From festival-inspired flower crown making to open-mic nights, Cadw has today (30 May 2019) launched a brand-new events programme aimed at attracting a growing number of millennial visitors to Wales’s spectacular collection of historic sites.
After recent studies found that more millennials (adults aged between 22 – 38) are visiting Wales’s medieval castles, abbeys and historic houses than ever before, Cadw designed the unique Medieval meets Modern events series to offer an abundance of new and exciting ways to further discover Welsh heritage.
Featuring events such as Painting and Prosecco workshops with Instagram-famed business, Brush and Bubbles, and outdoor mindfulness sessions in the most tranquil of sites, the series has been carefully crafted to help visitors experience and share Wales’s history in a modern way.
The unique events will take place at Cadw sites across Wales this summer, with tickets for an array of never-before-seen workshops and activities now available for purchase on the Cadw website.
It’s all part of Cadw’s Rediscover History campaign — which will shine a modern light on Welsh heritage and provide new ways for young people to experience Wales’s historic sites during Wales’s 2019 Year of Discovery.
The campaign was designed on the back of the 2017-2018 Arts, Museums, Heritage and Libraries National Survey for Wales, which found that 71% of 25-34 year olds surveyed had visited a Welsh heritage site from April 2017 – March 2018*.
The results also show how Generation Z and millennials are more likely to attend arts and cultural activities in Wales, with 83% of 16-24 year olds visiting at least three times a year.
Meanwhile, visitor research conducted by Cadw during summer 2018**identified 16-24 year olds as the fastest growing demographic, accounting for 10% of visitors surveyed (vs. 7% in 2015).Plus, Cadw’s 2018 shoulder season research*** showed similar trends, with nearly half of visitors surveyed between the ages of 24 and 44. Research also found that exhibitions and events at Cadw sites were an increasingly important motivator in a visitor’s decision to visit a Cadw site.
Millennial behavioural expert, Jenny Williams, of Jenny Williams Coaching, said: “Known as “Generation Experience”, millennials are a demographic that actively seek out new things to see and do — so it is no surprise that more millennials than ever are visiting Welsh heritage sites. They have grown up in an experience rich world, learning interactively at school, immersing their curiosity online and exploring their surroundings — near and far.
“Millennials are always looking for new ways to do this, so I have no doubt that the new activities on offer at Cadw’s heritage sites will prove appealing this summer — as a combination of interactive experiences which can be shared with friends and family, both onsite and online.”
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, Lord Elis-Thomas said:“This national piece of research, combined with our visitor surveys, demonstrates a growing audience of millennial visitors to Wales’s historic sites.
“We’ve responded to this trend by developing a programme of events and activities designed to capture the imaginations of new and returning visitors alike, encouraging them to explore Wales’s fascinating heritage in fresh, new ways.
“Inspiring young people to immerse themselves in Wales’s history is absolutely vital to safeguarding our historic sites for the future, so I hope that they’ll be inspired to visit a Cadw site this summer.”
To keep up to date with Cadw’s 2019 Rediscover History campaign and for more information on the Medieval meets Modern events programme, visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk, follow @CadwWales or @CadwCymru on Twitter and find Cadw on Facebook.
Tickets for events within theMedieval meets Modernprogramme are now available to purchase on the Cadw website. Cadw members will receive a 10% discount on selected ticket purchases.
Medieval-meets-Modern events listings (June and July 2019):
Mindfulness with Cadw
Visitors are invited to take time away from the stresses of daily life as a series of mindfulness events arrive at two of Wales’s most picturesque monuments this June.
With no prior booking required, visitors can join Cadw’s bilingual mindfulness teacher for sessions at Tintern Abbey or Criccieth Castle— with event-goers guaranteed to leave feeling rested, replenished and rejuvenated.
Calm at Criccieth Castle
Saturday, 01 June and Sunday, 02 June
10am-12:45pm
Session 1: 10am – 10:30am
Session 2: 10:45am – 11:15am
Session 3: 11:30am – 12pm
Session 4: 12:15pm – 12:45pm
This event is free of charge and will operate on a first come first serve basis. No tickets required.
Tranquillity at Tintern Abbey
Saturday, 15 June and Sunday, 16 June 10am-12:45pm
Session 1: 10am – 10:30am
Session 2: 10:45am – 11:15am
Session 3: 11:30am – 12pm
Session 4: 12:15pm – 12:45pm
This event is free of charge and will operate on a first come first serve basis. No tickets required.
Painting and Prosecco
Fuelled by a glass of fizz, Cadw’s Painting and Prosecco events will allow seasoned artists and novices alike to follow in the footsteps of the likes of JMW Turner and attend a painting lesson like no other atCastell CochorChepstow Castle.
Led by Instagram famed creatives, Brush and Bubbles, event goers will be challenged to unleash their inner creativity as they follow a step-by-step guide to create their very own historic masterpiece.
