Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee among big names heading to Bannau Brycheiniog as Green Man sells out months in advance

GREEN MAN Festival has revealed its comedy programme for 2026, with some of the UK’s biggest stand-up names set to join a packed line-up of music, arts and entertainment in the heart of Wales this summer.

The award-winning festival, held in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23, will welcome comedians including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Jessica Fostekew, Glenn Moore and Garth Marenghi to its much-loved Last Laugh comedy stage.

The festival’s comedy programme, hosted at the Babbling Tongues stage, will feature 39 acts ranging from household names to emerging performers, in keeping with Green Man’s long-standing reputation for showcasing new talent alongside established stars.

Leading the bill is comedian and television presenter Joe Lycett, known for Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, Late Night Lycett, and appearances on programmes including Taskmaster, QI and Have I Got News For You.

He will be joined by comedian, actor and writer Bridget Christie, whose Channel 4 sitcom The Change won widespread praise, alongside comedy veteran Stewart Lee, returning to Green Man after topping the bill in 2025.

Other major names announced include Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long, horror-comedy favourite Garth Marenghi, stand-up Kerry Godliman, and Jessica Fostekew, whose acclaimed show Hench earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination.

The programme also features rising talent including Jack Shep, recently announced as part of the cast of Saturday Night Live UK, alongside sketch act Tarot, comedian Glenn Moore and a host of newer voices from across the UK comedy circuit.

Comedy forms just one part of Green Man’s wider cultural offering, with the festival also boasting a major music programme led by headliners Mogwai, Wilco, Four Tet and Wolf Alice.

Other acts confirmed for 2026 include Cat Power, Sparks, Tricky, Mogwai, Shame, Dry Cleaning, Aldous Harding, The Beta Band, Cate Le Bon and Mannequin Pussy.

Green Man, now in its third decade, remains Wales’ largest independent music, science and arts festival, attracting around 25,000 people daily to the Black Mountains area of Powys.

Festival organisers said all tickets for Green Man 2026 sold out within an hour of release in September 2025, although official resale tickets remain available through the festival’s approved resale platform.

Known for combining music with literature, film, science, wellness and family-friendly attractions, Green Man continues to draw visitors from across the UK and beyond while generating millions for the Welsh economy each year.

Fiona Stewart, founder and managing director of Green Man, has previously described the festival as a celebration of creativity and community, with a focus on supporting Welsh producers, artists and emerging talent.

For more information or resale tickets, visit Green Man Festival’s official website.

Photo caption: Green Man Festival has revealed its 2026 comedy programme, featuring major names including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee (Pics: Green Man Festival).

A CLASSIC fairy tale will be brought to life at the Torch Theatre this June as Ballet Cymru presents a fresh take on Sleeping Beauty.

The production, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, tells the timeless story of a young princess placed under a curse and drawn into an enchanted sleep, in a tale where good and evil collide.

Ballet Cymru’s version explores themes of love, acceptance and what it means to be different, combining innovative choreography, exceptional dancing, distinctive costumes and immersive projections.

Audiences are invited to step into the woods and join Ballet Cymru as it celebrates its 40th anniversary with a magical production performed by some of Wales’ most breathtaking dancers.

The performance will also feature pre-recorded audio description in both Welsh and English.

Anwen Francis, from the Torch Theatre Marketing Team, said: “We are all familiar with the story of Sleeping Beauty, where the young princess falls into an enchanted sleep only to be woken by true love’s kiss.

“With Ballet Cymru celebrating its special birthday, we can’t wait to invite them, and our audiences, to the Torch to be part of this incredible milestone and celebration.”

Ballet Cymru’s Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, June 3, at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £19, £18 concessions and £11 for under-eights. Book online at torchtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01646 695267.

FAMILIES can look forward to a packed programme of history, hands-on activities and outdoor adventure at Carew Castle this May half-term.

From treasure hunts and medieval encampments to herbs, bats and siege engines, the programme offers plenty of ways to explore the Castle’s history and grounds in a fun and memorable way.

Running daily throughout the holiday, Time Traveller’s Quest invites visitors to step into the past on a self-led treasure hunt through the ages. Using a smart phone, families can journey from the Iron Age to the medieval and Elizabethan eras, and even into World War II, uncovering secrets hidden within the Castle walls.

The activity costs £2.50 per child, with normal admission fees applying.

Medieval action

From Sunday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 26, Bowlore: Legends of Bow and Blade returns with its medieval encampment, bringing sword fighting, archery and armour displays to the Castle grounds.

Visitors can take part in Sword School, try Have-a-Go Archery and handle authentic medieval weapons. Normal admission fees apply, with a small cash charge for some activities.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 2:30pm, visitors can watch the launch of the Giant Trebuchet, one of the Castle’s most dramatic demonstrations.

The huge medieval catapult once hurled stones at fortified walls with devastating force, offering a glimpse into the power and ingenuity of siege warfare.

Bats, herbs and family quests

Later that evening, Carew Castle will host a Night Bat Walk at 8:45pm, giving visitors the chance to discover the wildlife that emerges after dark.

Led by an expert guide and using bat detectors, the walk will explore why the Castle grounds are such an important haven for bats. Tickets cost £10 per person, spaces are limited and booking is essential.

For children who enjoy nature and crafts, Hooray for Herbs! takes place on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Families can enjoy a short tour of the herb beds before gathering ingredients to make toothpaste, lemon balm tea and a traditional nosegay. The activity is free with normal Castle admission.

There is more hands-on fun on May 28 and 29, with Weapons and Armour drop-in sessions from 10:30am to 11:30am, where visitors can try on armour, lift a battle shield and long sword, and learn a few sword-fighting moves.

Later in the day, at 3:00pm, families can join Find the Key!, a guided quest to hunt for the one key that will unlock the treasure chest. Both activities are included free with normal admission.

Creative fun

The half-term programme ends on Saturday, May 30, when Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings takes over the Castle’s atmospheric undercroft.

Children can decorate their own crowns, swords, flags, mirrors and shields to take home, with prices starting from £2 per item. No booking is needed.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, said: “There’s a fantastic mix of activities at Carew Castle this half-term, from medieval action and family quests to nature experiences and creative crafts.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy time together, explore the Castle and discover something new.”

Visitors are advised that Carew Castle will close early on Saturday, May 23 for a private wedding. Last admission will be at 1:00pm and the Castle will close at 1:30pm. Carew Tidal Mill, the Gift Shop and Nest Tearoom will remain open as usual.

Nest Tearoom will also be open during the half-term holiday, serving light lunches, homemade cakes and Fairtrade coffee.

Some events have limited spaces or must be booked in advance. Further information is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.