WALES’ LARGEST FREE BEACH FESTIVAL is happening on the 4th September on Swansea Bay, South Wales. An independent and unique event with a carnival atmosphere and a programme packed with water and land-based activities, live music, arts and crafts, kids’ entertainment and much more. Bae Fest provides something for everyone. And what’s more, entry to the festival is free!

The event helps to raise awareness of environmental and community initiatives and encourage greater participation in physical and social activities. All surplus proceeds are donated to charitable causes, this year nominated as Action for Children, Maritime Volunteer Services, Wales Air Ambulance and Wonder Years Centre for Excellence.

The line up for 2010 is still growing, but here’s what's in store so far:-

AQUA GAUNTLET: Winning Team takes £100 Cash!

As the name suggests, this is a gauntlet challenge, aqua style which will take place on the sea. Can you put together a team to battle the course of giant inflatables, the ruthless Water Gunners and many other challenging obstacles put in your way? It’s gonna be tough but the winning team will walk away with £100 cash and loads of goodies. If you think you’re up for the challenge and would like to enter a team, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

LIVE MUSIC & DJ’S

A formidable line up of top bands from across the country belting out sounds over 2 full days, covering every genre and musical taste. The full line up and schedule will be announced shortly.

SEAFOOD & SHANTY FEST * GOURMET CUISINE

This year Bae Fest will host Swansea’s very first seafood fest, serving up local and sustainably-sourced seafood, including a giant speciality paella catered especially for the event. There’ll also be plenty of other gourmet cuisine including a hog roast, continental crepes, Salt Marsh Lamb, Penclawdd Cockles, The Giant Gower Pasty (2' long) and much more. Plus an open dining area on the promenade for you to sit back, unwind and enjoy the flavours.

SURFBOARD SHAPING WORKSHOP by CHRIS ‘GUTS’ GRIFFITHS

Three-times European surf champion with 9 British and 12 Welsh titles to his name, waterman legend Chris ‘Guts’ Griffiths will not only be running a surfboard-shaping workshop at Bae Fest, he’ll also be putting the board up for grabs. Watch him work his magic and shape one of his signature boards, have a go at shaping yourself and also be in with a chance to take that sweet baby home! www.gutssurfboards.com

ECO VILLAGE

It’s what we’re about: community and environmental initiatives, all wrapped up in a fun experience. We are proud to be supported by Tidy Towns, an environmental initiative which aims to transform neglected pieces of land, clean up our communities and help keep our beaches and amenity areas clean and tidy. Last year Tidy Towns gave away over 1,000 goodie bags at Bae Fest, including trendy cotton shopper bags, sample products and recycling materials. They will form a vital role in this year’s Eco Village and there’ll be even more freebies to give away and opportunities to find out about their amazing projects across the area.

This year BaeFest 2010 organisers are also proud to welcome local social enterprise project group Down to Earth (www.downtoearthproject.co.uk), "a fantastic organisation" with sustainability education and natural building at their core. Ever fancied having a go at cob building, dry stonewalling or green woodworking? Or how about some fun circus skills? These guys, working from their giant Tipi tent, offer some groundbreaking programmes which will engage and entertain all ages, so please come and check them out.

PARKOUR

Gravity-defying acrobatic skills from the British athletic team Urban Freeflow (www.urbanfreeflow.com) and our very own local Swansea crew Inverse FreeRun. These guys have to be seen to be believed. Check out the photos from last year’s event on this group page to see the extraordinary feats these guys are capable of.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Way too many too mention! From local landscape photography to hand-crafted jewellery, locally produced beauty treats and fair-trade clothes, our trading village offers a breathtaking range of arts and crafts for everyone.

KIDS’ ENTERTAINMENT

Clowns, face-painting, sand sculpting, beach games and more, there’ll be loads of fun for the little ones and plenty of ice cream and sweet treats to wash it all down with!

HIP HOP, STREET & BELLY DANCING

Entertainment deluxe from our crew of dancers, including Aliah and Zawah, the mesmerizing belly dancing troupe.

SURFERS’ CHAIN

What’s Bae Fest without it! You know the story, the one which made it into America’s top surfing magazine last year… Check out the amazing aerial photos from 2009 taken by Alun Morris Jones of Gowerscapes (www.gowerscapes.com). It’s all happening again this year so dig out your boardies and watch out for details of how you can register to take part.

SKATE PARK

Courtesy of City and County of Swansea, 2 skate ramps, 2 days, action packed with airs, flips and tricks. Free to use, free to watch so come and see these guys in action.

WELSHBOCKERS

Powerbocking is the act of jumping and running with elastic-like spring-loaded stilts. For some it is an extreme sport, for others it is a form of exercise or even a means of artistic expression. Check them out at www.welshbokkers.co.uk

Loads more to follow so stay tuned for updates…

Lastly, a big thanks to all the supporters and backers who make Bae Fest happen and keep it going. Your support is everything so please help us spread the word, invite your friends to join this group, sign up as a volunteer, help us distribute our flyers and posters in your workplace, get our stickers on your car! It all helps. For some free stickers, posters and flyers please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Information produced and supplied by:

Jay & The Bae Fest Team

http://www.baefest.com

On Sunday September 12th 2010, between 1-4pm, Down to Earth Project in Murton is opening its doors to the public for the Swansea Open House event, part of Wales’s biggest celebration of architecture and heritage - *Open Doors.

The ‘architecture’ on view at Down to Earth Project consists of an array of eco-built structures made from locally sourced natural materials, such as timber from Gower, Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot, stone from Pontarddulais and cob (earth) from the site – all built using traditional and sustainable methods.  Director Mark McKenna says “all of the structures have a low carbon footprint; they are built from local materials that have not been through industrial processes; and they are biodegradable.  The site itself is carbon negative in terms of electricity use, as we have our own PV solar electric array which generates more power than we need - and we have our own solar hot water.”

