It has been said that The World Music Expo (WOMEX) is to music what the Cannes Festival is to film.

The Berlin based world music support and development project is held annually in different locations throughout Europe.

Cardiff has been selected due to its excellent reputation for the delivery of high quality events and the capability of the Wales Millennium Centre as a world-class music venue.

The event will include showcases from artists and musicians, a trade fair, conferences, film market, networking sessions and awards.

It also gives musicians the opportunity to make contacts for international touring and album distribution.

The event will run over five days and will attract music industry specialists including managers, publishers, distributors, festival bookers and journalists as well as an expected 3000 delegates.

The Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Rodney Berman said: “We have supported Cerdd Cymru and the World Music Foundation in the bid to bring this leading world music showcase to Cardiff and I am thrilled with the success.

“Cardiff is a proud city with strong musical roots. We have a thriving music scene and the city has bred a string of successful bands and artists in the past as well as playing host to international events attracting thousands to the city.

“WOMEX demonstrates our commitment to providing diverse and unique cultural events to suit all tastes, making the city an attractive choice for everyone whilst supporting the creative industries.”

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “It is great news that Cardiff has been selected to host the World Music Expo In 2013.

“We have a commitment to live music and to providing a platform for grass roots development.

“To host WOMEX will be a fantastic achievement and would help to secure Cardiff’s place on the world musical stage whilst have a significant cultural and economic value for Wales.”

Music Ambassador Catrin Finch fronted a Cerdd Cymru in the campaign, she said: “It’s fantastic news that WOMEX will come to Cardiff. WOMEX is a really exciting event for musicians and music lovers.

“For us in Wales, it’s a chance to hear the best in the world on our doorstep and a chance to make sure that Welsh music is known and heard around the globe

Last year’s event raised over £40,000 for the charity’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal and saw performances by Welsh classical singer and 2007 X Factor runner up, Rhydian Roberts and South Wales based dance troupes, Starburst and Eclipse. 

Sophie will perform to an expected audience of 300 guests at the black tie dinner, who will also enjoy a champagne reception, sumptuous four course meal, auction and a raffle.  Prizes include a trip to New York, the chance to be Wales Rugby Union’s mascot for the Wales V England match at Twickenham later this year, tickets to see The Wizard of Oz at the world famous London Palladium, where Sophie will invite you backstage to the legendary Judy Garland dressing room, and the chance to be Gary Lineker’s guest at the Match of the Day studio.

Sophie said: “I am very excited to be returning to Wales to perform at the NSPCC’s Gala Ball.  I was there last year, so I know that it’ll be a fun night and hopefully we will raise a lot of money for this fantastic charity.”

The Building Brighter Futures Appeal was launched in April 2008 to fund the construction of Diane Engelhardt House – the NSPCC’s flagship centre for Wales and the ongoing development of vital services operating from the building.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the appeal has raised more than £3.5m to date, but a further £700,000 is needed to ensure the charity can continue to make a fundamental difference to the lives of children and young people across South Wales.  Pioneering services delivered from the centre focus on the most acute forms of abuse and the most vulnerable, highest-risk children.

Chair of the NSPCC’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal, Sir Stanley Thomas,
said: “The West End production of The Wizard of Oz is simply a must watch show and we are incredibly excited to have Sophie at this year’s Gala Ball.  It looks set to be a fantastic evening, with plenty of special guests in attendance. We hope that the prizes will tempt the guests to bid high on the auction to do their bit to support the essential work of the NSPCC in Wales.”

Tickets for the evening are £1,000 per table of ten or £100 per ticket. For further information about the event and to book your place, please contact the NSPCC Cymru/Wales fundraising team on 0203 188 3658 or email walesappeals@nspcc.org.uk

By donating to the Building Brighter Futures Appeal, the public can help change a child’s life. To make a donation, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/brighterfutures 

• Make sure only a Gas Safe registered engineer works on your gas appliances
• Make sure gas appliances have a regular service and an annual gas safety check,
• Always check the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card.
  

