Mid Wales is brimming with Christmas events for the whole family this year. From festive fairs and carol singing to creative crafts and delightful afternoon teas, there’s something to spark joy for everyone.

 

Father Christmas will also be making special appearances across the region!

 

MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism) has rounded up some festive events to inspire your imagination and get you in the Christmas spirit, and there’s plenty more to be found on www.visitmidwales.co.uk, with cosy places to stay, so you can make a night of it.

 

In Ceredigion

 

Step into a magical Christmas at Silver Mountain this December
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/a-magical-christmas-at-the-silver-mountain-p1846711

 

Based just outside of Aberystwyth, this popular attraction is undergoing a serious transformation to prepare for the return of their most beloved visitor, Santa Claus.

 

Running on selected dates from December 7 to 23, there will be something for the whole family to enjoy at this magical winter wonderland.

 

Santa and his elves have transformed Silver Mountain’s Victorian mine buildings into their workshops and a grotto. Visitors are being invited to join the elves for an enchanting walk through the factory to see where the magic happens and hear about what needs to be done for the big day.

Booking is essential and tickets are selling fast. Book a slot online at  www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/festive/ to avoid disappointment.

Aberystwyth set to host Wales’ first ever POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/the-polar-express-train-ride-p2236831

 

This Christmas, Polar Productions, in conjunction with Rail Events Inc., are bringing a truly magical live show to The Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

This fully immersive theatre experience recreates the famous Christmas movie as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will be bringing the characters to life as it captures the joyful festive tale, as well as giving families the opportunity to travel by steam train on the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Railway.

 

Tickets are on sale now. Trains depart from Saturday, November 30 and run until Christmas Eve.

Cardigan Lantern Parade Festival of Light
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/cardigan-giant-lantern-parade-p2060101

 

The Cardigan Lantern Parade Festival of Light on December 6 is set to be a vibrant celebration, with this year’s theme inspired by the beautiful River Teifi.

 

As the parade flows through the streets, a mesmerising river of pyramid lanterns will light up the path. Everyone is encouraged to join in, whether by creating their own lanterns to contribute to the parade or simply coming to enjoy the spectacle.

 

The parade will leave Pendre at 7pm accompanied by musicians and a fireworks display will take place around 8pm.

 

Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/llanerchaeron-christmas-fair-p2010561

 

From December 6 to 8, enjoy a fairytale Christmas at Llanerchaeron near Aberaeron. Listen to carol singers, visit Santa’s grotto, enjoy the sustainable seasonal decorations, wander around the lake and grounds and discover beautiful Christmas present ideas and artisan treats at the array of local stallholders throughout the site.

 

Santa will be there on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm and can be found in the gardener’s bothy. No booking required. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Christmas afternoon tea at Nanteos Mansion
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-afternoon-tea-nanteos-mansion-p2239751

Nanteos Mansion, a stunning Georgian country house turned hotel near Aberystwyth, provides a secluded and magical setting for Christmas celebrations.

 

Every Wednesday and Sunday from December 4 to 22 and on Monday, December 23, Christmas afternoon tea is available from 12pm to 3pm, costing £30 per person. Festive teas will also be available at 1pm on Christmas Eve.

 

Nanteos’ Christmas Afternoon Tea includes a selection of seasonal homemade sandwiches, festive cakes, savouries and scones, all washed down with unlimited cups of tea or coffee and a glass of mulled wine.

 

Why not combine afternoon tea with a historical guided tour of Nanteos on Wednesdays? Check out other Christmas events at https://www.nanteos.com/events .

 

In Powys

 

Unique Christmas musical treat at Gregynog Hall
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/festive-chamber-gregynog-p2210441

 

A Christmas concert with a difference is being hosted at Gregynog Hall in Tregynon, near Newtown, on Tuesday, December 3.

Quindici Chamber Choir is teaming up with Gregynog’s resident orchestra Sinfonia Cymru to put together a unique programme of festive favourites, combining some of Wales’ finest chamber music performers with choral classics and sing along carols.

 

The concert starts at 7pm in Gregynog’s Music Room. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £5 for under 16s and are available at Sinfonia Cymru’s website www.sinfonia.cymru .

 

Find all Gregynog’s events at https://gregynog.org/whats-on/, including Breakfast with Santa, festive afternoon teas and Carols in the Courtyard with Monty Folk.

