2024 in Wales: Events, activities and more

If you're a healthcare locum exploring the UK, Wales is a must-visit destination. The country is famous for its stunning scenery, with Snowdonia National Park offering some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the UK. You can also discover the country's natural beauty through its many walking trails, like the Wales Coast Path.

But it's not just the scenery that sets Wales apart. Welsh culture is thriving, with unique customs, language, music, and food to explore. And there are plenty of exciting events and activities happening throughout the year, from festivals celebrating Welsh culture and music to food and drink festivals showcasing the best produce of the region. There are also numerous sporting events, such as rugby and football matches.

As a locum, you'll also have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings in Wales, which has an excellent healthcare system. And outside of work, you can explore the vibrant Welsh communities, each with its own distinct character. Overall, Wales offers a unique experience that blends work and play, making it a fantastic destination for healthcare locums. So, this article will highlight some of the best events and activities happening in 2024 in Wales, so that you can make the most of your time in this wonderful country.

Explore Wonderworld Wools in April

Wales is world-renowned for its high-quality wool products, so it’s no surprise that one of the best wool and natural fibre festivals is found there. It’s an annual event that starts on the last weekend in April and is filled with some fantastic exhibits. The festival is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Powys, which provides the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled weekend.

Photo courtesy of Wonderwool Wales Limited.

Wonderworld Wools hosts an assortment of wool and natural fibre producers from across Wales. You’ll get a chance to pick up some amazingly creative designs, home furnishings and much more during the weekend event. You’ll also get a chance to learn about the creative process from start to finish, from showing off the latest sheep breeds to seeing how they convert raw wool into exquisite materials. It’s an incredibly interesting event, so even if you aren’t a die-hard knitting enthusiast you’ll still have loads of fun.

Discover New Talent at FOCUS Wales in May

FOCUS Wales is an extensive festival based in Wrexham, North Wales that places a strong emphasis on new and emerging musical talent from Wales. Running from 9th - 11th May, this multi-venue festival brings domestic up-and-coming talent together with some of the best and brightest musicians from across the globe.

It looks to be a particularly packed event for 2024, and it’s going to be a busy weekend for attendees and artists alike. There are over 250 scheduled performances across more than 20 stages dotted around different venues. It’s a multimedia event, so alongside top musical acts, you’ll get a chance to enjoy art exhibitions, film screenings and plenty more!

Explore the Wales & West Photography Show

If you’re a photography buff, then the Wales & West Photography Show is an event that you’ll want to attend. This three-day photography event will be running from 20th - 22nd June and offers a variety of seminars, presentations, talks and workshops that focus on the latest and greatest in photography equipment. Top names in the industry, such as Canon and Nikon, will be in attendance to showcase their latest technology.

What’s more, the seminars and workshops are all completely free, so you’ll get an opportunity to hone your photography skills by learning from the masters. The Wales & West Photography show is being hosted at the International Convention Centre Wales in Caerleon, so it’s an easy place to get to even if you just want to check it out for a few hours.

Head to the Air Show in July

The Wales Airshow at Swansea is the perfect place to spend a sunny July afternoon. Featuring some of the most advanced aircraft - as well as a whole host of vintage planes - this airshow is a breathtaking experience for all in attendance. You’ll see spitfires take to the skies and experience the latest aerial acrobatics on display from some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world.

This two-day weekend event offers more than just a dazzling aerial display, though. There are flight simulators, amusements, armed forces vehicle demonstrations and plenty more to see. The Wales Airshow runs from the 6th - 7th July, so make sure to mark this date in your calendar!

Photo by Sean Alabaster on Unsplash

Attend Bog Snorkelling in August

If you fancy something a little different, then the World Bog Snorkelling Championships is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This annual event brings together the best bog snorkelers from across the world to compete - but you can try your hand at it, too! With hundreds of people participating in the event each year, it’s a thrilling adventure that’s guaranteed to leave you in a mess.

The Bog Snorkelling Championships will be taking place at Waen Rhydd bog, just on the outskirts of Llanwrtyd Wells. It’s a fun day out, with many of the competitors dressing up in ridiculous costumes while they attempt to snorkel through the bogs. Taking place on Sunday 25th August this year, this is an event you won’t want to miss out on!

Head to IRONMAN Wales in September

If you’re looking for something to do in Wales around September, you should seriously consider attending the IRONMAN Wales event. This intense competition is taking place on the 22nd of September in Tenby, and it gives you a chance to see competitors racing through an intense circuit that includes cycling, running and swimming segments.

This event draws massive crowds to the seaside village of Tenby, so you’re bound to have some fun if you come along for the day. The event runs through Tenby’s North Beach, which is a truly idyllic place to spend the day.

Have a laugh at a comedy festival in October

Aberystwyth is the place to be in October if you’re a fan of comedy as the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival kicks off. This all-new comedy festival runs from 4th - 6th October this year, and it promises to be a fantastic event. It’s going to be a showcase of the top talent from previous events held by Machynlleth, with over 40 shows running from Friday to Sunday. It’s a chance to watch some top local talent as well as some bigger names, like Alfie Brown, take to the stage.

Soak up the festive spirit at the Cardiff Christmas Market

Nothing beats a good Christmas market, and the Cardiff Christmas Market is one of the best around. This festive bonanza will start on the 9th of November and run until the 23rd of December, giving you plenty of time to celebrate the Christmas season. This market has been going on for over three decades at this point, so you won’t be disappointed with the top-quality stalls and events going on.

Every year is different at the Cardiff Christmas Market, but every year focuses on lots of handmade crafts and other offerings. So whether you’re just wanting to get into the festive spirit or need to pick up a few gifts for your loved ones, this is a prime destination for December in Wales.

Enjoy 2024 in Wales

Wales is a stunning destination with so much to offer those who visit, whether that’s bog snorkelling or enjoying some local musical acts. 2024 in Wales looks to be a promising year, with plenty going on. All you have to do is decide what you’re going to do with your time here!

If you’re looking for new locuming opportunities in Wales, then make sure you check out the latest locum vacancies at Globe Locums to see what’s available.