Discover Carmarthenshire

Events could be subject to amendment, please verify with event organisers.

Throughout May

Medicines in May
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire SA32 8HG.
A month long festival of plants and health at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses. But how relevant are they to 21st century medicine? The National Botanic Garden of Wales will help you decide. To do this, we are hosting a series of talks, courses, exhibitions and fun activities throughout May 2012 (programme attached). Every Wednesday visitors will get the chance to make their own herbal concoction and hear a fascinating lecture about plant-derived medicines. Weekend visitors will get the chance to learn about healthy food and ask a pirate what spices from his ship will protect them from the plague. But come any day in May, you’ll discover some extraordinary images about the medieval Physicians of Myddfai in our Art Gallery whilst in our Great Glasshouse, you can use your smartphone to locate some of the world’s most amazing medicinal plants.
Click here for a brochure.
Contact: gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

1 - 19 May

An Original Exhibition
The Gate, St Clears.
Carmarthen Artists` Network. To include Artists` Living and Working in South West Wales.
Contact: the-gate.org  01994 427420

1 - 30 May

Art Exhibition by local artist Pauline Thomas
WWT National Wetland Centre Wales, Llwynhendy, Llanelli SA14 9SH.
Pauline is a professional, abstract artist living in Carmarthenshire. She has a passion for painting and the part of the world that she lives in. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in London and throughout the UK, Canada, USA and Australia. Pauline produces unique original paintings, limited and open edition prints. Her work can be found in private and public collections throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. Finalist of the UK Liberte d' Expession Competition 2006 Selected for the International Arts Competition 'Hands Off' in 2007 Recognised as work of distinction in the Americas Biennial 2008. Pauline also branched out into the corporate art market, her major client to date being Petro Canada No 1 London Bridge. A number of her artworks have also been used to illustrate calendars, books and websites. Prints published by a number of publishers as fine art prints on paper or canvas ready to hang.
Contact: wwt.org.uk  01554 741087

19 May

Dinefwr Park Photography Workshops
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Llandeilo, SA19 6RT.
Photography workshops by Andy davies.
Contact: andydavies.info  01267 268061 / 07977 562321

11 - 24 May

Art / Craft Exhibition - Pembrokeshire Craft
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Contact: aberglasney.org  01558 668998

13 May - 2 Sept

Geopark Festival 2012
Enjoy walks, talks and other events during this excellent Festival. Organised by the National Park Authority and its Geopark partners. See below for list of events, more details and prices on the Fforest Fawr Geopark website - fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk.

• 13 May - Field study visit Carreg Cennen’s Coed y Castell - Booking essential on 01792 602211. No dogs, £10 per person.
• 26 May - Carreg Cennen Castle Roundabout - Energetic 7 mile walk in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Park Society.
• 27 May - From Cwm to Cwm - 5 mile walk 'From Cwm to Cwm' a trail on the southern slopes of the Black Mountain.
• 27 May - Brynaman Field Study Visit - 2.5 miles, a 'Rocky Ravines' trail in the company of three experts.
• 29 May - White Water & Black Powder - 2 mile walk in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Park Society.
• 29 May - Faults, Folds and Firebricks - Moderate 2.5 mile walk exploring France’s role in creating one of our finest landscapes.
• 30 May - Walk, Talk and possibly lunch? - Easy/moderate 2.5 mile walk across Mynydd Illtud common.
• 30 May - Bountiful Bogs and Marvellous Mires - Mynydd Illtud again, for an afternoon exploration in partnership with the Brecon Beacons Park Society.
• 1 June - Cairns and Ferns on Cefn Cil-sanws - Join archaeologist Edith Evans and wildlife expert Phil Sutton on a 5.5 mile exploration of a rocky mini-mountain rising above Cwm Taf.
• 4 June - Llwch Lively! - Join a National Trust warden on this 5 mile walk up to Llyn Cwm Llwch and around Pen Milan.
• 5 June - Romans to Railways - Follow a 2000 year old road and a 200 year old tramway - see how both Romans and industrialists left their mark on the southern slopes of our hills.
• 5 June - Fossils, Ferns and Faults at Henrhyd Falls - moderate 2 mile walk delving into the history and geology of the wooded ravine into which the waters of the Nant Llech plunge at Henrhyd Falls.
• 6 June - Cwm Gwrelych Geo Heritage Trail: walking back in time - Experience coal swamps, cockroaches and climate change in Carboniferous South Wales on this moderate 3 mile walk.
• 7 June - Karst and Conifers - Energetic 6 mile walk exploring sculptures in the forest around Garwnant and nature’s scupltures on the hills beyond the forest boundary.
• 7 June - The Geopark from the air: archaeology, industry and landscape - A talk by Dr Toby Driver of the Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historic Monuments of Wales.
• 8 June - Limelights of Allt Rhongyr - moderate 3 miles walk with Ben Mullen of the Brecknock Wildlife Trust looking at the botany, geology and zoology of this fascinating reserve in Cwm Tawe.
• 10 June - Mynydd Myddfai Field Study Visit - Another chance to take a look at the restoration work carried out following the gas pipeline construction in 2008.
• 17 June - Cribarth and Mynydd Du SSSI - Walk up on to the "sleeping giant" mountain with specialists from Swansea University DACE. Booking essential on 01792 602211.
• 21 to 28 July - Beacons Way 8 Day Guided Walk - Rob Knowles from the Brecon Beacons Park Society will be leading another 8 day guided walk from east to west along the entire length of the Beacons Way. Please contact Rob direct on: 07971 190768.
• 2 Sept - 12th Century Physicians to 21st Century Graziers - Explore the magical landscape of Mynydd Myddfai, visit the sacred Physician’s Well and learn about the people who have lived and worked in this special place on this enchanting 4.5 mile family friendly walk. To book your place please call 01874 623366. £2 per person.

