Mercury prize nominee and Songlines Award winner Sam Lee is set to perform at Gregynog Hall on November 24 as the culmination of a fabulous folk series.

Sam performed at Glastonbury in 2024 and has toured across Europe and the UK. His singular interpretations of folk songs and themes break down the barriers between traditional and contemporary music.

He is also known for his love of wilderness and nature, making him a perfect match for a historic house set in 750 acres of stunning nature reserve.

Gregynog Hall has played a leading role in the development of Wales’ classical music scene it was the home of the Davies sisters in the 1930s. Music festivals were held at Gregynog Hall, attended by famous musicians such as Sir Adrian Boult, Walford Davies and Gustav Holst.

Gwen and Margaret Davies were always passionate about the arts. Prior to the Great War, they had begun collecting paintings and other works of art, notably French Impressionists and post-Impressionists – Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Pisarro, Sisley, Morisot – which was very daring stuff for the times.

Their adviser was a man called Hugh Blaker who was the brother of the sisters’ governess. Gwen was also a talented musician and music was very important to both sisters.

They converted the Billiard Room in their home into a Music Room which continues to host concerts including a free programme of chamber music on Saturday mornings.

Now Gregynog is looking beyond its traditional classical remit and to host contemporary interpretations of traditional music. Gregynog Hall’s Autumn 2024 Folk Series concludes on Sunday, November 24 with a performance by Sam and his band.

Lee’s most recent album ‘Songdreaming’ was a Mojo Album of the Month earlier this year and is the recipient of five-star reviews.  With a lyrical focus on the perilous state of the natural world that has informed Sam’s work since his debut, ‘Songdreaming’ represents his most expansive and fully realised album to date.

“I wanted to sing a vision of what a conversation between us and the land could be, to restore and inspire a practice of songful immersion in nature that brings with it healing, something we need now more than ever,” he said.

Gregynog Hall offers a range of accommodation which allows visitors to make a weekend of it and explore the estate’s amazing 750-acre estate.

Gregynog Hall’s woodland is part of Wales’ national forest with miles of paths to explore so pack your boots as well! Early tickets cost £22.50 including booking fee (£27.50 full price). Details are available at www.gregynog.org and you can book accommodation by calling the Hall on 01686 650224 or email enquiries@gregynog.org.

Elan Valley is gearing up for an action-packed October half term with a range of activities designed to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Wales, Elan Valley is offering a variety of events from Halloween-themed adventures to a local food, drink, and craft fair, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Kick off the festivities with the Cambrian Mountains Food, Drink, and Craft Fair on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 4pm. After a successful debut in 2021, this year’s fair returns with more local flavour and creativity.

As part of the Menter y Mynydd project, funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund and facilitated by Powys County Council, the fair features renowned local producers like Radnor Preserves, MAC Chocolates and Da Mhile Distillery.

Visitors can also enjoy cooking sessions by TV chef and author Nerys Howell and live music from local artists Toby Hay and Gareth Bonello. With new items arriving weekly, the Elan Valley shop will be well-stocked with Cambrian Mountains products.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, the Autumn Adventure Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, offers adrenaline-pumping activities and hands-on crafts for all ages.

Presented by Powys County Council events team, this weekend promises to thrill and inspire visitors with a range of exciting challenges and creative opportunities. For more information and to book activities: https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/autumn-adventure-weekend/

Experience a unique slice of history with the Dam Open Day on October 27, from 12pm to 2pm. For just £5 per adult and £1 per child under 18, visitors can explore Pen y Garreg Dam and chat to one of Elan Valley’s knowledgeable rangers.

Booking ahead is recommended for this rare chance to learn about the engineering marvels of Elan Valley, while enjoying breathtaking views from the central tower. Half the proceeds from this event will support Wateraid.

For a Halloween twist, test your bravery during the Spooky Dam Open Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30, from 1pm to 3.30pm. With entry priced at £5 per adult and £1.50 per child, visitors can embark on a thrilling adventure inside Pen y Garreg Dam, emerging to claim a Halloween reward and continuing through the woods.

Families can get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin carving on Wednesday, October 30, from 10am to 12pm. At just £5 per child, this activity offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season.

Elan Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with miles of walking and cycling trails, wildlife watching opportunities and group guided tours of the historic dams and reservoirs.