A Dickensian Christmas at Powis Castle, Welshpool
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/a-dickensian-christmas-powis-castle-p2244791

Step back in time as the first floor of Powis Castle transforms into a charming Victorian wonderland, inspired by A Christmas Carol.

 

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the 19th century, where flickering candles, evergreen garlands and classic holiday scenes bring the spirit of Christmas to life.

 

A visit to Powis Castle this season promises a heartwarming journey filled with nostalgia and holiday cheer. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

 

Breakfast with Father Christmas is also being served at the castle on selected dates. Booking essential.

Festive Afternoon Teas are back at Kerry Vale Vineyard
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/festive-afternoon-tea-at-kerry-vale-vineyard-p1844301

 

Between now and December 18, afternoon tea at Kerry Vale Vineyard Cafe near Montgomery takes on an extra sprinkle of magic over the festive season. Delicate finger sandwiches are elevated for the festive period, while hand-crafted sweet treats come adorned with charming designs and seasonal flavours.

 

Perfect for celebrating the Christmas spirit with friends and family. Festive Afternoon Tea costs £30 per person and you can add a glass of mulled wine for £3 or English Sparkling Wine for £6 extra. Booking is essential and 48 hrs notice is required.

 

A Christmas garland workshop is also being held at Kerry Vale Vineyard on December 10: https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-garland-workshop-with-jane-pugh-kerry-vale-vineyard-p2228561

Christmas Grotto at Porth Farm, Caersws
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-grotto-at-porth-farm-p2211991

 

Venture through the Christmas Grotto, meet Santa and receive a gift at Porth Farm, Caersws. Visitors can also browse the mini-Christmas market, purchase from the Christmas Tree Pop Up Shop and enjoy refreshments from the café!

Christmas Winter Wreath Making Workshop at RSPB Ynys-hir.
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-winter-wreath-making-workshop-at-rspb-ynys-hir-p2233541

 

Celebrate the season at RSPB Ynys-hir, Eglwys-fach, near Machynlleth.
by making your own unique Christmas or Winter wreath, woven from willow and decorated with a variety of natural materials and foliage foraged from the locality.

 

A truly sustainable seasonal decoration and all materials, tools, tuition and light refreshments included in the £36 per person price. Workshops are on December 4 and 7.

 

Santa Specials and more at Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

 

All aboard the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway for Santa Specials from December 7 to 23, which offer festive fun and wintery steam train trips with Father Christmas. All trains depart from Llanfair Caereinion and pre-booking is essential.

Enjoy a Special Festive Afternoon Tea onboard the railway’s vintage steam train for one day only, departing Llanfair Caereinion on Friday, December 20 at 1pm.

 

Take a post-Christmas journey with loved ones, complete with mince pie and a festive drink, in steam heated carriages from December 28 to 30. Tickets are available now at https://wllr.org.uk/your-visit/whats-on/ .

 

Winter Woodland Grotto at Elan Valley
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/winter-woodland-grotto-elan-valley-p2247341

 

Children will delight at meeting Santa Claus who will warmly welcome them to his grotto in the Elan Valley. They will cherish their gift and photo and will be excited to join his team of merry elves to make festive decorations and create reindeer food.

 

They will also love tucking into hot chocolate and gingerbread from Elan Valley’s Cafe. Then it’s off outside to find Elfie, Santa’s naughty helper who has got lost in Cnwch Woods. Follow the trail and seek them out! Available on selected dates in December at the cost of £12.50 per child.

In Southern Eryri (Snowdonia)

Pop-up Corris Crafts Christmas Shop and Deli

 

A pop-up craft shop has opened in the café at Corris Craft Centre near Machynlleth. The shop, which opens daily from 10am to 4pm until December 22, hosts a collection of unique handmade crafts designed and made at the centre.

 

Handmade chocolates from Chocablock, hand carved candles from The Candle Studio, a collection of artisan gin from Dyfi Distillery, smoking dragons and pottery from Quarry Pottery and handcrafted organic furniture from Taran Eco Designs are on offer.

 

Danny Cameron, Corris Caverns director, said: “After a busy summer season, many of the craftspeople down tools and take a well-earned winter rest. Corris Café opens every day, so this year we have decided to host a special Corris Crafts Christmas shop to allow our winter visitors to enjoy many of the unique crafts made here at the Corris Craft Centre.”

