FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN CARDIFF AND SURROUNDING AREA
It‟s all happening in Wales – major events and local festivals, music, theatre and dance.
2007 will also see contemporary entertainment, country shows and big sporting events. Here are
some of the main activities listed.
3 Feb – 3 March
Welsh National Opera presents – Madame Butterfly
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk www.wno.org.uk
23 Feb – 15 April
Three X 3 Exhibition
Sculptural and functional contemporary ceramics by nine selected artists working in the UK.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
24 Feb – 15 July 2007
Roots to Cardiff – How the World made a city
This new exhibition tells the story of the thousands of immigrants that have made Cardiff their
home over many centuries, creating the city we know today. Admission Free
The Old Library, The Hayes, Cardiff 029 2087 2087 www.museumcardiff.com
25 Feb – 2 March
Welsh National Opera presents Carmen
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk / www.wno.org.uk
25 February
Carling Cup Final
The Carling Cup comes to the Millennium Stadium for the final time.
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
28 Feb – 31 March
Butetown Insight Exhibition
A photographic Exhibition by year two University of Wales Institute, Cardiff BA (Hons) Graphic
Communication students at Butetown History & Arts Centre. In making their images of Butetown
these young artists have been free to examine their own vision of the city. Drawing on particular
histories of urban photography the work examines the gentrification of the urban zone,
documents the transitory & broken locations, and questions the veracity o the photographic
image. The result is a diverse collection of photographic work which reflects the eclectic nature
of Butetown today.
Butetown History & Arts Centre - 02920 256757 www.bhac.org
8 March 2007
An Evening with Joan Baez
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 1 of 12
9 March – 4 April
6th WOW Festival – Wales One World Film Festival
With 18 Welsh premieres and one UK premiere the biggest and best WOW! Film Festival yet
starts on Friday 9 March in Aberystwyth and tours around Wales till Wednesday 4 April. With 130
screenings of 34 different films from 20 countries, it's a great opportunity to catch the latest hot
hits from all around the world. Events taking place at Chapter Arts Centre between 16 - 29
March.
www.wowfilmfestival.org www.chapter.org/
11 March
Lenny Henry
One of the best loved comedians returns to the live stage.
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk / www.wno.org.uk
12 – 17 March
The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie
Starring Simon MacCorkindale, Tracey Childs, Fraser Hinds, Mark Wynter, Virginia Stride & Dean
Gaffney. Following the huge success of the Hollow in 2006, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company
is back with another tale from the „Mistress of Mystery‟
New Theatre Tel: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
14 – 16 / 17 – 18 March
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
“A showcase extravaganza” (The LA Times). The most popular touring dance production in
history.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
16 March
Tony T.S. McPhee
A legendary acoustic blues artist with his band the Groundhogs. Doors open 7.30pm
Norwegian Church Arts Centre Tel: 029 2045 4899
17 March
Bryan Ferry & Special Guests
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
17 March
Wales v England RBS Six Nations
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
18 March
The Band of her majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre & Pendyrus Male Choir
“Visually stunning and musically thrilling, this is live entertainment at its best!”
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
19 March
Westlife – The Love Tour 2007
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
22 March
Lionel Richie – Coming Home Tour
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 2 of 12
23 March – 4 June
Leonardo Da Vinci
The National Museum presents Ten Drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci: An Exhibition to celebrate
the 80th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen, a rare opportunity to see 10 of the finest drawings
by the Renaissance master, loaned from the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.
National Museum www.museumwales.ac.uk www.royalcollection.org.uk
24 March
Michael Bolton
The International singing star will be performing a mixture of old and new material.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
24 March
EDF Energy Cup Semi-Finals
The second season of the Anglo-Welsh Cup rugby union competition with a semi-final double
header. Cardiff Blues face Llanelli Scarlets and Sale Sharks take on Leicester Tigers for a place
in the 2007 final.
