Category Archives: The City

The City, Whats on

Cardiff – join Spring Clean Cymru 2024!

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Is your Cardiff street like my Cardiff street? Littered with an assortment of kebab wrappers, empty baggies, and recycling bags stuffed full of actual waste that your neighbours keep leaving out? Keep Wales Tidy have got you.

They’re arranging Spring Clean Cymru on 15-31 March 2024 – and calling on people across Wales to join forces to collect and safely dispose of litter from our streets, green spaces and beaches.

The plan? Join in and pledge to pick up as much litter as you can during the campaign. You might choose to pick up just one bag, or you could set yourself a goal of collecting as many as you can.

Last year, an incredible 7,000 #LitterHeroes collected more than 4,000 bags of litter and recycling. Can we do even better in 2024? I could probably do that just from my street in Butetown. COME ON CARDIFF WE GOT THIS!

Whether you’re an avid litter picker or this is your first time joining for a community litter pick, pledge to pick up a bag – or more – today!

REGISTER YOUR CLEAN UP NOW!

More info:

Keep Wales Tidy – Spring Clean Cymru website

Keep Wales Tidy Facebook

Keep Wales Tidy Instagram

The Arts, Whats on

“Is this a dream or reality?” Dream State go on tour with As December Falls across Europe and the UK

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Words & photography by: Chloe Jackson-Nott

After having the privilege of seeing Dream State support Funeral For A Friend in Cardiff’s Utilita Arena, we needed to take the opportunity to see them live their dreams on tour with As December Falls. We managed to catch them during their show in Bristol SWX with other support act Lizzy Farrall.

Lead singer, Jessie Powell, has only been with the band for approximately a year since taking over CJ Gilpin. She has achieved incredible things in this past year and 2024 is looking even brighter for Dream State. The band had a reshuffle of members with CJ Gilpin and Rhys Wilcox’s departure, leaving Aled Evans as the remaining original member. He gathered together a team which included Jessie Powell, Jake Bowen and Tom Connolly. Dream State are a Welsh power force not to be reckoned with.

During their set with at Bristol, the band got the crowd worked up. The energy in the room was static and electrifying. As the music pulsed through the venue, crowd surfer after crowd surfer rode over the barrier channeling the adrenaline of the night ahead.

The physical manifestation of the collective energy and shared passion for the music in that room was incredible. You could see as every person that surfed to the front, they felt safe to do so in that environment and that Dream State felt adored and impassioned by the fans were so involved. Both Aled and Jessie also got involved by hopping into the audience to continue their set. Aled with his guitar to create a circle pit around him as he shredded out the song, and Jessie opening up the crowd with the audience admiring her eclectic vibe. Jessie looks sweet and innocent but then she brings out that devilish powerhouse scream and it’s a completely different aesthetic. It’s incredible to say the least!

Dream State have recently announced some very exciting things for 2024 including a featured slot on a stage at 2000 Trees and a headline tour! They’ll be on tour in March and April followed by 2000 Trees in July. Find tickets for The Dream State tour.

Still Dreaming UK Tour 2024

March 28 – Swansea – Patti Pavilion
March 29 – Bristol – Lost Horizon
March 30 – Exeter – Cavern
April 1 – Oxford – The Bullingdon
April 2 – Liverpool – District
April 4 – Newcastle – Xerox
April 5 – Glasgow – Cathouse
April 6 – Sheffield – Corporation
April 7 – Manchester – Canvas
April 9 – Nottingham – Rescue Rooms
April 10 – Norwich – Waterfront Studio
April 11 – Northampton – The Black Prince
April 12 – Birmingham – Asylum
April 13 – Portsmouth – Takedown Festival

The City, The People, Whats on

Things to do on Christmas Day in Cardiff

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Nadolig Llawen to all you lovely, lovely folks out there. There have been a couple of useful posts in the Cardiff subreddit this week which I thought I’d share (and pull some info from) in case you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Day, a place to get coffee or food, or if you’re looking for something to eat and you’re on a low income or unwaged.

