Red found his twin at Cardiff Castle

I’m off on a whirlwind tour of Wales with my pet dragon Red driving from south to north and back again with only a few days to cover it all. Hopefully, this will be the first of many trips to the country, which of course could never be understood in such a short holiday. But having heard how much there is to see and do, we can’t stand the idea of missing anything. We’ve got a list of dozens of places recommended by all our fab friends on Facebook and we’re aiming to visit as many as possible while soaking in the heart of Wales. There ought to be many more like us, travelers who would come to dip their toes in the Pembrokeshire coast if they only new how close it was. We’re out to show them that it can be done and hook them on Welsh holidays for life.

Landing in Cardiff, I’m pleasantly surprised by how quick and convenient the train ride is from Heathrow airport, and even more pleased with the stark change in atmosphere just across the Welsh border. As we roll through Newport, I realize that it’s calmer here. The views begin to sweep across vast expanses of green. I’m breathing easier, and I’m already feeling a sense of ‘croeso,’ a word that appears everywhere in Wales. It means ‘welcome.’ Meanwhile, Red is fast asleep; the train ride is so quiet and comfortable, he can’t resist an old-fashioned dragon-nap. Seeing him resting peacefully after a long international flight, I realize that a trip to Wales is the best way to begin a holiday in the UK.

Folk Singer Ann Lister with Red at Pontadarwe

Charlotte sells cockles and laverbread at Swansea Market

Playing in the mud has made Red quite hungry, and after sampling Tibetan dumplings at the festival, he’s determined dig his teeth into some authentic Welsh food. We find it in Swansea at the largest indoor market in Wales. A kind Welsh greeting awaits us from Charlotte at the Swansea Market Cockle Rotunda. She gives us some of the freshest cockles and Laverbread around, and Red thinks this just might be one of the best places to find them in South Wales. We’ve still got the Pembrokeshire coast ahead, so we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I’ve lost my shoes to the Pontardawe mud and happily find a pair of inexpensive Wellie’s at the market. These rubber boots are essential in the unpredictable weather. As I hop the puddles in downtown Swansea, Red flies off in search of that Joe’s Ice Cream he heard about from our Facebook friends. I race behind him to see where we’ll end up next…

Another capacity crowd at Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend

Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever.
3 days of FREE live music from home grown local talent to international stadium superstars.

Here’s the confirmed line up for the Main Stage, fresh from the Cardiff Festival official website, with links to each act’s website so you can find out more about them.

Friday 30th July – in conjunction with Sŵn Festival

7.00-7.20pm Samoans
7.35-8.05pm Racehorses
8.30-9.10pm Los Campesinos!
9.30-10.30pm The Blackout

Saturday 31st July

2.00-2.45pm Maroon Town
3.05-3.50pm Wonderbrass
4.10-4.55pm The Raghu Dixit Project
5.15–6.00pm The Congo Allstars
6.20-7.05pm Alejandro Toledo and the Magic Tombolinos
7.25-7.55pm The Jolly Boys
8.15-9.10pm Pee Wee Ellis and the Funky Assembly
9.30-10.30pm Chaka Demus and Pliers

Sunday 1st Aug

2.00-2.30pm The Lay-Lows
3.00-3.50pm Rumer
4.10-5.00pm Pete Lawrie
5.25-6.15pm Fenech Soler
6.40-7.40pm The Phenomenal Handclap Band
8.00-9.00pm Athlete
9.30-10.30pm Feeder

Plus a firework finale each night and traditional fairground attractions to entertain the whole family.

For more information about Admiral Cardiff Big Weekend and Cardiff Festival 2010 visit the official Cardiff Festival website

a festival of boxing

Its a boxing fans perfect weekend.

Thursday 29th of July sees the start of a 3 day boxing ‘festival’ kicking off with the premiere of   ‘Risen’ the inspiring biopic of Merthyr boxing legend Howard Winstone at Cardiff International Arena. In the film 5 time world champion, Erik Morales, plays Vicente Saldivar, the legendary Mexican featherweight who had a thrilling trilogy of fights with Winstone in the sixties.

