Cardiff Uncovered

We're all going on a Summer Holiday

2010-08-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year folks. London is teeming with tourists and it's time to escape. The French and Germans have got it right. A mass exodus in the month of August. Why don't we do the same here?

I'm weighing up destinations at the moment and i've come up with a top 5 list, so without further delay, here goes:

- Barcelona (swelteringly hot this time of year, but a cracking city and flights are cheap)
- Nice, France (Expensive, but again very accessible)
- Cape Town, South Africa (Always wanted to go. Supposed to be amazing surf but it is their winter)
- The Amalfi Coast, Italy (My front runner at the moment. It seems to be mentioned on every travel blog i look at!
- Cornwall, UK (Meh.... not sure about staying in the UK, but this is my ultra budget option)

So what do we think? Galavanting in Spain, Surfing in Cornwall or wine tasting in Italy. So much choice....

Coach and Horses

2010-01-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

This is a linking test for Pubs in Clapham. The Coach and Horses Clapham (one of the best pubs in London!)

Big Wok!

2009-07-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

Worth checking out Big Wok in Nottingham. Excellent noodles, stir fry and other asian treats. Highly recommended!

MUSICAL TREAT for OPERA LOVERS

2008-04-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

When: Wednesday 21st May 2008 - 7:30pm
Where: O' SOLE MIO Restaurant, 53, Crwys Road, CARDIFF, CF24 4ND.
If you enjoy OPERA and GOOD AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE, prepare to be serenaded by Operatic Arias and Neapolitan Favourites.
Entertainment will be provided by artists from Dennis O’Neill’s Cardiff International Academy of Voice.This event is in support of George Thomas Hospice Care.Ticket price: £35 per person.Contact: Sharon Owen, George Thomas Hospice Care, 029 20524150 or email Sharon at Sharon.owen@george-thomas-hospice.org.uk

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage

2008-04-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

When: Friday 16th May 2008 -> Saturday 17th May 2008 - Various Times
Where: Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ
Thomas the tank engine and friends perform 4 live shows at the CIA this May. Sure to be popular with the kids!
Tickets available from £11.50 for the following dates. Click on a date to view availability:

Friday 16th May 5pm
Saturday 17th May 11am
Saturday 17th May 2pm
Saturday 17th May 5pm

Berkeley Birthday Concert

2008-04-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

When: Tuesday 13th May 2008 - 7pm
Where: Weston Gallery, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff
As part of the College’s celebrations of Michael Berkeley’s 60th birthday, the College present an evening of music for solo instruments and chamber ensembles, including Among the Lillies, Music for Chaucer and Catch me if you can.
7pm,Weston Gallery £5, £3

Celebrity Piano recital

2008-04-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

When: Thursday 8th May 2008 - 5.15pm - pre concert buffet supper 6pm - recital 7.30 book presentation
Where: RWCMD
Celebrity Piano Recital featuring Boris Berman on Piano playing works by Prokofiev
Preceeded by a light supper, enjoy an early evening recital given by this internationally acclaimed musician, followed by an opportunity to meet Mr Berman who will introduce his latest book on the works of Prokofiev.

CSS - MTV Spanking New Music

2008-04-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

When: Monday 5th May 2008 - 7:30pm
Where: Cardiff University Students Union, Place Park, Cardiff City Centre, CF10 3QN

Brazilian funksters CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy) come to Cardiff as part of MTV's Spanking New Music tour. They'll also be joined by New York's hottest new group MGMT and Sunderland boys The Futureheads.

Also appearing as part of the MTV Spanking New Music Tour are The Zutons who play the previous night.