Here’s what we’ve found:

Lovely lovely Queer Emporium is open 16:30 – 19:00 for a couple of hours, for folks looking for somewhere warm and welcoming

The amazing Pink Kiwi is open and serving breakfast and lunch, coffee and cake free of charge 08:00-15:00.

Another amazing local organisation – Aubergine Cafe – are hosting Queersmas in Cathays, 14:00-20:00 – free to attend but you’re encouraged to book a ticket through their site (link in their Instagram)

Here are the two posts (more info about places that are open tomorrow on there. We also hear the following Cardiff Wetherspoons are open from 11-15:00 – The Ivor Davies, The Ernest Willows, The Aneurin Bevan, The Mount Stuart):

ANYWHERE OPEN FOR A CHRISTMAS DAY COFFEE? (opens in reddit)

CHRISTMAS (opens in reddit)

If you know of anything else that’s happening tomorrow, please do leave notes in the comments.

Whatever you’re doing, we send love and vibes, and genuine hopes for peace.

WAC x

The Arts, Whats on

In It Together Festival announces line-up for 2024!

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Wales’ biggest festival ‘In It Together’ returns for a third year – Sugababes, Dizzee Rascal & Rag’n’Bone Man announced as headliners for 2024.

Words & Photography: Chloe Jackson-Nott

In It Together Festival will return to Old Park Farm, Margam in May 2024. Alongside the big three headliners over the weekend, they will be joined on stage with other names like Eurovision and Tik Tok star Sam Ryder, Newton Faulkner, Scouting For Girls, Blue and many many more!

Based in Wales, this festival is known for championing Welsh music and this year they continue to give local artists and names a place on their big stage. Artists like Eleri, Banshi, Niques, Half Happy and ADJUA have been given the opportunity to perform in front of a potential 50,000 people over the course of that weekend. An opportunity that doesn’t come lightly for smaller local artists from the Welsh valleys.

I spoke to these few artists and asked how they felt about being able to be part of In It Together:

“I’m feeling really excited about my first In It Together festival! I can’t wait to see all the amazing artists on the line-up as well!” – ADJUA

“I’m so excited to be playing In It Together again after playing at the first one in 2022. It’s amazing to have a festival of that scale bringing big artists to Wales, and the Paddock Stage with local artists alongside the big names is such a good idea!” – Eleri

“I used to want to perform at this festival and I set it as a goal to get on the line-up, so to be on it now feels so rewarding.” – Niques

Eleri photographed at Tramshed, Cardiff by Chloe Michelle Photography

Niques photographed at Porters, Cardiff by Chloe Michelle Photography

Encouraging local music artists is crucial for fostering a diverse and vibrant cultural landscape. These emerging talents often bring fresh perspectives and innovative sounds that may go unnoticed in mainstream channels. Supporting them not only helps nurture creativity but also contributes to the preservation of unique regional identities.

In It Together have selected more than fifty Welsh artists alongside their star-studded line-up in a celebration of Cymru’s grassroots talent. This grassroots support fosters a sense of community, encouraging a cycle of artistic inspiration that ultimately enriches the global music scene.

Looking to treat yourself or someone you love for Christmas? Grab a weekend ticket for In It Together 2024.

The Arts, Whats on

MINAS MINAS MINAS

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Okay so full disclosure, we are huge Minas fans over here. And we may be biased, but we think his artistic takeover at CULTVR on 17-18 November is going to be VIBES and you should buy tickets IMMEDIATELY if not sooner.

MINAS: WAITING ROOM @CULTVR

An immersive, story-driven live event by genre-busting Welsh Music Prize nominee, Minas.

Fresh off the back of a triumphant UK tour and Sŵn Festival closing set, and a Welsh Music Prize nomination for his debut solo album, All My Love Has Failed Me, Cardiff-based artist Minas presents Waiting Room – a narrative-led event featuring live music, 360-degree visuals and live performance.

The two-night Soundspace Sessions event at groundbreaking digital arts centre CULTVR is supported by Welsh Government, Cardiff Council and Cardiff Music Board and forms part of Cardiff Council’s Music Strategy.

