Gregynog, one of Wales’ leading country houses and former home of art collectors and music lovers Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, is to host two music and dance events next week. The picturesque venue, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, welcomes virtuoso violinist Ezo Sarici and her fellow Menuhin School graduate, guitarist Finlay Hay, on Monday, April 29 with tickets available for £15 at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/616557/ . The brilliant musicians will perform ‘Two to Tango’, a programme including pieces by Astor Piazzola and Ana Carla Maza, a selection of tango and folk inspired music. Ezo and Finlay requested to perform and generously donate the proceeds to Gregynog’s roof appeal in exchange for a night's accommodation. Next day, Tuesday, Jones the Dance will take centre stage when they perform ‘Y Dewis’, a combined live and film experience, with tickets costing £12 or £9 for students and children at https://www.wegottickets.com/event/611055/ . Jones the Dance used to be known as Gwyn Emberton Dance, named after Gwyn, an internationally acclaimed choreographer who grew up in Montgomery. One hour before each 7pm show, Gregynog will run a short, fun dance workshop to give participants of all ages and abilities a chance to test their choreography skills. A duo as schoolmates, Ezo and Finlay have reunited to share their musical heritage and passion. Together again for a brief series, they blend traditional melodies from their homelands with the sultry rhythms of tango, coming together for a harmonious celebration of a shared joy in music. For more information about Gregynog, visit https://gregynog.org/ .
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Aerial view of the Royal Welsh Show. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) is to hold a business breakfast on May 3 to promote opportunities for Ceredigion based businesses and organisations at the 2024 Royal Welsh Show. This event at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter will be an opportunity for businesses in and around Ceredigion to make new connections with partners, suppliers and potential clients. The breakfast will also be a chance to learn more about how businesses can get involved and work with the RWAS during Ceredigion’s year as the show’s feature county. Attendees will hear from key RWAS officeholders, including chief executive Aled Rhys Jones, about the upcoming show, the charitable aims and objectives of the RWAS and the various sponsorship packages and retail opportunities available. The event is free to attend and will take place in the Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter Campus, from 9am to midday. Light breakfast refreshments will be included. To register an interest and dietary requirements, businesses are asked to email sponsorship@rwas.co.uk . Booking is first come, first served. Craig Goch dam and reservoir in the Elan Valley. Image: © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales. A project which aims to enhance visitor experience, increase revenue and sustain the natural beauty and environment of the Elan Valley has reached the final stage of its bid for Mid Wales Growth Deal funding. The Elan Valley Lakes project, which aims to deliver a ‘flagship destination’ for the region, has had the green light from the Growing Mid Wales Board to advance a comprehensive full business case, the crucial final step required to secure funding. Elan Valley Lakes project’s outline business case was approved by the board last Friday. However, the board cautioned that the decision to proceed at this stage does not guarantee that growth deal funding will be awarded. The project comprises six main components: Visitor Centre redevelopment and expansion; Sawmill development as a hub for water sports and events; high-quality accommodation, including glamping pods; upgrading footpaths and bike trails; woodland conservation management and green energy supply through connections to the hydro mains ring. Martin Driscoll, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s director of business services and people who is leading the Elan Valley Lakes project, said: "We are pleased that the project has reached such an important stage as we aspire to deliver a flagship destination in Mid Wales. “We believe it will be key to achieving the growth deal's ‘strengthened tourism offer’ priority area. This project aims to enhance visitor experience, increase revenue and sustain the natural beauty and environment of the Elan Valley. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Mid Wales Growth Deal team to make this happen." A spokesperson for the Growing Mid Wales Board said: "We were pleased to approve the outline business case for this project. It’s an exciting milestone to be the first project to reach this step with the Mid Wales Growth Deal so far. “There is a lot of work to do with Dŵr Cymru on the project, but we will do what we can to see the growth deal investment leveraged to its full potential and attract investment into the region to enhance and improve our tourism offer. "Mid Wales is already on the map in terms of outdoor adventure. However, this investment could drive further improvements to the sector while keeping conservation and sustainability as key priorities. “The creation of new facilities and assets will help draw in more varied visitors to Mid Wales, creating jobs directly. In the wider visitor economy, it will give people more reasons to visit and stay in Mid Wales, supporting a greater variety of jobs in the region’s leisure, retail and hospitality industry." At full business case stage, the Elan Valley Lakes project will demonstrate that it is ready to enter into the procurement phase. This comes after thorough negotiations with potential service providers and suppliers, preceding the formal contract signings and procurement of goods and services. Final approval at this stage is essential for the release of growth deal funding. The Rural Leadership Programme 2024 cohort. The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) has