If you need an antidote to politics at the moment, then we’ve got a few options for you. Firstly, a real feast of comedy to come this weekend. It’s the sixth annual Machynlleth Comedy Festival and BBC Radio Wales, as ever, is there in force.
It all starts on Thursday with the recording of The Leak – the last in this current series. Tickets are still available if you want to join Tom Price and the team. It’ll be on Radio Wales, Friday at 6.30
Rhod Gilbert is live with some special guests on Saturday morning from 11. The show 'sold out' in three minutes! Later that day, Mike Bubbins will be joined by comedians Robin Ince, Stewart Laws and Anglesey's Kiri Pritchard-McLean for our annual Machynlleth Stand-Up Showcase (transmitted 15th May).
Rhod Gilbert is live in Machynlleth on Saturday
Finally, on Sunday, Elis James and his team record the first of their follow ups to the Pantheon of Heroes series – Elis James’ Guide to... You’ll be able to hear the series later in the year.
And if that wasn't enough, on Saturday night, Bennett Arron is doing a stand-up gig at Chapter in Cardiff which will form the backbone of a two part Radio Wales series broadcast later this summer. Free tickets to the recording are available.
However, if you're looking for something a little more understated, can I point you in the direction of Beverley Humphreys' interview with operatic tenor, Noah Stewart. Listen if, for no other reason, than to find out what he sings in the shower!
Noah Stewart - You might be surprised at what he sings in the shower!
While you’re on iPlayer Radio, catch up with the Radio 2 Folk Awards too. It really was an incredible night at the Millennium Centre.
Meanwhile, if you're a political nerd like me, there is also much to gorge on from the General Election front this week. The BBC Election Tour continues and is sounding great. After Connah's Quay on Monday, Good Morning Wales and Good Evening Wales are live on Llandudno promenade on Wednesday. And both programmes, along with Morning Call and Wynne Evans, are live from Cardiff's Churchill Way on Friday.
Talking of Cardiff, Jamie Owen's been following the hotly contested campaign for Cardiff Central through the eyes of those who live and work on one of the most cosmopolitan streets in the capital, City Road.
Hear Vote for Me, every morning this week at 11.40.
On Friday, it’s the BBC Wales Leaders Debate and it’s simulcast on BBC One Wales and BBC Radio Wales. Huw Edwards quizzes the politicians at 8.30pm, then Felicity Evans takes your calls between 9.30 and 10.30. Some of the key figures from each of the parties will be also be debating in a special edition of Good Morning Wales on Bank Holiday Monday morning.
Elsewhere this week The School – an eight piece band from Cardiff – are the Radio Wales Artist of the Week. You can hear their new song, All I Want From You Is Everything, across the station this week.
Finally, a real legend of the folk world with Lynn Bowles on Sunday. The one and only Ralph McTell is her guest at 2pm. Join her then.
Have a great week and Bank Holiday weekend.
Steve