Act One, on November 17th 2023, will feature live music from Tamarebi, Lily Webbe, Freddy Forbidden, Foxxglove, Half Happy as well as Minas himself.

Act Two, on the following night (November 18th) will see Grove, Shlug, Minas, Sorry Stacy, Razkid, Mogan, and Spit Hood perform, as well as a DJ set from Gemiiniize.

Speaking about the event, James Minas, said: “I’m so gassed about this event, it’s a chance to do something on a different scale to anything I’ve done before.

“I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s going to be kind of intense.

“The creatives I’ve been working with to put this all together have been immense, so talented and together I think we’ve created something that takes what we do live to a whole new level.”

DETAILS:

Friday 17th November:
Doors open: 6.30pm
Starts: 7pm
ACT 1 – Tamaraebi / Lily Webbe / Freddy Forbidden / Foxxglove / Half Happy / Minas
Finish time: 11pm

Saturday 18th November:
Doors open: 5pm
Starts: 5.30pm
ACT 2 – Grove / SHLUG / Minas / Sorry Stacy / Razkid / MOGAN / Spit Hood / Gemiiniize (DJ) Finish time: 12am

Tickets: One day ticket is £10 – full weekend £15
Concessions: £5 per day.

Buy tickets at the CULTVR website

See you pon the dancefloor…

The Arts, Whats on

Llais Festival – ‘A Festival of Voice’

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Llais Festival – ‘A Festival of Voice’ – Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Photography: Chloe Jackson-Nott
Words: Chloe Jackson-Nott

A festival inspired by the instrument that connects us all – the voice

“Llais is Cardiff’s international arts festival, bringing artists and audiences together for incredible live music, thought-provoking performance and inspirational talks.”

Llais Festival began back in 2016 which saw a line-up of Van Morrison, Charlotte Church and Hot Chip. Last years line-up saw artists Cate Le Bon, Midlake and Pussy Riot take to the stage. For 2023, Llais Festival is bringing along The Staves, Bat For Lashes, Gwenno and many more!

(You might recognise Gwenno from the side of Clwb Ifor Bach on Womanby Street as a 38 metre mural!)

During the weekend of October 14-15, we managed to catch the sets of: Angharad Davies, Angeline Morrison, Gwenno, Clare Marie Bailey and Elaha Soroor. What a fantastic mixture of international sound and culture.

Angharad Davies – a Welsh experimental violinist demonstrating a psychedelic experience for the audience in the Cabaret bar. Angharad slowly approached the stage and setting the expectations of her performance. She performed a 52-minute solo violin piece from her single track album titled “Gwneud a Gwneud Eto / Do and Do Again.” The performance provided the room with a sense of meditation and enchantment. Angharad describes the violin as particularly intimate with an endless wealth of possibilities. The low repetitive drones and variety of high pitched scratches truly provided the audience with the psychedelic experience they were promised.

Angeline Morrison – with a focus on storytelling, Angeline performs elements of soul music, folklore, myth and the supernatural. Angeline Morrison’s 2022 album, The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience was voted Number One Folk Album of the Year in The Guardian. Angeline shared a touching story with the audience about how she was very close with her grandfather who had dementia. Her hypnotic performance interacted with the audience through precise storytelling. The audience were applauding the end of each song ready for the next.

Gwenno – this was a one- off performance exclusive to Llais Festival, titled ‘Tair Ton | Teyr Ton | Three Waves.’ We were told to expect a ‘sensory feast with added theatrics’ and that’s exactly what Gwenno treated us to. This performance celebrated her three albums with connecting themes and featured unheard live performances from her discography. Gwenno’s performance was filled with stunning lighting and graphics throughout giving the audience a show of visual satisfaction. The crowd came wearing their red hats and ready to be captivated with songs such as N.Y.C.A.W. and Men an Toll from her album, Tresor. Gwenno was a perfect wrap up act on Sunday at Llais Festival bringing along Welsh culture and voice at its finest.

