Soul Space sessions, new relaxation areas and Abba Revival among early announcements

THE BIG RETREAT FESTIVAL has revealed the first details of its 2027 event in Pembrokeshire, with organisers promising new spaces, more inclusive activities and the return of a popular Main Stage act.

The festival will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2027, at Newton Farm, Lawrenny.

Organisers said they had been reflecting on feedback from this year’s event, with visitors most often describing the festival as “fun, relaxing and friendly.”

Among the changes already planned for 2027 is the inclusion of all sessions within The Soul Space as part of the standard festival ticket.

New areas dedicated to rest, relaxation and connection are also being introduced, giving visitors more opportunities to step away from busier parts of the site during the weekend.

The Talk Tent will move to the Village Green, while a new Gathering Place will also be created there. Hosted by the festival’s Solo Traveller Manager and Accessibility Manager, the space will be open to everyone as somewhere to meet others, ask questions, relax or take a moment out.

Other changes include new glamping accommodation with electric hook-ups and the return of the football pitch in Family Camping.

Organisers have also confirmed that Abba Revival will return to The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire in 2027 as the first announced Main Stage act.

The tribute act proved popular at this year’s event, with organisers saying the request to bring them back came up repeatedly in visitor feedback.

The festival team said: “One of the things we love most about The Big Retreat is that no two people experience it in the same way.

“Some come for the music. Some for the yoga. Some for the wild swimming. Some for the talks. Some for the food. Some for the adventure.

“However you choose to spend your weekend, our goal remains the same: Feel Good Your Way.”

First wave tickets are now on sale, with organisers also offering a ten-month payment plan.

Glamping accommodation for 2027, including the new electric hook-up options, is due to go on sale on Wednesday, June 17.

Hit-packed celebration of the 1950s and 60s promises a night of nostalgia, live music and dancing

MUSIC lovers are being invited to step back in time for an evening of nostalgia as Lipstick on Your Collar arrives at the Torch Theatre later this month.

Packed with more than forty classic hits from the 1950s and 60s, the show celebrates the golden age of music, from the birth of rock ’n’ roll to the beat group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond.

Audiences can expect favourites made famous by stars including Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard and Cilla Black.

Performed by a full live band featuring some of the country’s top musicians, the production promises excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun.

Organisers say dancing in the aisles is “strictly compulsory”, with audiences encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of feel-good entertainment.

Lipstick on Your Collar comes to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Sunday (June 28) at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £27 and are available from the Torch Theatre box office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk.

A WEEKEND of street food, live music, circus entertainment and family activities is heading to Pembrey Country Park this month.

Summer Feastival, organised by Street Food Circus, will take place from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, bringing what organisers describe as the “ultimate coastal foodie weekend” to Carmarthenshire.

The event will be held over the summer solstice weekend, with visitors able to enjoy food, entertainment and activities against the backdrop of Pembrey Country Park and the nearby eight-mile beach.

This year’s event includes a new BBC Horizons live music stage, created through a partnership with BBC Wales, showcasing emerging bands and artists from across Wales.

Families will also be able to enjoy the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, Attack! Mexican Wrestling, Chris Bullzini’s high wire show, the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus, a free circus school, craft activities with Let’s Make Art, crazy golf from Kiss My Putt, and Bull Axe Throwing.

There will also be an Indie Collectives market featuring Welsh independent makers and crafts, along with a Big Top Picnic celebrating local food producers.

As evening falls, the event will move into a more relaxed festival atmosphere, with live music, slower beats and a fire finale from the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners.

Food will be at the heart of the weekend, with traders including The Dough Thrower, serving 72-hour fermented wood-fired pizzas, Pasta a Mano with handmade pasta from West Wales, Mar y Fuego with seafood cooked over fire, and Mabiko with Zimbabwean and South African dishes.

Other traders include The Queen Pepiada, TNT Tacos, Two Lads Kitchen, Burger Bros, Paletas, Poutine Punks, Churros Hermanos, Drizzle and The Coffee Shop.

Drinks will be provided by Tiny Rebel, SFC’s Bobo bar, Lola’s Cocktails and The Lemonade Stand.

Street Food Circus founder Matt ‘the Hat’ said: “Pembrey Country Park is our biggest event of the season, and it’s a truly spectacular location.

“We’re bringing the best of Welsh street food and a circus-full of entertainment and activities for kids and big kids alike.

“With an on-site campsite, people don’t have to rush home. You can have a beach stroll in the morning, explore the Feastival and park adventures like the toboggan, miniature railway or dry ski slope by day, and let the music drift you into a warm summer evening. It’s the ultimate summer escape.

“This year we are going all out with more food, more music, and a brand-new live stage.”

He said the event will also include the new Little Kooks Clwb, aimed at children who enjoy food-based activities.

Kids’ tickets are free, while an optional Little Kooks Clwb package includes an activity backpack with challenges, ideas and foodie inspiration to take home.

Summer Feastival runs at Pembrey Country Park from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21.

Opening hours are Friday 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 10:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Tickets start at £9.50, with children admitted free. More information is available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk.