Culture and Arts in Cardiff
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Cardiff is a thriving hub for arts and culture. From galleries displaying visual arts exhibitions and installations to performing arts venues offering music, dance, drama and comedy among much more, there's certainly no shortage of cultural goings on here. You don't actually have to try too hard to find culture in Cardiff, for you'll find yourself virtually tripping over it wherever you go. However, here are a few places and events to look out for.
Events
Cardiff and music have a long, happy and productive relationship. The oldest record shop on the planet is actually in Cardiff, Spillers Records in the Hayes, where you can still browse an impressive selection of vinyl.
The Swn Festival is a real treat if you manage to catch it while you're in town, with both Welsh and national/ international artists all taking part. Cardiff Big Weekend is another festival event run by the local authority and comprising an intense program of performance in music and other art-forms. The Cardiff Mela is another uplifting event, taking place in Cardiff Bay and immersing you in all manner of Asian culture. The Welsh Singers Competition also takes place every couple of years in the city, and a wonderful way to sample this uniquely Welsh style of vocalising.
Cardiff Design Festival is one of the more unusual cultural events taking place in the city. The event is run by the university and happens once a year, with the intention of promoting and facilitating quality design within Wales as a whole.
Venues
Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff is a major exhibition centre. Hosting international touring events, this is the place you'll be likely to see some big names in. Saint David's Hall lies right in the heart of the city centre, and hosts not only arts events but also business and corporate hospitality. Some major music performances have taken place here, and the building's modernist design is a key part of its appeal. The Millennium Centre is a key performing arts venue in Cardiff Bay, and does make a pretty spectacular impression the first time you lay eyes on it. Many art-forms are celebrated in this unique setting.
The Red Dragon Centre in south Cardiff brings a host of more mainstream entertainment options to your time in the city. This place presents a cinema and various restaurants plus a fantastic Doctor Who centre.
If you like to sample some quality stand up comedy of an evening, head along to the Glee Club on Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. This venue consistently presents national and international comedy acts throughout the year, so is a great place to enjoy a good laugh – just don't sit too near the front if you don't want to get involved!
Cardiff's cultural life is a very organic, vibrant one, so you'll find cultural events happening all over the place, in pubs, cafes and in public places. The arts are valued very highly in Welsh culture, so you'll find plenty of activities.