Latest news with #GwilymHughes
BBC News
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cardiff Central optical illusion celebrates Caerphilly Castle landmark
A giant piece of street art has appeared outside Cardiff Central railway station celebrating the reopening of a water gate at Caerphilly optical illusion was created by world-renowned chalk artist Julian Beever offering a fascinating window into Welsh artwork, which was commissioned by Cadw, shows the medieval entrance to the great hall at the castle which has been hidden from view for was originally used as a way to access the castle from the water's edge for logistical purposes and to defend the site. The artwork celebrates the first time the water gate has been opened since medieval passageway connects the castle's great hall to the southern lake at marks the completion of an £8m regeneration project at the castle which aims to "breathe new life" into one of Wales' most iconic landmarks. Mr Beever said it was the "perfect way" to commemorate the reopening of the water gate."It's been brilliant to see so many people stop, stare, and realise they're literally standing on history," he water gate is one of several improvements made to Caerphilly Castle as part of the regeneration great hall has also been refurbished and new interactive exhibits have been installed to "plunge visitors into the castle's medieval past". Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said it was a "magnificent piece of art"."It re-imagines and brings to life a scene at the water gate to help people envision how it may have once looked.""Breathing new life into Wales' heritage isn't just about restoring old walls, it's about opening doors to stories old and new, welcoming visitors from near and far, and captivating future generations," he artwork will be in Cardiff Central Square until 4 August before moving to Caerphilly town centre until 7 August. It will then move into the Caerphilly Castle grounds where it will feature alongside the new, interactive exhibits.
Rhyl Journal
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Cadw unveils summer of family events at North Wales castles
The programme, running through July and August, invites people of all ages to take part in a variety of historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities. The events are set in castles, abbeys, and ancient landmarks across the country. Caerphilly Castle, Wales' largest castle, will reopen to the public on Saturday, July 19, after two years of extensive conservation and refurbishment. Visitors can look forward to exploring newly enhanced areas. Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said: "Our summer events are all about making history fun and engaging for families. "From meeting medieval characters and witnessing dramatic falconry displays to discovering the secrets of ancient ruins and enjoying fairytale picnics, there's something to capture every imagination. "Plus, with free entry for children under adult memberships, it's a fantastic way to experience Wales' heritage together." With more than 60 events scheduled over the school holidays, some of the standout moments from this summer's programme include: North Wales Fairy Tale Picnic (Denbigh Castle) - Saturday, July 19, 10am - 4pm. Pack a picnic for Denbigh Castle's annual Fairy Tale Picnic, a magical day of music, stories, and imagination. Medieval Festival (Beaumaris Castle) - Saturday, August 23 to Monday, August 25, 10am - 5pm. The castle will be alive with knights, lords and ladies, jesters, musicians, and craftspeople. Medieval Merriment (Castell Caernarfon) - Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, 11am - 4pm. Discover a world of medieval marvels as the castle comes alive with the sights and sounds of the Middle Ages. Conwy Jester Days (Castell Conwy) - Every Wednesday between July 23 and August 27, 10am – 4pm. Entertainment by Conwy's longest-serving jester, Erwyd le Fol, for a day packed with medieval mischief, juggling, and comedy. Tales of Wales (Castell Cricieth) - Thursday, July 24, 10.30am - 4pm. Step into the world of ancient Welsh legends at Castell Cricieth, where stories older than the castle itself come to life. Dragon Days (Castell Harlech) - Wednesday, July 30, and Thursday, July 31, 11am - 4pm. Meet the mighty dragon guardian of Castell Harlech and uncover the legends that surround this fire-breathing protector. Additional events across North Wales include: Medieval Re-enactment Weekend (Denbigh Castle), Friday, August 22, to Monday, August 25, 10am - 4pm. The Water Maid (Castell Cricieth), Sunday, August 24, and Monday, August 25, 11am – 3.30pm. Castell Harlech: Medieval Life Skills, Every Tuesday between July 22 and August 19, 11am - 4pm. Storytelling, Myths and Legends, various dates. Medieval Barber Surgeon, Wednesday, August 13, and Thursday, August 14, 11am – 4pm. Ardudwy Knights, Saturday, August 23, to Monday, August 25, 11am – 4pm. Castell Caernarfon: Medieval Mini Museum, Tuesday, August 19, to Saturday, August 23, 10am - 4pm. Badge Making Days, various dates. Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers, various dates. Cannon Capers, various dates. Plas Mawr: It's Party Time, Wednesday, July 30, and Saturday, August 9, 10am – 4pm. Meet the Household, Saturday, July 26, 11am - 4pm. Anne Boleyn, Saturday, August 30, 7pm – 8.30pm. Cadw is also hosting a programme of falconry events and expanded guided tours at selected locations across Wales. Cadw is encouraging visitors to book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. A Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships.