Whats on

Cardiff hidden gems: Technicolour presents ATLANTIS

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For those tune lovers seeking out a night of solid entertainment in the city, we heartily recommend a night spent with Technicolour – the choir that brings you shows like no other!

Whether you’re seriously into musical theatre or a casual lover of a good sing-along, the Technicolour events are one of Cardiff’s best secret nights out. Think immersive theatre meets club night – a bit like Secret Cinema on a more intimate scale.

You’ll experience the power of a 120-member strong choir remixing show tunes, layering in their own special harmonies, and bringing you new fresh versions of classics. Their shows are colourful, vibrant, and full of energy.

For their next performance ATLANTIS (Sat 3 June, Cardiff Student Union – Atlantis tickets here), Technicolour invite you to get your glitter on and travel to a magical underwater kingdom, where you’ll be entertained by a rollercoaster of energetic vocal performances (think your favourite musical theatre hits – but in mash-up style). Then get your dancing shoes on for the afterparty, where the DJ spins up-beat party tunes and the festivities go all night long.

Each show is a unique experience (you’ll never see the same show twice), and the choir uses a variety of venues across the city to match the vibe of the performance.

Want to see a taste of what’s to come? Here’s a sneek peak at past show Masquerade …

Event details:

TECHNICOLOUR CHOIRS PRESENT: ATLANTIS

Saturday 3 June, Great Hall, Cardiff Student Union (19:00 – 23:00)
Tickets £15 (ATLANTIS tickets available from Eventbrite)

More links:
Technicolour Choirs – website
Technicolour Choirs – Facebook
Technicolour Choirs – Instagram

Whats on

From New York to Paris with the Sinfonia of London: live review, by Natasha Gauthier

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St David’s Hall has found itself in the centre of public debate lately, as news broke last week that Cardiff Council was considering a proposal from a private firm, Academy Music Group, to take over ownership of the beloved concert venue. As of this writing, more than 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for St. David’s to be protected as a vital performance space for classical music in the heart of Cardiff.

On Monday November 28, as if to reinforce its importance to Cardiff’s vibrant cultural scene, St David’s hosted the Sinfonia of London, billed as a “super orchestra” of top musicians hand-picked by artistic director John Wilson. Originally established in 1955 chiefly as a recording orchestra, Wilson revived the orchestra in 2018 and in a few short years has propelled it to sold out concerts across the UK, not to mention reviews so universally gushing that they border on the hyperbolic. (The Sinfonia of London is not to be confused with the City of London Sinfonia– a case of absurdly confusing nomenclature worthy of a Monty Python skit). 

Opening with William Walton’s boisterous comedy-overture Scapino, Wilson and his musicians established their trademark bold attack and swaggering virtuosity right off the bat. Walton composed the work in 1941 as a commission for the Chicago Symphony, home to one of the world’s great brass sections, and the Sinfonia brass negotiated the spirited music with ease. Wilson’s approach to conducting is remarkably economical and un-showy; like a master jockey, he can control this powerhouse ensemble with the lightest touch, and mostly knows how to stay out of their way.

The Sinfonia’s feel for panache and razzle-dazzle was on full display for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Joining the ensemble was 26-year old British pianist Martin James Bartlett. Bartlett certainly has technical chops and musical charm to spare, but his Gershwin felt over-thought and overwrought. His playing was fussy and precious, with odd rubato choices that he perhaps thought sounded more “jazzy”. The sexiest, most impressive versions of the Rhapsody happen when the pianist relaxes into the pocket of the music, letting Gershwin’s bluesy growls and soaring skyscraper melodies speak for themselves.

The balance of the program was devoted to works by the French impressionists Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. For this refined repertoire, Wilson’s approach needed more polish and shimmering French elegance. In both Ravel’s Valses Nobles et Sentimentales and Debussy’s La Mer, his focus on rhythm and impulsion created a sense of drama and cinematic excitement (at one point his baton went flying into the viola section), but it was too often at the expense of more nuanced orchestral colour and patient, sustained legato. The rarely performed original version of Ravel’s Bolero, composed in 1928 for the flamboyant Ballets Russes dancer Ida Rubinstein, sounded glaringly Spanish rather than achieving a more subtle effect of Spain viewed through a Frenchman’s wineglass. Some of the orchestral solos missed the mark here, in particular the tenor and soprano saxophones. Still, there was no denying the musicians’ visible enjoyment in performing this satisfying work, nor Wilson’s skill in allowing the dynamic tension to build until its explosive final flourish. 

