Events and festivals in Wales during April

01 December 2022 - 30 April 2023. The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea, in partnership with Bad Wolf, is hosting a highly anticipated His Dark Materials Exhibition celebrating this iconic series and how Philip Pullman’s world was recreated in Wales. The free major exhibition features costumes and key props such as the subtle knife and alethiometer from across all three seasons. There's also concept art and visual effects footage.

11 - 16 April 2023. Explore the beautiful Lower Wye Valley during a jam-packed walking programme. Participants will be able to join one of the guided walks on offer during Chepstow Walking Festival and explore the beautiful area of the Lower Wye Valley and beyond.

14 April. National Laverbread Day champions the Welsh Delicacy known as Laverbread and raises awareness of this amazing nutritional product. It celebrates one of Wales’ most iconic delicacies: laverbread, the cooked version of ‘laver’ – porphyra seaweed – a diaphanous red algae found abundantly along Wales’ rocky coastline. A classic addition to a Welsh breakfast, laverbread can also be used in countless other ways – for example, as a seasoning, as an ingredient in bread or in a pasta sauce.

Jonathan William has been harvesting and cooking with laverbread for many years. He chose this date as National Laverbread Day because it is the same day the Japanese celebrate 'Mother of the Sea Day' in honour of Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker. Her research into the cultivation of porphyria seaweed led to a commercial breakthrough for the Japanese nori (laver) industry.

Dozens of Welsh businesses are supporting National Laverbread Day, with everything from special dishes to special offers, plus events and giveaways.

Have a go at cooking some of our delicious recipes that use laverbread, including our savoury Leek, laverbread and Y Fenni cheese Welsh cakes, Welsh rarebit with laverbread and ale recipe or enjoy a Swansea breakfast.

16 April 2023. Run in one of the flattest marathons in the UK.

Find out more about ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K.

21 - 23 April 2023. Gwyl Crime Cymru Festival is Wales’ first international crime literature festival, providing an opportunity to meet and interact with top talents from around the world. The festival takes place in Aberystwyth and celebrates crime writing until its many forms.

22 April 2023. Judgement Day returns to Principality Stadium in Cardiff after a three-year hiatus. It's the biggest family event in the rugby calendar, with Cardiff Rugby v the Ospreys and Scarlets v Dragons RFC in the final weekend of BKT United Rugby Championship action. The winner of the Welsh Shield will be crowned regional champions with a shield trophy presentation at the end of the season and earn an automatic place in the Heineken Champions Cup 2023/24.

22 - 23 April 2023. Wonderwool is the premier wool and natural fibres festival that takes places annually in the Royal Welsh Showgrounds near Builth Wells. 

28 - 30 April 2023. The Machynlleth Comedy Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a hidden gem, featuring as-seen-on TV comedy acts, such as Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, Josh Widdicombe, WiFi Wars and a whole host of other things to keep you amused all weekend. The town is known for its quirky venues, which helps to make it popular with both the acts and audience alike.

28 April - 01 May 2023. Talgarth Walking Festival offers great scenery and nature, as well as the opportunity to learn about local history, geology and literature.

29 April - 01 May 2023. Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza takes place each year over the early May Bank Holiday. There's a fun fair, vintage attractions and free entertainment.

There is always plenty to see at our National Museums, with a variety of permanent displays. Entry is free of charge at all seven. 

For a full list of events check the What's On page on the National Museum Wales website.