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Export sales are sparkling success story

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Consort Precision Diamond Co - a highly specialist Welsh manufacturing company has reported significant export-led sales increases over the last three months and announced plans to build on that success by targeting China this year.

The Welsh Government’s international trade development programme is supporting the company’s export drive and commissioned an in-depth market report for Consort, highlighting new business opportunities in China’s aerospace sector.

Consort, which is based in Kinmel Bay, in Conwy borough, operates in a highly niche market and is one of the world’s leading companies producing Rotary Diamond Dressers that are used extensively across a wide range of industries in complex, high precision grinding operations.

They ensure the grinding wheels are maintained in optimum condition, an essential requirement to ensure the accurate, high-speed production of components for the aerospace, automotive, power generation, machine tool and specialised engineering industries.

A key area of Consort’s expertise is in specifying and manufacturing diamond dressers for bespoke applications.

Managing Director David Morris said they were pleased to report sales had increased by 21% during the past three months, with the majority of the increase in exports to the USA, Mexico and Brazil. He said:

“Despite difficult trading conditions globally, November was our best month ever for incoming orders and outgoing production. This increase was mainly due to recognising new opportunities and concentrating sales efforts in those areas in anticipation of likely problems in the Eurozone,”

This year the company plans to concentrate efforts on China which is a growing market, particularly in the aero engine industry which he said has advanced at an impressive rate over the past decade.

“Although we have been selling our products to China for a number of years the excellent in-depth study commissioned through the Welsh Government highlighted new potential for our products in the aerospace sector and will guide our efforts to expand this market.”

Consort’s Technical Representative Brian Jones made a re-assessment visit to China last month and the company is now actively looking for a representative there with experience in the aerospace sector.

Business Minister Edwina Hart congratulated the company on its success and said she was pleased to hear Consort is benefiting from the help provided by the Welsh Government to support companies to trade internationally.

“Exports not only offer new market opportunities for Welsh businesses, helping to create and safeguard jobs, but also have a positive impact on the Welsh economy. Helping businesses increase international trade is high on the Welsh Government’s agenda.

“Consort’s export success mirrors the latest export figures for Wales published in December which showed a healthy 22% increase over the previous twelve months”.

Consort, which operates in the key advanced materials and manufacturing sector, is also currently involved in a technical research project with Swansea University under the ASTUTE (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) programme with the assistance of the Welsh Government.

ASTUTE provides dedicated expertise to help companies improve their competitiveness, enabling them to operate at the leading edge of manufacturing technologies.

Mr Morris said they are hopeful of positive results which will be invaluable for further increased production.

Wales rugby: RBS Six Nations

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Following on from the excitement of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Wales started their journey in the 2012 RBS Six Nations yesterday. A great start for the Welsh Rugby Team securing a 21-23 victory over Ireland in a thrilling game at the Aviva Stadium.

With the Six Nations Championship now in full swing, Wales’ first win has put them on track for a Grand Slam (victory in every game). Wales' victory over France on the final day of the 2008 RBS Six Nations provided the team with a perfect ten of Grand Slams. Let’s hope for number eleven this year!

The Wales squad led by captain, Sam Warburton and coach, Warren Gatland have a few games to get through first though. Here are Wales’ upcoming matches in the RBS Six Nations:

Sunday 12th February 2012 – Wales v Scotland (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Saturday 25th February 2012 – England v Wales (Twickenham)
Saturday 10th March 2012 – Wales v Italy (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Saturday 17th March 2012 – Wales v France (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)

Olympic chiefs visit Millennium Stadium

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Senior officials of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited the Millennium Stadium this week, as the venue prepares to host 11 Olympic football matches during the 2012 Games.

LOCOG Head of Sport Competition David Luckes arrived in Cardiff with a delegation from the IOC for a final tour of the venue before London 2012 kicks-off in Cardiff with the first event on 25 July.

Both the men’s and women’s GB football teams are set to play at the home of Welsh sport which is also the confirmed venue for the prestigious men’s quarter-final and Bronze Medal.

The Millennium Stadium was described as ‘very impressive’ by David Luckes as the London 2012 visitors - including former Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson and Welsh international football player Jessica Fishlock - completed their tour of the world-class facilities.