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Natasha Gauthier has been writing about classical music in Canada and the US for more than 25 years. She is the former classical music critic for the Ottawa Citizen, in Ottawa, Canada. She currently writes for Early Music America Magazine, Opera Canada and Ludwig Van, among other online and print publications. In June she was a teaching fellow at the Rubin Institute for Music Criticism at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She moved to Cardiff in September 2022 to complete a postgraduate degree at Cardiff Uni. When not attending concerts, she spends her free time here breathing in the sea air, admiring the clouds, learning Cymraeg and trying to make friends with the magpies. 

The City

Cardiff – the NHS needs your blood!

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Cardiff! Blood stocks across Wales are dropping. The Welsh Blood Service are looking for your help!

DID YOU KNOW – ONE BLOOD DONATION CAN SAVE UP TO SIX PREMATURE BABIES???

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TO GIVE BLOOD NOW!

Is giving in your blood? We need to give at least 350 donations of blood everyday to keep up with demand from hospitals in Wales. Did you know that a single donation can be broken down into its different components, so it can be used in various ways? These components all have differing life spans, which is why it’s important that we keep on giving! This is how long different parts of your blood will last after donation…

  • Platelets/White cells – 7 days
  • Red Cells – 35 days
  • Plasma can be frozen for up to two years.

Crazy blood stats, right??

Someone somewhere in Wales needs your help – they need your blood! The process usually takes around 15 minutes, and the Welsh Blood Service always have a full staff of very nice people on hand to accompany you through every part of the process, so there’s no need to be nervous!

Also when you’re done you get to enjoy a cup of squash and a Club! (*other sweet treats are also available, but my personal favourite is a Mint Club, in case anyone’s wondering)…

The Welsh Blood Service aims to have at least seven days worth  of different blood types in stock. As you can see, a couple of different blood types are low …

Blood stock levels 04-05-2021

DON’T DELAY! MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TO GIVE BLOOD TODAY 🙂

See also:

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The City

#blacklivesmatter Cardiff resources and round up

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So. There’s a lot going on. (I feel like I’ve said that multiple times, like way more times than I should have said it, since the start of this year?? Anyway.) Just wanted to round up some resources and events taking place that might be of interest at the mo.

BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTESTS

You may have noticed a couple of #BlackLivesMatter protests taking place in Cardiff this week. If you are attending a protest, please remember to keep socially distanced, wear a mask, and take sunblock and water to keep hydrated. Follow Black Lives Matter Cardiff on Facebook for more information.

Also be careful when taking photos of participants at protests –  try and respect people who don’t want to be in photos or filmed. VICE US have a good article about protecting your digital privacy while protesting (but remember it’s written for an American audience).

This public Google Doc – How to support black lives in the UK – was made by @perkin_amalaraj specifically for a British audience, and has a useful list of online resources for learning about the history of slavery, colonialism and racism – including a number of free online courses.

If you’d like to undertake more reading, try this: Anti-racism resources for white allies (compiled by one of the BLM organisers – info ranges from articles to read, to anti-racism books for children, to anti-racism film recommendations).

BLACK MUSIC WALES PLAYLIST

Something nice to listen to: this Black Music Wales playlist on Spotify. TASTY! Featuring tunes from Aleighcia Scott, Eadyth, Wibidi, DJ Jaffa, and more!

LISTEN TO SHREDS

This is the second time in a week we’re mentioning the BBC Sounds podcast Shreds by Ceri Jackson. But we really, really, REALLY recommend it. It’s an upsetting but vital listen about systemic police racism and corruption in Cardiff over the Lynette White case, which sparked off one of the biggest overhauls of the justice system in the UK. And it happened not far from where you live. Educate yourself and give it a listen.

