8 Welsh festivals to put on your summer bucket list

Summer is nearly upon us and for many that can only mean one thing, festivals! As they say music is the source and combined with camping, good food, meeting new people and stepping away from the normal day-to-day reality, festivals are always a highlight on our summer bucket list, plus children of all ages love festivals and I say this from years of experience. 

While Wales doesn't have Glastonbury, it is often referred to as the "land of song" and for a good reason, with its rich musical heritage and is now home to some incredible medium and small festivals that are well worth checking out. Here are my top picks for the best Welsh music festivals of 2023

In It Together Festival, Margam, Port Talbot, May 26th-28th

Set to be one of the most diverse lineups of the year, In it Together Festival, despite being fairly new to the scene is shaking things up. You can expect to see Natalie Imbruglia, The Kooks, Anne-Marie, Kelis and The Vamps to name a few along with a fairground, immersive theatre and a children's area. They also have various camping options for a family field to glamping. 

Adult weekend tickets with camping is £186.15 and day tickets are £71.75 for adults and £27.75 for children.

The Big Retreat 1st-4th June

Located on the Pembrokeshire coastline, The Big Retreat truly has one of the most spectacular locations. It's also very much a hybrid festival that seeks to engage all your senses from adventure, well-being, taste, and music and nourish both your body and soul, this festival offers so much. A weekend ticket gives you access to over 300 experiences from wild swimming, bushcraft, yoga, workshops, and foraging, along with a stellar music lineup including Scouting for Girls, Toploader and a DJ set from Huey Morgan. My kids and I attended this festival in 2019 and had a blast and would highly recommend it, especially if you want to delve deeper into all things health and well-being. 

Adult weekend tickets including camping £219, family weekend camping £149 pp, under 5's free and day tickets are available.

Pride Cymru, Cardiff, 7-8th June

One of the most popular events on the Cardiff calendar is always Pride Cymru, which brings music, colour, love and equality to the capital. The march, which usually takes place on Saturday through Cardiff City Centre is free to watch and is fully inclusive and accessible to everyone.

The Festival part takes place on the ground of Cardiff Castle and you need to purchase a ticket to attend. There will also be a market and kids' area along with food vendors. They are still announcing the lineup but so far have announced that Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Claire Richards will be performing. 

Adult day tickets are £15, Child ticket £5 and Children under 5 free 

Vintage For Victory, Cardiff - Fri 7-9th July

This is truly unique, family-friendly, nostalgia-loving festival is one you won't forget. Inspired by the 1940's, 50's & 60's this festival you can expect some incredible vintage fashion and music. This boutique festival is now in its 6th year, taking place within easy reach of Cardiff city centre, in The Library Gardens, Whitchurch. 

While the music is fairly niche, there is plenty of it across two stages, with a very lively lineup that caters to all ages as well as Jive and Lindy hop lessons to get your dancing the day away. There is also going to be a full-size replica spitfire and hurricane aircraft, period vehicles and re-enactors keeping people entertained all weekend, along with a vintage fun fair, fashion, street food and big-screen outdoor cinema. 

Adult weekend tickets are £60, Youth (16-21yrs) £50 and Under 16's Free when accompanied by a paying adult. If you want to camp there is a separate ticket £45 for 3 nights. 

Storytellers at Beyond the Border

Beyond the Border Festival, Carmarthenshire 7-9th July

The UK's biggest storytelling festival and this year celebrate 30 years of the festival, making it that little bit extra special. My boys and I have attended this festival twice, in 2014 and 2018 and both times we loved it, such rich and engaging storytelling, music, performances and food in stunning surroundings. 

Situated near Dinefwr castle, the festival is all about celebrating the diverse communities of Wales in the many languages of this land, including storytellers from Wales, the UK and the world. There is also an array of workshops, inspiring talks, outdoor arts, walks,  circus experiences and plenty of ways to unwind and relax, this is a wonderful family-friendly weekend in a unique location. 

Adult weekend ticket (camping not included) £154, Children under 17yrs £66. Camping pitch £22 per tent.

Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale, 28-30th July 

If you like rock music then this festival is one for you! Celebrating 12 hard rocking years in a stunning location on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Purposely with only one main stage to ensure no band clashes means you will get to see the whole line up and every night after the stage closes the beer tent keeps everyone going with Rock DJ sets. The headliners this year are Black Stone Cherry, Airbourne, Kris Barras and you also have the chance to get some merch signed at the Planet Rock signing tent.

You can also expect award-winning locally crafted ales, a fully stocked cocktail bar, street food vendors, camping within a short walk from the arena and the Mini moshers play pit kids area, making this a festival suitable for all ages.

Adult weekend ticket £145, Children under 14yrs £20, camping ticket per person £25

The Green Gathering, Chepstow, 3-6th August 

The original off-grid festival is one that everyone should experience at some point. We went last year for the first time and really enjoyed it, such a brilliant atmosphere and great for families. Four days of low-impact living, in a gorgeous location, with so much going on, every nook bursting with music and creativity and all powered by sun, wind and people. 

As I said there is so much to see and do at this festival, with over 100 incredible acts along with talks, workshops, community crafts and campaigns, permaculture, green market, organic food, kids areas, teen space, library bus and many more. 

Adult weekend ticket £130, Young Adult (16.17yrs) £80, Youth Ticket (11-15yrs) £55, Child (6-10yrs) £20 and under 5's free. Day tickets are also available.  

Between the trees, Merthyr Mawr, 25th-27th August

3 days of nature, science, music, dance and creative arts along the Welsh coastline. This family-friendly festival is all about reconnecting with nature in a stunning location. It has a stellar lineup this year including Seth Lakeman along with a medley of authors, speakers, poets and talks on things like conservation and sustainability, films, hands-on science workshops, immersive walks, creative arts and well-being sessions.   

Adult weekend ticket £135, Child (4-17yrs) £60, children under 4 free, camping pitch from £30