Category Archives: The City

100 days in Cardiff – The Doors of St Mary’s

June 3, 2014 admin Leave a comment

We Are Cardiff contributor Jeremy Rees is recording his days in and around Cardiff with 100 photographs of local points of interest. We’ll be publishing some of them here on We Are Cardiff – and make sure you tune in to Jeremy as he presents the Saturday Soulful Breakfast on Radio Cardiff!

The doors of St Marys

“The magnificent St Mary The Virgin Church in Bute Street is one of the areas most iconic landmarks, but I’d often wondered why its massive front doors had been closed off and why the entrance is actually at the back. I was there recently and asked the Vicar what the story was, I was surprised to hear that those doors have actually never been opened. In fact they are a facade with a stone wall behind them. Apparently at the time it was built the Anglican Church had a strict rule about fonts having to face the east and so the building was designed with the entrance at the rear, however the Marquess of Bute – whose money had paid for the construction – was most displeased that there was not a grand entrance on Bute Street – so the false doors were added to appease him.”

Thanks Jeremy! Catch you next time…

The City

Four weeks in Cardiff – photography by Pearl Thomas

June 1, 2014 admin 2 Comments

Big thanks to our girl Pearl Thomas for taking over the We Are Cardiff Instagram throughout the month of May this year. Here’s a little bit about Pearl:

My name is Pearl Thomas and i’ve lived in Cardiff my whole life. I’m a 22 year old Photography student in Cardiff and Vale & i’ve been accepted to study Documentary Photography in Newport University in September.

Since starting course it has opened my eyes to different areas of art and photography that I have pursued. It has given me the knowledge to match my enthusiasm to create photographs and art work that I never thought I could.

Although Photography is a huge part of my life, my second passion is human rights. Which coincides with my photography. I like to explore neighbourhoods and communities in order to shed light on the way people live. I believe everyone deserves to live on this planet and no other person is above anyone else. I believe we should all come together rather than pushing people away based on anything.

Apart from human rights and Photography, I enjoy music gigs and festivals as well as just relaxing with friends and family.

I hope you enjoy my photographs – take a look at my website:
http://pearl-thomas.wix.com/pearlthomasdocphot

Pearl got some great snaps from around the city. Do you know where any of the following were taken?

Hope you enjoyed this month’s exploration on Instagram! For the month of June, we’ve Tom Beardshaw (long-time friend of the blog) taking snaps for us around the city. Here’s a little bit about Tom:

Tom’s been a Cardiffian since 1996, when he arrived for a quick visit to a protest squat in Canton (anyone remember Yr Enfys?) and the van he was living in at the time broke down. Since being here, he’s work to strengthen children’s relationships with their fathers (he got Paternity Leave introduced into UK law in 2002 and founded www.dad.info) and more recently, he started the social media company NativeHQ, helping organisations like the National Assembly, National Theatre Wales and Arts Council Wales use social technologies effectively. Tom’s based in Roath with his teenage son, Cole, who lives with him for half the week and you’ll find him on Twitter here → @tombeardshaw and on Instagram here → @t0m5k.

And remember, if you’d like to take control of the We Are Cardiff Instagram for a month, then give us a shout on wearecardiff@gmail.com. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, just someone with a camera-phone and a healthy enjoyment of exploring your local area!

The City

100 days in Cardiff – Ivor Novello

May 31, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Ivor Novello

“This bronze statue commemorates the songwriter and actor Ivor Novello who looks over to the Wales Millennium Centre. A couple of years ago a film maker worked with a group of young people in Riverside (where Novello grew up) on an animated film about his life and the impact of World War 1 on the area, using his songs as a soundtrack. For some reason I was asked to voice his character, and I even sang a few bars of ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning’ ….so far there have been no offers for me to reprise the role with a full orchestra.”

Thanks Jeremy! And make sure you all tune into Radio Cardiff, online or 98.7FM. Catch you next time…

Whats on

The Big Lunch is in Cardiff (and everywhere) on Sunday 1 June 2014. Are you ready?

May 29, 2014 admin 1 Comment

This Sunday millions of people across the UK will come together for The Big Lunch, the annual get together for neighbours. It’s a simple idea from the Eden Project, made possible by the Big Lottery, to get as many people as possible across the UK to have lunch with their neighbours once a year in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.

There are loads of Big Lunches taking place in and around Cardiff this weekend, from small, private events in streets and back gardens to big, public events like the Shelley Garden Food Festival in Roath, so make sure you get involved if there’s one happening near you.

