FAMILIES, motorsport fans and adrenaline seekers are set for a spectacular day out when Monster Jam returns to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 16.

The internationally renowned live motorsport event will transform the Welsh national stadium into a giant dirt-filled arena packed with roaring engines, huge jumps, freestyle tricks and head-to-head monster truck action.

Organisers say the 2026 show will feature some of the world’s most famous monster trucks, including Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and the UK debut of Sparkle Smash — a six-ton unicorn-themed truck making its first appearance in Britain.

Stadium transformed

Monster Jam has become one of the biggest family entertainment events to visit Cardiff in recent years, with thousands expected to pack into Principality Stadium for the action-packed afternoon show.

The event will feature racing, stunt competitions and the crowd-favourite freestyle section, where drivers attempt huge jumps, wheelies, donuts and gravity-defying tricks in front of live judges.

Fans will also be able to help score performances in real time, adding to the atmosphere inside the stadium.

Each truck weighs around 12,000 pounds and is capable of launching several metres into the air as drivers battle for points and crowd approval.

Pit Party experience

Fans wanting to get even closer to the action can attend the Monster Jam Pit Party before the main event.

The Pit Party runs from 10:00am until 1:00pm and gives ticket holders the chance to walk the stadium floor, see the trucks up close, meet drivers, take photographs and learn more about how the giant machines are built and maintained.

Organisers describe it as the “ultimate pre-show experience” for families and younger fans.

Major event for Cardiff

The return of Monster Jam is another major boost for Cardiff’s live events calendar, with Principality Stadium continuing to attract large-scale international entertainment and sporting events.

The show begins at 3:00pm on Saturday, May 16, with stadium doors opening earlier in the day for spectators and Pit Party attendees.

Tickets are on sale now through the official Monster Jam and Principality Stadium ticketing pages.

Tickets and event information are available at:
https://www.monsterjam.com/en-gb/events/cardiff-uk/may-16-2026-may-16-2026/

Venue details are also available at:
https://www.principalitystadium.wales/event/monster-jam-2026-2/

NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.

The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.

Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.

The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.

James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.

“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.

“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”

Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.

The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.

Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.

Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.

A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.

The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.

Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.