General Events
As you'd expect, Wales has a particularly lively music scene. They don't call us the land of song for nothing, and you'll come across everything from bleeding-edge electronica to world class opera.
It's obviously a big subject to cover, so we'll just try to point you in the right direction according to what interests you the most.
For most contemporary musical styles, you get parallel English- and Welsh-language scenes in Wales.
You'll probably be most familiar with the bands that sing in English - Stereophonics, Feeder, and the Manic Street Preachers. Other acts that hail from Wales include the Hot Puppies, Murray the Hump, Hybrid, John Cale, and of course the one and only Sir Tom Jones.
The Super Furry Animals, Big Leaves and Gorky's Zygotic Mynci link the two scenes - they've all released Welsh- and English-language albums.
You can keep in touch with all the latest news and information on the BBC's Welsh Music pages here.
If you're in Wales over the summer, you'll get a great taste of the Welsh-language rock, folk and pop worlds at Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau. It's also worth checking events listings in any of the university or college towns - especially Bangor and Aberystwyth. And don't forget the National Eisteddfod - apart from the traditional events there's always a very lively programme of alternative nights.
Folk music has always been at the heart of both entertainment and political protest in Wales. For a great snapshot of what's going on, you can't beat a visit to an event like the Fishguard Folk Festival.
Classical music aficionados are also well served. Catching a performance by the Welsh National Opera in their new home the Wales Millennium Centre is a special experience, and Cardiff's St David's Hall has a world class programme of concerts every year.
THe Holiday Cottages are ideal for exploring Snowdonia and Mid/North Wales
Both cottages are situated in the peaceful Cywarch Valley (Cwm Cywarch in Welsh) near Dinas Mawdwy in Southern Snowdonia. Situated 10 miles from both the market towns of Dolgellau and Machynlleth, it is an ideal location to explore Snowdonia and Mid Wales.
There are many activities that can be enjoyed in the area. Walkers can try one of the valley walks or walk to the top of nearby Aran Fawddwy (2971ft). Some exciting mountain biking trails are available at Coed-y-Brenin just north of Dolgellau. Salmon and trout fishing are available on the river Dovey. Pony trekking is available locally.
Nearby attractions include Corris Craft Centre, King Arthur's Labyrinth, Meirion Mill, RSPB Nature Reserves (including Lake Vyrnwy) and Mari Eluned Jewellery Gallery. Or you can take a trip on one of the nearby narrow gauge railways.