Who will be in the GB Amateur boxing squad for 2012 olympics?

On Friday night the stars of GB Amateur Boxing (including James DeGale) take on fighters from the rest of the World. As the 2012 Olypics draws closer, the GB squad continue their preparations for the big event.  BABA Performance Director Rob McCracken….

A key part of that is creating opportunities for the athletes to test themselves against top quality opposition, and this competition will definitely do that…. (we can also) assess how they are progressing in the journey towards 2012

WBC Night of Champions

Saturday night sees the arrival of boxing royalty in Cardiff. The city welcomes the arrival of boxing superstars such as Roberto Duran, Vitali Kiltschko, Miguel Cotto, Joe Calzaghe,  Zab Judah, Azumah Nelson and Ken Buchanan, they are expecting over 100 boxing champions at the event. There will be music, entertainment and food with the boxing stars will be auctioning off many one off collectable items for charity.

This really is a once in a lifetime for boxing fans  – for more details please visit www.wbcnightofchampions.com/

Speedway returns to Cardiff

“This being my first experience of Speedway, I went with an open mind but secretly thinking “Is this really my cup of tea?” after debating “What does one wear to a Speedway event at one’s National Stadium”

I arrive into Cardiff City Centre by train, welcomed by a similar ‘match-day’ excitement to when Wales play England at Rugby, but surprisingly I saw not just the jerseys of two countries but an army of different colour jerseys representing multiple countries. Déjà vu – the same feeling I experienced when Cardiff hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1999.

I make my way through the crowds and can’t help notice in the distance the highest point in Cardiff is not the Capital Tower but a fairground ride – this was clearly recognisable as the Speedway ‘Fan Zone’. The atmosphere felt like the supporters village of a winning team – but the big event was hours away from starting, yet alone ending.

With the City buzzing with fans and I’m eager to approach one to get the low down so I can ‘talk the talk’ when networking. On arrival at the Stadium I grab a programme and after checking out our Visit Wales ‘ad’, I come across a score sheet, which I find fellow visitors are using to keep tabs on their sweep and to select a rider to support. This is great fun. What other event would you come across a Welsh girl supporting an Aussie, and a Canadian girl supporting a Danish guy? This creates lots of drama and high camaraderie within the Stadium.

Amongst all the horns and vuvuzelas, I hear a fan shout “No breaks!” “No breaks?” I repeat, I was gasping for a drink (given that temperatures in Cardiff were soaring that day) but then realised he was referring to the bike’s ‘Brakes’. These bikes really do have no brakes, which explains the strange cornering technique. I’m now on the edge of my seat, and I stay there until the final race.

Consider me a converted Speedway fan.”

Dates for next year’s Speedway GP have been confirmed as Saturday 25th June 2011, and you can book your tickets now.

See Kelly Jones perform to a home crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium

This weekend Welsh rockers the Stereophonics will play the first music concert at the new Cardiff City Stadium.  On Saturday 5th June they will step out on stage and play to a home crowd of up to 32,000, something frontman Kelly Jones is looking forward to.

It’s going to be a Welsh summer celebration, giving something back to the people of the valleys, towns and cities. For us, it’s the icing on the cake of our sold out world tour.

The Cardiff City Stadium was opened in July 2009 and is home to Cardiff City Football Club and Cardiff Blues Rugby Club. Frontman Kelly Jones said he wanted to “make Welsh people proud” by kicking off the stadium’s music credentials.

Kids in Glass Houses to support

Supporting them will be other up and coming local Welsh band Kids in Glass Houses. Also hailing from South Wales, the band are fast becoming part of the UK’s alternative rock music scene. Their new single ‘Undercover Lover’ is released on June 13th. Let’s hope they play it at the gig on Saturday.

If you are staying in Cardiff for the gig and need help with where to stay and what to do after the gig then our Cardiff guide will be able to help you out.