announced the new Rural Leadership Programme cohort of 12 for 2024-‘25. Aimed at inspiring future agricultural leaders, the programme provides an action-packed course of training, mentoring, support and guidance over three intense sessions. As part of the 2024-‘25 programme, delegates will have an opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious agricultural events in the world, the Commonwealth Agricultural Conference. The 12 candidates are: Clare Brown, Cowbridge, agriculture and learning co-ordinator at Cenin Renewables; Lauren Evans, Bridgend, director of Fablas Ice Cream; Catrin Elin Hughes, Lampeter, receptionist and administrative assistant at Steffan Vets; Carwyn James, Pembrokeshire, general manager of Bibby Agriculture; Cennydd Owen Jones, Ceredigion, lecturer in agricultural grassland management at Aberystwyth University; William Nixon, Builth Wells, projects officer for Stonegate Farmers Ltd; Alys Probert, Herefordshire, agricultural lecturer at Holme Lacy College; Liz Rees, Brecon, regional manager of Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI); Fflur Roberts, Welshpool, agricultural lecturer at Hereford, Ludlow & North Shropshire College; Edward Swan, Mold, farm and butchery manager at Swans Farm Shop; Teleri Haf Thomas, Brecon, social media lead at Farming Connect Menter a Busnes and Carys Annwylyd Thomas, Llandeilo, county organiser for Carmarthenshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. The Rural Leadership Programme is fully funded thanks to a generous legacy left by the late Mr N. Griffiths, match funded by the Glamorgan County Advisory Committee (2023 RWAS feature county). Check if you’re eligible for funding now, before applications open in May 2024.
The Welsh Government’s Future-Proofing Fund will give micro, small and medium enterprises in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors up to £10,000 to invest in measures to future proof their business. The Fund is due to open mid-May. An eligibility checker for the Fund has just been launched at: Eligibility checker Webinars to support eligible businesses to fill out an application will be held during the next two weeks, see dates and book here: Future Proofing Fund Webinars The Guidance Notes for the Fund are available here A previous ASAO Conference at the Royal Welsh Showground. Up to 80 show and event organisers from across Wales and influential speakers are due to attend a conference in Mid Wales next week. The Agricultural Shows Conference of Wales will be held at the International Pavilion on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on Friday, April 26. Supported by the Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO) and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), the conference brings together representatives from Welsh agricultural, horticultural, equine and countryside events. They work together to share best practice between agricultural societies and related organisations. The conference is a great opportunity for ASAO members to meet and discuss upcoming agricultural shows in Wales. RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones will welcome delegates before Amy Smith from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), gives an update in a session chaired by Dafydd, RWAS vet. Other morning speakers are Hannah Thomas, ITV Wales rural affairs correspondent, who will deliver a media session on protests, politics and the media, ASAO secretary Paul Hooper, who will provide an update. The afternoon will see addresses from Caroline Westwood, senior lecturer in events management at Sheffield Hallam University and Dr Greg Langridge-Thomas, of Builth Wells Event Safety Group, who will speak about the changing roles and expectations of agricultural shows. Jon Williams, Powys County Council’s economy projects support officer, will talk about grant funding opportunities in session chaired by Wales YFC chief executive Mared Rand Jones, followed by an open forum, chaired by Geraint James, RWAS Festival honorary director and closing remarks from Rachel Powell, RWAS head of operations. The conference is sponsored by Event Operations Specialists (EOS), TICKETsrv, Fingers & Forks, Orion Print, Entrymaster and DCRS Radios. Entrymaster offers online competition, event and registration solutions with bespoke software branded with your logo, to seamlessly connect with your website. DCRS services include the hire and sale of voice and data radio communication systems, bodycams and applications. Register attendance for free at https://rwas.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/ASAO2024 . To view the full event programme please go to the RWAS website: https://rwas.wales/whats-on/asao-agricultural-shows-conference-of-wales/ . For further information, contact Helen Evans at helen@rwas.co.uk. Matt and Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel, Russell Cooke, Kerry Vale Vineyard owners and Page Eades and Sam Parker from Marrington Escapes. A vineyard on the Shropshire border with Wales is hoping to join forces with a number of local businesses in an effort to boost local tourism and promote the area. Last Friday, Kerry Vale Vineyard, near Montgomery, invited a group of local businesses to a wine tasting afternoon to sample wine and discuss ways of working together to boost rural tourism and ensure sustainable economic growth. The award-winning local wine producer has taken a significant step towards fostering community spirit and economic growth by hosting the successful trade tasting event. The event achieved its aim of bringing together local hospitality providers, offering them a chance to sample exquisite wines with the hope of featuring them in their establishments. The afternoon gathering was more than just a wine tasting - it was a collaborative effort to strengthen rural tourism and promote sustainable economic growth. Passionate advocates for the local area, vineyard owners Russell and Janet Cooke are committed to showcasing the Shropshire/Powys borderlands as an enticing holiday destination. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for rural communities,” said Russell. “By uniting with local businesses, we all stand to gain which in turn bolsters business opportunities for all.” The event saw participation from a diverse group of local businesses, including a wine merchant, various accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and even a private travel firm interested in conducting local tours. This initiative is a testament to the community’s shared vision of promoting regional attractions and ensuring visitors have memorable experiences. Paige Eades from Marrington Escapes said: “Kerry Vale Vineyard is a charming local attraction that our guests will undoubtedly enjoy when visiting Shropshire and beyond. The afternoon was a fantastic opportunity to foster local connections and spark collaborative ideas for future partnerships.” Nicky Capner from Silver Service Executive Travel added: “We came away so excited about the prospect of building Kerry Vale Vineyard into our new tour adventure. We’re optimistic that this marks the start of long-term partnerships that will mutually enhance our businesses.” The vineyard is nestled in picturesque landscape on the Shropshire/Powys border. With a commitment to quality and community, the vineyard has become a beacon for local tourism and a symbol of collaborative economic development, attracting more than 1,000 visitors a year for its popular tour programme. Any business that missed the event but is interested in working with the vineyard is asked to call Nadine Roach on Tel: 01588 620627 or email nadine@kerryvalevineyard.co.uk to arrange a bespoke wine tasting and tour. Kerry Vale Vineyard is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that supports more than 600 independent tourism-related businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. Grace Brown of Team FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope celebrates victory in the Women’s Tour 2022 Wrexham to Welshpool stage with Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Team Canyon SRAM Racing in second and Elisa Longo Borghini of Team Trek Segafredo in third Picture credit: SWPix. Tourism in Mid Wales will receive a big boost when Welshpool hosts the start of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women stages on Thursday, June 6. Taking place from June 6-9, the event will feature four tough stages of racing in what will be the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets for what is the nation’s biggest free-to-attend sporting event, as the country gears up for another thrilling summer of cycling. Llandudno will host the stage finish on day one before Wrexham welcomes the world’s top female riders and teams for both the start and finish of stage two. This year’s race will feature a number of familiar start and finish locations which have successfully hosted major international events in recent years. The race will begin in Welshpool, which hosted the thrilling finish of stage four of the 2022 Women’s Tour, when Australia’s Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope) sprinted to victory. The stage will see riders head north to the picturesque seaside town of Llandudno, in what will be a challenging start to the race. Stage two will see riders stay in Wales for a start and finish in Wrexham, which also featured in the 2022 Women’s Tour. The caravan then will cross the Welsh border to the north-west of England, where Warrington will host both the start and finish of stage three on Saturday. The race concludes in Greater Manchester. The race route has been designed and agreed in just 10 weeks, alongside the launch of a new vision for major cycling events in Britain. Jon Dutton OBE, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “Our primary focus has been to deliver a safe and competitive race in 2024. We remain every bit as determined to harness the race’s spotlight to make a real impact in the communities which it touches. We know that is a vision which resonates strongly in conversations with prospective commercial partners and hosts.” Rod Ellingworth, Tour of Britain race director, said: “The race will take in four competitive and challenging routes, some challenging climbing in Wales and what I’m sure will be brilliant crowds on the roadside throughout.” Lizzie Deignan, former road world champion and Olympic silver medallist, said: “It’s always special to race in Britain, and I’m so pleased to have two top level stage races to look forward to on home soil as I ramp up my preparations for a busy summer ahead. “There’s clearly so much support and fondness for the race, both at home and further afield. The four stage hosts deserve credit for their commitment to women’s racing and for helping to make the race happen, and I’m sure that together we can put on a brilliant show in June.” Welsh Government Economy Secretary, Jeremy Miles said: “Wales and cycling go hand in hand, with our spectacular scenery and routes providing elite and recreational cyclists alike with both challenge and enjoyment. “This is a welcome return to Wales for this fantastic event and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Welshpool, Llandudno, Wrexham and the surrounding area to an ever-growing cycling audience. “We are very pleased to have been able to support the event and look forward to providing a warm ‘Croeso’ to all in June.” Powys County Council’s director of economic development and growth, Diane Reynolds, said: “We are delighted that this year’s Tour of Britain Women is going to start in Powys, from one of our many beautiful market towns, Welshpool. “It is a town that cycling enthusiasts will enjoy visiting and the area includes many places of interest, and lots of great places to eat or drink a coffee while taking in the race action and exceptional scenery.” Are you a dog friendly business? Do you go the extra mile to ensure our four-legged friends are welcomed? If so, this is your opportunity to be part of Visit Wales' early summer marketing campaign where they'll be targeting dogs (and their owners) to choose Wales for their short breaks and holidays.