The visitor centre, complete with a café and shop, provides a perfect starting point for exploring all that Elan Valley has to offer.

To book or find out more information about the October half term activities and other events at Elan Valley, visit https://elan-valley.co.uk/events/ .

Elan Valley Visitor Centre is open form Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. Parking is free for 60 mins or £3 all day. For more information, please contact Emily Fearn, marketing officer, at Emily.Fearn@dwrcymru.com .

A picturesque Mid Wales hotel has been transformed into a health and wellness centre, offering retreats to customers in the tranquil Upper Severn Valley.

 

Lisa and John Brant purchased the 20-bedroomed Maesmawr Hall Hotel, set in four acres of grounds at Caersws, near Newtown, in February and ran it as a traditional hotel until August to honour existing bookings.

 

Now the couple are calling on 12 years’ experience of running La Crisalida Retreats, a hugely popular health and wellbeing retreat near Alicante in Spain, to bring the same successful concept to Mid Wales.

 

Managers from La Crisalida Wellness at Maesmawr Hall, the hotel’s new name, have been on a learning visit to the Spanish retreat.

 

The new retreat, which is open all year round, has a team of 20 staff and began welcoming guests last month. Guests choose their own arrival and departure dates, and the retreat also offers a limited number of day passes.

 

Activities include yoga, rebounding, meditation, a range of workshops, creativity and exercise classes and guided walks, and a range of treatments is also available. The daily programme runs from 8am to 9pm and guests are served a plant based food and juices menu.

 

Tailored packages are available for those suffering from burnout, in need of an immune system boost or looking for a health reset.

 

To help promote the business, La Crisalida Wellness has joined MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia (Eryri).

 

Explorers in the field of lifestyle change and wellbeing, Lisa and John quit busy jobs in London, feeling unfulfilled and burnt out, to travel the world for six months. This time out helped them to dramatically change direction and transform their lives.

 

Lisa has worked in the health sector for more than 25 years, most recently as an epidemiologist, after studying at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

She also worked for the Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England) and NHS Blood and Transplant where she published scientific articles on infectious blood-borne diseases.

 

She now follows a more alternative health route, integrating science, nutrition and other health options, teaching therapeutic hatha, yin yoga and mindfulness meditation.

 

Lisa overcame health challenges related to endometriosis, pain management and the mental scars it leaves through the holistic health and wellbeing approach.

 

A former actuary, John is an author, speaker and transformational coach. Passionate about helping others to find their own inspired path, he leads life makeover and mindset workshops, meditation and guided walks.

 

A master trainer of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), he’s qualified in hypnosis, life coaching and the Demartini Method.

 

The couple were all set to buy a property in North Wales to establish their first Welsh retreat, before the Covid pandemic scuppered their plans in 2020.

 

“In 2023, we started to look again and came across Maesmawr Hall Hotel,” she said. “The location and venue work really well for a retreat.

 

“Having done a degree in Archaeology and Geography, I love old buildings and that’s why we chose this beautiful, Grade II Listed property. Everything that we do here will respect and take care of this hall, the oldest part of which dates to 1535.

 

“We believe that the programme we provide at La Crisalida Wellness offers people the opportunity to create optimal health and wellbeing. Some people will come for yoga and detox, some for a health reset, while others may be going through life change, such as redundancy, career move or divorce.

 

“We offer a place where they can come and take time out from their busy lives -quietness provides clarity. People coming from London or other big cities are struck by how green and peaceful it is here.

 

“Hopefully, bringing people in from a wider area will have a positive knock on effect to the local area and other local businesses which is what happened in Spain. We always try to work with local businesses.

 

“We want not only our guests but also our staff to experience learning growth and development as part of our programme. We are proud that in Spain many of our staff have been promoted from junior to managerial positions in the past decade.”

Award-winning Welsh Distillery, In the Welsh Wind, has launched a new recipe Black Batch Rum in its Eccentric Spirits range.

 

Available in striking, redesigned bottles, the distillery has worked on a new, improved recipe, which is available at a special introductory price of £24 per bottle.

 

“We’re really excited about the new look and reimagined liquid for Black Batch Rum,” said Ellen Wakelam, In the Welsh Wind Distillery co-founder. “It represents the start of a new chapter for the Eccentric Spirits brand, however the inspiration for the rum remains the same: tales of storms and shipwrecks from the Welsh coast.