 

Barmouth Christmas Lights Switch on
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/barmouth-christmas-lights-switch-on-p1828101

 

On December 5, Barmouth Christmas Lights will be switched on by the mayor surrounded by carol singers and onlookers joining in to celebrate the start of the festive season.

 

Church bells will ring out as people head towards the shops that have opened late especially for the occasion, stopping to listen to the famous Batala Bermo Samba Band and visiting the local Emergency Services that join in along the high street.

 

Mulled wine, toasted marshmallows, sweets, festive tipples and more…. every shop offers a warm welcome to everyone who wishes to browse their fantastic range of goods.

 

Father Christmas awaits the children and many pubs and hotels offer live music, adding to what has become a very special night in the lives of all those who visit and live in the town.

Santa Specials at Corris Steam Railway
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/santa-specials-corris-steam-railway-p2028071

On December 7 and 8, enjoy a train ride along the picturesque Dulas Valley to meet Santa and his helpers in his grotto. There will be a quality present from Santa, soft drinks and sweets for all children and warming mulled juice and mince pies for all adults.

 

Santa Special Trains at Bala Lake Railway
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/bala-lake-railway-santa-specials-p1743031

Santa has once again accepted the invitation to visit Llanuwchllyn on the weekend of December 7 and 8. Special trains will be hauled by two of Bala Lake Railway’s steam locomotives, suitably decorated for the occasion.

 

All trains depart from Llanuwchllyn Station on a journey down the line to Santa’s grotto where children will meet him and receive a gift. Adults receive a mince pie and a glass of sherry or a hot drink. Advance booking essential.

Festive fun at Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/carol-train-talyllyn-railway-p1812741

 

On December 21, visit Talyllyn Railway for a Carol Train – an evening of festive singing and live music, guaranteed to get passenger in the Christmas spirit.

 

A winning combination of steam trains, festive baps, mulled wine and mince pies as passengers enjoy a night of song on this musical adventure, full of Christmas spirit.

 

The train leaves at 7pm, with mulled wine and mince pies served at Rhydyronen and returns to Wharf where there will be live music and ‘festive baps’ for all.

 

Santa is also paying a visit to Talyllyn Railway for its ‘Santa Special Trains’ from December 21-24. Mischievous elves will ensure that adults have a mulled wine, juice for the children and a mince pie or cookie to enjoy on your journey back to Wharf.

 

Following the festive journey, passengers can visit Santa and they might receive a gift: https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/whats-on/santa-train-talyllyn-railway-p1812641

For more events in Mid Wales, this Christmas and all year round, check out www.visitmidwales.co.uk

This week’s Royal Welsh Agricultural Winter Fair was a resounding success, attracting thousands of visitors to the Llanelwedd showground for two days of festive celebrations, competitions and industry showcases.

 

The second day of the fair, on Tuesday, was a vibrant mix of activity, with exhibitors, traders and visitors immersing themselves in an extensive programme of competitions, demonstrations, auctions and shopping.

 

The event spanned a larger area than ever before, filled with a diverse array of food and retail stalls.

 

More than 2,000 school children and students attended across the two days, taking advantage of free entry for organised primary and secondary school trips and reduced rates for further and higher education groups.

 

This year’s primary school theme, “Ein Dŵr/Our Water,” offered an engaging educational experience. Workshops led by Welsh Water, The Army, educator Phillip Cressey and The Big Science Project captivated Year 5 and 6 pupils, while teaching resources on the role of water in agriculture were made available through Twinkl and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) website.

 

Tom Pemberton, popular YouTube star of ‘Tom Pemberton’s Farm Life’, presented certificates to participating schools and shared insights about water use on his dairy farm. Pupils enthusiastically engaged with him, asking about his farming journey.

 

Tom also joined Neil Fenn and Stewart Williams of Castell Howell to judge the sausage competition in the Meat Products section, before experiencing the bustling livestock auctions and meeting fans at the Show Shop.

 

Livestock competitions took centre stage, with record-breaking entries, particularly in the sheep section.

The winners were: Supreme cattle champion: ‘Twilight’, a Limousin-sired heifer bred by Tecwyn Jones of Caer Gwrli, Anglesey, sold for £8,500 to local butcher Arwyn Morgans of Morgans Family Butchers, Builth Wells.