“This venue is very impressive. It is a stadium that regularly hosts major stadium events and we know their track record. We have been impressed by the attention to detail and the staff,” said Mr Luckes. “The Olympics starts here at 4.00pm on July 25 and I think it will get the Games off to a cracking start.”

Former Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson is also looking forward to the Olympic football in Cardiff: “I am so excited about the Olympics coming to Wales. I just can’t believe that my home city of Cardiff will be hosting an Olympic event,” he said.

“People often ask what the Olympics atmosphere is like but now they will have the chance to experience it for themselves. This is a once in a lifetime chance and people should not miss out. I am not going into the Village until July 27 so will be heading down to Cardiff to watch the opening event.”

Roger Lewis, Group Chief Executive of the WRU, which owns and operates the Millennium Stadium, commented: “The eyes of the world will be on the Millennium Stadium when the Games kick-off in Cardiff two days ahead of the official opening ceremony and we are proud and delighted to be such an important part of this great sporting occasion.

“The stadium has a fantastic record for hosting world-class events, including some six years of first-rate football during the construction of Wembley, and it has been a pleasure to show our guests from LOCOG and the IOC what sporting fans all over the world can expect from Cardiff to mark the first home Olympic Games.”

Tickets are available now until Monday, 6 February for fans to be part of all the Olympic football action between July 25 and August 10 at the Millennium Stadium via the official website www.tickets.london2012.com

Line up announced for international art prize

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Artists from Cuba, India, Lithuania, Mexico, Slovenia, Sweden, and the UK are on the shortlist for the Wales based Artes Mundi 5.

From the flamboyant to the intimate, action and performance are the common threads that link the artists shortlisted for this year’s £40,000 Artes Mundi Prize. From Phil Collins offering reality TV contestants a platform to critique their manipulation by the media, to the meticulous understatement through which Teresa Margolles addresses drug violence in Mexico, the seven artists use a wide range of materials, actions, and strategies to engage with social issues and comment on society.

The shortlist for the fifth Artes Mundi Prize was announced today by Ben Borthwick, Artes Mundi’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director following an extensive research process by the two selectors - Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy, Curator of Contemporary Art at Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, New York and curatorial agent for dOCUMENTA (13), and Anders Kreuger, Curator at M HKA in Antwerp, Belgium. The selectors chose from over 750 nominations, including 576 individual artists from more than 90 countries, identifying artists whose work explores and comments on lived experience.

The seven artists picked for this year’s Artes Mundi, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch as part of its Arts and Culture Programme, and publicly funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council are:

• Miriam Bäckström (Sweden),
• Tania Bruguera (Cuba),
• Phil Collins (England),
• Sheela Gowda (India),
• Teresa Margolles (Mexico),
• Darius Mikšys (Lithuania) and
• Apolonija Šušteršic (Slovenia).

Some of the artists look at specific cultural or historical contexts while others engage with broader themes of human experience. The range of nationalities, themes and artistic media demonstrates the scope of the Artes Mundi Prize, which will be underlined in a major exhibition of works by the shortlisted artists at Wales’s new National Museum of Art from 6 October 2012. The 14-week exhibition will be installed in almost 800 square metres of new contemporary art galleries, reinforcing Artes Mundi’s longstanding partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales.

An international judging panel will award the £40,000 prize midway through the exhibition in November 2012. All other shortlisted artists will receive a new award of £4,000 each.

Ben Borthwick, Artes Mundi’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director who joined the team from Tate Modern in 2010 said:
We are delighted with the exceptional quality of this shortlist which was drawn from a very strong field of nominations. I look forward to welcoming the artists toWales and creating an exhibition in October that will give audiences the opportunity to engage with the most exciting international contemporary art.

Anders Kreuger, one of the selectors, added:
Shortlisting for Artes Mundi has been an honour – and a responsibility to be taken seriously. Almost 600 artists were nominated this year, and it was a huge challenge to whittle these highly accomplished individuals down to just seven. We have chosen seven very different but equally talented artists, of different generations and from all across the globe, to exhibit at National Museum of Art this autumn.

Wales reach Grand Final at global schools debate

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has achieved its best ever result at the World Schools Debating Championships, reaching the Grand Final in a competition between 48 nations taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.

