WHAT’S ON
Boys Dance Day
Take a glimpse into the world of National Youth Dance Wales by taking part in a free dance workshop with leading dance professionals from National Youth Dance Wales, NDCWales and Ballet Cymru.
During the day participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s NYDW members in action at an open rehearsal with NYDW 2026 choreographer Osian Meilir.
Age 8+
Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff (CF10 3ER)
FREE with lunch provided
National Youth Jazz Wales Summer Residency
National Youth Arts Wales are returning with a National Youth Jazz Wales Summer Residency this summer on 25-28 August at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff.
National Brass Band of Wales Live in Newport
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) close their 2026 tour with an afternoon concert at The Riverfront on 23 August with a thrilling programme led by renowned Conductor, Philip Harper, of The Cory Band.
Expect high energy and inspiring musicianship from Wales's best young brass players.
Don't miss out - Book your tickets today!
National Brass Band of Wales Live in St Davids
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) are set to perform at St Davids Cathedral on 22 August with a thrilling programme led by renowned Conductor, Philip Harper, of The Cory Band.
Expect high energy and inspiring musicianship from Wales's best young brass players.
Don't miss out - Book your tickets today!
National Brass Band of Wales Live in Bangor
The National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) launch their 2026 tour in Bangor at Prichard Jones Hall on 21 August with a thrilling programme led by renowned Conductor, Philip Harper, of The Cory Band.
Expect high energy and inspiring musicianship from Wales's best young brass players.
Don't miss out - Book your tickets today!
National Youth Choir of Wales Live in Swansea
The National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) return to Swansea’s iconic Brangwyn Hall on 21 August to close their 2026 tour.
The choir, who are known for their awe-inspiring performances, will be led by Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, marking his eighth year as conductor of the choir, where he was once a member.
Expect a vibrant mix of music—from brand-new pieces to choral favourites and plenty of surprises in between!
National Youth Choir of Wales Live in St Davids
The National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) stop at St Davids Cathedral on 20 August on their 2026 tour across Wales.
The choir, who are known for their awe-inspiring performances, will be led by Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, marking his eighth year as conductor of the choir, where he was once a member.
Expect a vibrant mix of music—from brand-new pieces to choral favourites and plenty of surprises in between!
National Youth Choir of Wales Live in St Asaph
The National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) launch their 2026 tour at St Asaph Cathedral, North Wales, on 19 August.
The choir, who are known for their awe-inspiring performances, will be led by Tim Rhys-Evans MBE, marking his eighth year as conductor of the choir, where he was once a member.
Expect a vibrant mix of music—from brand-new pieces to choral favourites and plenty of surprises in between!
Celtic Collective at Edinburgh Festival Fringe
National Youth Dance Wales brings Momentum – Undone to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of Celtic Collective – a special double bill with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland.
Choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, drawing on a powerful collection of music including pieces by James Blake, Jacob Collier, Tchaikovsky, and Ólafur Arnalds. The piece is a reminder that the journey is never truly finished, asking "Once we find true direction, what happens next?"
Celtic Collective, presented by YDance and National Youth Arts Wales, runs at Assembly @ Dance Base from 7–16 August 2026, with daily performances at 4:05pm.
Tickets start from £14.25 and the 60-minute show is recommended for ages 12 and over.
Tickets are on sale now.
National Youth Orchestra of Wales Live in Swansea
Watch the world's oldest youth orchestra in action this summer! The National Youth Orchestra of Wales are set to close their 80th Anniversary tour with a return to Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall for an afternoon concert on 1 August.
Book your tickets now for a special evening of live music conducted by Andrew Gourlay. Andrew is an internationally respected conductor, described by The Guardian as “a star in the ascendent”.
Repertoire:
Rimsky-Korsakov — Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34
Respighi — Pines of Rome, P. 141
Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) — Pictures at an Exhibition
National Youth Orchestra of Wales Live in St Davids
Watch the world's oldest youth orchestra in action this summer! The National Youth Orchestra of Wales are celebrating their 80th Anniversary tour with a return to St Davids Cathedral on 31 July.
Book your tickets now for a special evening of live music conducted by Andrew Gourlay. Andrew is an internationally respected conductor, described by The Guardian as “a star in the ascendent”.
Repertoire:
Rimsky-Korsakov — Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34
Respighi — Pines of Rome, P. 141
Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) — Pictures at an Exhibition
NYTW Ensemble – A Performed Sharing
A sharing of work-in-progress from the National Youth Theatre Wales 2026 ensemble and playwright Bethan Marlow featuring scenes and musical numbers from their 50th anniversary production.
30 July 7.30pm (BSL, Captioned and Audio Described)
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Tickets: £5 - £15
National Youth Orchestra of Wales Live in Bangor
Watch the world's oldest youth orchestra in action this summer! The National Youth Orchestra of Wales will be launching their 80th Anniversary tour in Bangor for an exciting concert at Prichard Jones Hall on 29 July.
