What’s on in Anglesey – 2020 Events Calendar
As 2019 draws to a close, we’ve started looking towards 2020 and what’s on in Anglesey. We’ve put together a calendar of events coming up in 2020 so you can start planning your year. Take a look at the calendar below and keep reading to find out about each event.
January 2020
Endurancelife Trail Runs
Start the year off well with the Endurancelife trail runs, taking place on Saturday 11th January. With the choice of a 10k, half marathon, marathon, or ultra marathon, you can run to raise money for charity or just do it for the challenge. Plus there’s an afterparty for you to celebrate your achievement and swap stories with other participants.
A Winter Walk
Also taking place on the 11th is A Winter Walk by North Wales Wildlife Trust. Starting at Lon Gorad at 10am, you can spot waders and wildfowl on the Alaw Estuary with an optional extension into the afternoon to visit other nearby sites. Make sure to bring a packed lunch with you and wellies are advised in case it’s wet.
Antiques and Collectors Fair
Grab your own little piece of history at The Bulkeley Hotel Antiques and Collectors Fair, taking place on Sunday 12th January, 10am to 4pm. Treat yourself to a treat from the coffee shop or 1832 Bistro, plus there’s 10% off food and hot beverages during the fair! If you can’t make that date, the fair is also taking place on Saturday 15th February and Sunday 8th March.
Dog Walking Sessions
Looking for somewhere to take your pooch where they can make some new furry friends? Bring them along for a Sunday stroll around the grounds at Penryhn Castle. Taking place on Sunday 12th and Sunday 26th January, it involves a mile long walk (around 30 minutes) with like-minded owners and their dogs for some fresh air and social sniffing. The walk also takes place on Sunday 9th and Sunday 23rd February.
Galapagos!
On Friday 17th January, join Gillian Coates at St. Andrew’s Church Hall to hear her recollections from a recent visit to the Galapagos Islands. This event is organised by the North Wales Wildlife Trust and takes place from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are just £2 and this includes refreshments.
February 2020
Harnessing the Tide
On Thursday 6th February, North Wales Wildlife Trust presents Harnessing the Tide. Taking place at St. Cyngar’s Church Hall from 2:15pm to 4:45pm, a speaker from Morlais Energy, Menter Môn’s Tidal Stream Energy project, describes this enterprising development off the west coast.
Sound Walk – Parys Mountain
On Sunday 9th February, explore the sounds of Parys Mountain while reflecting on the landscape. Soft Apple presents a three hour sound walk with breaks and time to stop and chat. Tickets are just £10 or whatever you can afford; make sure to bring a drink and snack in case you need it.
Beaumaris Gaol Ghost Hunt
Fancy yourself as a ghost hunter? On Saturday 15th February, you could have the opportunity to explore the disused Beaumaris Gaol. Starting at 8pm and running until 2am the next day, you will have the chance to use real investigation equipment and experiments plus some free time to do your own investigating. Tickets are £45 and include unlimited hot refreshments.
Being Bee Friendly
On Friday 21st February, join Anglesey beekeeper, Jenny Shaw, at St. Cyngar’s Church Hall for Being Bee Friendly. Listen to her describe how the Welsh government’s Action Plan for Pollinators is addressing the dramatic decline of bees. This event runs from 7:30pm to 9:30pm and tickets are just £2.
March 2020
Anglesey Half Marathon
The Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon and 10k is back for 2020, taking place on Sunday 1st March. Both races have one of the most incredible start lines in the country – the Menai Suspension Bridge. This is a great preparation for the London and Conwy marathons, providing a beautiful, undulating course with stunning scenery.
Yoga and Detox Weekend
Spring is the perfect time to cleanse your body and mind and what better way to do that than on a yoga and detox weekend? Join The Zest Life at Plas Cadnant for a three or four day Yoga and Detox Retreat, taking place from Friday 6th to Monday 9th March and Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March.
Curlew: Wales’ Most Pressing Conservation Priority
On Friday 20th March, join Patrick Lindley, Marine Ornithologist with Natural Resources Wales, at St. Andrew’s Church Hall. From 7:30pm to 9:30pm he’ll be outlining the serious decline of the curlew and actions to help reverse its fortunes. This event is organised by North Wales Wildlife Trust and tickets are just £2.