In the final, Wales faced Scotland, debating the motion “This house regrets South Africa's decision to use the Truth and Reconciliation Commission rather than prosecuting perpetrators of crimes committed under Apartheid”. The Welsh team comprises Amy Jones, 18, of Y Pant Comprehensive School, Pontyclun; Helen Price, 17, of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls; David Wigley, 17, of Bishop of Llandaff High School, Cardiff; and Piers Digby, 17, of Monmouth School. The team has been coached by Harry Thomas.

Wales won 6 of its 8 initial debates, achieving a ranking of 7th place after the preliminary rounds. They then defeated India and Ireland in the first two knock-out rounds. Wales then met England in the semi-final, defeating them by 6 judges to 1 on the topic “This House supports a 100% tax on inherited wealth”.

The World Schools Debating Championships is an annual event, first organised in Australia in 1988. Teams debate a mixture of prepared topics (provided several weeks in advance) and impromptu topics with only one hour’s preparation. The Welsh team is selected from outstanding competitors in the Wales Schools Debating Championships, organised by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs with support from the British Council.

Martin Pollard, Chief Executive of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by four dedicated young debaters. We’ve been taking part in the World Schools Debating Championships for nearly 20 years and this is the first time we’ve reached the Final, so everyone is very excited. This competition is all about communication and bright ideas, and it’s great that we can show off the skills of young Welsh people to so many other countries.”

Information on the World Schools Debating Championships: www.schoolsdebate.com

Happy St Dwynwen's Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers and we celebrate St Dwynwen’s day on the 25th January.

The story of Dwynwen dates back to the 5th century. Dwynwen fell in love with a Prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but her father Brychan Brycheiniog was determined that she would marry another man.

Dwynwen was devasted that she couldn’t marry her true love and begged God to make her forget Maelon. She was visited by an angel who gave her a potion that was supposed to make her have no memory of Maelon and turned him into a block of ice.

Dwynwen was then granted three wishes. Firstly she wished for Maelon to be thawed, secondly that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdly she wished that she would never marry. She devoted the rest of life to God’s service, founding a convent on the island of Llanddwyn and you can see still see the remains of the church today.

Also on the island is a well where according to legend swims a sacred fish that can predict the happiness of relationships. Visitors still visit the well today hoping that the water will boil meaning that love and good luck will follow them.

Have a look below for some ideas to celebrate St Dwynens Day and don’t forget to say ‘Dwi’n dy garu di’ (I love you) today!

Recipes
Cook your loved one something special from Wales

Lovespoons
History and meanings behind the traditional gift of the Welsh lovespoon

Breaks
Some of our favourite places for a break away in Wales.

Stories
Read some of our romantic myths and legends from Wales

Wales and China celebrate Chinese New Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dragons of Wales and China come together for Chinese New Year

The growing links between Wales and China will be celebrated this evening when First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomes guests to the Senedd to commemorate Chinese New Year.

The event follows a high-level delegation to China last year where the First Minister led talks to promote Wales as a business destination and place to invest, as well as promoting educational opportunities in Wales.
During the visit he held talks with the Chinese Government and signed co-operation agreements with the Municipalities of Beijing and Chongqing to explore areas of collaboration.
Before Christmas the First Minister welcomed to Cardiff the Joint Economic Trade Commission, a UK and Chinese Government forum for talks on business opportunities. The Chinese Government team was accompanied by a delegation of Chinese companies who had the opportunity to learn more about what Wales has to offer.

Those attending the event in the Senedd will include representatives of the Chinese Embassy and people from the fields of business, education, and culture who have links with China, as well as from the local Chinese communities and student population. Proceedings will start with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performance.

The First Minister will wish the guests happy new year in Mandarin and Cantonese.

He said:

“The Dragon of course, is the national symbol of Wales. The Welsh flag, named Y Ddraig Goch in Welsh, literally translates as The Red Dragon. The dragon is just one thing that China and Wales have in common.

“My government is committed to Wales’ relationship with China and late last year I returned from an extremely productive and enjoyable visit to the country, the first of what I hope will be many as First Minister of Wales.

“The warmth of the Chinese people and the welcome I received will remain with me for ever. During my visit we signed a number of new deals that will be mutually beneficial to both our nations, including renewing the Co-operation Agreement with the Municipal Government of Chongqing and a new agreement with the Municipal Government of Beijing.

