Some of Wales’ best festivals can be easily achieved by public transport. The bus or train can be a convenient, cost-effective way to travel that’s also more sustainable for the environment. Find out more below and plan your trip today.
Our guide to the best festivals in Wales
Music and arts festivals in Wales
FOCUS Wales
When: usually held over a long weekend in early May.
FOCUS Wales, held in Wrexham, transforms the town into a multi-venue showcase of Cymru’s emerging musical talent, as well as some of the best performers across the globe. It typically attracts over 10,000 people to see over 200 bands across 20 different stages. There’s also stand-up comedy, arts events and film screenings.
How to get there: Wrexham is a major hub on our network. You can catch direct TfW services to Wrexham General from Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Chester and Birmingham International. Most festival venues are located in the city centre, just a 5-15 minute walk from the station.
Green Man Festival
When: usually held over four days in mid-to-late August.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Brecon Beacons, Green Man is a legendary independent festival known for its ethical ethos, folk-indie lineups and science-meets-art "Einstein's Garden”. Once a tiny folk event attended by just a few hundred people, Green Man has grown to welcome more than 15,000 visitors every year. The line-up includes everything from indie to traditional folk to pulsating garage rock or ear-melting electronica. The festival climaxes with the burning of the Green Man himself on the last night.
How to get there: Travel on the Marches line to Abergavenny station. During the festival, a dedicated shuttle bus runs regularly between the station and the Glanusk Estate. Our station teams are often on-site to help with heavy camping gear and directions to the bus link.
In It Together Festival
When: usually held over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.
Officially the UK’s biggest family festival, offering a huge mix of indie, pop and electronic music. Previous acts include Madness, Aitch, Snow Patrol and Rag 'n' Bone Man. The festival prides itself on being suitable for all ages, offering kids' activities, a circus and a dedicated, quieter camping area for families.
How to get there: Take a TfW service to Port Talbot Parkway. From the station, dedicated festival shuttle buses run regularly to the site at Old Park Farm.
Sŵn Festival
When: typically held over three days in mid-October.
An award-winning multi-venue festival that takes over Cardiff’s iconic music venues (like Clwb Ifor Bach and Tramshed). It’s the ultimate weekend for discovering your new favourite band.
How to get there: Travel to Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street. As an urban festival, all venues are within easy walking distance of these main hubs.
Cardiff Castle Summer Series
When: Throughout June and July.
Major global stars and huge outdoor gigs set within the historic walls of Cardiff Castle. Check out our full feature on the Cardiff Castle Summer Series for individual gig dates and late-night travel advice.
How to get there: Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street are both just a 10-minute walk from the Castle.
Culture and literature festivals in Wales
Hay Festival
When: Typically spans eleven days across late May and early June.
Often called the "Woodstock of the Mind," this is the world’s premier literary festival. Situated in Hay-on-Wye, this festival launched in 1988 after being dreamed up by the Florence family at their kitchen table. Today, the festival attracts over 100,000 visitors to engage with the world’s great writers, poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, comedians and musicians.
How to get there: Take a TfW service to Hereford station (on the line between Cardiff and Manchester). From Hereford, the dedicated "Hay Festival Bus" operates a frequent shuttle service directly to the festival site throughout the event.
The National Eisteddfod
When: Traditionally held during the first week of August.
A massive, nomadic celebration of the Welsh language and culture. Everyone’s invited, so don’t be put off if you aren’t a Welsh speaker, although you can take part in an on-site Welsh language lesson! The festival moves between North and South Wales each year, featuring music, dance, visual arts and the famous chairing of the bard.
How to get there: Due to the festival site moving every year, we recommend checking our website for the nearest station. We traditionally provide extra capacity and specialised signage at the closest rail hub (such as Wrexham General, Pontypridd, or Llanelli) to ensure a smooth flow for festival-goers.
Food and drink festivals
Abergavenny Food Festival
When: Typically, the third weekend in September.
A paradise for foodies and the perfect way to close the summer season. This festival takes over the entire market town of Abergravenny, celebrating the best of Welsh produce, from artisan cheeses to world-class cider. Enjoy over two hundred exhibitors across six venues, offering an unrivalled selection of treats from Monmouthshire, the Marches, Wales and further afield.
How to get there: Abergavenny station is perfectly positioned for this event. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the station to the town centre, where the festivities begin. We recommend buying your ticket early, as this is one of the busiest weekends on the Marches line.
Travel smart and see more
Using our network to reach these top festivals in Wales is not only an environmentally conscious choice. It’s an easy way to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Plan ahead: Always check the latest train times and connecting bus services using our journey planner before you travel.
Buy direct: Remember to buy your tickets early for the lowest fares and no booking fees.
