Here's your essential guide to what's on in Mid Wales this weekend - and for the week ahead.

For inclusion in listings contact arts editor Barry Jones on 01938 557341 or email barry.jones@countytimes.co.uk, by Tuesday morning at the latest.

Friday, May 24

  • “ON THE EDGE”, exhibition by diverse group of artists living and working at Borth and Ynyslas using variety of media and techniques, on at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre to June 13.
  • ROBERT BATES, paintings on show at the BISHOPS CASTLE Town Hall gallery, during May.
  • ELLIE TARRAT, exhibition for May at the SpArC Theatre gallery, BISHOPS CASTLE.
  • BLEDDFA CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE SPIRIT, “Landscapes” exhibition by Knucklas-based artist and Castle Hill Arts member Lois Hopwood, on at the venue near Knighton until May 31.
  • BOARD GAMES DAY, new event features selection of board games to play and information on others, 6pm to 9pm, at the Wyeside Arts Centre, BUILTH WELLS.
  • MID WALES ARTS CENTRE, "Hidden / Llanidloes Artists" exhibition and new installations by Hayley Parfitt, at the CAERSWS venue, to June 30.
  • STATION GALLERY, includes paintings by Iwan Maxwell Jones and Alex Brown, glasswork by Sue Thomas, woodwork by Chris Williams, and mixed media by Megan Hobbs, at ERWOOD near Builth Wells.
  • KAT BLAY, singing at the Railway Inn, FORDEN.
  • HAY FESTIVAL, 32nd spring literary event with more than 600 writers and thinkers featured plus music, comedy and children’s events, at HAY-ON-WYE until June 2.
  • “SEE ME”, Montgomeryshire-based Celf-Able disabled-led inclusive art group art exhibition about how disabled people are more than their impairments and are whole people like anyone else, on Centre Celf, LLANDRINDOD WELLS to May 28.
  • NEXUS CO-CREATION GATHERING, start of weekend event bringing people together with live music, stand up comedy, workshops, dance, play, yoga, spirituality, learning and meditation, at The Workhouse, LLANFYLLIN.
  • "WILD", free exhibition of textile art open 10.30am to 4.30pm daily, except Sunday, t the Minerva Arts Centre, LLANIDLOES, until June 1, with "Flower Power" workshop on May 31, with Pauline Barnes using plants and flowers as inspiration for different ways of interpreting in fabric and stitch.
  • SARAH JANE BROWN, exhibition by contemporary Pembrokeshire landscape painter at new Oriel Coffi art gallery, in LLANIDLOES High Street, open 9am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday,
  • TEXTILE ART EXHIBITION, with line drawings and watercolours by local artists Angel Morris and Pam Higgs, on at the newly refurbished gallery at the Old Mill, LLANIDLOES, to June 30.
  • MACH SKA & PUNK FEST, new weekend festival with GBH, Vice Squad, Cartoon Violence and more at Y Llew Coch, MACHYNLLETH, today, Saturday and Sunday, May 26.
  • MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WALES, exhibitions comprise "Body & RockSCAPES" multi-media works by Ian Jacob on to June 8; plus "Yo lo fi" sculptures by Keith Bayliss, and Theo Crutchley-Mack on the Lost Whaling Stations of the Sub-Atlantic, and "The Moon" photographic collection, the Welsh Group 70 Series, and Tabernacle Collection recent acquisitions, at the MACHYNLLETH venue,
  • "SWEENEY TODD", NPTC Performing Arts students present C.G.Bond's version of the old melodrama about the demon barber of Fleet Street and his pie making accomplice Mrs Lovett, at The Hafren, NEWTOWN, at 7.30pm.
  • “IN BETWEEN THE FOLDS ARE PARTICLES”, exhibition with compelling body of new works representing an ongoing conversation between contemporary artist Anna Falcini and the late Welsh artist Gwen John, at the Oriel Davies Gallery, NEWTOWN, until June 5.
  • BORDERLAND VISUAL ARTISTS, latest work by local artists and craftspeople, on at the Willow Gallery, OSWESTRY, until June 29.
  • "FOOTLOOSE", Curtain Call Theatre Company present the hit musical at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY tonight and at 2.30 and 7.30pm on Saturday, May 25.
  • TWO BLANK PAGES, at the High Street Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.

Saturday, May 25

  • RACHEL NEWTON, award winning folk singer, harpist and composer in concert at the SpArC theatre, BISHOPS CASTLE.
  • CRAFT FAIR, two floors of stalls at BISHOPS CASTLE Town Hall, open 10am to 4pm.
  • "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM", Brecon Little Theatre prepare for performances of the Shakespeare comedy with a fairy tea party for children at 2pm, and workshops at 2pm on May 28, and 10am on May 29, at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON. Performances will be on May 31, June 1 and 2.
  • KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP, exhibition for the bank holiday weekend on to Monday, Mary 27, at St.Edward's Church, with concert tonight at 7pm by Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir, and supporting artiste Steve Hollinghurst.
  • ZOE GILBY DUO, Geordie jazz vocalist songwriter, at the Willow Gallery, OSWESTRY.
  • MUSIC FAIR, Riffels music shop and Hardy's Bookstore present My Little Book Club activities for families from 10am, Family Music Quiz from 12noon, taster sessions with range of instruments from 2pm; and open jam session from 3pm, at WELSHPOOL Town Hall corn exchange.

