Newtown Outdoor Festival
Saturday 3rd June 2023
Events
Walking
Time: Throughout The Day
Location: Register at Oriel Davies Gallery
Walking – FREE guided walks starting between 09:30 and 13:00, depending on distance.
These are open to all abilities and ages. Register at Oriel Davies 15 minutes before the start of your chosen walk. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. More details on the walks in the programme are available later on our web site:
For a detailed description of each walk today please to to the Walking Newtown Web site to see the Festival Walks.
Prefer to go on your own? Make your own walking group! 16 longer walks and many short town strolls can be downloaded FREE from the Walking Newtown Web site to enjoy with your own family or friends at your convenience.
| Walk No. | Walk Description | Start Time | Distance (Miles) & Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dog Friendly Walk | 9:30 | 5.3 Moderate |
| 2 | Pub Walk to Bettws Cedewain with pub lunch in middle. | 10:00 | 10 Strenuous |
| 3 | Taith gerdded i’r “Kerry Lamb” yng Ngheri Welsh language pub walk Kerry | 10:00 | 9 Moderate/Strenuous |
4 | French Walk Kerry 5 Ways | 10:15 | 5.6 Moderae/Strenuous |
5 | Fachwen Pool | 10:30 | 6.1 Moderate |
6 | Accessible walk on river near Trehafren | 10:30 | 2 Easy |
7 | Photography Walk for Young People | 10:30 | 5 hours Moderate |
8 | Newtown Heritage Walk | 11:00 | 1 to 1.5 hours Easy |
9 | Foraging Walk | 11:00 | 1 to 1.5 hours Easy |
10 | Singalong Family Stroll. See below | 13:00 | About 2 hours Easy |
creative art walk for young people
Time: 10:30 to 15:30
Location: Meet at Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown
Prebooking will open nearer the day
FREE Creative Art Walk for Young People with photographer Mohamed Hassan – Organised by Oriel Davies Gallery
Following a circular route from Newtown to Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve – Walking Newtown’s Walk 7. Bring a smart phone or camera to document the walk, explore the landscape and meet other young people. Mohamed Hassan is a Welsh Egyptian artist whose photographic practice focuses on themes of identity and belonging. He photographs people and places and his work is exhibited internationally. Mo exhibited at Oriel Davies in 2022 in it exhibition Portraits – Responding to Rembrandt and runs workshops for young people across Wales.
Places are limited so please book in advance on gallery website, at the gallery desk or by phone 01686 625041. Bring a packed lunch and dress for the weather with walking boots or trainers.
singing walk
Time: 13:00 to 15:00
Location: Meet at Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown.
FREE Singing Walk – Organised by Walking Newtown
Accessible walk open to all ages and abilities, suitable for families. Meet at the Gallery for a fun, family stroll and singing led by Mel Chandler and Janie Goodwin. Stroll a bit, sing a bit, stroll a bit more. Bring snacks, bring a picnic blanket, bring the whole family.
Navigation
Time: 10:00. All Day
Location: Meet at Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown.
This course is very limited so booking is essential.
Navigation – FREE Introduction to map reading and navigation organized by Bryn Walking. Tuition provided by Helen Menhinick who is a qualified mountain leader.
Aimed at people with little or no experience. Starting at 10:00 at the Gallery for a pickup to the start point just out of town. The course will include:
- Map types and scales
- Map orientation
- Map legend & public rights of way
- Use of a compass, when & how
- Essential equipment
Max. 7 participants Outdoor clothing is required and full waterproofs, your own packed lunch, snacks and drinks. Booking is essential and is now open at Bryn Walking Booking Form.
canoeing
Times: 10:00-11:00 10:30-11:30 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00 14:;30-15:30 15:00-16:00
Location: Oriel Davies Gallery to sign up
6 Free Open Canadian Canoe Taster Sessions– Organised by Welshpool Canoe Club & Newtown Paddlers, assisted by Brenin Adventures. Come along to the hub and learn how to paddle.
The one hour sessions will start on land with some basics and then you can get in the water to try for yourself. Age limited to 7+ years. Each group of 8 people will have a qualified river leader and an assistant in separate boats. There will be a dynamic risk assessment to be as inclusive as possible, which may reduce numbers of some sessions.
Booking opens on the day at 09:30 at the Canoe Event Gazebo in front of Oriel Davies Gallery. Numbers are limited so come along on the day early and book a spot. Donations to Wales Air Ambulance and RSC appreciated.
alpaca fun
Time: from 10:00 with 2 Alpaca Walks 11:00 & 14:00
Location: Oriel Davies Gallery
Alpaca Meet & Greet with Hightimbers Alpacas –
The alpacas are friendly and trained to be handled and will walk with you when haltered. They are shy but quite inquisitive especially around children. They love to watch people, maybe sniff your hand or head and love to be stroked on the neck.
There will be two gentle alpaca strolls where a lucky few can hold their halters on an amble through the parks.
Numbers are very limited so come early to book your place to stroll with these wonderful animals.
There will also be a stall selling a small range of alpaca merchandise.
Archery
Time: 10:00 to 16:00
Location: On lawn next to the old council offices near Oriel Davies. Booking on the day at the Oriel Davies Gallery Hub.
FREE Archery taster sessions with the Hafren Foresters Archery Club.
Come and have a go at this ancient sport. Experienced coaches will be on hand for those who want to try. Equipment and training will be provided for those interested to try this fun skill.