It’s also not too late to organise your own Big Lunch. FREE resource packs are still available from http://www.thebiglunch.com or by calling 0845 850 818. The pack is full of useful resources and a sprinkling of inspiration and all the materials are undated, so if 1 June is a bit too soon or doesn’t suit no worries, have it on a day that suits you and your community best.

Get your mates together, meet your neighbours, celebrate the diversity of our lovely city or simply share a beer and a bite to eat with those closest to you. #TheBigLunch

For more information, contact Gwion Thorpe, 029 2078 6192 or 07801227288
gwion.thorpe@gmail.com
www.thebiglunch.com / www.yciniomawr.com

The Arts, Whats on

Art Car Bootique, Chapter 25 May 2014 – review by Jodie Ashdown

May 29, 2014 admin Leave a comment

We sent writer Jodie Ashdown along to Chapter’s Art Car Bootique to brave the rain and enjoy the arts on offer this year. Were you there?

On Sunday, 25 May, was held the visual, olfactory, gustatory and auditory feast that is the Art Car Bootique. Held in the car park of Chapter Arts Centre in Canton, the bootique is a day for the entertainers, musicians, food stall holders, artists, trinket creators, jewellery makers and illustrious illustrators of Cardiff to show us their mettle.

Described as a ‘psychedelic village fete’, the event is perfect for the whole family – children’s entertainers absorb and delight the little ones, along with kid’s tables and activities, while the slightly older folk can sneak off for a meander into the selection of German beer and other such sparkle-inducing beverages.

You can make your perfect partner through the medium of sock puppet, sing your heart out in the ‘car-e-oke’, make bubbles on a bike, create music with a flyer, knock Putin off his shy, pick up a lovely illustration of boobies, have a song sung about you, tuck into tapas, snag yourself a vintage bargain and become a photo booth star – all in an afternoon’s work.

With food, music and drinks into the evening, the bootique did its very best to stand in the face of the downpours and cloudy skies and say, ‘Screw you rain, we’re Welsh, we don’t need sunshine to have a good time’ and laughed raucously. Manically, perhaps.

It’s a bloody good day out and highly recommended. Get yourself there next year!

***

Thanks Jodie! Were you at Chapter on Sunday? Did we see you there?? Until next time…

Whats on

NoFit State Circus – Bianco, Cardiff, 23 May – 7 June 2014

May 28, 2014 admin 1 Comment

If you’ve recently driven anywhere around the streets just south of John Lewis, underneath the railway bridge, then you’re likely to have seen a large silver spaceship hanging around John Street (where the temporary library was a few years ago). A ha! But this is no silver spaceship. Instead, it’s the temporary big top that’s housing NoFit State’s current show, Bianco. The show is open in Cardiff until 7 June 2014, and I highly recommend you go see it.

The show toured Cardiff last year, although that time it was situated in the backstage area of the main stage of the Millennium Centre. The show was originally co-produced by the Eden Project, and I can’t imagine a better place to have watched it in. But back to the space ship, which is Tardis-like and surprisingly roomy. As you’re invited into the big top, the ushers tell you you’ll have a better view if you get right in the middle of it all, so you step in between the large scaffolding, and the action begins. There’s a pulsing soundtrack played by a live band, and suddenly people appear inside the scaffolding, shouting and jeering at each other. It’s high energy and very restless – and you can’t help but get swept along by it.

There are 15 set pieces led by individual performers, nearly all of which take place in the air (handy, as it’s a standing performance – so you can be standing further back and still feel like you see ‘the big stuff’). Although NoFit State has been based in Cardiff since it was formed back in the 1980s, today the performers come from all over the world, which you hear as they wear microphones through some of their pieces and speak in various languages to the audience.

And there’s all sorts – some very clever juggling; terrifying ariel straps work; incredible twisting, climbing and dropping from ropes; a business man themed strip-tease on the tightrope; and a beautiful trapeze piece underneath a shower of falling snow to finish things off.

I’ve been to see two other NoFit State shows, and it always makes me beam with a little Cardiff city pride that our resident circus is so freaking awesome. If you’re inspired to become super limber and learn some tricks after seeing them (like I always want to!) then you should check out the NoFit State classes, held at their circus base in Cardiff. And if you’re interested, there’s a flying trapeze taster session that runs every other Friday at 6pm (this Friday 30 June is the next one).