“Our relationship embraces a wide range of areas, from business, energy, education and health and I want this journey to continue. I sincerely hope that the Year of the Dragon will bring lasting peace, common prosperity and harmony between our two nations.”

Cardiff to host UK round of Extreme Sailing Series

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The UK round of the award-winning Extreme Sailing Series now in its sixth year will be staged in Cardiff between the 24-27 August, 2012.

In a three-year deal, Cardiff won the bid to host the UK event of this global sailing circuit that is only one of four events with ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Special Event status, positioning the city alongside the other seven premium international sporting venues hosting an Extreme Sailing Series Act in 2012. The host venue agreement with Cardiff City is backed by a Welsh Government grant for 2012-2014.

The Extreme 40 catamarans, raced by many of the world’s best sailors, will race on Cardiff Bay over four days with the event open to the public between the 25-27 August as the Extreme 40 fleet race in the circuit’s action packed ‘stadium’ format. First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said:

"I am delighted to announce that the Extreme Sailing Series will be coming to Cardiff Bay from 2012.

"This is a top-level, international sporting event which puts the Welsh capital alongside cities such as Singapore, Istanbul, Nice and Boston.

"By supporting events like this, the Welsh Government is aiming to promote Wales as a world class sailing and water sports venue, as well as generating economic benefits by attracting more visitors to our shores."

Executive chairman of the organizing company behind the series, Mark Turner of OC ThirdPole, said:

"The circuit continues to represent perfectly the developments in the world at large, with its balance of east and west, different cultures and languages and variety of conditions."

"Year on year the commercial value to the host cities of securing this event for the host cities has steadily increased, and this is reflected in 2012 developments. A pro-active and innovative host venue is critical to the success of the event, and we are very excited in this respect by the partnership with Cardiff and the Welsh Government"

The 2012 Extreme Sailing Series will be staged at eight different international venues across three continents, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. Alongside other significant media exposure, once again a dedicated TV series will be produced and broadcast on up to 40 channels around the world, including CNBC, Bloomberg, Channel 4 (UK), Sky (UK), Al Jazeera, Fox (Latin America, Australia Middle East), ESPN, Sport+ (France), RAI (Italy).

Welsh stars of 2012: The ones to watch

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We’re a talented bunch here in Wales. Many of our home grown stars have gone on to have success worldwide; Anthony Hopkins, Rhys Ifans, The Stereophonics come to mind. A new year brings new talent, so here are some of our own that have been highlighted as “ones to watch” for 2012.

Music:
The inaugural Welsh Music Prize highlighted some of the best music in Wales last year - 12 artists, 12 albums, one award - the very first award going to Gruff Rhys for his third solo album Hotel Shampoo. Wales Online have featured 40 Welsh bands to look out for in 2012. On the list, The Gentle Good (the work of Cardiff based folk singer-songwriter Gareth Bonello) who was recently given the opportunity to take part in a 6 week programme in Chengdu, China giving innovative British musicians the opportunity to explore new musical territory, reach new audiences, and write new material.

Sport:
With less than 200 days to go until the Olympics, the spotlight is very much on our sports men and women. In the run up to the London 2012 four Welsh sporting stars have so far been confirmed as part of Team GB: boxing duo Andrew Selby and Fred Evans, plus sailor Hannah Mills. Sailor, Steve Thomas has been confirmed for the GB Paralympics Team. With more Team GB selection announcements to come, many more Welsh contenders are still hoping to compete in the world’s biggest sporting event.

Literature:
Recently announced as the very first writer in residence at the Welsh Rugby Union, Owen Sheers is a poet, author and scriptwriter brought up in Abergavenny, South Wales. His first novel Resistance was translated into 10 languages and shortlisted for the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Book Award. Resistance was made in to a feature film starring Michael Sheen and released in November 2011 – HRH Prince Charles even attended the premiere.

With so many more talented people shining through; writers, actors, musicians, film makers, artists, sports stars (too many to list on our blog in fact), keep an eye out for Welsh stars in 2012. We like to make an impact.

Swansea v Arsenal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend sees Swansea take on another of the Premier League's big clubs. Swansea welcome 3 time premier league winners Arsenal to the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, 15th January.