 

“We will be moving forward with the new look for the other spirits in the range over the coming year.”

 

Black Batch Rum is already available direct to customers through a growing number of independent Welsh stockists, from the distillery shop at Tanygroes, near Cardigan and online through the website https://eccentricspirits.com/ . The spiced rum is also available to trade customers through wholesalers.

 

Black Batch Rum is lightly spiced with orange, cinnamon and cloves. Rich caramel aromas intertwine with the bright zest of orange peel and a hint of burnt brown sugar, adding depth to the bouquet.

 

Silky-smooth on the palate and bursting with molasses and soft toffee, the rum delivers sweet spice and a surprising yet harmonious sesame umami quality. The overall experience is rounded and full-bodied, with a lingering, gentle warmth suggesting refinement and balance.

 

In the Welsh Wind is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.

Picture caption:

 

The new recipe Black Batch Rum.

A leading Mid Wales attraction is promising to “terrify even the bravest of soul” with a scary event in the run up and including Halloween.

 

A Victorian lead mine at the Silver Mountain Experience, near Aberystwyth, has been transformed for its ninth year into the award-winning scare attraction, Terror Mountain, a place where nightmares come true.

 

Terror Mountain will be running on selected nights from Friday, October 18 until Halloween. Tickets are strictly limited and have sold out in previous years, so pre-booking online at https://www.terrormountain.co.uk/tickets/ is recommended.

 

View a trailer for Terror Mountain 2024 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY6iUyV5Ft8 .

 

Visitors can brave five terrifying live action horror attractions and roaming entertainment, as well as enjoying food and refreshment at the bar and BBQ.

 

New for 2024, a re-awakening of one of Terror Mountain’s earlier concepts, Wild Woods II promises to be a party like no other.

 

Celebration will quickly turn to despair, as visitors realise the woods hold more than innocent festival goers as they are forced to find your way through a twisted maze to avoid becoming the next feats for a family of cannibals.

 

Alongside Wild Woods II, the award-winning attraction KILLERZ returns to Terror Mountain. Visitors will be a part of an exciting new horror film being shot on location but there’s something the director isn’t divulging.

 

Winner of Best Original Concept and Idea at the 2023 ScareCON SCARE Awards, KILLERZ is not one for the faint-hearted.

 

As well as KILLERZ, returning favourites include the terrifying Summoning, where visitors witness a séance that goes horribly wrong. Guests will have no choice but to find shelter in ‘Sanctum’, an apocalyptic thriller set in an old chapel, which has become the last remaining safe place on earth from a horde of malevolent demons.

 

There is also a chance to experience a paranormal investigation at Haunted: Live. What could possibly go wrong in a haunted Victorian mine?

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) invested in a new roof mounted solar project following a fundraising campaign by former Royal Welsh Show feature county Clwyd.

 

The solar panels, which have a 350kWp installed capacity, are situated on the roof of the cattle and sheep buildings on the Royal Wesh Showground in Llanelwedd and were installed just before the 2023 show.

 

To recognise Clwyd’s fundraising efforts, a plaque was unveiled by Harry Fetherstonhaugh, formerly RWAS president and show director, alongside a digital screen that shows the total power produced by the panels and the CO2 reduction.

 

The solar total yield so far is almost 300,000kWh, which could provide enough to power approximately 100 homes.

 

The RWAS is proud that all the permanent power used on the showground comes from 100% renewable sources, either through its own on-site generator or energy supplier.

 

RWAS chief executive Aled Rhys Jones said: “This project demonstrates our commitment to sustainability, and we are extremely grateful to the members from Clwyd who helped make this possible.

 

“By generating more power on the showground, we are reducing our reliance on external energy sources and it goes someway to protecting the society from the enormous electricity price hikes we’ve seen in recent years.”

 

This is the second solar project on the showground, following the roof mounted system installed on the Food Hall in 2014.

 

Picture caption:

 

Members of Royal Welsh Show 2020-‘22 feature county Clwyd’s fundraising committee, along with former RWAS president and show director, Harry Fetherstonhaugh and this year’s president, Denley Jenkins with the plaque.