BOOK TICKETS FOR BIANCO HERE

www.nofitstate.org

Check out the NoFit State FACEBOOK PAGE for regular updates on the progress of their work

The City

A-Z of Cardiff – A is for Arcades…

May 26, 2014 admin 8 Comments

Writer Katie Hamer is busily discovering parts of the city and revealing them through her We Are Cardiff series, the A-Z of what makes Cardiff special to her. She’ll be sharing the parts of the city she finds with you over the following weeks, so stay tuned!

A is for Arcades

I love these covered shopping streets, for providing shelter from the weather, and because I can browse without dodging traffic. Other cities have arcades too, but only Cardiff is “The City of Arcades”.

There’s a strong café culture here, even on a Monday morning. I’m greeted by cooking aromas. I feel tempted to stop at one of the outside tables, and sample some local cuisine. I have to remind myself that it’s just a couple of hours since I had breakfast. Oh, well!

Cardiff’s historic arcades are divided into the Castle Quarter, and the Morgan Quarter. I have a special fondness for the Morgan Quarter, so it’s this part of Cardiff that I decided to write about. I know this Quarter best because I worked at David Morgan, The Family Store, around which these arcades were centred. I worked there as a temp prior to its closure in 2005.

On Monday mornings long past, I would run down the Royal Arcade, to the staff entrance. I had to be on the shop floor five minutes before opening time. This was no tall order, as my department was on the top floor, and the staff’s changing rooms were in the basement. How I would panic if the train were delayed. Bad punctuality was frowned upon, even more than greeting a senior member of staff with their first name.

What David Morgan represented, was traditional values, and exceptional customer service. Along with everyone else who worked there, I felt a huge sadness on the day the store finally closed. Stepping out of the shop for the last time, I wondered what the future held for these special arcades. I still recall my department manager telling me that, within ten years, Cardiff would become indistinguishable from any other city in terms of shops.

Well, we are nearly ten years on, and I’m pleased to say that this isn’t the case. The oldest of the three arcades, the Royal Arcade actually predates David Morgan Ltd, so it is perhaps not so astonishing that it has survived the store’s closure. This particular arcade opened in 1858, 21 years before The Family Store was established.

Thankfully, when the David Morgan family dissolved the Cardiff Arcades Co in late 2004, new owners, Helical Bar, stepped in to save them. It’s wonderful to see how much investment the new owners have placed in them, and how they have preserved them for future generations. True, there are vacant shop units, but that’s the state of shopping centres everywhere, these days.

The Royal Arcade and the Morgan Arcade are very much at the heart of the Morgan Quarter, with their rows of shops linking St Mary Street with the Hayes. There’s a vibrant mix of boutiques, health food outlets, artists’ studios, furniture stores and bookshops. One of my favourite surprises is hidden in the middle of Morgan Arcade. This is where you can find Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record shop. It opened in 1894, but hasn’t always been where it is now. In fact, its existence predates that of its current location by five years.

I feel I should also mention the Wyndham Arcade, as it is more easily overlooked. These days, it’s more tagged on to the Café Quarter, and it has the ambience you’d expect from such a location. It’s quieter than the other two arcades, with a relaxed atmosphere that reminds me of the cobbled streets in the Algarve. This arcade is light and airy, and more inviting than I ever imagined it to be, from photos.

I have only scratched the surface of what is so special about these arcades. I could spend a whole day exploring them, and still have more things to come back and see. Have I convinced you? Why not come and explore them yourself – they’re worth a visit. Please share your opinions in the comments below.

The City

100 days in Cardiff – Mansion House

May 26, 2014 admin 1 Comment

Mansion House

“Near the VCS office there is an advert board which says ‘Starbucks now open in Mansion House’. Well, as I have an early meeting in Roath this morning I thought I’d pay them a visit. The Mansion House is the ceremonial home of The Lord Mayor of Cardiff and is where the great and the good are entertained Downton-style (I’ve only ever been invited there twice in seven years, once for an India Day flag raising ceremony, and the other time for a press reception when the Bluebirds won the FA Cup. But then I’m neither great or good!). Anyway, I thought it was a bit odd that Starbucks were opening there – another case of the Council trying to make a buck to offset the cuts perhaps? The answer I found was no. Not a hint of a coffee to be had, the doors firmly closed. Further investigation revealed that the ‘Mansion House’ referred to in Starbucks’ poster is in fact what is now called ‘Shand House Student Mansion’ on Newport Road – which is nowhere near as classy but at least does serve Americano.”

