A free to enter family-friendly festival celebrating Wales’ ancient woodlands and traditional rural crafts is set to take place in the Elan Valley this coming weekend.

Running from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, May 31, the Celtic Rainforest Festival will offer a day of immersive activities, live music, nature talks, and artisan demonstrations in one of Wales’ most scenic landscapes.

Organised as part of the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) project - delivered by Welsh Water and RSPB Cymru - the event forms part of the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales programme. The project is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Organisers say the festival is designed to inspire visitors of all ages to connect with the natural world. Children can explore magical woodland trails, while adults can take in talks from organisations including LIFE Celtic Rainforest, Elan Valley Trust, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, Dark Skies, and RSPB Cymru.

Guided walks will also be available for those keen to discover more about the unique ecology of the Elan Valley, which is home to some of the country’s rarest temperate rainforests.

Traditional rural skills and craft demonstrations will be a key feature of the day. Highlights include live blacksmithing from Art Metal, woodturning from the Wood Turning Studio, and intricate wood carving by European silver medallist Kaspian’s Carvings. Horse logging demonstrations will be led by Carnog Horses, while nature group Our Wild Edges will offer a forest bathing walk that blends plant medicine, folklore and nature-based games.

Music will play a central role in the festival atmosphere, with performances from twice Welsh Music Prize nominee Toby Hay, singer-songwriter Holly Blackshaw, and genre-blending performer Raven Kidd. Local musicians Ben Shearer and Elan Valley ranger Marc Harpham will also take to the stage.

Visitors can also enjoy a craft fair showcasing locally made goods, along with food and refreshments from the on-site café and a traditional hog roast.

You can find out more information about the day here.