Contact: visitbreconbeacons.com or fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk
01874 620480

17 May

Stradey Jubilee Lunch Club
Stradey Park Hotel, Furnace, Llanelli SA15 4HA.
Join us for the third Stradey Lunch Club and enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch and cookery demonstration for only £15. Every month we will have a special guest looking at different cooking styles, local food sourcing and all things cookery related. On Thursday 17th May we will be holding a very special Lunch Club to celebrate the jubilee. It will be in the theme of a street party with long tables and a 50's themed buffet menu including classics like homemade pork pies & coronation chicken. There will be a classic dessert demonstration from Anna Brown on syllabubs. Head chef Stewart Williams will be looking at food from around the Commonwealth. Attendees of the Lunch Club can sign up for free to become a Lunch Club Member, entitling the card holder to a free starter or dessert with any main course ordered from the lunch menu. Booking is essential due to high demand for this fantastic event. 12.30pm - 2.30pm.
Contact: stradeyparkhotel.com  01554 758171

18 May

Wine Tasting Evening
Lolfa Cynin, LLangynin Road, St. Clears, Carmarthenshire SA33 4JR.
From 7pm, come along to taste some exclusive wines in the company of Roy Roberts from Celtic Wines. Tickets available at £10 per person, with wine, nibbles, jokes and expert wine tasting! Special Offer - Stay the evening & stay for breakfast for £83! To include 2 tickets!! (usually £109).
Contact: lolfacynin.co.uk  01994 232773

19 May

Crafts from Carmarthenshire Craft Fair
The Guildhall Square, Carmarthen.
Contact: craftsfromcarmarthenshire.org.uk  01267 222326

19 May

St Clears YFC Agricultural Show
United Counties Showground, Nantyci, Carmarthen.
The show is an instrumental part of rural life in West Wales and is proud to support local farmers and traders with this prestigious showcase now held at the United Counties Showground at Carmarthen. More information to follow.
Contact: stclearsyfcshow.co.uk  07870 390734

19 May

Murder Mystery
Gwili Steam Railway, Bronwydd Arms Station, Carmarthen SA33 6HT.
Who dunnit? On our special Murder Mystery Evenings, join the super sleuths in bringing arch criminals to justice, whilst enjoying a four course meal (with bar facilities) on the train (also on July 28 and September 22).
Contact: 01267 238213 (10-4 Mon-Fri)   gwili-railway.co.uk

19 & 20 May

Four Seasons Spring Craft Fair
National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire SA32 8HG.
Give yourself a treat at the weekend. Would you like to own a genuine piece of Welsh-made, hand-crafted treasure? Do you feel like you deserve something new and beautiful in your life? Then beat a path to the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday and Sunday May 19-20 for the second of its 2012 'Four Seasons Craft Fairs'. Amongst the stunning surrounds of the Great Glasshouse, you’ll find a choice of 35 stalls offering a captivating range of Welsh-made hand-crafted treasures from beautiful glassware, cute teddy bears, novelty clocks and cushions to gorgeous jewellery, stunning enamels, novelty garden ornaments and heavenly-scented hand-made soaps. You’ll also get to see, and smell, the mediterranean plants of the Great Glasshouse in their spring-time pomp. The Craft Fair is on from 10am until 6pm (last entry 5pm).
Contact: gardenofwales.org.uk  01558 66714

19 & 20 May

Carmarthen Park Events
Carmarthen Park, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen SA31 3AX.

• 19th - Party Bus (10am - 5pm).
• 20th - Carmarthen Town Park Jogging Club (9.30 - 10.30am), Constellation Big Band (2pm - 4pm).

