Jugglestruck, Mardi Jug Band, Quack Pack (Sat).
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

1 May - 21 July

Roman Gold
Dolaucothi Gold Mine (The National Trust).
Specialised Roman Tours into the Roman Adits, with a Roman guide. Displays and information on why the Romans came here. Activities to include - experience being a roman miner, a working day, food, clothes and tools. Children’s activities including dressing as a roman miner. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 825146

2-3 May

West Wales Food Festival & Entertainment
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HG.
Taking place over the May Day bank holiday at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, the festival features Bryn Williams, Stephen Terry, Dudley Newbery, Angela Gray and Nerys Howell - who will all be cooking up a storm on stage in the Festival Kitchen.

The event also boasts the biggest local produce market in west Wales with more than 50 local food and drink producers offering tastings and demonstrations as well as the chance to buy the highest quality local produce.

This year, Lord Foster’s stunning Great Glasshouse will house the festival’s 'Children Zone' which features an array of cooking demonstrations for all ages - from make-and-bake sessions for the little ones to SOS Cookery Classes for students, put on by S4C’s Stwffio star Anthony Evans.

The Festival also boasts Carmarthenshire’s only screening of the controversial film Food Inc, with a special question time-type forum to discuss the film (and other hot, foodie topics, too).

The West Wales Festival Food Forum comprises Soil Association director Patrick Holden, acclaimed food writer Graham Harvey, and the National Botanic Garden’s Head of Science, Dr Natasha de Vereand. It is chaired by renowned restaurateur and critic Simon Wright.

In addition there will be music and magic as well as many talks and tours around the Garden.

Entry costs: £8 for adults, £6.50 for OAPs and £4 for Children (5-16). Under 5's enter free and family tickets (for 2 Adults and up to 4 children) are also available for £19.50.
www.westwalesfoodfestival.com
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

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2 &3 May

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

3 May

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

3, 9 & 15 May

Festival of Racing
Amman Valley Trotting Club
Racing at 2pm. www.ammanvalley-trotting.co.uk 07909 698309

3-23 May

Riitta Sinkonnen Davies, Exhibition at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

6 May

Flat Racing
Ffos Las Racecource & Conference Centre
First Race: 5:55pm. Last Race: 8:35pm.
www.ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

6, 7 & 8 May

Continental Market
Llanelli Town Centre.
Celebrate Europe Day in Llanelli!
Carmarthenshire County Council, supported by the St Elli Shopping Centre, are organising some exciting events in the run up to this day to celebrate all that is Europe!

Continental Street Market - Stepney St, Llanelli
Thurs 6th, Fri 7th & Sat 8th May, 9am-5pm.
Come and visit a traditional continental market - on your doorstep. Stalls selling authentic European produce such as French wines & cider, German sausages, French cheeses and breads, Spanish paella and Turkish delight and dried fruits.

Friday 7th May, 12.30-2.30pm
European performances from local schools and EU fun games and quiz in the St Elli Shopping Centre organised by the West Wales European Centre.

Sat 8th May, 10am-3pm
Live traditional European music by local band "Fiddlebox" on Stepney Street and cookery demonstrations by local chefs using traditional recipes from Europe in the St Elli Shopping Centre.
01269 590258

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7-20 May

Andrew Evans Art Exhibition
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Normal garden admission applies.
www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

8 May

Choir in the Glasshouse
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
The Swansea Bach Choir is performing at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. They will be singing in the Great Glasshouse at 3pm. The choir - which is 45 years old this year - is renowned for its performances of Baroque music, in particular the major works of Bach. Many of its 40 members are trained singers, music students and teachers of music, whose aim is to present the very best choral works from the past five centuries to as wide a public as possible.
Entry to the Garden costs £8 (£6.50). Admission to the Great Glasshouse to hear the concert is free. www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

8 May

Carmarthenshire Guide Camp
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Fun Day for 200 guides in the Carmarthen Division.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

8 May

Arts & Crafts Street Market
Guildhall Square, Carmarthen. 01269 590258

9 May

Recital Sundays at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
2-4pm. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the company of musicians from Trinity University College, Carmarthen. Special lunch and afternoon tea menus will be served in the tea room. Part of the Trinity University College Arts Festival. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

12 May

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

12 May

Friends of Carmarthenshire Archives, Annual General Meeting
Carmarthenshire Archives, Parc Myrddin, Richmond Terrace, Carmarthen.
Meeting followed by a lecture from Dr John Davies on "The Cawdor Estate". 7pm.

13-19 May

Dinefwr Park and Castle Exhibition
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
A Plant in Time. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

15 May

Intertidal Habitats in the Burry Inlet with Dr Ziggy Otto
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, East Carmarthenshire Section.
2pm Walk. Meet at 2pm in Pentre Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli SN506982. Organised by the Llanelli Naturalists, All welcome. Bring Wellington Boots, No Dogs. 01558 822152

15-16 May

Members and Volunteers' Giant plant fair weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Stalls in Millennium Square.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

15-16 May

Low Tide Day - Mud Safari
National Wetland Centre Wales, Llanelli.
www.wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

15-16 May

Open Road Rally
Ammanford Motoring Club.