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
25 March
Russell Watson (postponed from 9 Nov)
Renowned for his stunning live performances and bringing opera and classical to new audiences,
Russell has sold 5 million albums worldwide.
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
27 March
Dolly Parton
The queen of country music and a legend in her own right.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
28 March
Wales v San Marino
Wales take on San Marino in their third home qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008
tournament in Switzerland and Austria.
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
30 March
Lemar
From Fame Academy a true star of the soul and r‟n‟b world
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
1 April
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final
The Football League‟s second domestic cup competition (contested by clubs in Coco-Cola
leagues One and Two)
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 3 of 12
3 – 7 April
Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knot
Starring James MacPherson, Faye Tozer, Richard Walsh Michael Lunney
With intricate plotting and twists galore, this is a story that continues to thrill more than 50
years after it was first performed.
New Theatre Tel: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
6 April
Sugababes – The Greatest Hits Tour
A three-piece all girl pop group who have taken the pop world by storm with a top 5 platinum
album and a Brit Award for Best Dance Act in 2003.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
7 April
Championship Boxing
Joe Calzaghe fights American superstar Peter Manfredo Jnr. In an historic 20th defence of his
WBO World Super-Middleweight title.
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
7 April
An Evening with Aled Jones
Since re-launching his career he has had a number one album and has toured worldwide and
presented on TV. Join this charismatic and enduring star for an unforgettable evening.
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
14 April
Van Morrison
Van Morrison one of the UK‟s foremost singers visits to perform selections from his highly
acclaimed new album Pay the Devil, as well as the classics.
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
14 April
Michael Ball
One of Britain‟s most famous musical performers, having starred in countless Broadways and
West End Shows.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
14 April
Suzi Quatro
Iconic 70‟s Rock Chick makes a welcome return with a show that will include barnstorming
performances of her greatest hits.
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
16 – 21 April
The Women in Black – Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill
Unanimously acclaimed by the critics. The audiences are provided with an evening of
unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.
New Theatre Tel: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 4 of 12
17 April
Alice in Wonderland
The enchantment and magic of the classic book are sensationally brought to life in this
captivating ballet from English National Ballet.
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
18 April
Once in a Lifetime Rewind Tour
The Osmonds + David Essex + David Cassidy + Showaddywaddy
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
19 April – 6 May
Young Designers Exhibition
An exhibition of work by students studying art and design at Barry College of Further Education.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
20 – 22 April
RHS Spring Flower Show Cardiff
The Cardiff Spring Flower Show marks the start of the RHS show season, and offers visitors a
chance to buy plants and flowers, get tips from the experts and view the entries vying for the
coveted RHS medals.
Bute Park Tel: 029 2087 2087
25 April
Deep Purple + Thin Lizzy + Styx
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
28 April
Konica Minolta Cup Final
After several hard fought qualifying rounds the Konica Minolta Cup final brings the last two
competing teams from the leagues of Wales together in this club rugby showpiece occasion.
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
30 April – 5 May
High Society
Cole Porters classic musical comes to WMC in a giddy blend of corking songs, fizzing one-liners
and champagne fuelled farce!
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
5 – 6 May
Super League 12 Millennium Magic
A full round of engage Super league XII fixtures will be played at Cardiff‟s Millennium Stadium.
The „Millennium Magic‟ weekend takes Rugby League back to the magnificent stadium for the
first time since the 2006 Powergen Challenge Cup final. 3 games will be played Saturday and 3
more the following day. For more information contact: Tel: 0870 990 1313
Millennium Stadium www.superleague.co.uk / www.rfl.uk.com
6 May
Jason Donovan
All the hits and more!