Book your tickets now for a special evening of live music conducted by Andrew Gourlay. Andrew is an internationally respected conductor, described by The Guardian as “a star in the ascendent”.
Repertoire:
Rimsky-Korsakov — Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34
Respighi — Pines of Rome, P. 141
Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel) — Pictures at an Exhibition
FREE Dance Discovery Day with National Youth Dance Wales, Ballet Cymru + National Dance Company Wales!
Dance Discovery Day!
Love to dance and aged 12–22? Join National Youth Dance Wales, Ballet Cymru and National Dance Company Wales for an exciting Dance Discovery Day in North Wales!
Explore new dance styles
Meet professional dance artists
Fun, inclusive & supportive
All experience levels and dance styles welcome
This event is kindly supported by Theatr Clwyd.
FREE National Youth Theatre of Wales Audition Taster
Give it a Go! Get Audition Ready!
Love performing and want to get some audition experience? Join NYTW’s friendly workshop FREE to all 16 - 22 year olds.
Build your confidence
Explore voice and movement
Get audition tips
Audition speech / monologue advice
Meet recent NYTW members
No previous audition experience needed Sign-up today!
This event is kindly supported by Wales Millennium Centre.
Due to the high demand for the Audition Taster Workshop, the current session is full. We're keen to support anyone who might want to audition and will be offering a free online-audition taster and Q & A on February 26 from 6pm – 7.30pm. Please fill in your details and will be in touch shortly.
PREMIERE: 25 Years of National Youth Dance Wales
Online Documentary Premiere: 25 Years of National Youth Dance Wales
Join us for the online premiere of National Youth Dance Wales: 25 Years of NYDW, a short documentary celebrating a quarter-century of young talent, artistic excellence, and national impact, filmed by On Par Productions.
Marking 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales, the film reflects on the organisation’s journey and the dancers, artists, partners, and communities who have shaped its legacy. Through shared memories and reflections, the documentary captures the values, ambition and influence of NYDW over the past 25 years.
Date: Wednesday 28 January
Time: 7.00pm–7.15pm
Location: Online – AM’s Digital Platform
Watch here: https://www.ambobdim.cymru/en/profile-content/premiere-celebrating-25-years-of-national-youth-dance-wales/
BBC National Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Orchestra of Wales Side by Side
Join us for a special concert where talented young musicians from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) perform side by side with world-class players from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Since 2001, this bi-annual project has offered NYOW members a rare opportunity to step into the world of a professional orchestra, gaining invaluable insight and experience.
This year’s inspiring journey culminates in a spectacular concert at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff. Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of Welsh talent sharing the stage with some of the nation’s finest musicians.
Conductor: Nil Venditti
Tickets are on sale on a Pay What You Can basis with a suggested ticket price of £7.50 general sale and £2.50 for under 25s.
National Youth Dance Wales and Ballet Cymru Live at The Riverfront, Newport
National Youth Dance Wales will perform The Night Is Darkest Just Before The Dawn alongside Ballet Cymru as part of an evening triple bill.
This poignant piece pays tribute to the quiet champions in our lives — those who stand beside us, fight for us from the shadows, and expect no recognition in return. They are the unsung heroes who carry us through our darkest moments.
“A hero can be anyone, even someone doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy’s shoulders to let him know that the world hadn’t ended.”
— Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
The Night Is Darkest Just Before The Dawn (2025)
Choreographer: Yukiko Masui
Assistant Choreographer: Cher Nicolette
Costume Design: George Hampton Wale
Performances:
Thursday 30 October
Friday 31 October
National Youth Dance Wales
Ballet Cymru
Tickets £17 - £20 (concessions available)
The Riverfront Box Office
www.newportlive.co.uk / 01633 656757
National Youth Dance Wales and Ballet Cymru Live at The Riverfront, Newport
National Youth Dance Wales will perform The Night Is Darkest Just Before The Dawn alongside Ballet Cymru as part of an evening triple bill.
This poignant piece pays tribute to the quiet champions in our lives — those who stand beside us, fight for us from the shadows, and expect no recognition in return. They are the unsung heroes who carry us through our darkest moments.
“A hero can be anyone, even someone doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a little boy’s shoulders to let him know that the world hadn’t ended.”
— Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
Performances:
Thursday 30 October
Friday 31 October
National Youth Dance Wales
Ballet Cymru
Tickets £17 - £20 (concessions available)
The Riverfront Box Office
www.newportlive.co.uk / 01633 656757
The Night Is Darkest Just Before The Dawn (2025)
Choreographer: Yukiko Masui
Assistant Choreographer: Cher Nicolette
Costume Design: George Hampton Wale
BBC National Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Orchestra of Wales Side-by-Side
Come and join us for this special collaborative concert featuring members of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales performing side-by-side with musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
This bi-annual collaboration has been running since 2001, with a focus on giving members of NYOW a unique insight into the daily life of a professional orchestra.