Perhaps most interesting about the Down to Earth Project site is that all of the structures have been built by the people who learn there, ensuring that the specialist skills, taught by experienced craftspeople, are passed on and that the site is developed by the very people who use it.

Down to Earth Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise working with “hard to reach” groups from all over South Wales. As well as site-based programmes for groups, the company provides school grounds projects and training in traditional and sustainable building skills, wilderness therapy, adventurous activities and Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship.  Mark says “we often have requests from the public about coming to visit the site and - because of the nature of our work - it’s not often possible…..so we’re really pleased to be part of Swansea Open House.”

Down to Earth Project will have its doors open between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday September 12th.  If you would like to book for a guided tours at 2pm or 3pm, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01792 346566. Further information about the *Open House event is at www.swanseaopenhouse.com.  You can find out more about Down to Earth Project from www.downtoearthproject.org.uk.

*Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales.

Information produced and supplied by: Teresa Walters, Down to Earth Development Officer.

What: Gower Bluegrass Festival

Where: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea

When: 11th & 12th September 2010

Time: 12 noon - 12 midnight

Details: Live bluegrass and country music plus workshops on the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and dobro, hosted by Roots and Galoots.

Web Link: http://gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

What: BBC Proms in the Park 2010

Where: Singleton Park, Swansea

When: Saturday 11th September 2010

Details: After a packed two months, the 116th BBC Proms - the world's largest classical music festival - comes to a spectacular end on Saturday 11 September. Proms in the Park, Swansea is one of several live music events around the UK, led by BBC National Orchestra of Wales with conductor Grant Llewellyn and guest artists. BBC The Proms in the Park events culminate in a live big-screen link-up to the Royal Albert Hall for the traditional participatory festivities and flag-waving which round off the world's largest music festival.

Web Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010/promsinthepark/swansea.shtml

What: Gower Macmarathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Where: Gower coast, Gower peninsula, Swansea

When: Saturday 11th September 2010

Details: A popular scenic walk along the beautiful coastal paths and beaches of the Gower Peninsula. Now in it’s 13th year, there are 2 routes available, a 22 miles walk from Rhossili which starts at 9:45am and a shorter 14 miles walk from Port Eynon which starts at 11:45am. Both walks follow the cliff top paths and cross some stunning beaches before finishing at Mumbles Cricket Club. Last year just over 1000 walkers took part and raised £65,000.

Registration & More Info: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Inyourarea/Wales/South_West_Wales/Local_events/GowerMacmarathon.aspx

What: 9x9x9

Where: Llanmadoc Hill

When: Sunday 12th September 2010

Meet: 10am at Llanmadoc Green, ends in Llangennith (need to arrange your own transport back to the start) or extended walk back to Llanmadoc.

Finish: Approx. 11.30am or extended walk ends approx. 12.30pm.

Contact: National Trust office 01792 390636. Booking essential as numbers limited.  £3 per person.

Details: Join National Trust Wardens and follow the linear walk of approx 4 miles over Llanmadoc Hill, ending in Llangennith at approx 11.30am or continue walking with the Wardens to take a circular walk back to Llanmadoc, ending at approx 12.30pm.  As described in the Gower Commons ‘Walking by bus’ Gower walks leaflet.

What: National Beachwatch

When: Saturday 18th September 2010 10am – 1pm

Where: Rhossili Bay

Details: Meet at 10am in Hillend car park (camping and caravan site), Llangennith.

• Help the National Trust staff and volunteers take part in National Beach Watch in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). We are working with MCS by surveying the litter found whilst cleaning up the beautiful sands of Rhossili beach and helping to protect sea life.
• Gloves and bags provided. Wear suitable clothing.
• Families welcome, all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Booking essential.

Further Information: Contact the National Trust office on 01792 390636

The Gower Cycling Festival is a first for Gower and is being organised by Wheelrights. It has been inspired by the highly successful Gower Walking Festival which each year attracts a large number of walkers to Gower: Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Gower peninsula is some 12 miles (as the crow flies) from west to east and 5 miles from north to south. There is a wealth of variety and interest in this small bit of land; a short cycle ride can take you from one end to the other.

The event organisers have produced 18 rides ranging from easy (gentle) half day excursions to more challenging rides.

"Most rides are on the Peninsula, but the longer rides take you further afield to the north and east.

"We aim to cater for a range of abilities: from families with small children, through those who cycle a little but are not very fit, to the more experienced. We are also providing a couple of mountain bike rides: an easy one and a more challenging ride for experienced mountain bikers," said one of the event organisers.

Further details about this event can be found on the following websites:

http://www.gowercyclingfestival.org

http://www.wheelrights.org.uk/GCFprogweb.pdf

What: Walk to the Worm

When:Sunday 26th September 2010  11.30am – 4pm

Where: Discover the wonders of Worms Head, the tidal island at the end of Rhossili.  Walk with the Wardens out to the far end of the head.  Spectacular views and an insight to the islands human history and its wildlife. The walk is rugged in places so sturdy footwear is a must.  Bring food, drink and suitable clothing.

Details: Booking essential. £3 per person.

Further Information: Contact the National Trust office on 01792 390636

What: West Gower Annual Ploughing Competition

Where: Eastern Slade Farm, Oxwich, Gower, Swansea

When: Sunday 26th September 2010

Time: Starts 10am - Concludes 4pm (approx.)

Details: Ploughing matches to include tractors and possibly horse-drawn ploughs; Root vegitable competition; Hedge laying

Entry: £2 for adults - children under 14 free