Paul Johnston, chief executive at Gas Safe Register said: “Every year, far too many people suffer from preventable gas related accidents, such as gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. In the last year alone 10 people died and a further 330 were hospitalised. With Gas Safety Week we aim to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of your gas appliances which we hope will reduce the number of gas related injuries and deaths.

“If maintained and installed properly, gas appliances are safe. If neglected, gas appliances can kill. In Gas Safety Week we want everyone to find out when they last had all of their gas appliances, including cookers, fires and boilers, checked. If this was over a year ago, you should get them checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible to help ensure your family and home is safe.”

Cllr Judith Woodman, Executive Member for Communities, Housing & Social Justice, said: “Gas Safety Week gives everyone the opportunity to put gas safety at the top of their priority list. Making sure your gas appliances are safe to use could save your life. The Council is supporting the Gas Safe Register because we want people to understand the real risks gas poses and help people to take care and be gas safe.”

If someone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer carries out gas work at your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.

For more information on gas safety go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Roald Dahl Day takes place each year on September 13, the author’s birthday.

This year’s event is extra special as it marks the 50th anniversary of James and the Giant Peach.

To celebrate, a ‘Peach Party’ will be taking place at Llandaff North Library on Saturday, September 10 between 10am and noon. Children up to the age of 12 can enjoy a host of fun activities, crafts and a treasure hunt, plus a few of Roald Dahl’s famous characters will be stopping by.

Central Library will also have their own peach of a celebration at the Marvellous Roald Dahl Day event,  taking place on September 10. Fun is guaranteed with a whole host of activities, including storytelling and a special Roald Dahl inspired character search. Storytelling will be taking place at 11am then again at 3pm.

Cathay’s Library will play homage to Roald Dahl with a special display of Roald Dahl books and characters.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said:”Roald Dahl Day is celebrated across the world but its even extra special in Cardiff with Roald Dahl being born in Llandaff in 1916. The city is proud of our links to Roald Dahl and there is no better way to celebrate this great storyteller than by hosting events in our libraries, which of course stock many of Roald’s famous works.”

The Great British Cheese Festival  returns to the splendid setting of Cardiff Castle on September 24 and 25 (tickets: 029 20 230 130 and www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk), and this year visitors have a greater opportunity to meet their makers with around 25 SCA members, such as J&E Montgomery, Stichelton, Two Hoots and FW Read and Sons, and award-winning cheeses such as Lincolnshire Poacher, Cornish Yarg and Barkham Blue.

James Montgomery of the SCA said:

The SCA stand is in Britain biggest cheese market alongside the many other cheese makers from across Britain. The festival also features a programme of over 20 inspirational master classes and demonstrations on the arts of the artisan cheese maker and the best way to eat the fine foodstuff that will seriously enhance your cheese knowledge.

Recognised as one of Frommer’s 300 Unmissable Events and Festivals Around the World, the event also features:
*       Britain’s Biggest Cheese Market

*       The True Taste of Wales Market with both traditional and new Welsh food and drink

*       The Best of British Market for foodies everywhere

*       The Cardiff Arms containing the best ales and ciders selected by CAMRA

*       Entertainment on the Castle Green featuring the World Cheese Tossing Championships and Cheese Skittles!

Cardiff Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “We work very closely with the Specialist Cheesemakers Association and this year there will be an even greater number of their artisan producers at the show, providing a very popular and tasty attraction for our many thousands of visitors.”

Also available, of course, are the medal winners from the British Cheese Awards taking place once again in Cardiff on the eve of the festival.

The location of the festival in the grounds of Cardiff Castle gives visitors the chance to explore its history and tour the Castle Apartments during the weekend, while enjoying everything the Welsh capital has to offer, from the bars and restaurants on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre arts venue, and  the magnificent St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre, containing the largest John Lewis store outside London, plus Cardiff’s ornate Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades filled with specialist shops and boutiques.

www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk

Look out for the many talented walking entertainers as they roam the bay. Tall Ships, the Ruth and the Matthew will moor at the Inner Harbour. Hop aboard for £1 to see how we used to sail. Also Harbour Patrol vessels will be on site to explain how the Harbour Authority patrols the Bay, keeping our waters clean and safe 365 days a year.