16 May

Carmarthenshire Welsh Pony & Cob Show
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 232141

21 May

Alternative Futures Day
St Peters Civic Hall, Carmarthen.
Talks and Films on Solar and Wind Power, Bio Fuels, Permaculture, Food Miles, Reducing your Carbon Footprint and How the West affects the Developing World. Workshops - Willow Basketry, Patchwork and Quilting, Jewellery Making - focussing on using locally sourced or recycled materials. Stalls from Environmental Groups and Charities. Entry is free. 10am - 3pm. 01267 235413

21 May - 3 June

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

22 May

St. Clears Show
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 232141

22 May

International Biodiversity Day
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
If you want to attract colourful wildlife to your garden, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is the place to be on Saturday, 22nd. Staff and volunteers from the Garden, the RSPB, Butterfly Conservation Trust, Carmarthenshire County Council and the Wildlife Trust for South West Wales will be on-hand to give you tips on how you can entice butterflies, ladybirds, moths, frogs, bees and birds into your special garden. There’ll be children’s activities, special guided tours to look for wildflowers and birds, talks on biodiversity and conservation, and you’ll be shown how to make your own bird box. This event takes place on International Biodiversity Day, when thousands of events around the world take place to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

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22 May - 3 July

Bathing Beauties: Re-imagining the beach hut for the 21st Century
Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen.
An international exhibition of over 60 Beach Hut models designed by artists and architects, which creatively re-imagine the British beach hut for the first time in three hundred years - there’s even one that looks like a giant cheese! 10.00am - 5.00pm, Monday - Saturday.
Cost: Free entry. Oriel Myrddin Gallery 01267 222775

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23 May

Pembrokeshire Vintage Car Club Display
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Pembrokeshire Vintage Car Club and members of the Daimler Club, Swansea, are teaming up for a special display at the Garden. Organiser Simon Huntley is promising a mouth-watering treat for vintage vehicle fans: "There will be more than 20 vintage cars which will include five members of the Daimler Club." The cars are due to arrive at the Garden at around midday.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

23 May

Recital Sundays at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
2-4pm. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the company of musicians from Trinity University College, Carmarthen. Special lunch and afternoon tea menus will be served in the tea room. Part of the Trinity University College Arts Festival. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

23 May

Llanelli Waterside Sprint Triathlon Championships
North Dock, Llanelli.
A 750m open water swim, a 17mile bike ride to the historic town of Kidwelly and back & 5km run along the Coastal Park. Prize money.
www.humanbeingactive.org 01554 758036

26 May - 19 July

Gina Hughes
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Ceramics Technician, in the Gallery.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

26 May

Flat Racing
Ffos Las Racecource & Conference Centre
First Race: 2:30pm. Last Race: 5:15pm.
www.ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

27 May

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

28 &31 May

Parakarting on Cefn Sidan Beach
Pembrey Country Park.
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk 01554 833913

28, 29, 30 & 31 May

Llanelli Festival Of Walks
Amble through the Welsh countryside with the Llanelli Ramblers who organise this Spring Bank Holiday festival that attracts hundreds. There are 18 different walks and a variety of coast and countryside to choose from, with the rambling trails taking walkers into Brecon Beacons National Park and the Gower Peninsula, along Millennium Coastal Path, past bronze age circles, Roman camps, Norman castles, and even into Dylan Thomas country. And if your boots aren’t just made for walking, there’s a Festival Party complete with a live band on the Sunday night, so you can dance the night away too. Those taking part in walks using the train should meet at Llanelli Station. All other walks start from the Selwyn Samuel Centre/Leisure Centre Car Park, Llanelli.
Cost: £15 per adult (for one walk a day), children coming with their parents are half price.
www.llanelliramblers.org.uk Eileen: 01554 741306 or Pat: 01554 776505

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28 May - 13 June

HENRO Japanese art exhibition at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

29 May

Spring Walk in Carmel National Nature Reserve with David Foot
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, East Carmarthenshire Section.
Meet at the reserve car park off A476 South of Carmel. All Welcome.
01558 822152

29, 30 & 31 May

Spring Bank Holiday Weekend with Entertainment.
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
There’s magic, music and cavalcade of local crafts at the National Botanic Garden of Wales this bank holiday weekend. All under one roof in Lord Foster’s stunning Great Glasshouse will be a host of local craftspeople demonstrating their art - on Saturday, Sunday and Monday - including woodturning, pewter-ware, hand-made jewellery, shell craft, lovespoons, pottery and ironwork. Also on the bank holiday bill at the Garden this weekend is Meirion Owen’s world-famous Quack Pack. They will be in action on the Saturday with displays at 12, 1pm, 2pm and 3.