 

Supreme sheep champion was a pair of Beltex lambs from E. F. Gittoes & Son of Bryndu Farm, Llandefalle, Brecon, which sold for £650. Pig Championships: Both single and pair titles were awarded to Pietrain cross Welsh pigs owned by Myrddin James of Dolaeron, Ceredigion, with the single selling for £400 and the pair for £350.

 

Supreme horse champion was Coedwigddu Princess Rosia, a Section D Welsh Cob, from S. James of Brynlluan, Carmarthenshire and handled by Gareth Lapping.

 

The Best Overall Tradestand Award was presented to Wales Perfumery.

 

The event’s success is credited to the dedication of the organising committee, exhibitors, traders, volunteers and stewards, along with the generous support of sponsors.

 

Headline sponsors HSBC, Welsh Government and Dunbia, alongside others, played a vital role in making this year’s Winter Fair a triumph.

 

“This year’s event has been a huge success,” said director, William Hanks. “Despite severe weather leading up to the fair, visitor numbers have been strong and there has been a fantastic sense of camaraderie on the showground.

 

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this event’s success. From our volunteers and stewards to the exhibitors and sponsors, your support ensures the Winter Fair remains a cherished tradition. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s events.”

The National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) and ColegauCymru have today published new data which highlights the far-reaching economic and social consequences of apprenticeship funding cuts in Wales.

Independent research, carried out by The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), highlights the significant economic and social cost of apprenticeship funding cuts, particularly affecting the most deprived communities, and critical sectors like healthcare and construction. The findings emphasise the need for sustained investment in apprenticeships to support economic growth and workforce development in Wales.

As a result of the circa 14% budget reduction, the report highlights:

• Nearly 6,000 fewer apprenticeship starts in Wales this year
• A £50.3 million ‘short run’ impact on the economy
• The health and social care and construction sectors are being impacted the most
• Funding cuts are disproportionately affecting the most deprived within the Welsh population

NTFW Strategic Director, Lisa Mytton, said:

“The findings are a stark warning. Without urgent action, we risk long-term damage to Wales’ workforce and economy. Apprenticeships must remain a priority in government funding to secure our future.”

ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, added: “The data is deeply concerning and underlines the devastating impact of apprenticeship funding cuts on Wales’ economy and our most vulnerable communities. A strong apprenticeships programme is critical for Wales’ economic recovery, equipping individuals and businesses with the skills they need for success. Apprenticeships are fundamental to building a stronger, greener and fairer Wales”.

NTFW and ColegauCymru have previously called on Welsh Government to restore the apprenticeships budget to levels seen prior to the loss of European Structural Funds. The findings of the research endorse this call so as to mitigate any further impact to the Apprenticeships Programme in Wales beyond this year.

The Welsh Government must restore funding for the apprenticeship programme. It is critical to give our public services the staff and the skills they need to improve outcomes and to give businesses the skills they need to grow the economy.

Talented Welsh apprentice butchers are being challenged to put their skills to test on a grand stage at the country’s top competition.

Butchery apprentices have the perfect opportunity to prove they are a cut above the rest at the Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year final which will be held at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport from January 20-22, 2025.

The final takes place on the first day, Monday, January 20 and the WICC is open free of charge to the public and hospitality trade.

Sponsored by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and Cambrian Training Company, the competition is open to all Welsh butchery apprentices who are employed or studying for a qualification in Wales.

Online entries must be received by December 20 together with a £30 fee. Full details at https://www.culinaryassociation.wales/welsh-butcher-of-the-year-2025/ .

The finalists will be given 30 minutes to cut a whole Welsh Lamb carcass into primal joints and then one hour and 40 minutes to create a visually exciting display of products showcasing their skills and creativity. All products must be clearly labelled and accompanied by cooking instructions.

The butchers must create a minimum of two lamb products identical in appearance, size and weight. They will be judged on their appearance, the meat display, creativity, skills, wastage, food safety and health and safety.

The winner will be announced at the WICC awards dinner on the evening of Wednesday, January 22 at The ICC Wales.

The competition could be a stepping stone to the Craft Butchery Team Wales, which includes five former Welsh Butcher of the Year or Welsh Young Butcher of the Year winners – captain Peter Rushforth, Matthew Edwards, Tomi Jones, Dan Allen-Raftery and Craig Holly.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president and Cambrian Training Company’s executive chairman, said: “Winning the Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year competition is a massive achievement. This competition is a great opportunity for apprentice butchers to put their skills to the test in front of an audience.