Conductor: Nil Venditti
NYCW - Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as the National Youth Choir of Wales takes centre stage at the iconic Brangwyn Hall this summer! Under the inspiring direction of their conductor, Tim Rhys-Evans, this extraordinary choir of young Welsh talent will deliver a breathtaking performance filled with passion, energy and musical excellence.
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Tickets:
Adults - £15
Concessions - £13
Under 26 - £5
NYCW - St Fagan’s, Cardiff
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as the National Youth Choir of Wales takes centre stage at St Fagan’s this summer! Under the inspiring direction of their conductor, Tim Rhys-Evans, this extraordinary choir of young Welsh talent will deliver a breathtaking performance filled with passion, energy, and musical excellence.
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Time TBC (Public Bank Holiday)
Tickets: Free
NYCW - St Asaph Cathedral, Denbighshire
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the National Youth Choir of Wales takes centre stage at the sacred St Asaph Cathedral this summer! Under the inspiring direction of their conductor, Tim Rhys-Evans, this extraordinary choir of young Welsh talent will deliver a breathtaking performance filled with passion, energy, and musical excellence.
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Tickets:
Adults - £17.00
Concessions - £15.00
Under 26s - £5.00
NYBBW - Riverfront, Newport
Paul Holland, National Youth Brass Band Wales Alumnus and Musical Director of the 2024 Championship Brass Band Flowers, returns to conduct his former Band in a programme full of fantastic music that promises something for everyone.
Joining Paul and the NYBBW will be the brilliant young percussionist, Jordan Ashman, winner of the 2022 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.
Join us for a wonderful afternoon of energy, passion and stunning musicianship!
Tickets:
Adult - £15
Concessions - £13
Under 26 - £5
NYBBW - Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth
Paul Holland, National Youth Brass Band Wales Alumnus and Musical Director of the 2024 Championship Brass Band Flowers, returns to conduct his former band in a programme full of fantastic music that promises something for everyone.
Joining NYBBW will be the brilliant young percussionist, Jordan Ashman, winner of the 2022 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.
A wonderful evening is guaranteed, full of energy, passion and stunning musicianship!
Tickets:
Adult - £15
Concessions - £13
25 years and Under - £5
NYBBW - William Aston Hall, Wrexham
Paul Holland, National Youth Brass Band Wales Alumnus and Musical Director of the 2024 Championship Brass Band Flowers, returns to conduct his former Band in a programme full of fantastic music that promises something for everyone.
Joining Paul and the NYBBW will be the brilliant young percussionist, Jordan Ashman, winner of the 2022 BBC Young Musician of the Year.
Join us for a wonderful evening of energy, passion and stunning musicianship!
Tickets: £15, £13, £5
NYOW - Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
Experience an unforgettable evening with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The all-American programme will feature Bernstein's brilliant Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture. Come and celebrate the talent of Wales’ finest young musicians as they bring these iconic works to life!
Conductor: Kwamé Ryan
Repertoire:
Mason Bates - Attack Decay Sustain Release - 5’
Samuel Barber - Second Essay for Orchestra - 10’
Gershwin - Porgy & Bess, Symphonic Picture - 24’
Bernstein - Symphonic Dances, West Side Story - 23’
Wang Jie - America the Beautiful - 6’
Tickets:
Adult - £17
Concessions (65+) - £15
Under 26s - £5
NYOW - St Asaph Cathedral, Denbighshire
Experience an unforgettable evening with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The all-American programme will feature Bernstein's brilliant Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture. Come and celebrate the talent of Wales’ finest young musicians as they bring these iconic works to life!
Conductor: Kwamé Ryan
Repertoire:
Mason Bates - Attack Decay Sustain Release - 5’
Samuel Barber - Second Essay for Orchestra - 10’
Gershwin - Porgy & Bess, Symphonic Picture - 24’
Bernstein - Symphonic Dances, West Side Story - 23’
Wang Jie - America the Beautiful - 6’
Tickets:
Adult - £17.00
Concessions - £15.00
Under 26s - £5.00
NYOW - Hereford Cathedral (Three Choirs Festival)
Experience an unforgettable evening with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The all-American programme will feature Bernstein's brilliant Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture. Come and celebrate the talent of Wales’ finest young musicians as they bring these iconic works to life!
Conductor: Kwamé Ryan
Repertoire:
Mason Bates - Attack Decay Sustain Release - 5’
Samuel Barber - Second Essay for Orchestra - 10’
Gershwin - Porgy & Bess, Symphonic Picture - 24’
Bernstein - Symphonic Dances, West Side Story - 23’
Wang Jie - America the Beautiful - 6’
Tickets: £35, £30, £25, £20, £15, £10