Painting and Prosecco at Chepstow Castle— tickets available to purchase here.
Saturday, 29 June 2pm-4pm
Painting and Prosecco at Castell Coch— tickets available to purchase here.
Sunday, 30 June. 2pm-4pm.
Tickets for these eventscost £35.00 per person (with member concessions available) and must be booked in advance.
Alcohol-free drinks will also be available.
History on Wheels
This summer, visitors can pedal back in time and discover the legacy left by the noble Bute family.
A knowledgeable ride leader will take a group of cyclists on a leisurely ride from Cardiff City Centre to Wales’s fairytale castle, Castell Coch.
Upon arrival, a Cadw tour guide will be on hand to take event-goers on a historic adventure around thesite, before wishing them a safe ride back to their starting point in the centre of Wales’s capital city.
Cardiff to Castell Coch— tickets available here for 07 June and here for 14 June.
Sunday, 07 and Sunday, 14 June 10am-2pm
Tickets for these events must be booked in advance at a cost of £15.00 for adults, £13.50 for Cadw members and £10.00 for children aged 6-15 years.
Event goers are recommended to bring their own bikes, but Nextbikes will be available to hire at the starting point for a discounted rate.
Attendees must specify whether they need to rent a bike and the quantity needed when booking.
Fizz and Flowers
Cadw is calling upon flower lovers and music festival goers alike to attend one of four Fizz and Flowers sessions on offer at Plas Mawr and Oxwich Castle this summer.
Event goers will learn how to craft stunning floral wreaths or show-stopping flower crowns using seasonal summer blooms — all with a glass of fizz to enjoy throughout the super ‘Instagramable’ sessions.
Fizz and Flowers at Oxwich Castle— tickets available to purchase here for 06 July and here for 20 July.
Saturday, 06 and Saturday, 20 July: 11am-1.30pm.
Hosted by Sharon Dower Floral Innovations, tickets for the afternoon events at Oxwich Castle(which include site entry) cost £35.00 per person(with member concessions available) and must be booked in advance. Alcohol-free drinks will also be available.
Fizz and Flowers at Plas Mawr— tickets available to purchase here for 13 July and here for 27 July.
Saturday, 13 and Saturday, 27 July: 6pm – 9pm.
Hosted by Ivy Pip & Rose, tickets for the evening events at Plas Mawr(which include an after-hours tour of the fascinating Tudor townhouse) cost £35.00 per person (with member concessions available) and must be booked in advance.Alcohol-free drinks will also be available.
This summer, Harlech Castlewill welcome a small number of guests to join renowned Welsh poet, Karen Owen, at the heart of the medieval site for a special poetry writing workshop.
Before settling down to learn the art of poetry, event-goers will be invited to join Karen on a historical journey into the story Branwen, daughter of Llŷr — a legendary Harlech tale of hope and heartache from the famed collection of Welsh myth and folklore, the Mabinogion.
Guests will be encouraged to take inspiration from Branwen’s story, as well as from their beautifully scenic surroundings to help craft their own piece of prose with Karen’s guidance.
Poetry at Harlech Castle — tickets available to purchase here.
Sunday, 07 July: 1.30pm-4.30pm.
This is a bilingual event organised in partnership with Literature Wales. Tickets are available at a cost of £7.00 per person (with member concessions available) and must be booked in advance.
Canapes at the Castle
Visitors are invited to enjoy fizz and canapes within the grounds of an outstanding World Heritage Site this summer, as Conwy Castle puts on an unforgettable evening of medieval entertainment in July and August.
Event-goers can sip on a cold glass of prosecco as they enjoy a guided tour around the historic site and its town walls, where they will enjoy stunning night-time views across the local town.
There will also be an opportunity to pick a side and watch as noble medieval knights show off their sword-fighting skills, while birds of prey soar elegantly around the castle grounds.
Following the evening entertainment, the unique event will end at a local Conwy tavern, where guests can get a real taste for local Welsh ale.
Canapes at the Castle at Conwy Castle — tickets available to purchase here.
Thursday, 25 July and Thursday, 22 August: 6:30pm-9:30pm.
This event is in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council.Tickets are available at a cost of £36.00 per person and must be booked in advance.
On Saturday 20 July, Voicebox Wrexham will host their renowned open-mic night beneath the arches of the beautifully acoustic Chapter House ofValle Crucis Abbey.
Guests will be treated to a jam-packed evening of spoken word performances from emerging poets, comedians and musicians form the local area, as well as a headline performance from highly acclaimed poet, David Subacchi.
And, for event-goers who would like to try their own hand at spoken word, there will be plenty of opportunities for members of the audience to have a go, too!
Voicebox Wrexham at Valle Crucis Abbey — tickets available to purchase here.
Saturday, 20 July: 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Tickets for this event are available at a price of £8.00 per person (with member concessions available) and must be booked in advance. Alcohol is not permitted but soft drinks will be available for purchase on site.
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