Anglesey Farmers Market
Starting the year on Saturday 21st March, the Anglesey Farmers Market takes place the third Saturday of every month, between 10am and 2pm at Princes Pier, Menai Bridge. Take your pick from a diverse selection of produce, from locally grown vegetables and freshly baked bread to jams and chutneys, all the way to handmade cheeses, fresh fish and shellfish. There’s also lots of wonderful arts and crafts to choose from as well as delicious desserts and the perfect cut of meat for your Sunday roast.
Dubtrail 2020
Do you own a VW campervan and want to spend time with other VW campervan owners? Why not join the Dubtrail 2020, taking place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March. Start the weekend off at the pub with complimentary breakfast baps followed by a show and shine event. This is then followed by a convoy to some of Anglesey’s beautiful coastal areas, finished off with live entertainment.
May 2020
Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium
The Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium returns on Sunday 3rd May until Sunday 10th May. The symposium has been running for almost 30 years now and is able to cater for up to 150 participants. There will be a variety of guest instructors from all over the globe, as well as local paddlers, that can guide you safely around the wonderfully wild coastline.
Anglesey Vintage Rally
On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May, the Anglesey Vintage Rally is back at the Anglesey Agricultural Ground. Experience vintage and restored agricultural equipment, buses, lorries, and construction equipment, as well as classic cars, vintage motorcycles, pedal cycles, and unique miniature engines.
Anglesey Trail Half Marathon
Taking place on Sunday 17th May, the Anglesey Trail Half Marathon is set in the beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest and is expected to be hugely popular with over 500 runners anticipated to attend.
Race For Life
Also taking place on Sunday 17th May is the Race For Life in Caernarfon. This is a 5k for everyone to raise money for a great cause and the route takes you along the Menai Strait with incredible views of the Snowdonia mountains and Caernarfon Castle. Adult entry is £14.99, child entry is £10 and children under 6 go free.
Birdwatching Trip to South Stack
If you fancy something a bit less strenuous, there is also a birdwatching trip to South Stack taking place on Sunday 17th May, organised by RSPB. The main destination is South Stack but there may also be an opportunity to see black guillemots at Holyhead harbour before going to see the auks and choughs on the sea cliffs. There will be a full range of hot and cold food available and it is recommended that you bring suitable clothing in case of inclement weather.
Dance Portraiture – Anglesey Photographic Academy Evening
Taking place on Wednesday 27th May at the Beaumaris Community Centre, join Welshot for one of their photographic academy evenings with a focus on dance portraiture. Learn how to take photographs in both a studio environment and outside locations, from different lighting techniques, backdrops, props and posing models. Beginners are welcome and actively encouraged with all help, guidance and support given.
Anglesey Food Festival
On Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May, the Anglesey Food Festival returns to showcase the best in Welsh produce at the Anglesey Agricultural ground. You can meet local fishermen, farmers and the best of local food and drink producers. You can also taste some great Welsh food, watch demonstrations, and even have a go yourself.
Festival of Discovery
Also taking place that weekend is the Festival of Discovery, a fun packed family festival with a jam-packed programme. You will have the chance to get out on the water, take part in bushcraft workshops, learn circus skills and have fun with science and maths, as well as explore your senses, bubble factories and folk music.
All Wales Boat and Leisure Show
Not forgetting the All Wales Boat and Leisure Show, which also takes place that weekend. This event is perfect for watersport and boating enthusiasts as well as those who have a passion for the great outdoors. Discover a huge range of exhibitors, show events and activities where you can have a go too. Tickets include admission to the All Wales Boat and Leisure Show, Anglesey Food Festival and Festival of Discovery.
Great Strait Raft Run
The Great Strait Raft Run is back again for 2020 on Sunday 31st May. Taking place on the majestic waters of the Menai Strait, this is a fun and challenging day of rafting and raising money for good causes.
June 2020
Sea Kayaking for Beginners
Do you fancy having a go at sea kayaking but never been in one before? Then this Sea Kayaking for Beginners course is for you. The course includes two days of sea kayaking in the Irish sea off the coast of Anglesey with expert instructors. There’s different dates available throughout the year and the course includes all equipment, accommodation and food.
Gottwood Festival
From Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June, Gottwood Festival returns to Anglesey with its annual celebration of underground electronic music. The festival grounds have some fantastic lake and forest views along with some of the prettiest sunsets in the UK festival scene.
