A special night-time event is set to illuminate one of Wales’ most beloved family attractions as it prepares to commemorate its 25th anniversary. The National Botanic Garden of Wales, located in Carmarthenshire between the villages of Porthyrhyd and Llanarthne, first opened in 2000. Since its grand opening by the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, the garden has garnered awards and drawn visitors from across Wales and beyond. As it approaches its 25th anniversary next summer, the garden is organising an immersive night-time experience leading up to the celebration. This event will feature fire, music, poetry, and performance over four nights at the end of October. Named ‘Dragon’s Breath’, the event is a collaboration between garden staff and Walk the Plank, one of the UK’s top outdoor events specialists, promising a spectacle of fire, folklore, fantasy, and Welsh culture.
The event will showcase an experiential night-time fire trail, intricate hand-crafted fire sculptures, along with performances from artists and poets to captivate visitors along the garden’s fire-lit pathways. Catering to visitors of all ages, the central theme of ‘Dragon’s Breath’ revolves around a dying dragon seeking refuge in the lake behind the garden’s Great Glasshouse, having left its coastal home in Rhossili on the nearby Gower Peninsula. Adding to the enchantment, the event will include poetry from renowned figures like Dylan Thomas and Children’s Laureate of Wales (2021-2023) Connor Allen.
Bev Ayre, senior producer at Walk the Plank, stated, “Our maxim is ‘anything is possible’ and we always aim to awe and inspire. With this in mind, we have delved into Welsh folklore, myth, and legend for inspiration. Working with the rich cultural heritage and local talent from Wales has been a true gift in creating events on this scale.” Dr. Lucy Sutherland, director of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, expressed excitement for the event, describing it as the largest ever hosted by the garden. She highlighted its ambitious nature and environmental message, which aligns with the garden’s focus on plant science, lifelong learning, and arts advocacy.
The Dragon’s Breath event will run from October 24 to 27, between 6pm and 10pm, offering a unique blend of fire, fairy tales, and Welsh wonder. Visitors can expect a high-calibre arts experience with a vision underpinned by creativity and talent. The garden looks forward to welcoming guests on the opening evening to kick off four nights of enchantment and celebration.