Contact: carmarthentowncouncil.gov.uk  07794 042186

20 May

Arboretum
Gelli Aur Country Park, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA32 8LR.
The dove tree, umbrella tree, azaleas and rhododendrons will be in flower. 2pm
Contact: carmarthenshire.gov.uk  01558 668885

20 May

Whitland Classic Car Rally & Car Boot Sale
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
Contact: unitedcounties.org

20 May

Llanelli Sprint Triathlon
North Dock, Llanelli.
8am start.
Contact: healthylifeactivities.co.uk 07968 859260

20 May

NGS Garden Open for Charity - Ty'r Maes
Ffarmers, Llanwrda,Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire SA19 8JP.
Contact: ngs.org.uk 01558 650541

22, 23 & 24 May

Energy Saving Trust Smarter Driving Roadshow
Carmarthen Leisure Centre & Llanelli Leisure Centre.
Want to drive smarter and reduce your petrol consumption? Come and chat to our friendly advisors who can give you tips on how to get more miles for your money! Our dedicated transport team can talk you through the full range of options open to you, from choosing a fuel efficient car to showing you how to develop your driving technique on our smarter driving simulator. We will be in Carmarthen & Llanelli Leisure Centres next Tuesday - Thursday, as part of Wales Sustainability Week. Carmarthen Leisure Centre, May 22 & 23, 10am - 5pm. Llanelli Leisure Centre, May 24, 10am - 5pm.
Contact: 01267 224902

25 May

Dry Stone Walling
Gelli Aur Country Park, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA32 8LR.
Help to rebuild the ancient deer park wall. Carmarthenshire Countryside Volunteers meet once a month at Gelli Aur Country Park, starting at 11am and finishing at 2pm. The volunteers help to manage Gelli Aur Country Park and other countryside areas. We create and manage wildlife habitats such as woodlands, meadows, ponds and wetlands.
Contact: carmarthenshire.gov.uk  01558 668885

25 May

Ha Ha Comedy Club
Ffos Las Racecourse.
Eat, drink and Laugh at our Ha Ha Comedy Club. Join us for some genuine, laugh out loud entertainment from 5 top comedians, plus enjoy burger and chips along with a pint of beer/larger or a glass of wine. Tickets from £22.50
Contact: ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

25 - 31 May

Art Exhibition - Marilyn Wheeler
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Contact: aberglasney.org 01558 668998

26 May

Car Boot Sale
Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen.
Held on the last saturday of the month from now until september 2012. 8.30am Start. No need to book, just come along! £10.00 per van - £5.00 per car. All proceeds to Calon+ (Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Glangwili Hospital).

26 & 27 May

Carmarthen Park Events
Carmarthen Park, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen SA31 3AX.

• 26th - Pole Jousting, Mega Bouncy Castle (10am - 5pm).
• 27th - Carmarthen Wind Band (10.30am - 12 noon & 2am - 4pm), Carmarthen Town Park Jogging Club (9.30am - 10.30am).

Contact: carmarthentowncouncil.gov.uk  07794 042186

27 May

See the Olympic Torch - Be part of it!
Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig campus, Llanelli.
A free family event will take place at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Graig campus on the morning of Sunday 27 May to coincide with the torch relay arriving in Carmarthenshire. Celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch, join in the festivities and share the excitement. The college and Carmarthenshire County Council Sports Development team have joined forces with local sports clubs to offer 'have a go' events in a range of activities for the public including a fun run, touch rugby, hockey, Zumba, football, athletics, basketball and a climbing wall. Demonstrations are also being given by Llanelli Gymnastics Club, Sosban Riders and the college dance academy. Also attending is Fusion Health and Fitness to offer fitness testing and advice. To celebrate its arrival the event at the Graig campus will be open to the public and activities start from 8.30am-11am. Free car parking is available at Festival Fields (opposite the college- from 8am and the car park will remain open until 8.45am.  It will reopen after the Olympic torch has passed. Please note that there will be rolling roadblocks in place as the torch travels through Llanelli Town prior to its arrival at the college, so arrive early. If travelling west following the torch’s departure, delays are likely.
Contact: carmarthenshire.gov.uk 01554 744350

27 May

Antiques & Flea Market
The United Counties Showground Nantyci, Carmarthen SA33 5DR.
10am to 4pm.
Contact: towyevents.co.uk

31 May

Boys’ Toys Raceday
Ffos Las Racecourse.
The ultimate boys experience... Come join us for what promises to be an adrenaline filled days racing that's not to be missed! Plenty of Boys' Toys for you to check out from supercars to 4x4's to exhibitions from Pembrey Performance Driving School.
Contact: ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

31 May

Chapterhouse Theatre Company, production of Emma by Jane Austen
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire SA32 8QH.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company is thrilled to present this wonderful tale of matchmaking, marriage and merriment. Emma is a young woman determined to pair her friends off with their perfect matches. But could it be that amidst her plotting, her own true love has been there all along? Filled with glorious fun, this brand new adaptation of Jane Austen’s comedy of manners promises love and laughter aplenty. Join Chapterhouse for an evening of Regency wonderment and heart-warming romance as Emma makes her match under a beautiful summer sky.

Adults £13.50 / Students & Children £9 / Families (2 Adults & 2 Children) £40. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more. Grounds open for picnics from 6.30pm. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating.
Contact: aberglasney.org 01558 668998

31 May - 5 June

National UK Motorcaravanners Club Rally
United Counties Showground, Carmarthen.
Contact: unitedcounties.org