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 5 of 12
11 May – 7 July
Confluence
Textile, stone and wood sculptural works by artists Sue Hiley Harris and Richard Renshaw
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
Performed by the WNO
11 – 31 May - Carmen
18 – 19 May – Redflight Barcud
18 – 19 May - Dolfin
18 – 19 May – Wild Cat
19 May – 1 June – The Damnation of Faust
25 May – 2 June – 7 Deadly Sins / Duke Bluebeard’s Castle
26 May – 3 June – 4 Sacred Pieces / Belshazzar’s Feast
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wno.org.uk
19 May – 1 June
WNO Concert Performance - The Damnation of Faust - Berlioz
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk / www.wno.org.uk
23 May
Girls Aloud
The first all-female group to debut at No. 1 in the UK and first band ever to get the Christmas
No. 1 with their first single „Sound of the Underground‟.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
24 May
Simon Webbe
With his soulful voice and blues-led sound which has gained him critical acclaim and a host of
top twenty hits.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
24 May – 3 June
Hay on Wye – Hay Festival 2007
Every year, around 80,000 visitors flock to Hay-on-Wye for the town‟s annual literary festival.
Hay on Wye www.hayfestival.com
25 May – 2 June
WNO Concert Performances – 7 Deadly Sins – Weill / Duke Bluebeard’s Castle – Béla Bartók
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk / www.wno.org.uk
26 May – 3 June
WNO Concert Performances – 4 Sacred Pieces - Verdi / Belshazzar’s Feast - Walton
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk / www.wno.org.uk
2 June
Wales v Czech Republic
Wales take on the Czech Republic in their fourth home qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008
Tournament in Switzerland & Austria. The Euro ‟96 finalists represent the first of the qualifying
group‟s big opponents to play against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Millennium Stadium www.faw.org.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 6 of 12
9 – 10 June
XS07 Extreme Sports Expo
Extreme sports come to the Millennium Stadium with two days of demos, events and coaching
sessions. Visitors will be able to sample a wide range of adventure activities such as ice
climbing, scuba diving or flying in the gliding simulator.
Millennium Stadium www.xs07.co.uk
9 – 17 June
BBC Cardiff Singer of the World
The worldwide search for the opera world‟s next rising star culminates with the finals in Cardiff,
as 25 hopefuls compete for the title of Singer of the World 2007 and the £15,000 prize. Four
preliminary round concerts will be held in the New Theatre, with the final taking place in St
David‟s Hall.
New Theatre / St. David’s Hall www.bbc.co.uk/wales/cardiffsinger/sites/2007
16 June
Photomarathon
The endurance race with a difference returns to Cardiff for its fourth year. Hundreds of
photographers are given 12 hours to take 12 photos on 12 different topics – it‟s not physical
condition but creativity that is tested during this event. Photos from all the competitors will be
exhibited after the competition.
Various venues www.photomarathon.org
30 June
FIM British Speedway Grand Prix
Speedway returns to the Millennium Stadium for the annual FIM Fiat - For tickets Tel: 08705 582582
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
2 – 7 July
Acorn Antiques the Musical
Book, Music, Lyrics and Direction by Victoria Woods
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
3 – 14 July
Disney’s Beauty & The Beast
One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney‟s
multi-award winning musical.
New Theatre Tel: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
7 July
Rod Stewart in Concert
Rod Stewart comes to the Millennium Stadium for the very first time as part of his UK Summer
Stadium extravaganza. For tickets Tel: 0870 400 0688 - www.livenation.co.uk
Millennium Stadium www.millenniumstadium.com
9 – 15 July
Artist in residence
Claudia Borgna will be working with school groups and visitors to Craft in the Bay to create
sculptural pieces within the gallery space.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 7 of 12
13 – 14 July
The Elemis Invitational Trophy at The Celtic Manor Resort
The Elemis Invitational Trophy event will feature returning champion and tennis superstar Pat
Cash, 1998 Wimbledon Doubles Champion Paul Haarhuis, 1993 US Open and 1997 Wimbledon
finalist Cedric Pioline, and former Great Britain Davis Cup Captain, Jeremy Bates. The 2007
tournament will also see the introduction of a new format, including a single set doubles match
each day.
