Steelhouse Festival
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For rock fans, the Steelhouse Festival is the ultimate summer tradition. Taking over Hafod-y-Dafal Farm in Aberdeeg in Monmouthshire (NP13 2ER) from July 24–26, 2026, this three-day outdoor event is a celebration of classic rock and heavy metal against the stunning backdrop of the Brecon Beacons. Officially one of the UK's highest music festivals, Steelhouse boasts steep hillside stages with panoramic mountain views. Thousands of fans gather for an unforgettable weekend of loud guitar riffs, roaring vocals, and communal campfire energy under wide open skies. If you love face-melting solos and evenings spent headbanging with a beer in hand, this festival was made for you.
For many attendees, the scenery is part of the show. Perched nearly 750 meters above sea level, the festival overlooks lush forests and winding valleys far below. Set on a rolling green Welsh hillside, Steelhouse feels like a band’s private amphitheater among the mountains. All afternoon, the main stage basks in sunshine with misty peaks on the horizon. When night falls, the whole valley comes alive: stage lights cut through the twilight sky, and the crowd's silhouettes sway under the stars. Tents and campervans dot the fields nearby, forming little communities where fans mingle between sets and toast marshmallows around the campfire.
Music-wise, Steelhouse delivers an unbreakable wall of sound. Multi-stage lineups bring hard-rock anthems, rock classics, and blistering metal breakdowns to fans throughout the weekend. The lineup spans legendary acts and rising stars, ensuring nonstop thrills — with multiple stages running from afternoon into the late night, there's always epic music to discover from one set to the next. Best of all, Steelhouse's intimate setting means you're always close to the action: front-row spots feel easy to reach, and every fiery guitar solo sends a rush through the crowd. For rock enthusiasts, this is paradise elevated.
A big part of Steelhouse's appeal is the camping experience. The site offers dedicated zones for families, adults, and even glamping, so every attendee can find a spot to match their style. You’ll find running water taps handy for filling your bottles, clean showers to rinse off the day’s sweat and dust, and even late-night food vendors if hunger strikes. On-site bars serve local craft beers and snacks, and festival vendors sell merchandise and accessories. In the mornings, wake up to mountain air and distant guitar echoes; by night, join impromptu BBQs and jam sessions that stretch well after the final encore.
For fans and newcomers alike, Steelhouse feels like more than a festival—it's a weekend adventure in the Welsh hills. You may come for the lineup, but you'll stay for the spirit: forging friendships with fellow rock enthusiasts, late-night camaraderie, and stories shared around the campfire. When the final guitar solo fades, attendees leave with memories (and friendships) that last far beyond a single weekend. So pack your boots and earplugs—get ready for an epic collision of music and mountain views you won't soon forget.
Getting to Aberdeeg is fairly straightforward. The festival is at NP13 2ER on Hafod-y-Dafal Farm. By car, most visitors take the M4. For example, from Cardiff leave at Junction 28 toward Abertillery, then head north on the A467 to Aberdeeg, finally joining the A4046 toward Ebbw Vale – the site entrance is clearly signposted. Approaching from the north (the Midlands or Yorkshire), the A465 (Heads of the Valleys Road) connects you to Ebbw Vale; take the A4046 south to reach NP13 2ER. Weekend parking is available on-site for a fee, and nearby towns offer spaces if those fill up. You can enter “NP13 2ER” on any GPS or mapping app to find the farm gates easily.
If you prefer public transport, the nearest train station is Ebbw Vale Parkway. Transport for Wales runs regular trains from Cardiff Central and Newport to Ebbw Vale. From the station, a festival shuttle bus usually ferries attendees directly to the site (or taxis and local buses are options). There are also bus links: Stagecoach services reach Abertillery and Brynmawr, so you can hop off at a stop near Aberdeeg and grab a short taxi ride. Always check schedules in advance, as weekend timetables can change.
By air, the closest airports are Cardiff International (about a 40-minute drive) and Bristol Airport (around an hour away). Both handle flights across the UK and Europe and offer rental cars. From Cardiff Airport, take the M4 westbound then routes north into South Wales; from Bristol, head on the M4 then A449 and switch to the main valley roads. (Longer drives from Birmingham or Heathrow airports are possible too, but expect 2–3 hours of countryside driving.) Once in Wales, follow local road signs toward Aberdeeg and Hafod-y-Dafal Farm.
For accommodation, the easiest choice is often to stay on-site: the festival itself offers camping fields (including family and glamping areas) and even campervan pitches. If you prefer a hotel bed, nearby towns have options. Abertillery and Ebbw Vale (both within a 10-minute drive) have local inns and B&Bs, while the nearby town of Abergavenny offers more hotels (about 20 minutes away). There are also rural guesthouses and caravan parks scattered in the valleys. Wherever you choose to stay, remember that summer weekends can fill up fast—booking your lodging (or securing a camping spot) early is a smart move!
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ambala (hotel restaurant and bar) | 2.9 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| Maes Manor Hotel | 4.0 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| The Newbridge Hotel | 4.6 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Ye Olde Red Lion Hotel | 5.5 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Soar Chapel Guest House | 5.5 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Pontypool Metro Hotel | 5.7 ml | £45.90 | Book | |
| Castle Inn | 7.0 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| Rhymney House Hotel | 7.3 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa | 7.7 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
| Westwood Villa Guest House | 7.7 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| Glangrwyney Court Country House | 7.8 ml | £105.00 | Book | |
| The Hardwick | 7.8 ml | £110.00 | Book | |
| Plas Derwen | 8.0 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| Lamb And Flag Inn | 8.1 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| The Angel Hotel | 8.2 ml | £89.00 | Book |
Aberdeeg, Aberdeeg, NP132ER
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