I always joke that Mid Wales is just sheep and castles, and I am not wrong.
It makes it the perfect hidden spot for a switched off, chilled out, romantic getaway. Peaceful and secluded, with some rugged horizons for those #landscape shots it's a great opportunity to switch off and reconnect with your significant other, or just yourself.
Unless that's not really your jam, in which case here are some events where you can see people and eat food (sometimes maybe jam)
Machynlleth Comedy Festival
In the immortal aggression of Nick Helm "Do you like jokes? Do you like jokes? Do you like jokes?" Yes? Great, Mach has at least 3 of them.
Think Edinburgh Fringe but smaller and in Wales, this weekend is a great opportunity to see a wealth of fresh and regular comedians or just come for the atmosphere (food and beer) with something for everyone this is a fun and chilled out weekend, though remember to book tickets, shows sell out quick!
Date: First Bank Holiday in May
Venue: Throughout Machynlleth
Carno Beer Fest
2020 will be the fourth turn of the beer festival in our little village, this event at the start of the summer calendar has proved popular from the off. With a selection of ales and some ciders to work through (all sponsored by local businesses) and a prosecco and gin bar for those who fancy a lighter option there is something for everyone. With food and live music on site the afternoon is an easy choice for people looking to kick back and relax, drink in hand, and soak up a festival feel while supporting a local event.
Date: First Weekend June
Venue: Carno Community Centre
Bishops Castle Ale Festival
One town, two micro breweries, six of pubs and a whole heap of ale (and cider for us sugar chasers)
Usually a weekend in early July this busy and popular festival celebrates a multitude of local brews, food and music.
Buses usually available to book over the weekend that travel to and from the festival for those of you interested in some serious ale sampling.
Date: July (announced online)
Venue: Bishops Castle
Carno Show
A rural community staple is a local show.
With a fancy dress carnival and parade kicking things off at 12.30 the show field is officially opened by 1pm.
Some local craft stalls to browse, a competition tent of local produce and crafts to admire, livestock competition to pretend you know what a winning sheep looks like, dog show for those who couldn't get tickets to Crufts and an egg throwing competition because... well, because why not.
Food, bar and Pimms tent (yes please) also available.
This year saw the first speed shearing competition for the show which proved hugely popular (and confusing for my Cardiff friend who happened to be visiting on the same weekend)
Date: Mid August
Venue: Carno Community Centre & Football Pitch
Newtown Food Festival
Who loves food? Me! Who loves many foods all in one place? Very much me!
I really think this is all that needs to be said here.
Date: Early September
Venue: Newtown
Postie's Tractor Run
I'll admit, to those of you from a more urban background this one may sound a little odd, but it really isn't. "Tractor Run" is a popular rural activity where local tractor owners (usually vintage machines but very much not always) gather and drive in procession along a pre-decided route.
The Carno tractor run was established in 2018 in memory of "Postie" and is a fundraiser for the 'Leri ward in Aberystwyth Hospital. The tractors gather up and leave around 10am for their journey. They then return to the start point where there is an open party with food and entertainment. A fun spectacle with a casual party feel later on and a great opportunity to raise money to a wonderful cause.
Date: around the 14th September each year announced through facebook event.
Venue: Ty Brith, Carno
Broneirion Winter Wonderland
Want to see a very tall tree with Christmas lights? This is your place to go.
Usually on a Friday afternoon/evening either the last weekend in November or the beginning of December this is a popular little Christmas fair held in the grounds of Girl Guiding Cymru Centre, Broneirion. Local produce with a very firm festive angle get's you feeling all warm and snuggly on the inside (may also be helped by the mulled wine and mince pies)... do I talk about food too much?
Date: Announced via Facebook
Venue: Broneirion, Llandinam
So there we have it, a few little hints and suggestions of events local to us here at Nant Awen that may or may not help you plan your stay.
And what have we learned? That firstly, most of my suggestions are heavily food and drink themed and secondly I have no real idea of when the dates of any events are.
Good luck!