Monmouth Music Festival-22nd-30th July
Over the years the nine-day free music festival has become THE big event for Monmouth, South Wales – and one of Europe’s biggest and best free music festivals, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s a celebration of the town and its community, and a chance to see local and national musicians from rock, classical, pop, folk, jazz, ska, punk, world music and beyond. Monmouth has a festival and a community to be proud of, so join us, and let's celebrate. (Situated East of the Brecon Beacons National Park) Info here
The National Eisteddfod-29th of July-6th August
The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of the culture and language in Wales. The festival travels from place to place, alternating between north and south Wales, attracting around 150,000 visitors and over 250 trade stands and stalls. The history of the Eisteddfod in Wales can be traced back to 1176, with the modern history of the organisation dating back to 1861. The festival has been held every year, other than 1914, when the outbreak of the First World War saw it postponed for a year. 
Traditionally a competition-based festival, attracting over 6,000 competitors every year, the festival has developed and evolved over recent years, and whilst the competitions form the central focus for the week, the Maes (site) itself has grown and developed into a vibrant festival with hundreds of events and activities for the whole family.
With over 250 trade stands its a mecca for shoppers and with a wide choice of food and drink stalls its the perfect venue it catch up with friends old and new.
Brecon Jazz Weekend-12th-14th August
The Brecon Jazz Festival is a music festival held annually in Brecon, Wales. This year it will take place from the the 12th-14th of August and the lineup includes;
Innovative jazz trombonist, Dennis Rollins, with his Velocity Trio, and supported by Nerija at Theatr Brycheiniog on Saturday the 13th of August from 9.30 pm. Book Tickets Here
Saxophonist Trish Clowes joins forces with the award-winning Brownfield Byrne Quintet at Guildhall on Sunday the 14th of August from 6pm. Book Tickets Here
During the day on Saturday, you can hear Simon Deeley’s band ‘Crossing Borders’ at the Cathedral (12-1pm) and on Sunday the 14th of August, there will be a Jazz Service at 10am. Watch out too for more concerts....
Pianist Geoff Eales, like Tina May, is an international jazz artist with links to Wales, also returning to his roots and very excited to be helping start off the 2016 festivities with a new trio. Hear Geoff on Friday the 12th of August at the Castle Hotel 6.15pm. Brownfield Byrne Quintet are award-winning young swing and bebop players, whose leaders originate in rural Wales, now much in demand on a far wider stage. On Sunday the 14th of August in the Guildhall (6pm), they join forces with saxophonist Trish Clowes for what promises to be a storming session of swing and bebop jazz, and late evening sees a Celtic Jazz quartet at the Muse (8.15pm).
'Music and Welling' is a theme this year, and there are workshops every day on this theme plus guitar improvisation and Latin voice/percussion sessions. There's even a film with Sunday lunch backed by a vibes trio! (Check out 12-3pm at the Muse). More info and tickets here.
Brecon Fringe Festival-11th-14th August
As well as the main Jazz weekend, Brecon Fringe Festival organises alternative acts in pubs, hotels, galleries and cafes in the town. Brecon Fringe Festival 2016 will take place from Thursday, August 11 - Sunday, August 14. There are 30+ venues in 2016 with live music and other events taking place all over town and in nearby villages. More here
Theatr Brycheiniog
As well as playing host to many of the acts performing at Brecon Jazz weekend and Brecon Fringe Festival, Theatr Brycheiniog has plenty of other acts throughout the year. Lineup of events here.
Green Man Festival-18th-21st August
At the Green Man Festival, you can sit in the Welsh wilderness with the Black Mountains as the backdrop. This year sees the likes of Mercury prize winners Laura Marling and James Blake gracing the stage, with plenty of bands covering every genre-such as Belle and Sebastian and Wild Beasts.
There are barrels of lipsmacking Welsh Ales and ciders and plenty of mouthwatering food to choose from. There are family friendly areas, a comedy tent and lots of live music! Tickets here
.....Don't forget you will almost always find live music in a pub in the Brecon Beacons. Pubs such as the Kings Arms Hotel in Abergavenny, The Red Lion in Llangynidr, The Boars Head in Brecon and The Beaufort Arms in Crickhowell have live music throughout the year. Visit their websites for updates or click here for pubs in the Brecon Beacons.