Arsenal are famous for their slick passing and attractive style of football and were the only team to go through a premier league season undefeated. They recently re-signed one of the ‘invincibles’ on loan Thierry Henry. Henry, who could feature in his first Premier League game since 2007, has high praise for Swansea and their style of football saying ‘Swansea are an amazing team’.

With two teams playing such attractive football it’s all set up to be a fantastic day! And Arsenal supporters coming from London might be more familiar with Swansea and the beautiful surrounding areas than they first might have thought. Pictures of the Gower, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and beaches such as Three Cliffs Bay have been featured on an advertising campaign on the London Underground.

There is also a dedicated site on the visit Swansea Bay website for Premier League fans to check out before they travel to Swansea. So if you are heading down to catch a game at the Liberty Stadium why not check out what else is on offer.

Wales in the US update

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There is good news from the USA this month as Wales has made the New York Times’ list of top 45 Places to Go in 2012. Other destinations featured include Tokyo, Florence and Moscow. The focus of the Wales entry is our new hiking path - the Wales Coast Path – which will create a pedestrian route around the country. For the full listing, see http://tinyurl.com/6mlw478

Also this week, Sophie Lewis, Manager of Sinfonia Cymru (Wales) is in New York at the ISPA (International Society for the Performing Arts) Annual Congress at the Times Center in New York. She is representing the UK along with the senior managers of five other UK Orchestras. Sinfonia Cymru is Wales’s foremost chamber orchestra consisting of talented musicians under the age of 28 and is the resident professional chamber orchestra at the new Dora Stoutzker Hall at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

And some good news for Cardiff University; American pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb has agreed the purchase of US biotech company Inhibitex, in a $2.5Bn (£1.6bn) deal which includes the promising new anti-hepatitis C drug INX-189, first designed and prepared in Cardiff University.

The buy-out means Bristol-Myers will continue the development of INX-189, created by Professor Chris McGuigan at the Welsh School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Professor McGuigan said: “At this drug’s current highly promising stage, Bristol-Myers Squibb is the ideal partner for quick progression to clinical approval. …This purchase is highly significant for Cardiff University, which stands to benefit financially at each stage of the drug’s progress.”

For the full story, see the Cardiff University website.

For more information on Wales’ links with America, take a look at our Wales and the USA pages.

Living and working in a National Park in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

GUEST BLOGGER: Nancy Cavill
Nancy is based in a village eight miles from Brecon and runs Everymedia Solutions.
www.everymediasolutions.co.uk

IT’S not every lunch break that offers you the chance to listen to the sound of sheep munching. But that’s how it is for me when I step out of my office into my garden, which is adjacent to a field. I live and work in my home, which is in a small village in the always beautiful – even in the rain – Brecon Beacons National Park.

Outside there are wall-to-wall views of mountains, with the odd forest and river thrown in. From inside my office (in my converted garage, the glamour!) if I crane my neck I can see a 550-metre mountain peak – when it’s not surrounded by cloud.

What a difference a few years can make.

Back then I was working as a freelance journalist, writing and subbing for newspapers and other magazines, and living in Wales’ capital city, Cardiff.
I love the city and I had to be dragged kicking and screaming by an outdoorsy husband to start a new life in the country. How would we cope with the commute to town, I asked. And what if no-one talks to ‘outsiders’?

I needn’t have worried. Village life turns out to be just as sociable, if not more so, than urban dwelling. And the issue of the commute never reared its head.

My work life has been transformed. I no longer write for print but for all things online – so, of course, it doesn’t matter where I live. Or rather, it matters to me where I live but not to the people I write for!

One minute I can be speaking to the switched-on landlord of a local pub who wants ‘things to do’ content for the pub’s website (visitors bring in much of the pub’s trade and tourism is a major industry here). The next I’m talking to a marketing manager in central London who wants his firm’s brochure copy re-written.

Local business meetings take place in the pub – usually with coffee rather than a pint – and some now even offer free wi-fi. Just like the city! For business meetings further afield Skype works wonders.

I have a virtual network of colleagues now thanks to social media. But then again, I know colleagues in a busy city office who sit in the same room but tweet each other rather than wander over for a chat, so I don’t feel too deprived.