Early Bird Offer - Book tickets for The Elemis Invitational Trophy before 30th March 2007 and
receive a gift voucher entitling you to 20% off an Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial at The
Forum Spa.
For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact Special Events on 01633 410318 or
specialevents@celtic-manor.com
The Celtic Manor Resort www.celtic-manor.com
14 July – 6 January 2008
The Davies Sisters
This exhibition focuses on the Davies Sisters, Gwendoline Davies (1882 – 1851) and Margaret
Davies (1884 – 1963). The two unmarried sisters were raised in rural mid-Wales and came from a
family with no tradition of art collecting, but amassed an extraordinary collection of art
including many outstanding Impressionist paintings.
National Museum www.museumwales.ac.uk
19 – 28 July
Lloyds TSB Welsh Proms Cardiff
The Lloyds TSB Welsh Proms Cardiff present a magnificent series of symphony and family
concerts featuring world class soloists, choirs and orchestras.
St. David’s Hall Tel: 029 2087 8444 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
21 July – 9 September
Baltic Way
An exhibition of applied art created by artists living in the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
23 – 26 July
Royal Welsh Show
www.rwas.co.uk
25 – 26 August
Metro Weekender
After the inaugural Cardiff weekender in 2006, which featured Snow Patrol, Badly Drawn Boy
and Carl Cox, the music festival returns to Cooper‟s field with two days of live music and DJ‟s
Cooper’s Field www.metroweekender.co.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 8 of 12
25 – 27 August
Mermaid Quay Cardiff Harbour Festival
A weekend of wet and wild fun as the Harbour Festival takes over Cardiff bay once again.
Cardiff Bay www.cardiff-harbour.com
Sept (annual dates tbc)
Cardiff Mardi Gras
Every September up to 40,000 revellers come to Cardiff‟s Cooper‟s Field for a day of music and
fun at the biggest annual gay and lesbian celebration in Wales.
Bute Park
8 September
Wales v Germany
Wales take on Germany in their fifth home qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament
in Switzerland and Austria. The three-time World Cup winners and Euro ‟98 Champions will be
on their guard having had a history of 1-0 defeats in Wales.
Millennium Stadium www.faw.org.uk
14 Sept – 11 Nov
Element - Exhibition
An exhibition of applied art created by three artists who specialise in working with metals.
Exhibiting artists are Marianne Forrest, Sue Lowday and Benjamin Storch.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
15 Sept – 6 Oct
Rugby World Cup
World Cup rugby returns to Cardiff for the first time since the city hosted the tournament in
1999. The majority of matches will take place in France, but Cardiff will host three pool
matches and one quarter final during the world‟s premier rugby tournament.
Wales v Australia, Pool B, 15 Sept
Fiji v Canada, Pool B, 16 Sept
Wales v Japan, Pool B, 20 Sept
Millennium Stadium www.rugbyworldcup.com
21 Sept
James Last Orchestra
With worldwide record sales of over 200 million, James Last & his Orchestra never fail to delight
audiences wherever they play.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
6 Oct
Rugby World Cup – Quarter Final 2, Winner pool C vs runner up pool D
Millennium Stadium www.rugbyworldcup.com
19 October
The Police – Live in Concert
Millennium Stadium www.ticketmaster.co.uk
21 Oct
Swan Lake
The Captivating St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre and its superb orchestra present their acclaimed
production of Swan Lake
Wales Millennium Centre – 08700 402000 www.wmc.org.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 9 of 12
Oct – date tbc
Cardiff Marathon
The Cardiff marathon and half-marathon has become one of the UK‟s most popular long distance
races, thanks to its fast, flat and scenic route – which takes runners past landmarks including
Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff Castle, before the grandstand finish in the Millennium
Stadium.
