Wales’ capital city is a bustling hub of culture just waiting to be explored. Here, we explore some of Cardiff’s best festivals in 2020.
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25th – 26th April
Let’s hear it for the bookworms! Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival is returning in April and it’s bigger than ever. This popular literary festival is back for a full weekend of live readings, music and Q&As with some of your favourite Welsh children’s writers and illustrators.
An ideal event for the whole family, this award-winning festival features reading, writing, and illustrating workshops that people of all ages can enjoy.
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9th May
Are you ready to rock? Cardiff’s first punk festival brings the finest punk acts in the UK and beyond to Cardiff in May. With a line up including a UK exclusive gig from The Partisans, this festival is a must-see for anyone interested in punk music and culture.
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5th – 6th June
After a phenomenally-successful debut in 2019, Inside Out festival returns to Cardiff this year for two more days of live music and all-round good times! This year it’s all about that awe-inspiring line up and with the likes of Sean Paul, Bugzy Malone, and DJ EZ on the bill, it’s safe to say that’s mission accomplished.
If you’re a fan of house, drum and bass, garage, and grime, Inside Out is the party you won’t want to miss!
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19th – 21st June
Taking place in the city’s iconic Bute Park, Tafwyl is Cardiff’s annual Welsh language arts and culture festival. A celebration of Wales, this festival brings together some of the most well-known names in the country, with pioneers of Welsh arts, sport, and culture in attendance. There’s also a fantastic street food area to grab a snack between events.
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3rd – 5th July
Hailed as one of the city’s signature summer events, Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival is a food-lover’s dream! The festival is a celebration of Cardiff’s home-grown produce and welcomes a vibrant array of street food venders every year.
The event is a great place to hang out with friends and listen to some live music by the water’s edge, with a delicious culinary treat in one hand and a craft beer in the other. Bring on summer, that’s what we say!
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Dates TBC
If you’re a fan of the hit TV show, pivot yourself down to Friendsfest this summer. The ultimate celebration of the world’s most-loved sitcom, here fans can explore all the sets including Monica’s famous purple abode, Joey and Chandler’s apartment and, of course, the ever-loved Central Perk – you can even grab a coffee and pretend you’re on the streets of Manhattan!
Recreate those famous opening titles with your friends, visit Ross and Rachel’s Vegas Chapel of Love (or divorce!), or catch some of your favourite episodes on the big screen. It’s every Friends fan’s dream.
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28th – 30th August
The August bank holiday weekend is Pride weekend, and this annual LGBT celebration is getting bigger each year. Head down and immerse yourself in three days of colour and fun! Watch the glorious parade, enjoy the entertainment, and get ready for one heck of a party. This is Cardiff, the pride way.
This year’s pride is set to be bigger, brighter, and more beautiful than ever before. With 200,000 revellers ready to go to town on the celebrations, there’s never been a better time to throw on something colourful and show your support.
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10th October
Beer lovers, rejoice! This one’s for you. Get ready to dance on the tables, and sample of the finest food, drink, and ale Cardiff has to offer, including specially-brewed Oktoberfest beer (5% ABV). Brewed in Bavaria, this smooth beer is a great way to get the party started this September.
Listen to traditional Bavarian music as you dance the night away. Oh, and if you get sick of the beer (it can happen!), there’s a range of cider, wine, and soft drinks to enjoy too.
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16th – 18th October
Music has been a huge part of Welsh culture for hundreds of years, and 2020 brings the return of Swn Festival. The city’s largest multi-venue festival showcases some of the country’s most exciting new talent and is famous across the UK for its eclectic range of diverse performers.
Swn Festival has been running since 2007, and since then has become a Cardiff institution. What’s great about the event is that it’s not limited to one specific genre of music, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from blues and jazz to rock n hip hop.
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12th November – 23rd December
Okay so this isn’t a festival per se, but we couldn’t create this list and not include the Cardiff Christmas Markets. This year, more than 200 local and international businesses will set up stalls across the city centre to sell their food and wares in the run up to Christmas.
But it’s not just about the stalls. Head to Cardiff’s very own Winter Wonderland for a festive treat! A huge ice rink and Alpine ice trail, plus a variety of tempting food and drink stalls to help you warm up. Got kids? Take them to visit Father Christmas at Santa’s grotto!
Need a place to stay during your visit to Cardiff? Leonardo Hotels has you covered. The hotel has a convenient city centre location, and with 142 stylish, comfortable guest rooms you’re bound to have a great night’s sleep. So you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to attend one of the city’s fabulous festivals. Enjoy!
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