200 days until the Olympic Games

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With 200 days now remaining until the London 2012 Olympic Games, another four countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding to formalise their agreement to prepare for the Games in Wales.

The latest four countries to commit to basing their pre-Games training camps in Wales are: the Botswana National Olympic Committee, Lesotho National Olympic Committee, Liberia National Paralympic Committee and Mexican Paralympic Committee. The announcements follow the recent decision by Athletics New Zealand that they will train in Wales which has been supported by the New Zealand Olympic Committee.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: “With 2012 now upon us and with 200 days left until the world’s biggest sporting event takes place on our doorstep, I’m delighted that we are able to make this announcement. The decisions reflect the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for.

“Pre Games training camps will also provide opportunities to develop sporting, educational and cultural exchanges with countries that come to Wales and provide opportunities for children and local communities to get involved, resulting in a positive Games legacy for Wales. “

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said: "It’s great to hear that National Olympic Committees and National Paralympic Committees from Africa and the Americas are continuing to develop strong relationships with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. It’s a great opportunity for the nations to develop sporting, educational and cultural links that last beyond the Games. I wish the teams and their Welsh colleagues all the very best in their preparations for London 2012.”

It is anticipated that teams from at least 19 countries will train in Wales in the lead in to the Games involving close to 1,000 athletes and support staff with a direct investment into the economy running into millions of pounds.

West Wales to host a major new literature festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Literature Wales is pleased to announce that a lively new festival celebrating the very best of literature will be held at Dinefwr Park and Castle in west Wales in 2012.

The Dinefwr Literature Festival is a collaboration between Literature Wales, the National Trust, and the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David (as lead partner in the Coracle programme).

The Arts Council of Wales has generously awarded £65,000 to this new project from its Festivals Fund.

The bilingual festival, which will be the first of its kind, takes place from Friday 29 June to Sunday 1 July 2012. It will feature an eclectic mix of literature, music, comedy, cinema and children’s activities – doing for literature what the Green Man Festival has done for music. High quality literature events will be programmed alongside other art forms in the beautiful and inspiring surroundings of Dinefwr Park and Castle.

The impressive line-up will include multi-award-winning novelists, local storytellers, performance poets, children’s authors, singer-songwriters, script-writers plus a whole host of fringe acts guaranteed to appeal to children and adults alike. The festival site will have a dedicated camping field to set up a temporary home from home for the weekend. The site will also be brimming with outdoor entertainment, a variety of stalls, excellent local food and much, much more.

Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire has a long and prestigious association with Welsh literature. It was the seat of the medieval Princes of Deheubarth and is steeped in culture. This area of Carmarthenshire is known for the part it has played in the promotion and celebration of Welsh culture throughout the centuries.

Justin Albert, Director of the National Trust in Wales, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project and partnership for the National Trust to be involved in. Everyone loves good stories, poetry and music and Wales has such a rich and fantastic tradition in these areas. Dinefwr is rightly seen as one of the cradles of Welsh culture, so holding the festival at this site will surely play a massive part in further invigorating pride in Welsh literary and musical achievement. We congratulate Literature Wales and the other project partners in successfully bringing this bid together and laying the groundwork for what we are confident will be an amazing festival and celebration of Welsh culture.”

Dominic Williams, Coracle Development Officer, says: “The professional development of any creative community, including that of creative writers, is the driving force behind the Coracle programme. Arts festivals are the showcases that often convert those communities into industries. This local and international festival will have a hugely positive impact upon the region by attracting lovers of culture to this Welsh home of literature.”

Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales, says: “Literature Wales’ vision is to take literature to all corners of Wales to as wide an audience as possible. This new festival allows us to do that. Working in partnership with the National Trust and Coracle will enable us to be more ambitious in our programming than ever before. 2012 will be a great year for literature.”

Watch out for more information and future announcements about the festival, including the launch of a new festival website in the New Year.

In the meantime, visit the project partners’ websites:

Literature Wales www.literaturewales.org
National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr
Coracle www.coracle.eu.com

Free entry to National Botanic Garden this January

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whatever the weather this January, you can rely on a Mediterranean experience in the Great Glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden of Wales – where admission is FREE for the whole month.

A series of weekend-long events has been arranged throughout the month to help encourage more people to visit the Garden – which The Times newspaper branded the “Number 1 Winter Wonderland in the UK”.