Elan Valley Visitor Centre near Rhayader hosted the first meeting between the Growing Mid Wales Economic Advisory Group (EAG) and leaders of Ceredigion and Powys County Councils

The meeting was held to discuss the Mid Wales Growth Deal’s strategic initiatives and collaboration on advancing regional economic growth.

Elan Valley Lakes Project is the first Mid Wales project advancing to the final stage of business case development to unlock growth deal funding. Representatives of Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru, project developers, outlined the proposals before leading a tour around the site.

The £21.7 million project includes plans to redevelop and expand Elan Valley Visitor Centre overlooking Caban Coch Dam, a hub for water sports and events, new tourism accommodation, including glamping pods, upgrading footpaths and bike trails, woodland conservation management and green energy supply links from a hydro mains ring.

The EAG, an independent body for Growing Mid Wales Board, comprises business leaders with expertise relevant to the region. The growth deal is a capital funding programme investing in large-scale infrastructure projects to support regional economic growth.

Steve Lesbirel, EAG chair, said: “We now have a full group consisting of entrepreneurial industry leaders and we look forward together with a passion to help drive the Mid Wales economy forward.

“Our group plays a key role in providing a strategic and constructive challenge to strengthen proposals and advise on new opportunities for the Growing Mid Wales Board to consider.”

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council leader and Councillor Bryan Davies, Ceredigion County Council leader, are co-chairs of Growing Mid Wales Board.

“We are delighted to work closely with regional business leaders to provide a voice for their sector and share strategic and constructive responses for the Mid Wales Growth Deal,” they said.

“The growth deal is entering an exciting stage of development which sees programmes and projects moving into the delivery phase. We therefore need to ensure business representatives help us to strengthen and challenge the portfolio to have maximum impact on the Mid Wales economy.”

For more information about EAG members visit: www.growingmid.wales/EAG .

Wellsynergy 2024, the first Wellbeing and Outdoor Activity Festival, will be held in the heart of Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brecheiniog this September.

The festival vision is being brought to life by outdoor enthusiasts Janine Price and Chris Thomas from the Walking The Brecon Beacons team with the full support of site owners, Keri and Julie Davies and family.

Held over two days – September 20-22 – at Onnenfawr, Crai, Brecon, LD3 8PY, the festival will be a unique opportunity for families and friends to immerse themselves in nature amidst the outstanding natural beauty of the Geo Park.

They will be able to enjoy a combination of adventure, wellbeing and relaxation activities suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Activities include expert-led guided nature walks and hiking through breath-taking scenery, sunrise yoga, a climbing wall, outdoor cinema under the stars and fun-filled fitness sessions.

There will also be a host of children’s outdoor activities, such as bug hunts, outdoor play, and arts and crafts that children love.

For those who simply want to soak up the natural beauty of the area and enjoy being outdoors, there will be a range of delicious catered food and drink options or they can simply bring their own.

For tickets and more information, visit www.wellsynergy.wales .

Organiser Janine Price said: “There really will be something for everyone and we have deliberately kept ticket prices affordable, as we would love to see lots of families share the weekend.

“We have been overwhelmed by the show of support so far. The event is already fostering a real sense of community from those who will be on hand to share their expertise alongside the amazing local businesses offering delicious food, original craft stalls and our mountain rescue heroes.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together, share an uplifting weekend and create some memories as we head into autumn.”

Chris Thomas, of ROC Outdoor Adventure and joint festival founder, added: “Anything that gets people embracing and enjoying the outdoors in any capacity is a great thing. We have such an outstanding natural resource on our doorstep.

“This festival is an amazing opportunity, not only for community building but to also to encourage exploring the benefits of outdoor activity and all nature has to offer, including wellness practices, walking and even relaxation techniques.

“It’s a deliberately inclusive event designed for all ages and with family budgets very much mind. We really are aiming for there to be something for everyone”

A range of affordable accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets is available, ranging from luxury onsite and local accommodation, to a range of on-site camping options, including camper vans allowing ground campfires and barbecues and welcoming well-behaved dogs on leads.

One of leading hotels and event venues in Mid Wales has unveiled an impressive new garden courtyard just in time for the wedding season and summer.

The Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells says the outdoor transformation is set to redefine luxury and elegance in the historic spa town.

As part of the rejuvenation of the hotel’s outdoor spaces, the courtyard seamlessly extends the renowned Garden Suite and is poised to become a favoured spot for customers and wedding guests alike.