“It’s a huge honour to be named the best in Wales at your chosen vocation and people attending the WICC will have a chance to watch highly skilled apprentice butchers demonstrating their talent and meat display techniques.”

Organised by the CAW, the 2025 WICC also hosts a wide range of competitions over three days, including the Welsh National, Junior and Vegan Chef of the Year finals and the Skills Competition Wales hospitality finals.

Climax of the three days of competitions is the awards dinner on January 22, which will showcase the best Welsh food and drink.

Montgomery Canal has lost a great supporter with the death of actor Timothy West, says the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

 

Chairman Michael Limbrey paid tribute to West, the trust’s vice president, who visited the Montgomery Canal a number of times with his actress wife, Prunella Scales, to support fundraising appeals.

 

The trust is leading the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal, which West and Scales supported.

 

“Timothy West was a great friend of the waterways for so many years,” said Mr Limbrey. “With his wife, Prunella Scales, they cruised many of our waterways and others further afield for the popular Great Canal Journeys TV series.

 

“Their journeys showed why so many enjoy our waterways for their peace and tranquillity, the heritage of locks and bridges from a pre-industrial age and the trees, plants and wildlife you can see along any canal.

 

“We were delighted to welcome Tim and Pru to the Montgomery Canal with boat trips at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and on a member’s unique steam launch.

 

“When we came to rebuild the last blocked highway bridge in Shropshire, Tim and Pru supported our fundraising appeal, describing the Montgomery Canal as one of our most beautiful and historic canals.

 

“The appeal was hugely successful and the new bridge was completed earlier this year. With the bridge finished, they continued to support fundraising, asking for donations to help our volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards the Welsh border.

 

“Our waterways have lost a great supporter and we send our sympathies to Timothy’s family and friends.”

Get ready to kick-start the festive season at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2024, where shopping, food and entertainment come together for a two-day celebration on November 25 and 26.

This year, more trade stands than ever before will provide visitors with endless opportunities for early Christmas shopping.

The new Gwledd | Feast area, located in the Shearing Shed, promises to be a vibrant hub of local Welsh food, featuring everything from savoury bites to festive treats.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of live entertainment on the Shearing Stage, adding a festive glow to the atmosphere. Santa will make an appearance, welcoming children to visit his grotto, and bandstand performances will spread festive cheer across the showground.

The Foodhall will showcase Wales’ finest food and drink, with artisan cheeses, traditional Welsh cakes and much more. For those who love craftsmanship, the Welsh crafts section is filled with handmade treasures, perfect for unique Christmas gifts.

Late-night Christmas shopping on Monday, November 25 will extend until 7pm, offering a magical twilight shopping experience. The night will close with the legendary Winter Fair fireworks display set to a musical backdrop.

Tickets are available online now, with Early Bird specials available until November 10 at https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/winterfair2024 . Adult tickets are priced at £24 for Monday, £22 for Tuesday, £5 for children, with free entry for under-fives.

The secret is out! This Christmas, Polar Productions in conjunction with Rail Events Inc. are bringing a truly magical live show to The Vale of Rheidol Railway; the same team that just last year brought you the award-winning experience of the renowned Swanage POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

This fully immersive theatre experience recreates the famous Christmas movie as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary, brought to you by the brilliant mind of Creative Director Gareth Walker. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will be bringing the characters to life as it captures the joyful festive tale as well as giving families the opportunity to travel by steam train on the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Railway in the heart of Wales.

Popular with all ages, you can expect heart-warming family fun and a truly special event for all generations, set to become one of Wales’ best Christmas experiences this year!

There will be singing and dancing from all your favourite characters, iconic scenes straight from the movie and a special visit from Father Christmas himself. While you enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and cookie, courtesy of our dancing chefs, the Christmas magic and seasonal wonder will put you right in the holiday spirit!

Llyr ap Iolo, managing director at The Vale of Rheidol Railway said: “We are very excited to be hosting Wales’s first Polar Express Christmas Experience on our railway at Aberystwyth, we are working closely with the production company to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.”

Marie Gallop, managing director at Polar Productions added: “It’s a privilege for our team to bring the Polar Express Train Ride to Wales and the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway. We are very excited to bring The Polar Express magic to all this Christmas.”