This is sure to be a fantastic opening gig for the impressive new stadium. And if you want to be part of it there’s still time, get your ticket at See Tickets.  If you can’t make it, I’ll be back next week with a review of all the best bits.

* UPDATE *

The Cardiff City Stadium did indeed rock last Saturday

To a home crowd of 30,000 the Stereophonics stepped out on stage to a huge cheer and opened with Trouble. Fans were then treated to a set list of 27 songs including anthems like The Bartender and The Theif, Have a Nice Day, Local Boy in the Photograph and Just Looking.

The gig ended with a bang as fireworks lit up the sky and the sound of Dakoata echoed around the stadium. By the sound of ecstatic roars that came from the fans, this was a superb homecoming gig and the Phonics are welcome back anytime.

Richard Burton on the set of Under Milkwood

In a sense he is going back to Wales, which, however he travelled, he never really left, to a theatre for these students, that will bear his name, and which I fancy he will haunt.

Robert Hardy on the new Richard Burton Theatre

Founded in 1948 as the National College of Music and Drama, it first opened its doors for the Autumn term of 1949 with 250 students. The college found a home in Cardiff Castle, donated back to the city by the Bute family just two years previous, news reports about its opening ensured that the moniker “The Castle” stuck.

Although they were granted permission to call themselves the Welsh College of Music & Drama in 1970, it wasn’t until 2002, on the Queens Jubilee, that she bequeathed the honour of Royal to the college, only the fourth institution in the UK to so be named.

In the lead-up to their 60th birthday, the college began a massive funds raising drive for a £22.5 million expansion of the college, including a concert hall, theatre and gallery. Off of the back of this redevelopment work, the college signed a deal to become the only conservatoire in the UK to use only Steinway pianos.

The college can count many famous faces amongst it list of alumni, from Oscar winning actor Anthony Hopkins, to a man once hotly tipped to play James Bond; Dougray Scott, to Gavin & Stacy stars Rob Brydon and Ruth Jones, to annoyance to the nation; Gio Compario of the Go Compare commercials (otherwise known as Wynne Evans).

Another Welshman renowned for his operatic stylings and support for college, Bryn Terfel, opened the launch event for the fundraising drive in 2008, personally helping to raise £3.5million.

Terfel also made his Buckingham Palace debut performing at a star-studded gala at Buckingham Palace, the pinnacle of a whole year of celebrations the college had planned for their Silver Jubilee, this event also saw the official unveiling of the new 160-seat Richard Burton theatre.

On presenting the bust, she commented “Richard would have been so deeply touched by this great honour, as am I."

The gala attracted many luminaries, including the love of Burton’s life, Elizabeth Taylor, who was making a very rare public appearance in order to speak at the gala and present a bronze bust of Bust to the college to display once it opens.

The bust was donated by Burton’s family; his nephew, Guy Masterson, said that after having it in their living room for 20 years it was only right to give it to such a wonderful place and a wonderful cause. Elizabeth Taylor was visibly moved to tears when asked by The Prince Of Wales if it was a good likeness of the actor.

Of course, the gala wouldn’t have been complete without performances from the students of the college itself. Obviously nervous about performing in front of an audience containing both royalty and celebrities, they took to the stage and wowed all in attendance.

Some college students meet Prince Charles following their performance.

Wales Millennium Centre

January is normally the month when we lock ourselves away, but have you thought about visiting our capital city Cardiff for a weekend break?

We’ve got some great ideas for things you can do that won’t break the bank:

• Grab yourself a bargain in the January sales
  Visit the new St David’s shopping arcade in Cardiff with big name stores like John Lewis you’re sure to find a little bargain for yourself.

• Free art exhibitions
  The Museum of Cardiff is great for families and art lovers. The fantastic gallery currently has two special exhibitions showing Rembrandt in Focus and Picasso – Still Life with Poron.  All our National Museum’s in Wales are free to enter too!

