Wye Valley & Vale of Usk Blog

It's the start of a new year, so it is time to look ahead to what is sure to be a fantastic 2012 (as long as those pesky Mayans don't get their way...).The Wales Coast Path, the launch of Monmouthpedia & the 200th anniversary of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal are just some of the big events of this year.

We have so much on in fact that it is far too much to fit in one post, so lets break it up a bit.

For this first 'Guide to 2012' lets start with music. From the big festivals, to the small initimate town displays. From dancing in a field to sitting in a pub. From Rock to Folk, via Country & Classical, whatever your tastes we can offer something for you! Included below are the main musical events, but there are even more than this out there! If you can think of one we've missed, add it to the comments below.

May

Devauden Music Festival (18th - 19th May)

Llantilio Crossenny Festival of Music & Drama (12th - 20th May) - Do you want orchestral music? Soloists? Opera? All of the above in an intimate local setting? Then this will be the event for you. Now celebrating it's 50th year, the Llantilio Crossenny Festival has a history of great concerts behind them and looking forward to the next 50!

Tredegar House Folk Festival (18th - 20th May) - The ancestral home of the Morgan family (which included that famous Rum endorsing pirate, Captain Morgan) plays host to a folk festival every May! Come down to enjoy music and dancing, and maybe a tour of the grand old house itself.

June

Rockfield Country Music Festival (Fri 1st - Mon 4th June) - Experience the Wild West up the road from Monmouth, with great country music over 4 days. Includes a bucking bronco, Texan clothing and (best of all) 'Wild West Bar Brawl re-enactments'. 

Raglan Music Festival (8th - 10th June) - Growing from a local village event to a festival hosting over 4,000 people, this music festival in the picturesque village of Raglan encourages participation by everyone with many open mic performances. Go on, discover your inner performer.

July

Caerleon Arts Festival (6th - 15th July) - Not just music, but drama, storytelling, food, drink, exhibitions, sculptors, quilting (all the best festivals have quilting!) and more to enjoy!

Tintern Folk On the Lawn (13th - 15th July) - Folk music in the grand setting of Tintern Abbey. Cannot be beaten for setting!

Monmouth Festival (Unconfirmed date, usually late July/Early August) - One of the largest free music events in the country, the Monmouth Festival (combined with the Monmouth Carnival) is 9 days of great music.

August

Green Gathering 2012 (2nd - 5th August) - Offering a unique eco-holiday experience, the 'Green Gathering' prides itself on being one of the most interesting, esoteric festivals around. With a wide variety of music, alongside crafts (eg. baking bread in a clay oven!), cabaret, environmental stands, talks and more, it is not to be missed.

Croissant NeufSummer Party (10th - 12th August) - Like the above Green Gathering, the Croissant Neuf Summer Party proudly boasts its green credentials, and combines this with a fantastic line-up of acts on two stages over three days as well as crafts, markets & a communal campfire!

Green Man Festival (17th - 19th August) - The big one. Known throughout the World, the Green Man festival hosts well established indie acts from across the World up at the Glanusk estate near Crickhowell.

So, these are our picks for the best music events of the year. Feel free to share your love for one (or more!) of the festivals, or add your own personal favourite in the comments below.