Wales plays host to an array of music, art and literature festivals every summer — and this August, a celebration of heritage has joined the programme as Cadw presents a new history festival for families.
The all-new Kids’ History Festival will see hundreds of unmissable events, ‘cool’ activities and educational experiences arrive at 25 of Wales’s historic sites between 01–25 August.
It’s all part of Cadw’s Rediscover History campaign, which aims to shine a modern light on Welsh heritage and provide new ways for young people to experience Wales’s castles, abbeys and historic houses during Wales’s 2019 Year of Discovery.
With no prior booking required, general admission fees will apply to each Kids’ History Festival event.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “We are always looking at new ways of engaging young people in Welsh history and the Kids’ History Festival has been designed to do just that — with a mix of fun, unusual but most importantly, educational activities on offer for families to enjoy during the school summer holidays.
“I hope that the Festival’s contemporary approach to heritage education will inspire the children of Wales and beyond to explore Wales’s unique history and culture for years to come.”
Thursday 15 and 22 August
Kids’ History Festival: Weaving Willow Workshop
Oxwich Castle
11am – 4pm
Normal site admission fees apply.
Visitors are invited to join artist in residence, Sara Holden, at Oxwich Castle to try their hand at the ancient craft of willow weaving to create their own crowns, dream-catchers or wind breaks for the garden. These family-friendly, drop-in sessions will take place regularly throughout the day.
For more information, click here.
Saturday 10 August
Kids’ History Festival: Discover Owain Glyndŵr
Kidwelly Castle
Dates for this event vary according to site location — please visit the website for more information.
10am – 2.30pm
Normal site admission fees apply, but booking is required.
Young, budding historians are invited to discover the last Welsh Prince of Wales through the eyes of one of his loyal supporters.
This interactive event will encourage visitors to help tell Owain Glyndŵr’s story as they take on the role of a professional bard. Four sessions will take place each day. These family-friendly sessions will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis and are limited to a maximum of 30 people.
For more information, click here.
Sunday 11 August
Kids’ History Festival: Punch and Judy Show
Oxwich Castle
11am – 4pm
Normal site admission fees apply.
The ancient show of Punch and Judy has delighted generations of children and adults alike.
Young visitors are invited to join the madness and mayhem at Oxwich Castle as Punch tries to prevent the crocodile from eating all of his sausages at this interactive event.
Please note, there will be five shows taking place across the day at the following times: 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
For more information, click here.
Wednesday 14 August
Kids’ History Festival: Meet the Medieval Archer
Oxwich Castle
11am – 4pm
Normal site admission fees apply.
Oxwich Castle invites visitors to meet a Medieval Archer this August, to find out about the important role of Welsh Bowmen in the European Wars. Plus, event-goers will be treated to a heart-stopping demonstration of an early firearm in use.
For more information, click here.
Sunday 18 August
Gower Calligraphy
Oxwich Castle
11am – 4pm
Normal site admission fees apply
This August, visitors to Oxwich Castle will enjoy a Tudor-inspired calligraphy demonstration.
At this one-off event, guests will learn about quill cutting, the preparation of ink and paints as well as the art of illuminated letters — complete with an opportunity to create their very own calligraphy keepsake.
For more information, click here.
Sunday 25 August
Kids’ History Festival: Medieval Falconry
Oxwich Castle
11am – 4pm
Normal site admission fees apply.
From flying kites to lazy owls, there will be a range of different birds of prey on display at Oxwich Castle this August — courtesy of Wings of Wales Falconry. Event-goers can quiz the experts, learn about the history of medieval hawking an even get a chance to interact with the majestic animals on site.
Please note, no dogs will be allowed on site for the duration of this event.
For more information, click here.
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