Anyone 8 and over is welcome but children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Newtown wildlife
Time: 10:00 to 16:00 with hourly events from 11:00
On the lawn in front of Oriel Davies
Explore Newtown’s wildlife with Open Newtown in collaboration with BIS & Mid Wales Ecology
Open Newtown, Mid Wales Ecology, and Biodiversity Information Service for Powys & the Brecon Beacons join up for a foray into Newtown’s wildlife. There’ll be experts on hand showcasing specimens from the green spaces. You’ll be amazed by what you can find if you look closely – critters from the river, moths from the woods, and much more! At the turn of each hour one of the team will be leading a Wildlife Walk – go on a bug hunt, learn how to record what you see, explore the plants that are present, or try out come techniques for collecting and recording wildlife.
Recording the wildlife present in our habitats is essential for monitoring their success, something which will become increasingly important as we realise our targets to restore habitats. If this is something you’re interested in then it could be a chance for you to learn more about the process, and how you can get involved in the future.
Fishing
Time: 11:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 16:00
Location: On lawn in front of Oriel Davies.
FREE fly casting lessons organised by River Severn Custodians
Each casting session will comprise approx. 20 mins demonstration and then an additional hour for people to have a go. Equipment and training will be provided for those interested to try this fun skill.
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Booking on the day at the Oriel Davies Gallery Hub.
Guided cycle ride
Time: 11:00 - 13:00
Location: Meet at Cycle Storage near Hafan Yr Afon
Free Led Cycle Bike Ride by Sustainable Transport Charity Sustrans
Bring your bike, camera or phone and a drink/snack. Enjoy an easy cycle ride from Newtown to Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve, about 2.5 miles away. We’ll go along Newtown’s riverside shared use path, then towards the start of the Montgomeryshire Canal. These flat paths form part of the National Cycle Route 81. The ride is approximately 5 miles. We’ll leave at 11:00, stop to take photos, stop to have a drink/snack (taking all rubbish home) and aim to be back by 13:00.
Everyone is welcome on the ride. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Helmet is not required but you may prefer to wear one. Places are limited to 18 people with two guides. Booking is now available on Sustrans. in English and Cymraeg.
Park Run
Time: 09:00
Location: Start at Dolerw Bridge
Park Run
Starting at Dolerw Park Bridge. This is the regular free 5k park run.
Open to all to complete at your own pace, no experience necessary. If you haven’t joined them before, go to the website, www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ and register in order to get your run timed.
More information: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
Gardening
Time: 11:00 to 15:00
Location: Gazebo near The Oriel Davies Gallery
Gardening with the Newtown Garden Club
The Newtown Garden Club is a friendly group of garden lovers from Newtown and area. They aim to help people enjoy gardening at every level from window box to large gardens.
Visit their stall on the lawn near Oriel Davies Gallery to find out about their programme of talks and garden visits. Buy plants locally grown by members. There will be a gazebo near the gallery from 11.00 to 15.00. More information: https://www.facebook.com/Newtown.Garden.Club
bike bubbles & art
Time: 10:00 to 16:00
Location: Gazebo near Oriel Davies Gallery
Free cycle activities with The Pedal Emporium sponsored by Open Newtown
Try out some fun bicycle activities and use your own power to create a flurry of bubbles. Channel your inner Jackson Pollock to create a unique artwork. The Pedal Emporium recycles and re-purposes bikes to promote cycling and sustainability.
The pedal powered bubble machine is simple. The more you pedal the more bubbles you make. The one-of-a-kind Whirly Wheels Bicycle turns a table to spray paint in a beautiful, hypnotic design, creating an artwork for you to take home.
piano saturday
Time: 11:00 to 18:00
Location: The Oriel Davies Gallery
Piano Saturday sponsored by Oriel Davies Gallery
Stuart Jones, Lisette de Mont and many others will be playing t Oriel Davies Gallery throughout the day for your pleasure. Drop in any time or stay longer.
The event is completely free but if you feel you can support the gallery, they would be grateful for a donation. If you would like to include Gift Aid, please ask at the desk.
Groove dance
Time: 13:30 and 15:00
Location: The Oriel Davies Gallery
Groove dance with Meltem Arikan sponsored by Oriel Davies Gallery
Groove dance is a dynamic, creative and authentic group dance experience. It’s easy to learn, fun, simple and interactive. There is no right or wrong way to move in Groove dance – this is a completely inclusive experience and a perfect outdoor activity. Sessions are drop in and run for 45 minutes in total. Everyone is welcome. Please arrive 5 minutes before the sessions start, on the green in front of Oriel Davies Gallery.
Dance leader Meltem Arikan is a Turkish novelist and playwright. Since moving to Wales she has developed her work as a dancer and counsellor. She unites everyone in a simple movement or rhythm. People experience everything from slow, meditative grooves to heart thumping beats — a perfect experience to nurture your body, mind, heart and soul! Meltem is autistic and draws on her own lived experiences to support children and families.
Ceilidh
Time: 18:30 to 22:.00
Location: Hafan yr Afon, Newtown
Entrance £6 in advance on Eventbrite or £7 at the door.
Ceilidh with Monty Folk Band
Continue your active day and dance the evening away. Music by Monty Folk. Children under 16 free and must be accompanied by an adult. There is a cash bar available.
Tickets £6 in advance from Eventbrite or £7 at the door. For more information email info@montyfolkband.wales
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