An endangered species trail, two art exhibitions, VR experiences, musical showstoppers and delicious drinks – we've got something to keep everyone entertained this summer.
One Planet, One Chance
This year we’re celebrating the wonder of our planet and highlighting our urgent need to protect our beloved species of animals, flora and fauna that are now under threat.
In Glanfa you’ll find our orangutans Otsi and Bubbles, who have been designed and created by Wild Creation. Pop in and take some photos with them – if you share them on social media don’t forget to tag us!
From 31 July we’ll also have two fantastic art exhibitions in Ffwrnais. Ellie Foster highlights how we can feel more empowered by taking small personal actions to tackle the environmental crisis, with a focus on growing our own food. Breathe Creative’s exhibition documents the work they have been developing at their creative workshops by connecting with nature. You’ll also be able to pick up a trail sheet in Siop to find endangered species around our building. Can you spot them all?
Did you know that we’ve recently installed 720 solar panels which will power our Donald Gordon Theatre for the next 25 years? Keep an eye out on our social media during August where we’ll be sharing more facts about our work to be more sustainable.
*Otsi and Bubbles have been painted and brought to life by communities and families from the Family Engagement programme at Cardiff and Vale College Families Learning Together, Widening Participation in Education team and Explore Collective, a collaboration between Valleys Kids and ACE Action in Caerau and Ely. The beautiful foliage and flowers have been designed by Niki and Alice Fogaty and created by participants in schools and family engagement settings across Cardiff.
IMMERSIVE ADVENTURES
Come to Arcêd at Bocs this summer (21 August – 3 September) and explore a world of immersive experiences using the latest in emerging technologies.
We've got three unique worlds for you to explore – an interactive LGBTQ+ VR Museum, a VR experience which teleports you into the oceans, forests and cities of the future and an immersive audio piece that questions what price you'd pay in exchange for eternal life. Try one, two or all three. It's free! Age 13+
New to immersive experiences? Don't worry, our Bocs team will be there to set you up and guide you on your way.
SUMMER SHOWSTOPPERS AND FAMILY FAVOURITES
Treat yourself to some epic summer memories with these crowd-pleasing shows.
You can venture into the Hundred Acre Wood and join Disney’s Winnie the Pooh (3 – 5 August) and friends in a brand-new stage show, featuring fantastic music and stunning puppetry. FYI the show is BYOH… Bring Your Own Honey.
Direct from London’s West End, the musical about musicals 42nd Street (14 – 19 August) will light up the stage, with a glitzy cast including Samantha Womack, Steps’ Faye Tozer and telly legend Les Dennis.
On 21 August join Frogs in Bogs, the superhero frog plumbers, to crack a clogging crime and defeat the evil Cwac Tŷ Bach in Familia de la Noche's new, hilarious, all-jumping, all-dancing, blockbusting show for all the family. There's a Welsh language performance at 2.30pm and a bilingual performance at 4.30pm in Glanfa; both are free and there's no need to book!
It may be the summer holidays, but school is in session in the wickedly dark and funny Heathers The Musical (22 – 26 August). Winner of Best New Musical at the 2019 WhatsOnStage awards and based on the cult film, you won’t want to miss one of the best loved new shows in years.
COOL OFF AND STAY REFRESHED
Whether you’re looking for a pre-show prosecco or just a place to relax in the sun whilst in Cardiff Bay, our café and bars are the perfect places to unwind this summer.
Teras, our outdoor bar situated next to Cabaret across from the Senedd, has a mix of soft and alcoholic drinks, including sumptuous cocktails. Inside, our recently opened Ffwrnais café-bar and lounge has a wall of glass to let the sunlight in, whilst you get comfy in our sofas and armchairs. With an extensive menu of hot and cold drinks, and a tasty selection of morning and lunchtime snacks to devour, you’ll be spoilt for choice.