Thanks Jeremy! And make sure you all tune into Radio Cardiff, online or 98.7FM. Catch you next time…

The City

100 days in Cardiff – the Bute Docks Hotel / Bombay Cafe

May 24, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Bute Dock Hotel / Bombay Cafe

“The old Bute Docks Hotel sadly closed a couple of years ago and the building was left empty and forlorn – but recently it reopened as an Indian Cafe called The Bombay. It claims to have been established in 1953, but further investigation reveals that the proprietor is the grandson of the owner of the original Bombay in Bute Street which closed down in the early 80s. They have done a decent job with the decor and serve a damn fine cup of chai which I highly recommend. My only complaint is that the auto-tuned synthopop of Capital FM is pumped out, which didn’t exactly match the ambiance to my way of thinking. I did suggest a couple of alternatives of course, but then perhaps I am biased!”

Thanks Jeremy! And make sure you all tune into Radio Cardiff, online or 98.7FM. Catch you next time…

The City

100 days in Cardiff – Bute Street Station

May 19, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Bute Street Station

“Another abandoned building today – the railway station in Bute Street. The shuttle train still brings people here, (now renamed ‘Cardiff Bay’) but the old station house and platform are long deserted, which I find baffling. To me it looks like a perfect venue for restaurant, bar or museum. Not even Wetherspoons or Starbucks seem interested, despite what would be an ideal outdoor sheltered patio area and guaranteed footfall. It’s just allowed to stand there, decaying more with each passing season. It’s especially odd as hundreds of staff from both the Welsh Assembly and Cardiff Council use it to get to and from work, it’s not like it’s hidden from those who have influence. What a waste!”

Thanks Jeremy! And make sure you all tune into Radio Cardiff, online or 98.7FM. Catch you next time…

The City

100 days in Cardiff – boats on Cardiff Bay

May 18, 2014 admin Leave a comment

Boats on Cardiff Bay

“Easter Monday turned out to be sunny and bright in contrast to yesterday, so I’ve taken a walk through Hamadryad Park and down to the Boardwalk for this shot of the Bay with Penarth and the Barrage in the distance.“

Thanks Jeremy! And make sure you all tune into Radio Cardiff, online or 98.7FM. Catch you next time…

Whats on

Sounds of the Baskerville 6-8 June 2014 – interview with festival organiser Catapult Records!

May 17, 2014 admin Leave a comment

UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CONTACT 029 2166 0633 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REFUNDS.

Many years ago when I first moved to Cardiff as a student, I did what most people do – went out and found myself a part time job to pay my way through uni. That job was as the Saturday gal in dance music specialist record shop, Catapult Records (back then it was in the High Street Arcade – now it’s just round the corner, in the Duke Street Arcade).

Lucy, Simon and the Catapult crew have been putting on drum&bass nights in the Vaults for some time now – and this year, they’re throwing their first ever FESTIVAL up in Baskerville Hall! I asked Lucy to explain a little bit about the festival and what you can expect.

Q. Tell us about the Baskerville weekend – how did the idea come about?
A. No one else is doing anything like it. We’ve enjoyed taking events to exciting places and these two factors are reflected in the national response to this party.

Q. Why the venue and have you attended any other festivals there – Freerotation etc?
A. The venue itself much like Catapult has a lot of rave history. It hosted its first Fantazia event around the same time we opened our doors, it seemed the perfect place to host this event.

Q. You have a great line-up including Marky and Stamina – what’s the process for deciding who would suit the event?
A. Camping is included in the ticket price & is set in the lawns of the hall. You also have full access to an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor showers and toilets, the comforts you never get at Glastonbury. We had one objective, to put a lineup together we`d never seen before representing the strongest artists in our opinion of drum & bass past present and future.

Q. Tell us about some of the fringe activities happening – what can clubbers do when not on the dancefloor? Why should people get involved and come to the event?
A. The grounds of the stately home itself are a terrific place to chill out, we are enhancing this environment with good food, good music and good times. Camping is included in the ticket price and is set in the lawns of the hall. You also have full access to an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor showers and toilets, the comforts you never get at Glastonbury.

Outdoors you can indulge in sounds from our Safari Truck sound system in the Jungle Jungle Installation, good time vibes from the Tea Club crew along with the party Rolls Royce where you can expect a mash up of wonder and classics where house meets disco meets everything phat with some very special guests. We’re bringing some of Cardiff’s finest street food vendors so you can relax with delicious, fresh food provided by Chucks, Hautedogs, Wood Fire Pizza Inc and the Welsh Coffee Company. You can also shop vintage clothing at the infamous Rockola Reborn stall & source your festival outfits whilst wafting between chill out bars. Not forgetting the outdoor cinema showing some of you fav films & the Saturday night jungle theme fancy dress party.