The British Fish Craft Championship will also take place on Sunday August 28. Competitors will complete a series of tasks from filleting salmon to preparing seafood. There will also be a series of talks and demonstrations on Saturday and Monday on buying, preparing and cooking delicious fish dishes. The winner of the inaugural Harbour Festival and Jamie’s Italian ‘Find a Fish Dish’ competition will be showcased on Saturday in the Fish Tent, with the winning recipe available for visitors to take away and try out at home.

A new highlight for this year is the Breitling Wing Walkers who will fly over Cardiff Bay on Sunday at 12pm and Monday at 4.30pm. Also new for this year is Team Osprey, who will showcase a fantastic aerial demonstration. For a great view, head to the water’s edge on Saturday at 3pm and Monday at 2.30pm.

Following its popularity in 2010, Last Resort returns offering alternative end of pier attractions and children’s entertainment including sand pits, beach huts, street entertainment, plus the Last Resort is the place for all wannabe pirates and sea creatures to take part in a special fancy dress competition on Monday at 3.30pm on the Bandstand.

Why not learn to sail? Come down to Cardiff Bay and learn a new activity this bank holiday! Everyone aged 8 and over can enjoy a sailing session with our fully qualified, trained instructors. Visit the Cardiff Harbour Authority registration tent between 11 – 5pm on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. No experience is necessary and the cost is £1 per person for 30 minutes on the water.

There will also be an International Market selling a large array of products from all over the world. Bigger and better than ever, everyone is invited to browse the market stalls, selling a vast range of tasty treats. Polish, German and Pimms Bars will be located next to the Bandstand for you to sit back and enjoy the summer sun, with live music playing  throughout the weekend.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “It can be difficult to keep the whole family entertained over the bank holiday, but families need not worry, there is a whole host of entertainment and fun waiting for them at Cardiff Bay, and best of all entry is for free.

“The Harbour Festival is a firm family favourite in the city’s events calendar and this year we have introduced even more activities for the whole family to enjoy.”

Further details about the Harbour Festival can be found at www.cardiffharbour.com or www.cardiff-festival.com

Alan is back with a new band called Broken Vinyl Club who hail from Aberdare and will perform a special performance at the library on Saturday, August 27 at 1pm.

It’s a free event and provides a great opportunity to see the band perform their 60s style rock.

The band is already proving popular with their first single “I Want You Girl’ doing well with even Liam Gallagher tipping them for the top.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Central Library has a history with Welsh rock bands, with the Manic Street Preachers officially opening the library back in 2009. This is a great opportunity to see the next big thing live and free in Cardiff.

“Broken Vinyl Club are certainty one to watch for the future and I am delighted that Cardiff Central Library are supporting them on their ascent to the top.”

Further information on events at Cardiff Central Library can be found at www.cardiff.gov.uk or by visiting out twitter page @cardiffcentrallibrary

Alan McGee (born 29 September 1960) has been a record label owner, musician, manager, and music blogger for The Guardian.

McGee is best-known for co-forming and running the independent Creation Records label from 1983–1999, and then Poptones from 1999-2007. He has managed and championed successful acts such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, Oasis and The Libertines.

Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust of Wales and begins on September 2 with events taking place across the whole of Wales.

Open Doors is Wales’ biggest celebration of architecture and heritage and for the month of September a host of events will give people the opportunity to explore buildings, take part in walks, talks, visit historical sites and view exhibitions.

Cardiff Council will show their support for the scheme by holding a number of special events in Council buildings and attractions within the capital city.

Council venues taking part range from historical buildings, including Cardiff Castle, The Mansion House (pictured), Insole Court, to new attractions including the recently opened Cardiff Story Museum.

