What's going on around here this summer?

Well the 'summer' is in full swing here in southern Snowdonia and the weather isn't really going according to plan. Not to worry - if you're lucky enough to be in Llwyngwril this summer, there's lots going on around the area to keep you entertained.

You can't have failed to miss all the fantastic yarn-bombing around the village but it's not just adorning the main street- there's lots more in the little streets and pathways around the village. Just buy a map at Riverside Stores and that guide you around the village so you don't miss a treat. You don't want to miss our Scottish shepherd/piper! This year's yarn-bombing theme is helping to promote the International Sheep Dog Trials that will be held in Tywyn over the weekend beginning the 9th of September. Llwyngwril's yarn-bombers are now busy knitting gifts that can be bought at their stall at the Sheep Dog Trials. See our last blog for more information.

Throughout the summer you can go for a coffee and yummy cake at the weekly Wednesday coffee morning in Y Ganolfan, Llwyngwril , from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Also weekly in Y Ganolfan are yoga sessions with Possy Scwartz every Thursday evening at 7.30pm.

There's a fiercely fought quiz night in the Garthangharad pub in the village every Tuesday evening.

On Saturday (6th of August) the annual Llwyngwril Summer Fair will be held in the field near the train station, beginning at 1pm. Lots of stalls, games, cream teas, and entertainment by a local brass band.

It's Llwyngwril Garden Club Annual Show in Y Ganolfan, Llwyngwril on the 13th of August. Look out for posters around the village.

Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril Summer Music Evening on Saturday 20th, 7.30pm - performances from local musicians. Food available from the Tasty Truck. Ring Sue on 01341 250062 for tickets.

Not to be missed!!! Llwyngwril Art Group will be holding their Annual Art Exhibition in Y Ganolfan over the Bank Holiday Weekend from Saturday 27th of August until Monday the 29th of August, 10am -5pm. You can just browse, vote for your favourite art work, buy an original piece of art at reasonable prices, win an excellent raffle prize or just come in and have a coffee and piece of cake. There are some budding 'young' artists in Llwyngwril!

Further afield Dolgellau have a Craft market every 2nd Saturday in the Free Library  from 10am -3pm. The next ones are on the 13th and 27th of August.

There's also the Dolgellau Farmers' Market every 3rd Sunday from 10am - 2pm. The next one is on Sunday the 21st of August.

Another big event locally is the hugely popular Race the Train on Saturday the 20th of August, where hundreds of runners attempt to race the Tallyllyn train from Tywyn out to near Abergynolwyn and back again. The first race starts at 11am.

If you enjoy music then you're in for a treat if you go to watch and listen to Cor Meibion Bro Dysynni (Welsh Male Voice Choir) when they hold their Summer Concert at the Catholic Church in Tywyn on Friday the 26th of August at 7.30pm.  (You can also see them at St Peter's in Pennal on Wednesday 17th August, 7.30pm)

There's also traditional Welsh music at the George III Stable bar, Penmaenpool every 3rd Wednesday (next one 17th Aug). Everyone welcome to go and play or listen. 7.30-11.30pm

Across the estuary in Barmouth (best to park at Morfa Mawddach and walk across the bridge, we always say) the RNLI are holding a Fun Day on Sunday the 14th of August with refreshments, stalls, games and the opportunity to meet and chat to the crew.10.30am -3.30pm

Barmouth have a new club this season. You can try out Stand Up Paddleboarding in the harbour and Mawddach Estuary. Visit www.supbarmouth.co.uk for more details.

At the stunning Italianate village of Portmeirion near Porthmadog, the annual music/arts/culture festival will be held over the weekend of the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th of September. Acts include Noel Gallagher, Bastille, Super Furry Animals. Visit www.festivalnumber6.com for more details

If it does happen to rain (or even if it doesn't!) then you can always go to watch a film at the lovely Magic Lantern cinema in Tywyn. You can view their full listings here http://www.tywyncinema.co.uk/#!films/cwzt

Of course there's always the little railway at Fairbourne, the Craft Centre at Corris and Bendigedig Soft Play Centre in Barmouth, not to mention all the stunning scenery around where you can walk for miles and miles away from the crowds that you would normally encounter in northern Snowdonia.

If you're up for more adventure there's always mountain biking in Coed y Brenin, zip wiring at Zip World or trampoline underground at Bounce Below at

www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/detail/bounce-below , or try out surfing at www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk/

So there should be something there for everyone! Have a great summer everyone!