Tickets available for £15

House Heaven 2008

2008-04-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday 3rd May 2008 - 10pm til 5am
Where: Q Bar, 2 Greyfriars Road, by Oceanas, Cardiff
GLAM MEETS UNDERGROUND FOR A TRULY FABULOUS NIGHT. All this for only a FIVER. A PROPER NIGHT OUT.
Always check the www.househeaven.biz for each week’s listings.Wales’ best dance weekly.House Heaven was the talk of 2007. From zero to the one of the most visited club nights in Wales in just a few months. A true phenomenon.House Heaven has the well deserved reputation for great music, great people, great times - every time.Famous for playing and performing the best in uplifting dance music, new and old that will have you literally dancing your proverbial socks of. Everyone knows that House Heaven is where the music loving clubber comes first!!!What really makes House Heaven is the fantastic “congregation.” Beautiful girls, fun fellas. A great mix of fun, welcoming, exciting people out for a great night and who love a great party and wicked music.House Heaven blaized a trail Having had the likes of Judge Jules along with Time Flies, Cool House, SUMO, the Hippo Allstars alongside the fantastic House Heaven Team headed by Paul Lyons, John Lenney Junior (BBC), and renowned awesome live percussionist Daymo. The house heaven team with the hand picked residents Richie V (Radio One Extra) and Alex Gorman deliver the very best truly excellent Welsh musical talent that is literally second to none.HOUSE HEAVEN- THE RESURRECTION-The second coming.The new season for 2008.This time we have invested much more and crafted the club to completely enhance your clubbing experience. A new dance floor with the literally the best and biggest system in Cardiff to give superb, beautiful clear sound.After the £1m+ refit, the first House Heaven refit, the venue has now been made even better. Two full floors, not just rooms, refitted booths, and wonderful new chill out area.The now famous dark room has been refitted, refloored, redocorated and is ready for another season. The awesome sound system completely refurbed. It’s ready………………And now new entire storey with a new dance floor with the literally the best and biggest system in Cardiff to give superb, beautiful clear sound. With the House Heaven Team, the very best in live percussion and the awesome congregation. You will absolutely love it, I promise.

See you there!

Oxjam Cardiff Chill 2008

2008-04-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

When: Monday 28th April 2008 - Starts at 22:00; should finish by around midnight
Where: Glo Bar, Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2DW
Oxjam Cardiff Chill returns to the city of Cardiff for a third festival.
This year’s festival will be taking place in Glo Bar, Churchill Way (just off Queen Street, Cardiff city centre) on Monday 28th April 2008 at 10pm.The night will feature bands including Rachel Taylor-Beales and Two StrungOut.There will also be a raffle.All money raised from the event will go to Oxfam.Please note: this event is open to over 18s only.

take a look

Greggs Fun Run!

2008-04-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

Held in Cardiff on Sunday the 11th May - The Greggs Fun Run.

This Fun Run is to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Ward at the University of Wales Hospital.

The event starts at 9:30am and is a 5km course with a shorter 1km course happening.

The event will be held at Bute Park in Cardiff. There will be goodies and medals for the people who take part.

I hope to see you all there!

RHS Spring Flower Show Cardiff

2008-03-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

The Annual Show features gardens, plants, talks and demonstrations and takes place in Bute Park from Friday 18 - Sunday 20 April 2008.

"This show kickstarts the gardening season with fresh blossoms, fun family activities and a taste of the trends to come over the next gardening year...."

http://www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff/2008/index.asp

City of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra

2008-03-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

When: Tuesday 29th April 2008 - 8pm

Where: St Augustine's Church, Penarth

CCSO Performing Schubert Unfinished Symphony

Cardiff's own Symphony Orchestra performs these inspirational four works at St Augustine’s Church, Albert Road, Penarth.

Joined by soloists David Probert (cor anglais) and Dean Wright (trumpet) from the Welsh National Opera, City of Cardiff Symphony Orchestra will be performing Aaron Copland's Quiet City.

To launch into spring, CCSO will also be performing Delius' First Cuckoo in Spring.

Dvorak's uplifting Czech Suite comprises five movements, based on a dance theme.

Arguably Schubert's greatest work, his Unfinished Symphony will complete this fascinating programme, performed by Cardiff's highly acclaimed Symphony Orchestra, CCSO.

