Cardiff Cross Challenge Returns to the City for the Sixteenth Year

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jan 29, 2013

Cardiff has successfully hosted the 16th annual McCain Cross Challenge this month.

Cardiff Council Leisure Services are one of the main sponsors for the event which saw 1400 athletes as well as primary school children compete in one of 12 races throughout the day.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “The Cardiff Cross Challenge is one of the most high-calibre events on the calendar and boasts an impressive number of different race events throughout the day.

“We are thrilled it was hosted here successfully for the 16th year despite the cold weather. Cardiff Council recognises the importance it has for the sport as it appeals to experienced runners as well as encouraging grass roots talent which leads to healthy and active lifestyles in young people”.

The event attracts competitors of all levels and ages from across the UK and takes place in the centre of Cardiff within the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle, Bute Park along the River Taff and leads into Blackweir fields.

The event is organised by Graham Finlayson BEM from Cardiff Cross Country and Road Events with the support of UK Athletics and Welsh Athletics.

Cardiff was the fourth fixture in the 2012 and 2013 series, which includes races in Bristol, Liverpool, Antrim and Birmingham.

The Cardiff Cross Challenge was founded in 1997 and has since become one of the most prestigious events in the UK.

The high-class competition incorporates a full range of men’s, women’s and young persons races for age groups including Seniors, Under 20s, Under 17s, Under 15s and Under 13’s.

The course is marked up to national standards and incorporates a mixture of flat fast running with interesting woodland and riverside sections.

A day of celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the handover of Cardiff Castle to the people of Cardiff

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 5, 2012

In September 1947 Cardiff Castle and the surrounding parklands were given to the people of Cardiff by the 5th Marquess of Bute (pictured above). To mark the 65th anniversary of this remarkable gift, the Castle will be taking a trip ‘Back to the 1940s’ in a special event full of nostalgia for this post-war period to be held on Sunday 9 September 10am – 5pm.

The sounds of the 1940s will drift through the Castle, with performances by the Keith Little band, a sing-a-long session of favourite songs from the era and performances by the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Brass Band (pic right) who actually played at the original ceremony in 1947.

Taking the leading role in a Tea Dance is Wales’ much-loved, premiere entertainer, Stan Stennett, who will be the master of ceremonies on this occasion and sure to get everyone on the dance floor with charm and humour.

Special guided tours of the Castle’s Wartime Shelters will be held, led by an ARP warden, and within the house there will be opportunity to see some rooms not usually open to the public due to conservation reasons.

A display of pre-1947 cars will set the scene and expect to see members of the Home Guard and American GI soldiers strolling through the site as staff and re-enactors get into the spirit of the time in full costume. Visitors too are encouraged to dust off their de-mob suits or ‘New Look’ dresses and come in period costume with a prize awarded for the best outfit.  There will be the chance to play a part in a 1940s radio play, advice on how to make do and mend, and activities for children include making gas mask boxes and identity cards.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said, ‘The Castle and Bute Park are much–loved civic treasures, at the emotional heart of the city. This event is a great opportunity to acknowledge the gift by the Bute family.  Cardiff Castle Key holders and Season Ticket holders will be able to use their cards to get free admission to the Castle on this day.’

A Grand Medieval Mêlée breaks out at Cardiff Castle

Posted by Now Cardiff on Aug 13, 2012

Take an amazing journey back in time to the sights and smells of castle life some 700 years ago at the Grand Medieval Mêlée on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August 10.30am – 5.30pm.

Knights in shining armour, amazing falconry displays and adventures with dragons await the crowds. The Castle Green, transformed into a medieval tented village, will be teeming with life with re-enactors going about their daily chores, cooking, sewing and preparing for battle.  Clashing armour and the sound of crossed swords will echo through the site as the knights take each other on in realistic combat displays. A highlight of the day will be the falconry show, with birds of prey swooping through the site, arriving on the gauntlet of the expert falconer with amazing speed and precision.

For children there is the chance to be a prince or princess for the day, dress up in authentic costumes, take part in the sword fighting school, Have- A-Go archery, or try out some juggling skills.  The story-teller, Dylan Adams will also be here to enthral with tales of the real and mythical characters that inhabited these times.  An appearance by a huge dragon is certain to create mischief on the day, with children invited to join the procession through the site.

Councillor Huw Thomas, Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, commented “Cardiff Castle has a 2000-year history to tell, and this event is an excellent example of how the castle team bring that story to life and make it meaningful and entertaining for visitors of all ages.”

Rumour has it …The Romans are Returning to Cardiff Castle

Posted by Now Cardiff on May 14, 2012

The might of the Roman army returns to the Castle on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May – a vivid flashback to when the site was once a Roman Fort teeming with soldiers and civilians over 2,000 years ago.

A great family weekend is promised with a series of dramatic military displays by soldiers in full authentic costume, a Roman version of ‘Ready Steady Cook’, mini – gladiator games for children and the chance to march with a Roman soldier.  Plus, everyday Roman life will be on display too with a close look at the ‘Day in the Life of a Roman Woman’ and the latest news on all the fashion trends.

With dramatic demonstrations of sophisticated fighting techniques and battle tactics, artillery and a working bolt thrower, it will be easy to appreciate how the Romans were such a formidable force and how they were able to establish control of Cardiff.

For centuries, Cardiff Castle’s Roman past remained hidden and forgotten beneath banks of earth until 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute’s workmen made an amazing discovery and uncovered the original stone wall of the Roman fort.  Such was the excitement, Lord Bute, a rich and scholarly patron, ordered that the Roman walls be reconstructed. The walls you see today surrounding Cardiff Castle mark the footprint of the Roman fort and the original stonework is clearly identified by being outlined in red sandstone.

This weekend’s event, with all its action, sights and sounds will be a great way to celebrate the legacy of the Romans at Cardiff Castle.

The Romans Return

Sat 19 May – Sun 20 May, 10am – 5pm
Cardiff Castle Grounds
Special event ticket: Adults £4.50; Seniors £3.75; Children £3 (under 5s free)
Cardiff Castle Key holders and Season Ticket holders: £2 (Adults), £1 (Children)
For full details of all Cardiff Castle events and the 2012 programme visit www.cardiffcastle.com

ALEX JONES TO MEET HER DAFFODIL AT RHS SHOW CARDIFF

Posted by Now Cardiff on Apr 17, 2012

BBC One Show presenter Alex Jones will be at the RHS Show in Cardiff over the weekend of April 20-22 (www.rhs.org.uk/cardiff) to see her own Alex Jones Daffodil on display.

The popular Welsh TV star was given a lovely surprise on the live show when champion grower Ron Scamp came into the studio to present her with her own flower.

Alex follows in the footsteps of Kathryn Jenkins and the ‘Duffydil’ by having a Daffodil named after her.

The beautiful pale white and pink flower is unusual for a Daffodil, and is being grown by Ron’s company Quality Daffodils, which has won the Best Floral Exhibitor at the Cardiff spring show for the past six consecutive years.

Ron is looking forward to welcoming Alex to his stand at the show, and he will be taking orders for the bulbs, so that people can see ‘Alex Jones’ bloom in their gardens or on their windowsills next spring.

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