Did you know that 31% of UK households own a dog, making dog-friendly holidays and breaks a significant market. There has been a surge recently with “needy” dogs — pandemic pooches that don’t want to be left alone or booked into a kennel — meaning dog owners are increasingly taking their pets on holidays with them. Google trends has identified “dog friendly hotels” as a breakout search term (Jan 2024) and engagement with pet friendly content on visitwales.com has increased over 20% year on year and searches for pet friendly products by 155% year on year. Visit Wales is capitalising on these opportunities by planning a targeted campaign to resonate with dog owners, especially those who are most likely to holiday in the UK with their pets. Pet content is among the most popular types of content on social media too, so massive opportunity to gain traction for Wales as a pet friendly, welcoming destination. The campaign will be driving traffic to www.visitwales.com and Visit Wales will provide more details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, to maximise on these marketing opportunities, please take a few minutes to ensure your product listing page is up-to-date:
Do you provide any special facilities, treats or welcome hampers especially for dogs? Let Visit Wales know what makes your business special, we’ll be incorporating the best and most innovative examples within the campaign, email us on productnews@gov.wales. MWT Cymru | Mid Wales Tourism Members: Please also log in to update your details on Visit Mid Wales, and email members@mwtcymru.co.uk with examples of your dog friendly facilities. Women demonstrating their split ply braiding skills. Newtown Textile Museum is reopening earlier than usual this year – on Tuesday, April 23 – to host The Braid Society’s 30th Annual Exhibition which runs until May 11. The earlier opening will also provide an opportunity for people attending the annual Wonderwool Wales 2024 event at the Royal Welsh Showground on April 27 and 28 to attend the exhibition. The museum will be open on Tuesday April 23 and the following Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12 noon to 4pm during the first week. Thereafter, it will open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week from 12 noon to 4pm during the summer season. As part of the exhibition, the museum, located in Commercial Street, Newtown, will also host demonstrations of braid making on April 29 and May 11 from 12 noon to 4pm and a “Try Braiding” workshop on May 5 from 10am to 4 pm. To book a place at the workshop and for more information about the exhibition and future events at the museum, visit: https://newtowntextilemuseum.co.uk/events/ . Housed in an original handloom weaving factory, built in the 1830s, the volunteer-run museum aims to bring to life Newtown’s industrial heritage, showing how people lived and worked in the building and the processes involved in turning fleece into flannel. In addition, industries linked to wool – tanning, clog making and drapers’ shops, including the Pryce Jones family who pioneered mail order – are also featured. Newtown was the centre for handloom weaving in the 1830s and the museum is the last of 82 such buildings remaining in anything like its original condition. This handloom weaving factory comprised six back to back cottages with each having one room each on the ground and first floors that could each house up to 10 people. The two floors above, which ran the whole length of the building, housed the looms. Feedback from visitors to the museum is overwhelmingly positive. “What a brilliant museum. One of the best I’ve ever been in!”, “Thank you so much for protecting and displaying our heritage so beautifully” and “Transported back in time and now want to try weaving,” are examples from last year. Newtown Textile Museum is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia. |
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