Local Friends Groups and organisations in the city will also take part in Open Doors.

In Cardiff a whole host of talks and tours, walks and lectures will take place and further details can be found at www.opendoorsdays.org.uk

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Open Doors celebrates heritage and there is certainly a lot to celebrate in Cardiff. The city is home to many historical buildings and the city is steeped in history.

“I am delighted that Council-owned buildings and venues have organised some great events that the whole family can enjoy. It’s also the perfect time for people to vist the newly opened Cardiff Story Museum and find out more about the history of Cardiff.”

The outdoor event welcomes all the family and features woodland and wildlife related activities including arts and crafts, nature trails, story telling and a host of fun things activities such as the chance to paddle a traditional-style coracle.

Children will be given the opportunity to meet and touch woodland birds and other wildlife. For the grown-ups there is the chance to seek useful advice from wildlife gardeners and local conservation groups as well as sampling home cooking made from unusual native fruits and herbs.

Cardiff Council’s Natural Environment Group will also be present to with information and to answer questions about Cardiff’s countryside. Cardiff residents will be invited to complete the Cardiff Garden Wildlife Survey which aims to find out about the hidden wildlife in the capital, and is asking every household to help discover the wildlife in their gardens. Residents will be asked to identify different species of birds, mammals, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians in their garden. It is hoped that the results will lead to a greater understanding of garden wildlife and will give experts an idea of just how important gardens are to urban wildlife. All entrants will be placed in a free prize draw to win a wildlife gardening pack including a wildlife gardening book, bird box, and bird feeders.

There will be stalls selling locally crafted products and visitors can enjoy refreshments and a BBQ at the Hardwood Cafe.

Four legged members of the family have not been left out either, as visitors are encouraged to enter their prized pooches into the ever-popular dog show.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Each year the Out of the Woods Festival attracts hundreds of visitors to Bute Park and goes from strength to strength. It is a unique event which offers children and families the opportunity to learn about the local wildlife and interact with nature. In this easily accessible city-centre location, it is a great day out for everyone”.

Some of the biggest music acts from around the world will be paying tribute to the King of Pop at a once in a lifetime event, to be held on October 8^th at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. The first artists to be announced include; Global artist and multi Grammy winning Christina Aguilera,  who will join chart topping artist Cee Lo Green, Motown legend Smokey Robinson, top British artist Leona Lewis,as well as UKmega pop act, JLS.Alternative Rock Band Alien Ant Farm and British R&B Star Craig David have also signed on, while several of the Jackson brothers will perform as well as the next generation of Jacksons, International multi-platinum recording artists, 3T. There will be more headline names announced in the upcoming days so stay tuned!

In the presence of members of the Jackson family, including Michael’s mother, his fans and the world will rejoice in a celebration of the genius of Michael’s music. A tribute of this magnitude will never be repeated with global acts and global fans gathering together to celebrate one man with a global legacy.

Fans will have chance to be part of this amazing celebration of Michael’s life and career beginning on Thursday 11^Th August by registering their interest for tickets on the website: www.michaelforevertribute.com.  Registration opens today from 8pm GMT (12noon PST). In addition to making this event a once in a life time experience, one of the goals is to continue Michael’s legacy of philanthropy and the tribute will give money to two charities that Michael supported.

US Director of Global Live Events, Paul Ring said: “This announcement is just the beginning; we have many more to announce.  This concert will unite various generations and musical genres, reminding everyone of just how amazing a talent Michael was.”

Chris Hunt, President of Global Live Events, added: “We’re delighted that such exciting and globally recognised acts have joined the line-up to pay tribute to a music legend. This is going to be a spectacular event, and one not to be missed! I’m also pleased to say that we’ll be adding more amazing headliners in the days to come.”

The concert will be broadcast around the world in both 2D and 3D. Charities that will benefit from the proceeds include The Aids Project LA and The Prince’s Trust.