Tickets are available at the door from 19:40 (£9 / £6 concessions), but it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment (029 20306696). Tickets can also be reserved by emailing justinhorton72@btinternet.com.

Menuhin Competition 2008

2008-03-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

When: Friday 11th April 2008 -> Sunday 20th April 2008

Where: RWCMD

The college is delighted to welcome the Menuhin Competition 2008 to Cardiff for the first time.

The competition brings over forty young violinists under the age of 22 together for over a week of rounds, concerts, workshops, seminars and masterclasses. The world-class jury will also perform concertos and chamber music in a range of venues around and about Cardiff, joined by outstanding Welsh musicians.

For more details on the full range of events, please see link below.

To request a competition leaflet, please call the RWCMD Box Office.

Menuhin Competition 2008 (http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/menuhin)

The Blue Planet Live!

2008-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

From: 12 April 2008

To: 13 April 2008

In St David's Hall, cardiff.

The Blue Planet Live! promises to be an extraordinary experience at St David's Hall.

The amazing natural history sensation from the BBC will have excerpts played on a gigantic screen with the incredible accompanyiong score played by a live full orchestra.

The scale of the Planet including wonderful underwater scenes will come to life in a unique way.

Time: 12 & 13 April - 7.30pm
St. David's Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff. CF10 1SH Tel: 029 2087 8444

Cardiff Devils v Sheffield Steelers

2008-03-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

On the 23 March 2008 - Elite League Ice Hockey.

The final scheduled home League fixture of the season welcomes great rivals the Sheffield Steelers.

Time: 23 March - FO 6pm

Venue: Ice Rink, Cardiff Bay Sports Village, Box Office 20382001

Devils: Cardiff Devils, Unit 12, Priority Busines Centre, Curran Rd, Cardiff CF10 5ND - Tel: 0845 434 9055

Visit the home of Doctor Who...

2008-03-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

You can spot the stars of Doctor Who filming in and around Cardiff for the next series, due on air early next year. Visit the Doctor Who Up-close exhibition in the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay to see Daleks and Cyberman - and pick up a map of Doctor Who filming locations.

Cancer Care Cymru 5K Canter & 1K Fun Run

2008-03-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

When: Sunday 6th April 2008 - 1K Fun Run 10.00am Start 5K Canter 10.30am Start

Where: Cardiff Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB

The Cancer Care Cymru 5K Canter (flat measured course) & 1K Fun Run

Cancer Care Cymru, once again holds its annual 5k Canter and Children’s fun run this April 6th 2008, starting and finishing in the grounds of Cardiff’s historic Castle. If you are not familiar with Cancer Care Cymru, our nurses give specialised support and care from the point of diagnosis of this devastating disease, are there all the way through the treatment process and give as much time as needed to both the patients and their families. They work in outpatient clinics and on hospital wards throughout South and more recently West Wales using their knowledge and expertise for the benefit of everyone they come into contact with. The enclosed pamphlet may give you a clearer understanding of the charity’s aims and ambitions.

Now in its third year the Cancer Care Cymru 5K Canter and Children’s Fun Run is an excellent Spring event for all to participate in and a great way to keep fit whilst raising vital funds via sponsorship for this very worthwhile cause

So why not take the plunge and enter yourself this year or if appropriate to do so, use this charity event as a team building occasion for your school, organisation or team? I have taken the liberty of enclosing a poster which I would ask you to display at your premise along with an entry form. These can be photocopied or further copies can be down-loaded from our website www.cancercarecymru.org

The Beach Boys

2008-03-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

When: Sunday 6th April 2008 - 7:30pm

Where: Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ

Summer must be on its way, because the Beach Boys are coming to town!

Tickets available for £36.50 on TicketMaster.co.uk

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

2008-03-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

The World's number 1 Pink Floyd tribute band comes to Cardiff. These guys are so good they were even asked to perform for a member of (the real) Pink Floyd. Back in 1996 they performed for David Gilmour at his 50th birthday celebrations.