COME TO THE PRIVILEGE CAFE

If you’re after something practical you can dial into from home, check out the Privilege Cafe. This virtual cafe is a safe space created by Mymuna Soleman, to make a new inclusive environment! Be empowered, be confident and let’s talk privilege! Their next event takes place 5pm on Thursday 4 June: Labels, Language and Linguistics.

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION / THINGS TO FOLLOW:

(not exhaustive obviously – please add more sources in the comments…)

Word from us here at WAC.

Remember we’re open to submissions about literally ANYTHING you want to write about – whether it’s just to talk to us about your community project, or write a poem about the city, or write us a Letter about being in Lockdown. We’re run on an entirely voluntary basis. What we are depends on what you want to write for us. So use that voice and send us your stuff.

Peas.

WAC
x

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Whats on

Bite! Cardiff – Food Festival returns to Insole Court, 27 July 2019

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Last year’s Bite! food festival was one of the highlights of our calendar. This year they’re returning, but with a new aim – sharing great food while reducing single-use plastics. Specially designed reusable cups will be available to buy at the bar (or order in advance)!

And now THIRTY incredible chefs are returning – bringing pop-up food at a street food price to the beautiful surroundings of Insole Court. They’ll all be creating a single dish each for just THREE POUNDS! Which means you can sweep the site and try loads of different dishes without busting the bank or your belt.

BITE! FOOD FESTIVAL – INSOLE COURT, CARDIFF – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

SATURDAY 27 JULY, 11AM – 9PM

BITE FESTIVAL – FACEBOOK EVENT

FOLLOW @BITECARDIFF

WHO’S GONNA BE COOKING …

  • Simon Wright, Wrights Food Emporium
  • Tommy Heaney, Heaneys & Uisce
  • Darren Lewis, Joyful Jar Company
  • Michelle Evans, Paternoster Farm
  • Jamie O’ Leary, JOLS
  • Ceri Johnston Bower, The Early Bird Bakery
  • Deri Reed, The Warren
  • Matt Waldron, Stackpole Inn
  • John Cook, EMBER
  • Tom O Sullivan, Spit & Sawdust
  • Tom Furlong & Gwyn Myring, Milkwood
  • Derw Robertson, Tan A Mwg
  • Andrew Gwynne, Gwynne’s Ice Cream
  • Jon White & Rosie Eastwood, The Two Anchors
  • Abi Dymmock, Jack & Amelie
  • Krish Pankaj, Keralan Karavan
  • Gareth Daw, Henry Webb’s Restaurant at St Mellon’s Hotel
  • Laurian Veaudour, Cocorico Patisserie
  • Vicky Crabtree, Shawarmarama
  • Stephen Terry, The Hardwick
  • Montserrat Prat, La Cuina
  • Antonio Simone, The Humble Onion
  • Nick Spann, Bao Selecta
  • Leyli Homayoonfar, Leyli Joon & Co.
  • Rob Haswell, Ceridwen Centre
  • Simmie Vedi, The Warden’s House
  • Sam Speller, Lazy Leek
  • Rhodri Evans, Pieporium
  • Lali Suto, Hoof
  • Debs Lewis, Dusty Knuckle

AND WHAT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO DRINK?

The 30 chefs and producers are joined by five great drinks providers. This year, Bite Cardiff has partnered with Freedom Brewery, a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).

Wrights Wines will also be serving a range of natural wines, and Skyborry will be offering a selection of Cider and Perry.

Both Little Man Coffee Co and The Handlebar Barista will be serving coffee – so don’t forget your re-usable mugs / flasks!

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE REUSABLE CUPS?

In an effort to cut down on waste this year and also avoid single use plastics, Bite are selling reusable cups for use at the bar. These will be on sale on the day for £3.50, or you can buy one in advance, for £3, by clicking here.

Buying a cup helps Bite to cover the costs of putting on the event, ensuring that it can be kept *free entry* for years to come. Purchasing one in advance will help speed up and lessen the queues at the bar on the day and mean you can fast track your way into the event. The cups can also be taken away as a memento and are dishwasher safe on the top shelf.