Jarrette Ireland, vice president and general manager Rail Events, Inc./ Rail Events Productions Inc., said: “We are excited to work with Marie Gallop and her production team to bring THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride to the stunning Vale of Rheidol Railway. This officially licensed event in Wales, set against the backdrop of such a beautiful venue and historic railway, will elevate the magic of the holiday season for all our guests.”

Don’t miss out on this magical adventure. Tickets are on sale now. Trains depart from Saturday, November 30 and run until Christmas Eve.

A new steam locomotive will be heading the annual Santa Special trains on Corris Railway for one of the first time in decades.

For most of the last 20 years, ‘Tattoo’ steam locomotive Number 7, built new for the railway in 2005 has done the honour. This year, however, the starring role goes to Number 10, a “Falcon” class loco delivered new to the Corris in 2023,

After a spell as Britain’s newest steam loco, it has had a busy 2024, starring in gala events on both the Corris and the Talyllyn Railways. It also played a leading role in the Talyllyn Railway’s ‘Awdry Weekend’ where it assumed the guise of ‘Sir Handel’ from the “Thomas the Tank Engine” books.

The carriages, built by the Corris Railway’s volunteers, headed by Number 10, will give passengers a taste of everyday travel in the Dulas Valley at the start of the 20^th century. The carriages are based on the Edwardian originals which ran until 1930, whilst the first ‘Falcon’ locomotives were built for the Corris in 1878.

The journey is from Corris Station to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting with presents for children whilst his helpers will have seasonable refreshments for everyone. The round trip will take around an hour.

There are four trains scheduled to run on December 7 and 8, leaving Corris at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Fares are £7.50 for adults and £10 for children. With 70 seats available on each train, early booking is advisable, particularly if passengers are planning their day around a particular train time. Advance booking can be done online at www.corris.co.uk .

The Museum and Shop at Corris Station will be open on both days allowing visitors to see artefacts from the history of the railway, which once linked Machynlleth and Aberllefenni, or to buy items of clothing, books, cards or children’s gifts ahead of the festive season.

The range of children’s books includes ‘Hugh Goes Sliding’ by Christopher Awdry, author of some of the ‘Thomas’ tales, plus other children’s books written by a Corris Railway volunteer.

A special audio tour in the Welsh language has been unveiled by an award-winning Powys visitor attraction this autumn.

The new way of exploring the Victorian world of The Judge’s Lodging museum in Presteigne – www.judgeslodging.org.uk – allows Welsh speakers to listen to the Victorian inhabitants of the building tell their own stories.

The inhabitants range from Mary, the hardworking maid, to Richard Lister Venables, chairman of the magistrates and employer of famous Victorian diarist, Francis Kilvert.

The cast is led by comedian and presenter Tudur Owen, who takes the role of Richard Lister Venables, portrayed in the English-language tour by the late actor Robert Hardy.

Tudur is well-known to Welsh speakers through his work on television and radio. His stand-up comedy is presented in both Welsh and English and for those who want to see him in action, he also stars in BBC Wales’ Tourist Trap as the perhaps less than helpful tourist information officer, Gwilym.

Staff at the museum were delighted when Tudur agreed to tackle the role, as he is no stranger to The Judge’s Lodging. In 2010, they spent a happy year with him visiting for the filming of Byw yn ôl y Llyfr (Living by the Book).

The series was based on a Welsh language Victorian self-help manual – Llyfr Pawb ar Bob Peth (“Everyone’s Book on Everything“) published around 1870.

The series followed Tudur and author Bethan Gwanas as they donned period clothing and tried to follow the book’s advice on all manner of things, ranging from DIY to social etiquette and from a parrot learning to talk and leeches in jars, to testing fire-retardant nightdresses in the garden and boiling a sheep’s head.

The new Welsh audio guide also features a supporting cast of singers from Mid Wales Opera, who lent their talents by recording the roles of the Victorian servants during the Covid pandemic, when they were unable to perform publicly.

Museum staff will be happy to show fluent Welsh speakers and learners how the audio guide can be flipped between the two languages to test their skills.

Museum manager, Gaby Rivers said: “When Tudur filmed with us, every day was hilarious and we just knew he would breathe real life into our chairman of the magistrates character. Tudur’s performance is wonderful and we think that Welsh speakers will really enjoy the experience.”

The Judge’s Lodging is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent membership organisation representing around 550 tourism businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.