On the Sunday, there will be a magic, fire-eating, juggling and balloon-modelling from the one-and-only Jugglestruck while on Monday popular local musical duo Fiddlebox and back at the Garden. Monday also sees Jugglestruck back in action promising more magical thrills and spills.

Cost: The Garden is open from 10am until 6pm and admission is £8 (£6.50 concs), under-16s are £4 with a family ticket (two adults and up to four children) £19.50. www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

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29-31 May

'Quack Pac', magic and music
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne SA32 8HG.
Enjoy magic, music and madness at this three day Bank holiday celebration in the grounds of Wales’ most loved gardens. Watch in wonder as the 'Quack Pac' demonstrate their duck herding skills, shepherding ducks through tunnels, over hurdles and even down a slide into a pond much to the delight of kids (and big kids too!). Marvel at the magic shows complete with fire juggling and balloon modelling and get a little bit crafty at the three day arts and crafts fair with demonstrations for the whole family to enjoy. 10.00am - 6.00pm daily
Cost: £8.00 for adults, £6.50 for OAPs and £4.00 for Children (5-16). Under 5's enter free and family tickets (for 2 Adults and up to 4 children) are also available for £19.50.
www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

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29 & 30 May

Carmarthen Antiques Fair (Towy Events)
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 236569

29 & 30 May

Flat Track Racing
Amman Valley Trotting Track, Tirgwaith, Ammanford SA18 1UT.
Racing at 7pm on the 29th and 1pm on the 30th.
Cost: Adults £10 per day or £18 for weekend (includes camping), OAP's £8 per day or £14 for weekend, Children (12 to 15) £3 or £5 for the weekend, children under 12 free. www.shorttrackuk.com

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29 May - 6 June

Duckling Days
National Wetland Centre Wales, Llanelli.
For one week only each year the National Wetland Centre Wales offers visitors the chance to get up close to their ducklings during a special tour of the hatchery and duckery. This year, the Duckling Days fall over half term giving you the perfect opportunity to introduce your little darlings to some sweet little ducklings. Daily tours take place at 12pm, 2pm & 3pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Stretching over 450 acres on the Burry Inlet, the National Wetland Centre Wales in Llanelli is magnificent mosaic of lakes, pools and lagoons and home to countless wild species from dragonflies and little egrets to over 600 of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos.
Cost: £7.75 for adults, £4.25 for children aged 4-16 years, £21.60 for families (2 adults & 2 children, 4-16 years) and free for children under 4. www.wwt.org.uk 01554 741087

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29 May - 18 July

Objects of desire
National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Inspired by the richness and symbolism of Dutch still life painting, Victoriana, and the archaeological supremacy of ceramics, Georgina Hughes finds her art by foraging in the personal significance and arresting presence of objects. In her new show at the National Botanic Garden of Wales - entitled 'Presence' - Gina’s ceramics and her photography illustrate perfectly that inspiration as well as the power of her chosen objects. ‘Presence’ by Georgina Hughes is in the Courtyard Gallery at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

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30 & 31 May

Train Club Steam Rides
Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey SA16 0EJ.
Overlooking the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay, Pembrey Country Park’s Cefn Sidan beach is recognised as one of Europe’s finest with eight miles of pristine sands. There are also numerous adrenalin thrills on offer from a 130 metre dry ski slope, the longest toboggan run in Wales and Go Ape tree courses to death slides, Zorbing and horse riding on the beach. And over the bank holiday weekend, you can also have some good old fashioned fun as the Train Club takes over the park’s miniature railway to run steam train rides.
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk 01554 833913

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31 May - 4 June

Teddy Bears picnic with a difference
Pemberton’s Chocolate farm at Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire.
If you go down to the farm in May, you’re sure of a chocolate surprise!
Pemberton’s Chocolate farm at Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire will be celebrating May half term with a magical Teddy Bears picnic theme. (May 31st till June 4th) Joining the team at the chocolate farm will be Pemberton Bear, on hand to help with face painting, chocolate tours and the choc-tastic chocolate Teddy Bear hunt! Take part in a Teddy Bear hunt where you simply need to find all the clues around the site to receive your chocolate bear. The Comfort food cafe will be issuing special children’s picnic boxes too.

"We are hoping that this will be a magical event and great excuse to bring your teddy bear to enjoy the world of chocolate too" Commented Emily Jones, General Manager at Pemberton’s. There will be discounted entry for all those who bring along their teddy bear during the week, adults included.
www.welshchocolatefarm.com 01994 448800

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31 May - 4 June

Sherlock Holmes at Dinefwr Park and Castle
(The National Trust) Llandeilo SA19 6RT.
Mystery and intrigue abound in Newton House as Dinefwr Park and Castle opens its doors to an evening of Victorian drama. Bring the family (and your wits) for a glimpse into the past as the School of Theatre and Performance at Trinity University College bring the famous sleuth to life. Will you be able to solve the mysteries in time? Can you outwit the greatest detective of them all - Sherlock Holmes!?  6.30pm - 8.30pm daily.
Cost: £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 824512

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All events subject to amendments.