Sounds pretty good, eh? Tickets are a bargainous £75 which includes camping and access to all listed onsite fun times!

– BUY TICKETS FROM FATSOMA

– Sound of the Baskerville Facebook event

– Catapult Records website

And, if you’re heading along to the festival and fancy yourself as a budding writer, we’d love to get a review of the event on the blog – email us and let us know at wearecardiff@gmail.com!

***

all the event info is below…

*** Catapult Presents… Sounds of the Baskerville… 6th – 8th June 2014 ***

http://www.soundsofthebaskerville.co.uk/

This summer Catapult Presents ‘The Sounds of The Baskerville’ a fun & fresh party festival set in & around the stunning stately home, Baskerville Hall.

Set in 130 acres of the glorious Wye Valley, Baskerville Hall is steeped in rave heritage as it was a major destination in the 90s with Fantasia, Carl Cox & Groove Rider all making some noise there. Today it is a five star destination for Catapults weekender, uniquely offering both indoor & outdoor partying in its beautiful grounds. Leave behind those stadium sized capacity crowds & enjoy some of the worlds finest drum & bass Djs in an intimate personal atmosphere.

At ‘The Sounds of The Baskerville’ you can enjoy sets from rave royalty such as Dj Marky, Rockwell, Audio, Break, Emperor, Uncle Dugs, Daniel Billy Bunter and many, many more. There will be three indoor arenas full of vibes until 6AM amid a historic country mansion dressed with spectacular laser shows, fully themed decor & stunning sound systems that will take you on a trip back to the 90s. Camping is included in the ticket price & is set in the lawns of the hall. You also have full access to an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor showers and toilets, the comforts you never get at Glastonbury.

Outdoors indulge in sounds from our Safari Truck sound system in the Jungle Jungle Installation, good time vibes from the Tea Club crew along with the party Rolls Royce where you can expect a mash up of wonder & classics where house meets disco meets everything phat with some very special guests. We`re bringing some of Cardiffs finest street food vendors so you can relax with delicious, fresh food provided by Chucks, Hautedogs, Wood Fire Pizza Inc & the Welsh Coffee Company. You can also shop vintage clothing at the infamous Rockola Reborn stall & source your festival outfits whilst wafting between chill out bars. Not forgetting the outdoor cinema showing some of you fav films.

Tickets are priced at £75 plus bf for this unmissable weekender and includes 48 hours of music & three days on site camping.

Come join us make our mark in festival history & don’t miss out on the party that will make your summer unforgettable.

*** LINEUP ***

DJ Marky & Stamina MC *2 hour set*
Break
Rockwell
Audio

Klute
Dom & Roland
Ulterior Motive
Xtrah
Emperor
Digital
Uncle Dugs
Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter
Nicky Blackmarket
Ivy Lab
Ant Tc1
Artificial Intelligence
Bcee
Stealth
Clive Ingredients
Response
Chemical Ally
Jungle Bones
Neil Trix
Landslide

Plus support from local legends…

Kooley – Stu Grady – Walshy Selecta – DJ Grudge – Fraktal – Rich Tea – Loktech – Speedo – Sundance – Screwy – Resonate – Coop – Ransom – Lubi J – Kallista – Killer Tom

Hosted by: XL, Alphabetical & Remedy

*** Also Featuring ***

Chucks Burgers – Rockola Reborn – Tea Club – Hautedogs- The Jungle Jungle Jeep – Wood fired Pizzas – Bouncy Castle – Dread Yoga – Late Night Cinema – Party Rolls Royce – Welsh Coffee Co.- The Pop Pharmacy – Chill Out Zones & Bars

*** TICKETS ***

Early Birds Sold Out
2nd Release Sold Out
Standard Tickets £75 plus BF includes camping, parking, swimming pool, indoor showers & toilets. Site opens at 12pm Friday 6th June & closes 12pm Sunday 8th June. Tickets available from these outlets:

Aberdare – IQ 01685 884655
Blackwood – Zaks 01495 226153
Bridgend – Bad Habits 01656 652916
Bristol – Ticket Shop 01179 299008
Caerphilly – Jenius 02920 889105
Cardiff – Catapult 02921 660633
Cwmbran – Zaks 01633 864513
Merthyr – IQ 01685 389240
Newport – Diverse 01633 259661
Pontypridd – Area 37 01443 406201
Porth – Zaks 01443 686000
Swansea – Derricks 01792 654226

& online with Fatsoma http://catapultrecords.fatsoma.com/

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A blog about Cardiff, its people, and the alternative arts and cultural scene!