Yoga Retreat with Food by Mary-Ellen McTague
Located just a short distance from Silver Bay, Ruth and Dana host a Yoga Retreat with Food by Mary-Ellen McTague, taking place on Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June. The weekend includes four yoga classes and food by the hugely acclaimed chef Mary-Ellen McTague. There will also be time for a couple of walks and accommodation is provided.
Low Light and Long Exposure Photography
Do you want to improve your low light and long exposure photography skills? Welshot will be running an all night photography session starting on Saturday 20th and finishing on Sunday 21st June. The session will begin in Llanberis with a picnic supper and finishing at breakfast, both of which are included in the cost of the event.
August 2020
Cybi Coastal Marathon
Starting off the month is the Cybi Coastal Marathon, taking place on Saturday 1st August. This award winning marathon circumnavigates Ynys Cybi on the Welsh national coastal footpath and Anglesey coastal path. Starting off in Holyhead, the race takes you over a variety of surfaces and is becoming one of the most scenic marathons in the UK.
Menai Strait Regattas
From Monday 3rd to Saturday 15th August, the Menai Strait Regattas will be taking place. The weather wasn’t very kind in 2019 so hopefully it will turn out better in 2020. The majority of the boats taking part will be classics as well as cruisers and dinghies. Have a boat of your own? Why not get involved!
Anglesey County Show
On Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th August, the Anglesey County Show returns once again for the whole family to enjoy. There’ll be all sorts to see and enjoy, from sheep shearing, stunt shows, food traders, live music, arts and crafts and a fun fair, to name just a few.
Wales End to End Cycle
On Thursday 13th August you could have the opportunity to raise money for a great cause. The Wales End to End Cycle starts from Holyhead and finishes down in Cardiff with riders covering over 250 miles in a three day period. Experience diverse and beautiful landscapes, from woodlands and mountain ranges to rural lanes and quiet towns.
Anglesey and Menai Photography Workshop
On Saturday 22nd August and Sunday 23rd August join Alan Ranger for the Anglesey and Menai Photography Workshop. The workshop takes place over two days and you’ll get to visit the three iconic lighthouse locations as well as other excellent photography spots on the island. The workshop is suitable for all levels, including beginners, and all participants will receive 1-2-1 tuition and feedback on your shots.
Tour de Mon
Tour de Mon is the cycle sportive that takes you around the beautiful island of Anglesey, taking place on Sunday 23rd August in 2020. Over 1,000 riders take part each year and the event has become a calendar highlight for cyclists and locals alike. Experience some of the most picturesque countryside and coastal roads as well as unparalleled views of Snowdonia.
September 2020
Ring O’ Fire
Ring O’ Fire is a coastal ultra marathon taking place on Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September 2020. The marathon takes runners on an extraordinary 135 mile journey along the Anglesey coastal path, spaced out over three days. If you don’t fancy taking on the full 135 miles, there’s also an option to just take part on the first day in a 35.7 mile race.
Love SwimRun
On Saturday 5th September, take on the rugged and beautiful coastline of Holy Island at Love SwimRun. Starting near South Stack lighthouse, swim and rockhop through sandy bays and rocky channels followed by a run along high cliff edges with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Superfeet Sandman Triathlon & Sandman Duathlon
Now in its 10th year, the Superfeet Sandman Triathlon will be bringing a close to the triathlon calendar on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September. Also taking place that weekend is the Sandman Duathlon, perfect for those who don’t want to get wet. There is also the option to do a sprint version, which is a shorter distance to the standard duathlon.
Sandman Torch Light Trail
Set amid the pine trees and sand dunes of Newborough Forest as the sun is setting, the Sandman Torch Light Trail is a fun race for all ages and abilities looking for something a bit different. The event also welcomes cani-cross runners so you can bring along your four-legged running partner. This event takes place during the Sandman Triathlon weekend, on Saturday 12th September.
We hope this has given you an idea of what’s on in Anglesey in 2020. We’re sure there’s lots of other events taking place on the island and we’ll be sure to add to the calendar throughout the year.
We’re very lucky to be surrounded by such amazing events. Want to find out more about life here at Silver Bay Holiday Village? Download our brochure for more information.