Western Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Cadw announces packed summer programme at Laugharne
Cadw has announced a packed programme of family-friendly events across Wales, including west Wales, with activities taking place at historic sites throughout July and August. The summer line-up features immersive experiences, interactive workshops and live re-enactments designed to bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: "Our summer events are all about making history fun and engaging for families. "From meeting medieval characters and witnessing dramatic falconry displays to discovering the secrets of ancient ruins and enjoying fairytale picnics, there's something to capture every imagination. "Plus, with free entry for children under adult memberships, it's a fantastic way to experience Wales' heritage together." More than 60 events are planned, with standout activities in west Wales. Laugharne Castle will host a Living History Weekend on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27. Guests can explore a medieval village, watch Civil War weapon demonstrations and take part in a mock archaeological dig. On August 2 and 3, the castle will transform into a scene of Victorian elegance with the Queen Victoria Afternoon Tea Experience, featuring period costumes and a glimpse into 19th-century refinement. Other events at Laugharne Castle include a Naval Living History Weekend on August 9 and 10, and a Willow Weaving Workshop on August 17. Cadw is offering an expanded programme of guided tours at select sites across Wales, including Oxwich Castle, with limited spaces available. Due to high demand, visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance. For those looking to explore even more, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 historic sites across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, providing an affordable way for families to enjoy Wales' heritage throughout the summer. Full event details and ticket bookings are available on the Cadw website.
Rhyl Journal
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Family-friendly events taking place at Cadw sites in Wales
Cadw has announced a range of activities at castles, abbeys, and ancient monuments across the country. From Saturday, May 25, to Sunday, June 2, visitors will be able to enjoy historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities. Head of Cadw, Gwilym Hughes, said: "Our lively schedule of events across May half-term will hopefully inspire pride in Welsh heritage, spark curiosity, and offer fun for all ages. "It's an opportunity for families to get out and learn about the rich history that makes Wales so unique. "Children go free with any adult membership offering great value to keep the whole family entertained over the holidays and throughout the year." More than 20 events are planned for the school holidays. Highlights include the Plantagenets at Castell Harlech from Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26, between 11am and 4pm. Visitors will be able to meet the medieval Plantagenets and enjoy demonstrations of horse and accoutrements, archery displays, and dances and musicians. Beaumaris Castle will host a Knight Camp from Wednesday, May 28, to Friday, May 30, between 10am and 5pm. Visitors will be able to meet armoured knights, watch combat displays, and learn about the skills and stories of the medieval age. Other events across Cadw's historic locations include Wise Woman and the Surgeon and Fooling Around at Plas Mawr, a Craft Showcase at Denbigh Castle, Men at Arms at Beaumaris Castle, Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers at Caernarfon Castle, Tunes and Tales with Mair Tomos Ifans at Castell Cricieth, and Tales of Wales at Castell Cricieth and Castell Rhuddlan. A Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales. Children also go free with any adult membership. For more information about the events and guided tours, visit the Cadw website.
Western Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Cadw half term family-friendly events at Laugharne Castle
Cadw has announced a range of activities during the May half-term, including at Laugharne Castle. From May 25 to June 2, visitors will be able to enjoy historical experiences, interactive workshops, and hands-on activities. Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: "Our lively schedule of events across May half-term will hopefully inspire pride in Welsh heritage, spark curiosity, and offer fun for all ages. "It's an opportunity for families to get out and learn about the rich history that makes Wales so unique. "Children go free with any adult membership, offering great value to keep the whole family entertained over the holidays and throughout the year." There will be more than 20 events during the school holidays. Some of the highlights include a naval living history weekend at Laugharne Castle on May 31 and June 1, where visitors can meet Welsh sailors of Nelson's Navy and enjoy interactive fun, including a cannon firing at midday. Before that, there will be a birds of prey event at Laugharne Castle on May 24 and 25, where visitors can get up close with the birds and enjoy flying displays. A Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to 132 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales' rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership. A selection of Cadw sites including Valle Crucis Abbey, Castell Cilgerran and Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber, will also be open for guided tours throughout the summer. Find out more by visiting the Cadw website.