When is this? - Thursday 3rd April 2008 - 8pm
where is this? - Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann Street, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ

Tickets available for £24.50 on TicketMaster.co.uk

Celebrity Spring Fashion Show at Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel

2008-03-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

"Come along to the Hilton Hotel on Monday the 10th March 08 at 7:15pm and enjoy a fabulous Celebrity Spring Fashion Show -compered by Mel Knight & Jason Harrold of Red Dragon! +after-show party at No.10 Mill Lane (celebrity DJ) Tickets £13 pp from:- Mrs Sharon Owen, George Thomas Hospice Care, CF14 7BQ. Phone :- 029 20524150"

For all you fashion fanatics this should be one for the books! Should be a pretty impressive evening and a unique experience to go on and check it out!

Masquerade Charity Ball

2008-03-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, Acquaintances and Randoms……please make way for a truly fun-tastic end of term event!!

On the 12th March, Fat Cat plays host to Barnardo’s charity MASQUERADE BALL, where were inviting you to come get masked up and celebrate the fact that Easter term is almost finished and all those assignments are handed in.

Dress code is smart, so you really do have the rare opportunity to dress up! Also on the night are prizes for best dressed couple (or male and female), Resident DJ, student drinks promo’s and a raffle with prizes including free beauty therapies, paintballing and alcohol.

The fun starts at 9pm in Fat Cat on Greyfriars road (by Oceana, Varsity etc) and will go on until the place kicks us out! Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

This is a charity event where all profits are in aid of the children’s Charity Barnardo’s, so come and give your support!

See you all there!!

Tickets are £3 advanced (£4 on the door)
Tickets available from Fat Cat

*Beautiful cheap masks available from www.partypacks.co.uk*

Party With Revolution This Christmas!

2007-12-19T05:21:00.000-08:00

On thursday the 20th of December is the launch party for Revolution in Cardiff.

Revolution is the house of vodka, and no one will be deprived of drink at the launch, since shots of ice cold vodka are free!

see you there!

All are Welcome, but it is advised to get there early to avoid queues!

Cardiff Revolution

The New Theatre, Whats on?

2007-12-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

New Theatre

Showing at the New Theatre at the moment is

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

Saturday 15 December - Saturday 26 January

Starring Lesley Joseph
Kai Owen
Andy Jones
Tony Wright
Adam Stafford
Gemma James

book tickets
Advisable to book as soon as possible

more information on this play

great for little kids! My family actually have tickets to go and see this, but luckily I got out of it, pantomime isn’t my thing!

Whats on at the Point?

2007-12-19T04:50:00.000-08:00

The Point

The Stereophonics, From the Jam, Manic Street Preachers, Steve Winwood, The Twang, the Super Furry Animals, Glen Tilbrook, Cerys Matthews, The Storeys, Roy Ayers, Candi Staton, Silver Jews, Nerina Pallot, Sandi Thom, Funeral for a Friend, Athlete, The Darkness and Asia – as well as diverse offerings such as Lightning Bolt, Seth Lakeman, Four Tet, Devandra Banhart, Robin Trower and Eddie & the Hot Rods

-These are only some of the bands which have rocked out in the Point, but it’s Christmas time, so it’s time to pull something big out of the bag, It all starts kicking off with

Friday, 21 December 2007, The Secret Garden Soundsystem Christmas Party Extravaganza The Secret Garden lot want you to become a party animal.
Genre: Jungle fun; Tickets: Buy tickets (£10adv)

Followed by

Saturday, 22 December 2007, The Point Presents Limehouse Lizzy plus special guests The Hyde Limehouse Lizzy are the only Thin Lizzy tribute band worth talking about.
Genre: Thin Lizzy Tribute Band; Tickets: Buy tickets (£10)

But, what are you doing this new years eve? Stuck for ideas? Well the Point has something to offer you

Monday, 31 December 2007, Bogiez New Years Eve Bash Celebrate New Years Eve in style by rocking out.
Genre: Bogiez will rock NYE; Tickets: Buy tickets (£10)

It’s just one big rock fest down in the gothic style venue in Cardiff Bay called the Point. The atmosphere is amazing and a once in a lifetime rock experience.

