Where is the Welsh Champs?

Croeso i Gaerdydd, Prifddinas Cymru!

 

Things are different in Cardiff. Within the compact city centre you'll find unique attractions, top class entertainment - and quality shopping with a difference. Innovative architecture sits alongside historic buildings and the bustle of the city centre is only a few strides from acres of peaceful parklands.

 

Cardiff Bay, just a mile from the city centre, plays host to the welsh champs and is a popular part of any visit to Cardiff. You can enjoy a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops in Mermaid Quay, cruise or sail on Cardiff Bay, or explore attraction such as the impressive Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, Red Dragon Centre or Techniquest - an interactive science discovery centre.

 

So don’t miss out on making the most of your visit to the City made famous by Torchwood and Dr Who and whose stars include Charlotte Church, Shirley Bassey and Shakin Stevens! And, if you are really lucky, after a hard day’s competition, you may end up down ‘chippy lane’... it speaks for itself!

 

Tell me about the venue?

One of the most remarkable transformations in Cardiff Bay has been that of The Coal Exchange in Mount Stuart Square, from commercial hub to arts and entertainment centre. Its imposing facade speaks of the days when Cardiff was growing fast to become the greatest coal-exporting port in the world - its wealth built on the "black gold" dug from the earth by the miners of the Rhondda and the neighbouring valleys.

 

The Coal Exchange was built between 1883 and 1886 to the designs of James, Seward and Thomas. It was here that Cardiff's leading businessmen-owners of shipping firms, coal mines and of allied businesses met to fix their deals, some with far distant countries. Cardiff, which half a century before had been a market town of 10,000 people with a small coastal trade, had become a commercial centre of importance on the world's stage.

 

Did You Know the first recorded million-pound business deal was struck in The Coal Exchange?

The millionaires have long since turned to dust but The Coal Exchange remains in all its architectural glory. Paired Corinthian columns, an oak balcony, and rich wood panelling adorn the trading hall, which was magnificently reconstructed by Edwin Seward in 1911.

 

Today The coal Exchange is the regular venue for Ceroc in Cardiff and is one of the City’s premiere music and entertainment venues.

The Coal Exchange, The Exchange Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5EB

The Coal Exchange dominates the centre of Mount Stuart Square, off Old James Street (A4119) and offers easy access to the myriad bars and restaurants of Cardiff Bay.

 

How do I get there?

The Coal Exchange dominates the centre of Mount Stuart Square, off Old James Street (A4119) and offers easy access to the myriad bars and restaurants of Cardiff Bay.

 

TRAINS:
Arriva Trains Wales offer a frequent rail service with connections at Queen Street & Cardiff Central Stations. National Rail Enquiries (24 hrs) 08457 484950
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk

 

CAR:
Leave M4 at Junction 33 (via A4232) following the signs for Cardiff Bay, turn left opposite Techniquest into Adelaide Street (Mt. Stuart school is on your left). Cross Old James Street, into Mt. Stuart Square.

 

Is there any parking nearby?

There is limited free parking on the main road (James Street and Bute Street) and limited voucher parking (2 hr) around Mt. Stuart Square itself. We recommend using a car park, the cheapest is the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village (5 min walk), however the car park at Adelaide Street (Mermaid Quay) is only 3 minutes walk away.

 

I would like to come for the weekend. Where can I stay?

There are a number of hotels available in the popular bay area, those within walking distance, include:

FUTURE INNS, CARDIFF BAY: 08450 945 487
TRAVELODGE ATLANTIC WHARF: 0871 984 6424‎
ST. DAVIDS HOTEL & SPA: 02920 454 045
JOLYONS BOUTIQUE HOTEL: 02920 488 775

 

Tell me about the pre-competition party.

‘Dance with the Stars’ is the pre-competition freestyle night at the Coal Exchange on Friday 24th September. It is a two-room freestyle with top Ceroc DJs and the best dancers from around the UK including the judges, teachers, crew and fellow competitors.

 

The party night will allow you to sample the wonderful ambience of The Coal Exchange at its best and will kick start your dancing weekend in Cardiff on the Friday evening before the main welsh championships.

Doors open at 8pm, the blues room will start at 11pm and the event finishes at 2am. Only £10 per person.

 

What can I do on Sunday?

In Cardiff you will never be short of things you can do. Here is the link to the Cardiff tourist board to help you make up your mind, personally, I recommend the shopping in St Davids 2!

For more info, please visit www.visitcardiff.com