• Warm up with a good cuppa tea and piece of cake
  The Waterloo Gardens Teahouse in Penylan Cardiff has won the title of best independent café in the UK. Serving teas from award winning estates and featuring exhibitions from local artists it’s definitely worth a visit.

• See a west end show at the Wales Millennium Centre
  If you love the glamour of a west end show then get down to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. See the world’s longest running musical Les Misérables or the classic Chicago.

More things to do in January
Find accommodation in Cardiff
Special offers in Cardiff
Search more events in Cardiff

The old, authentic victorian style shopping in Cardiff

Cardiff – A mix of old and new

If you’re looking for somewhere new to do this year’s Christmas shopping, Cardiff is the place to go. The Welsh capital has recently risen from 10th to 6th in a list of the UK’s best retail centres and it’s easy to see why.

There are many Victorian and Edwardian arcades to meander down, notably the Grade II listed Castle Arcade, Duke Street Arcade and Morgan Arcade. The St David’s Two Centre, an extension to the pre-existing St David’s Centre, has also recently been opened in the city. Cardiff is also home to Queen Street, the Capitol Centre, Howell’s department store and John Lewis, Wales’ largest department store.

The new, huge John Lewis

In Cardiff there are many Welsh-made Christmas presents on offer if you’re after something a little bit different. You can find modern Welsh gifts, such as rugby strips, Penderyn spirits and Brains beer. Traditional Welsh gifts include carthens (a type of blanket), jewellery, a variety of cheeses and Welsh cakes.

Welsh cakes were traditionally made on a bakestone over an open fire, and offer a tempting taste of Wales. These flat circular cakes are sold in shops across the city, notably in the Fabulous Welsh Cakes shop in Cardiff Bay, which was highly commended in the recent True Taste Awards. Jo Roberts, the owner of the shop said: “Welsh cakes are authentic, traditional products of the country and they taste delicious.” Cakes from here make perfect Christmas presents, as they are available packaged and in gift bags to offer to loved ones. They are also sold in the shape of stars and Christmas trees and in a festive spice flavour.

Love spoons

If you’re after a more romantic present how about a Welsh love spoon? Men traditionally carved love spoons from wood and gave them to their beloved as a sign of their affection. St Fagan’s National History Museum houses a love spoon that dates from the late seventeenth century, and is the earliest existing example of such. Different designs denote various things, with a heart symbolising love, a bell a wedding and a diamond luck and affluence. Welsh love spoons are available in shops across the city, such as Castle Welsh Crafts on Castle Street. If you want a twist on the traditional, stainless steel love spoons made in West Wales are available from Craft in the Bay in Cardiff Bay.

If you prefer jewellery, you can buy gifts made from Welsh gold at Clive Ranger in the Castle Arcade, Paul Gentile jewellers in the Capitol Shopping Centre and Christopher George in the Queen’s Arcade.

Carthen

There is also the carthen, a traditional Welsh fringed creation used as a blanket and bedspread, if the winter months have left you feeling chilly. Crafts in the Bay sells carthens made in Wales.

High Spirits

In Cardiff you can also find a Christmas tipple in the form of Brains beer and whisky from Penderyn. Penderyn whisky is produced by Wales’ only distillery. The company’s products have received a variety of accolades from the International Wines and Spirits Competition, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine.

Welsh cheeses, such as Caerphilly, Llanboidy and produce from the Snowdonia Cheese Company are also renowned and make a tasty accompaniment to Christmas day. If you’ve got a cheesy Christmas in mind, you can head to Wally’s Delicatessen in the Royal Arcade, which stocks a variety of cheeses, including some from the Snowdonia Cheese Company.

Wales is also well known for its rugby, with the Cardiff Blues based in the capital, and the Newport Gwent Dragons and the Ospreys nearby. You can buy a variety of shirts, shorts and rugby balls from sports shops in the city if you’re shopping for a rugby fan.

The city has much to offer when it comes to the tasty, the traditional, the moreish and the modern. If you’re after a Welsh twist with your tinsel, then Cardiff is the place to be.