Sunday, May 26

  • "THE LITTLE PRINCE", enchanting dance show for children and adults, at 2pm at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
  • RHYMES & TELLS, open session for poetry and storytelling from 8pm at the Six Bells, BISHOPS CASTLE.
  • FOLK SESSION, at 4pm at the Arvon Ale House, LLANDRINDOD WELLS.
  • OPEN MIC NIGHT, for musicians, comedians and poets, hosted by Sam Williams, from 7pm every Sunday at the Stag Inn, LLANIDLOES.
  • HANNAH AND BRIAN, at the Lowfield Inn, MARTON.
  • STEWART FRANCIS, Mock the Week regular with his final touring show "Into the Pulpit", at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
  • RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL, from 1pm at the Frankwell Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
  • BAD WOLF, blues duo at the High Street Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
  • HOT ROD 55, rockers at the Bull Inn, SHREWSBURY.
  • WELSHPOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL, free live sessions from 1pm at The Talbot, The Angel, Pheasant Inn, Wellington , Monkey Puzzle Cafe, and Bay Tree Restaurant, plus Vinyl Revival at the Westwood.
  • BILLY SHANNON, guitarist at American Diner event at Inglenook Cafe, WELSHPOOL.

Monday, May 27

  • "THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN", opening night for major touring production adapted from Paula Hawkins' bestselling novel, starring Eastenders star Samantha Womack, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY, each night at 7.3pm through to Saturday, June 1, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • VERBATIM, monthly open mic poetry night with guest former Birmingham Laureate Roz Goddard, from 7.30pm at Riffels Music Shop, WELSHPOOL.
  • LLANBISTER SHOW, Llanbister Annual Village Show and Sports from 10am-6pm

Tuesday, May 28

  • UPLIFT SINGING SESSION. lunchtime classes led by Alive & Kicking choir leader and vocal coach Tanya Walker, to July 30, at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON, Contact Tanya on 07723 016837 / tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com
  • PAINTING & DRAWING CLASS, friendly group with all abilities welcome from 12.30 to 3.30pm at LLANIDLOES Youth Centre. Call Sandra on 07765589875.
  • LLANIDLOES TENOVUS CHOIR, choir for anyone affected by cancer, meet with conductor Tiffany Evans weekly at 6.30pm on Tuesdays at Trinity Church schoolroom, LLANIDLOES. Call 0808 8081010 for more information.
  • WESLEY SINGERS, mixed voice choir rehearse 7.30pm at Baptist Church Schoolroom, LLANIDLOES. Call 01686 411028.
  • MYTHSTORIES, weekly meeting of the new Montgomeryshire folktales project group, 4pm to 5.30pm at NEWTOWN Library.
  • NEWTOWN & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR, rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm, at the Pryce Jones building. All welcome.
  • RHAYADER & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR, rehearsals every Tuesday at CWMDUDDWR Community Hall at 8pm. New members welcome. Call 01547 528286 or 7977071395.
  • JIVE DANCING, sessions from beginners to experienced jive dancers on Tuesdays at 7.45pm back at the COWSHACC, WELSHPOOL. Contact Steve on 07730454864.

Wednesday, May 29

  • POTTERY & CERAMIC SCULPTURE CLUB, exploring their creative potential through the medium of clay, all ages and abilities welcome, from 7pm, at Mid Wales Arts Centre, CAERSWS. Contact MWA on 01686 688369 or info@midwalesarts.org.uk
  • Plus new Thursday afternoon club 2pm to 4pm for people who are not keen on driving at night, or have long distances to travel.
  • JAZZ EVENING, every Wednesday with free entry at the Horse and Jockey, CHURCHSTOKE.

Thursday, May 30

  • SWAMP CANDY, dark and delicious American band at The Vaults, BISHOPS CASTLE.
  • CHILDREN’S POTTERY & CLAY SCULPTURE CLUB, for children from seven to 11 and suitable for all abilities, from 5pm, at Mid Wales Arts Centre, CAERSWS.
  • LIFEBULB COMMUNITY CHOIRS, led by Charlotte Woodford with beautiful songs from around the world, evening meeting on Thursdays for ages seven to adults from 5.15pm and 7pm for teens and adults at LLANDINAM Village Hall. Contact charlotte@lifebulb.org or 07828 413484.
  • LEARN TO JIVE, every Thursday 7.30 for beginners, 8.30pm for dance practice, 9pm for intermediates, and social dancing till 10pm, at LLANIDLOES Community Centre.
  • COR LLANWNOG MIXED CHOIR, rehearsals at 7.30pm every Thursday in CLATTER Community Centre. The choir welcomes new singers in all sections. Further information from the conductor Graham Marshman on 01686 412442.
  • BRO HAFREN CHOIR, for ages six to 12, between 3.45 and 4.45pm, on Thursdays at Dafydd Llwyd School, NEWTOWN. Call Ann Evans on 01686 627076.
  • SHREWSBURY ACOUSTIC NIGHT, musicians welcome at the High Street Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.