Christmas Events in St.Fagans National History Museum

2007-12-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone who comes to Wales for a small break should defiantly go and visit St.Fagans any time of the year! But St.Fagans has a much different atmosphere Christmas time. The wind and rain usually hits us hard around December so I would advise to dress warmly and take a waterproof coat just in case. Many events take place at St.Fagans to get people into the Christmas Spirit, plus all the other usual activities are available

Visiting Santa
Family’s get to take their children to see the very busy Santa Clause, he is located in the barn, you will receive a map of the area as soon as you arrive, I would advise going to see Santa first to avoid standing in the rain in what seems a never ending queue. Sitting by the fire, talking to Santa is the perfect way to start your Christmas. Santa is obviously welsh speaking and usually knows all the teachers at your primary school! I have been to see him nearly every year since I was about 5, obviously my present choices have matured as I have got older and this I year I asked for a black volkswagen Eos sport with insurance included. A photo of you and Santa are available from around £4 for a small Christmas memory.

Story Telling
A warm wood burning fire, hot spiced mulled wine, candles sparking through out the room in an late 18th centaury house while Christmas stories are told. This is a lovely event to attend and the stories are hourly so you can always come back for more! This is also a very good opportunity to shelter from the rain and take time to warm up and enjoy a hot beverage and maybe one or two mince pies. From year to year they change the venue for the story telling but as soon as you arrive at St.Fagan a listed guide is given to you so you can plan your evening.

Carol singing
Carol singing is available at an hourly service in the small chapel that is located near the entrance, this is great for children and so much fun to take part in! it really gives you a buzz for Christmas.

Remember to call into the Bakery and buy some delicious warm bread!

Also

The Gwalia Supply co. offers a wide selection of home made welsh food, and why not call into the tearoom above the store for a cup of mulled wine and a welsh cake!

These are only a few events that take place this time of year in St.Fagans, there is so much available for the whole family and really puts you in the Christmas mood, even if the wind is howling and the rain is poring!

Just one thing, watch out for the Marri Lwyd which wanders about the venue, that horse is one nasty piece of work!

Remember to visit st.Fagans shop on the way out, they have a selection of welsh toys, beers, clothes, food and many other trinkets. Visit the shop here.

Christmas @ Cardiff

2007-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again when Cardiff seems to glow as bright as the stars with it’s glistening Christmas lights and decorative Christmas trees. It feels magical wandering around the shops this time of year with a cup of hot chocolate and the sound of Christmas carols being sang while your warped up in your winter coat, it gives you a small buzz of excitement!

Over Christmas Cardiff offers many activities for the whole family. One of these is Winter Wonderland the ice skating rink located opposite City Hall. This is great fun, and is suitable for children from the age of 4 years since they offer a very wide range of ice skates.

St.David’s hall hosts many Christmas concerts for the old and young, some nights there will be the opportunity for children to join in and sing along to all those popular Christmas carols and other nights there will be a full orchestra and impressive choirs which fill the hall of St.David with the spirit of Christmas.

Because this time of year is very busy and can be stuffy and hectic trying to hunt down Christmas gifts can seem like hell on a Saturday afternoon so most of the shops in central Cardiff stay open until 8-9pm so it can be a bit more pleasurable going one night after work and not having to rush going in and out of shops, but to take your time and maybe enjoy a small drink in the HA HA bar/canteen which is located on the corner of Greyfriars road. You can also enjoy the sparkling of the Christmas lights in the city centre as you shop .

Cardiff at Christmas time is a truly wonderful place, it’s Christmas lights may not compare to some of the more impressive City’s in the United Kingdom, but it is certainly a little gem on the map!