“Our new Garden Courtyard is an incredible addition to the Garden Suite function area,” said Lauren Bingley, the hotel’s sales manager. “It’s a versatile and beautiful space, perfect for wedding ceremonies, drink receptions, conferences, motor clubs, outdoor wellbeing events and more.”

Lauren’s vision for the Garden Courtyard was brought to life by Nathan Jones and his talented team at Little Shed, a dynamic new landscape company from Newtown.

This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the hotel’s outdoor areas, including the installation of a solar panel garden and the upcoming creation of a sensory biodiversity garden to support wild habitats.

The Garden Courtyard is open as a beer garden throughout the week and available for exclusive hire. To book the space, contact Lauren at salesmanager@metropole.co.uk.

There’s been something magical happening behind closed doors in the Mid Wales market town of Rhayader!

 

For more than two years, a team of dedicated and highly skilled people has been burning the midnight oil, ready for the official opening of a brand-new visitor attraction on May 23 – TimeScape Rhayader / Amserwedd Rhaeadr Gwy.

 

Following the private launch on May 23, ‘Timescape Rhayader’ opens to the public on May 30. This new heritage and arts attraction has been created by CARAD (Community Arts Rhayader and District).

 

It’s the first all-weather attraction in the town, offering tourists a dry base to explore the history and landscape of Rhayader from in inclement weather.

 

New installations look at the fascinating stories from the community and those who lived there before, unique landscapes, climate change and sustainable behaviour, folklore and belief, farming and the environment, migration and identity.

 

The fascinating installations include an atmospheric Dragon’s Cave, also accessible through a crawl-through tunnel which features CARAD’s giant copper dragon sculpture, Queen Belrenin.

 

Cath Allan, CARAD’s co-director and creative lead on TimeScape Rhayader, said: “We’re passionate believers in the power of creativity and heritage to bring people together in shared endeavours, and to inspire individuals to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.

 

“This project has involved Rhayader’s community at every stage of its development, with over 100 volunteers giving thousands of hours of their time. It’s a brilliant effort and an exceptional achievement!

 

“Together we’ve created an ambitious and inspiring all-weather heritage and arts attraction that showcases Mid Wales and its unique place in Welsh history and on the world stage.”

 

Cath added: “This new attraction will suit all ages. A host of new installations explore the area’s fascinating stories from our community today as well as those who lived here before. We explore the unique landscapes, folklore and beliefs which shaped our communities, in a welcoming and fascinating all weather experience.

 

“Our new digital displays include a magic i-sandbox, where children can explore and create landscapes and see dinosaurs in their natural habitat. There’s even a digital reconstruction of the Roman marching camp at Esgair Perfedd and Cwm Elan Mine on our digital table!”

 

CARAD co-director Krysia Bass said: “We’ve created a unique, immersive environment that incorporates the old Rhayader Folk Museum Collections in new and innovative ways.

 

“Some items now on display haven’t been seen for over 50 years and some others have never been seen by the public at all.

 

“TimeScape Rhayader / Amserwedd Rhaeadr Gwyr has been in development since lockdown and we couldn’t have done it without the support and trust of our key funding partners.”

 

Funding partners are the Welsh Government, Elan Links HLF Landscape Scheme, Powys County Council, Rhayader Town Council, Art Fund, Community Foundation Wales, Ashley Family Foundation, Oakdale Trust and Llysdinam Trust.

 

CARAD trustee Peter Cox, MBE, said: ‘TimeScape Rhayader aims to help CARAD become more sustainable and to grow tourism in Rhayader itself – capitalising on the half a million visitors who come to explore the Elan Valley each year.

 

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve created and want to share it with as many people as possible. When we ran some preview tours the visitor responses were fantastic and so encouraging.”

 

One local resident said: “It’s excellent! Really proud to have this in Rhayader.’ A German visitor said: “What you have created is very profound. It shows the whole cosmos” and a couple from Australia said: “It’s absolutely fascinating and beautiful. This will become a ‘must see’ tourist and local attraction.”

 

Opening Hours from May 30 are Thursday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4pm, last entry, 3.30pm. Ticket prices ar £6 for adults and 1p for children under 16.  There will be several ‘no pay’ days a year for local people.