Article by Hannah Carr

We would suggest arriving by more conventional methods (photo: 'tardis on top of the millenium centre' by shining darkness)

Choose the right UK City Break at the right time

Timing, they say,  is everything. The old saying, “right place at the right time” could never be more true.

August 2009 is the time, and the location that seems to be vying for the title of ‘right place’ is Cardiff. Why?

More Special Offers and Promotions than you can shake a sonic screwdriver at.

www.visitcardiff.com together with the Cardiff’s best hotels have got together some great deals. There is a a voucher book packed with money off ideas and they have even wangled a ‘two for one kids deal’ out of Arriva Trains.

What type of offers?

A quick scan of the vouchers available reveal that there is something in there that should tempt most people. Apart from the accommodation offers (with top brands like The Hilton and St Davids Hotel and Spa) there are also promotions that offer money off deals on Entry to Attractions, Retail and Food and Drink.

Plan and Book your August City Break Now

Details of the Cardiff Amazing August Promotions

101 ideas for your break or weekend in Cardiff

All the latest news from Visit Cardiff

To find out more about Whats on in Wales – try Visit Wales and Whats on in Wales

360 degree view of test venue - Freddie Yauner

The Art of Cricket was the title of a famous work by renowned cricketer, Don Bradman.

Now Art and Cricket are being brought together via two new Artists Commissions in Wales.

Two Talented Artists, Laura Thomas and Freddie Yauner have been commissioned to celebrate the 2009 npower Ashes Series in Wales.

The first commission, The Ashes Vessel Commission, will celebrate the prowess of a Wales based crafts person to create the Wales npower Ashes Test Commemorative Vessel.

The idea for this comes from the origins of the Ashes series when English cricket was “cremated” and presented in a funerary urn which then became the symbolic Trophy played for in Test matches between England and Australia ever since.

Ashes Vessel to be presented to Australians

To mark the occasion of the first Ashes Test to be played in Wales, a unique commemorative vessel is to be created using the talents of contemporary crafts for which Wales has a growing international reputation.  The vessel will be formally presented to the Australian delegation at the time of the Ashes Test.

Its eventual home is planned to be in an Australian public art museum where it will recall the friendship extended by the People of Wales on hosting the Australians on this significant occasion.

Laura Thomas – working on an Ashes vessel

“I was really excited to be invited to submit a proposal for this prestigious commission, and then absolutely thrilled to be awarded the project.  The brief has made me approach my work in a new way: most of the sculptural pieces I have made in the past have been very simple geometric forms containing complex textile structures.  For the Ashes commission the inspiration was drawn from the concept of the ’spin’ on a bowled cricket ball.  As a result I have designed a twisted acrylic form which encapsulates twisted hand woven ribbons.  This layering of ‘twists’ and ’spins’ will create a dramatic and visually intriguing artwork that will change as you view it from different vantage points.”

Second Commission

The second commission, The Ashes Residency Commission, was open to any artist or artists working together nationally or internationally to realise a permanent artwork to be sited at the home of Glamorgan Cricket in Cardiff.

Artists were invited to submit ideas, which would lead to an artwork deriving from a residency period leading up to and during the npower Ashes Test in July.

Yauner - 'Scud like' toaster achievement

The panel selected the talented young artist, Freddie Yauner, who graduated last year from the Royal College of Art.  Freddie, who is based in London, designs eye catching products and installations. He made news headlines last year after creating a piece of art which broke the world record for the greatest height attained by a slice of toast popping out of a toaster as part of his degree project!

Now the artist will begin work on his commission, a specially designed piece of work to commemorate the npower Ashes.

On receiving this accolade, Freddie said:

“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity, it’s particularly exciting for me as I love cricket!  To spend two months researching the heritage and future of the sport, the technology being used and the Ashes, all within the context of a vibrant multicultural city like Cardiff, is a dream project for me.”

The Ashes starts this Wednesday at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.