 CAN I BRING BLANKETS ETC? 

People are encouraged to take picnic blankets, and also, their own picnic crockery and cutlery if possible, as well as refillable water bottles.

IS THE EVENT CASH-ONLY? 

Yes – you will need cash to buy tokens (stickers) which can be exchanged for food. £3 = one token = one dish. This is to prevent chefs from having to handle cash on the day. The bars will run as normal (you won’t need tokens) but the whole event will be cash only.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE FOOD TOKENS? 

These can be bought from token stalls dotted throughout the festival. You can also pre-purchase these, on any day in the week before the festival, at the Insole Court visitor centre.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED? 

Yes, well behaved dogs on a lead.

  IS THERE PARKING ON SITE? 

Parking at Insole Court is reserved for festival staff and disabled drivers only. There will be a limited amount of Bite festival parking available at Rookwood Hospital, at Fairwater Road Llandaff Cardiff CF5 2YN.

Though some parking is available at Rookwood, we are encouraging people to use public transport to access the festival as much as possible. The nearest buses that operate between Cardiff city centre and Insole Court are the 66, 25, 62 or 63 (operated by Cardiff Bus) and the 122 or 124 (operated by Stagecoach).

Insole Court is approximately a 25-minute bus ride from Cardiff city centre, and a 10-minute walk from Victoria Park.

Alternatively, the nearest train station is Fairwater. Insole Court is 500m from the Fairwater Road exit.

The main cycle routes to Insole Court are:

·      From Cardiff Bay via the Ely Trail.

·      From Cardiff city centre via the Taff Trail.

Bike parking is located near the Visitors’ Centre / in the car park.

For more information, visit: https://www.insolecourt.org/visit

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Whats on

Looking for a fun, inclusive choir? Join Technicolour!

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In today’s interview, we meet Patrick Steed, the Musical Director for Technicolour – a new, inclusive choir that practises every week in Chapter Arts Centre. And they have a concert on Friday 28 June! If you’re into musicals and pop mashups, get along to their concert this Friday!

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Q. Hello Patrick! So tell us – what’s your story?

A. Cardiff has been my home since 2005 when I came here for Uni. I live here with my amazing fiancé – Matt – and after being in Wales for 14 years now, I feel I’m a Welshman! I’m a musician with a massive passion for musical theatre and choirs. I’ve been leading choirs here for 11 years. I’ve worked as a composer and lyricist for musicals such as Stalking John Barrowman, Blink! and I’ve been composer in residence for Hello Cabaret for the past three years! Musical theatre songs have the capacity for such emotional depth and invite the audience to step into a moment with a character. That’s why I love what I do!

Q. What’s your favourite musical?

A. It changes on a fairly regular basis – there are so many fantastic musicals to choose from! I absolutely love ‘Hamilton’ and it’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda is an absolute genius. Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, The Last Five Years, Wicked and anything Disney also hold a special place in my heart.

Q. Why did you create Technicolour?

A. I love musicals. I love epic harmonies. I love festivals. I love clubbing. I love glitter. And I thought, wouldn’t it amazing if I could turn everything I love into a choir? Our tagline is #musicalsremixed – and we love putting a twist on conventional ideas. That’s why we mix up Chicago with Dua Lipa and Wicked with Ella Eyre. And that’s why our gigs feel more like club nights that concerts! We’ve got 90 members in less than a year and more joining next season – which makes me think I’m not the only person to love musicals, epic harmonies, festivals, clubbing and glitter!!!

Q. What’s next for Technicolour?

A. ‘Life in Technicolour’ – our summer gig – is fast approaching! It’s all inspired by The Wizard of Oz and uses music from an eclectic range of musicals – everything from West Side Story, to RENT to The Lion King to reimagine the classic tale. We’re taking over Tramshed and turning it into an Oz inspired wonderland! And the amazing Disco Motel will be getting us dancing until the early hours! It’s all happening on Friday 28th June from 8pm at Tramshed – there’s still some tickets available @ www.tramshedcardiff.com

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