Cardiff www.cardiffmarathon.org
Oct – (annual dates tbc)
Experimentica
Daring and innovative artists from across the globe take part in Wales‟ most controversial and
imaginative arts festival.
Chapter Arts Centre www.chapter.org
30 Oct
Calan Gaeaf
Celebrate Calan Gaeaf – All Hallow‟s Eve, at St Fagans with ghost walks, spooky stories and
traditional events including apple bobbing and the burning of the Wicker Man.
St. Fagans www.museumwales.ac.uk
3 Nov
Sparks in the Park
Cardiff‟s annual fireworks display to celebrate Bonfire Night, with the backdrop of Cardiff
Castle.
Cooper’s Field www.cardiff.gov.uk
Nov (annual dates tbc)
Cardiff Screen Festival
Wales‟ biggest film festival returns to the capital for a fortnight of the best in home-grown and
international cinema.
Chapter Arts & Cineworld Cardiff
15 Nov – 6 Jan 2008
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland & Santa’s Grotto
Cardiff City Hall‟s lawn is transformed into a winter wonderland, with an open air ice rink,
Christmas craft stalls, fair ground rides and Santa‟s Grotto. Cardiff‟s Christmas lights will be
switched on for the opening day of Cardiff‟s Winter Wonderland.
www.cardiff.gov.uk
16 Nov – 12 Jan 2008
The Makers Guild in Wales Christmas Exhibition
New work created for Christmas by members of the Makers Guild in Wales – textiles, jewellery,
ceramics, metal work and wood work.
Craft in the Bay 029 2048 4611 www.makersguildinwales.org.uk
17 Nov
Wales v Ireland
Wales take on Ireland in their final home qualifying match for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament in
Switzerland and Austria.
Millennium Stadium www.faw.org.uk
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 10 of 12
30 Nov – 2 Dec
Wales Rally GB
The World‟s top rally drivers tackle the city centre special stage in the Millennium Stadium as
part of the finale of the World Rally Championship 2007 season.
www.walesrallygb.com
11 December
Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds
Originally a 1978 concept album, it has been adapted into a magical touring stage show, the only
show of its kind.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
13 December
Wet Wet Wet
Renowned for their brilliant soulful ballads.
Cardiff International Arena 0970 380 0017 www.ents24.com
15 Dec – 26 January 2007
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
New Theatre Tel: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Future Dates for Your Diary
2008
HRH Prince of Wales will open the new visitor centre at Cardiff Castle on 1 Mar (St David‟s Day).
The National Eisteddfod comes to Cardiff for the first time in 30 years. 2-9 Aug.
The contemporary arts competition, Artes Mundi, will take place for the third time at the National
Museum.
2009
England and Wales cricket team take on Australia in the Ashes tournament at Sophia Gardens
cricket ground – the home of Glamorganshire County Cricket Club.
2010
The world‟s most prestigious international golf tournament, the Ryder Cup, comes to the Celtic
Manor Resort in South Wales.
The Cardiff Museum will open in the Old Library. The museum will tell the story of Cardiff – from
Roman fort to 21st Century capital.
2012
Olympic football comes to the Millennium Stadium as part of the 2012 London Olympics.
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 11 of 12
For more information please contact:
Destination Marketing Cardiff
Cardiff Council
City Hall
Room 136
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3ND
T: 029 2087 1847
E: destinationmarketing@cardiff.gov.uk
W: www.visitcardiff.com
Disclaimer
This document has been produced by The County Council of the City and County of Cardiff („The Council‟) to provide information to those visiting
Cardiff. Whilst every effort has been made to produce a quality document, the Council cannot warrant that it will meet your requirements, or that it is
free from error, omissions, inaccuracies or defects. The Council shall not accept any liability for any action or omission arising out of any reliance being
placed on this document by any individual or organisation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on
information in this document, or loss in the event of any company, individual or firm referred to in this document ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.
March 07 – Destination Marketing/Events/YCR Page 12 of 12