June 20, 2026 - 135 views
A series of major cultural and sporting events in North Wales are set to benefit from Welsh Government funding as a £1.35 million investment helps launch a packed summer of festivals and competitions across Wales from today.
Among the highlights for the region are the Tonnau Festival on Anglesey, the Para Sport Festival in Bangor and the Lexus Wrexham Open, with ministers saying the funding will strengthen local economies while celebrating Welsh culture, sport and community life.
The investment, shared between 24 organisations, also supports the Women’s Tour of Britain, which will pass through the roads of North Wales and Powys in August, bringing elite cycling and thousands of spectators to the region.
On Anglesey, Tonnau Festival promises a unique “tropical garden party” atmosphere between the mountains and the sea, while Bangor will host the Para Sport Festival, offering opportunities to take part in six different sports. Later in the year, Wrexham will welcome the Lexus Wrexham Open, described as the biggest tennis event held in the UK outside the traditional grass-court summer season.
The announcement coincides with the start of Tafwyl in Cardiff today (Saturday), one of Wales’ biggest Welsh-language music festivals, which has received £30,000 towards this year’s event featuring Welsh-language bands, singers and performers.
Other events supported include international men’s cricket at Glamorgan County Cricket Club in Cardiff, the Unearthed Festival in Pembrokeshire and the Hijinx Unity Festival, which will stage inclusive arts events in Flintshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiff.
Welsh Government figures show that events supported between 2025 and 2026 generated a direct economic impact of £54.75 million, attracted around 151,000 visitors from outside Wales and supported more than 1,000 jobs across the tourism economy.
Ahead of attending Tafwyl, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said Wales has always celebrated its “culture, creativity and community spirit”, adding that the funding would help bring people together across the country.
She said: “From the Welsh-language performances at Tafwyl to world-class tennis in Wrexham, inclusive arts in Carmarthenshire and para sport in Bangor, this investment is helping to bring people together right across the country. This Welsh Government is proud to support organisations to deliver events that truly reflect the very best of who we are.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Welsh Language Anna Brychan described Tafwyl as a celebration of the Welsh language that inspires more people to use it while also providing a significant boost to the local economy through jobs and tourism.
The summer programme is expected to draw thousands of visitors to North Wales as well as communities across the rest of the country, reinforcing the growing importance of major events in supporting tourism and showcasing Wales on the national and international stage.
