With the winter approaching and the days growing shorter now is the perfect time to plan next year’s holiday.  No matter when you hire a narrowboat on the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon canal you can be sure to find something to keep you entertained. Music lovers can soak up the atmosphere of the Abergavenny Music Festival held at the castle on Saturday 9th May.  With three stages of live music, food, drinks, stalls, a children’s funfair and entertainment it promises to be a fun day for all the family. Booking is advised and all proceeds will go to local charities and good causes. For Jazz lovers the Brecon Jazz Festival to be held from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August will be the one to visit. This event, in its 37th year, will play host to a range of jazz musicians from all over the world in various locations throughout the town. There is a carnival procession on Saturday and street stalls in the town centre.
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If you love cooking and locally produced foods then Abergavenny Food Festival is a must. This festival will be held on the 19th & 20th September throughout the town centre and it brings chefs, food businesses, journalists, farmers and food producers together.  It is a wonderful opportunity for people to explore and learn about food whilst soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely market town. Activities on offer include product tastings, kids’ activities, masterclasses, hands-on cookery lessons and topical debates.If art is your passion then Crickhowell Open Studios held over the bank holiday weekend, 23 – 25th May will be sure to please. This award winning town will showcase the work of the many talented artists and craftsmen from the local area over the course of the weekend. Studios and galleries will open their doors and invite you to meet the artists and view their work.  Work is also displayed in the town’s shop windows and guides for this event will be available from the town’s information centre.
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If you are a family that loves animals and all things to do with country living then Llangynidr Show held on Sunday August 30th is the perfect day out. This village show, now entering its 14th year, packs a lot into just one day. There are demonstrations, talks, a craft tent, food stalls and trade stalls. You can also see sheep shearing, agricultural classes, vintage vehicles, horticultural and craft competitions, a dog show and a packed arena full of various country exhibits. Alongside this various horse classes run throughout the day and include show jumping.All of these events are within walking distance of the canal so access is easy and you can return to your narrowboat having enjoyed a wonderful day out. So why not book your boat now and start planning your holiday.