Through the month, the highlights include: an Antiques Fair , Woodcraft Weekend and a ‘Local Producer’ Food Fair – all taking place in the stunning surrounds of Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse.

The Antiques Fair is on Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15, and is billed as two days of high-quality antiques stalls with china, jewellery and furniture - organised by Derwen Fairs.

Saturday and Sunday, January 21-22, sees the return of the popular Woodcraft Weekend, an event for all woodworkers including demonstrations of woodturning, toy-making, carving, intarsia, pyrography, with international craftsmen such as Mark Raby, Mick Hanbury, Bob Neill, Mark Baker, Simon Hope showing off their skills.

On the last weekend of FREE January (Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29), there will be a festival of local food and drink with more than 30 stalls offering the best that the west has to offer in terms of local produce.

Also on at the Garden in FREE January are the next two performances in the Celtic Women Concert Series which feature singer, pianist, and entertainer Amanda Painting (Sunday January 8 at 2pm) and harpist, songwriter, poet and storyteller Hazel Saville on Sunday January 15.

For more information, call +44 (0)1558 667149 or info@gardenofwales.org.uk. For a full list of what’s on at the Garden, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk

Merry Christmas/Nadolig Llawen!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Nadolig Llawen (that’s Welsh for Merry Christmas) from Wales.com.

Here’s some of what happens over the festive season here in Wales:

Christmas Eve
An old Welsh tradition on Christmas Eve is Taffy making. This special kind of toffee was boiled up in pans as families and friends would share stories to pass the dark hours of Christmas Eve's night.

Children all over Wales will hang up their stockings eagerly awaiting a visit from Father Christmas. Be sure to leave out some mince pies for Santa and a carrot for his reindeer too.

Christmas Day
Traditionally on Christmas Morning, families open their presents and start preparations for a Christmas feast – turkey with all the trimmings! Here’s a great recipe to add a little Welsh to your Christmas feast.

For those who like something a little unusual, how about a festive trip to the beach?
Every year participants brave the weather and plunge into icy waters around Wales for a Christmas sea swim. The Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim sees hundreds of people take part every year.

For those who prefer to be in the warm, there’s always the Dr Who Christmas special. Dr Who actor, Matt Smith recently talked about his favourites parts of Cardiff, where the show is filmed in Dr Who’s Guide to Cardiff.

Boxing Day
As well as families feasting on the left over turkey, Boxing Day sees another famous Christmas sea swim in Wales. The Tenby Boxing Day Swim was recently highlighted in Tesco’s Christmas advertising campaign.

Not to forget the football – Swansea City will play Queens Park Rangers at home and Cardiff City will play Watford away.

New Year’s Eve
For a very different New Year’s Eve, the Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran. Held annually on New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley, South Wales, the Races follow a 5km route around the town.

The legendary stories of Guto Nyth Bran are plentiful, including how he could catch a bird in flight, and how he once ran seven miles (to Pontypridd, South Wales and back) before the kettle boiled.

When he was 37, a challenge came from the ‘Prince’ of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church Caerphilly. Guto won the race, but the celebratory ‘slaps’ on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Sian o’r Siop.

His body was taken to its final resting-place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash – where the annual races now take place.

New Year’s Day
Another old Welsh tradition is Calennig – a New Year’s gift.

All around Wales, groups of young children would go from door to door, carrying three-legged totems singing verses and asking for calennig - gifts of small change.

This was symbolised by the skewered apples, stuck with corn and sprigs of evergreen, which they carried in their hands.

Whatever your plans over the holidays, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Nadolig Llawen!

Brunei Minister visits Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports for Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Hazair, visited Wales on the 9th and 10th December as part of a wider visit to the UK.

Pehin Hazair met the Minister for Housing, Regeneration & Heritage, Huw Lewis AM, to discuss Wales’ experience in hosting major sporting events such as Ryder Cup and the success in attracting Olympic and Paralympic teams to use Wales as a training base ahead of the London 2012 Games. The Ministers also discussed the Welsh Government’s commitment to encourage wider participation in sport.

After the meeting Minister Hazair took the opportunity to tour the sports facilities of Cardiff Metropolitan University and visit the Cardiff School of Management. There was also time to meet students from the Brunei Darussalam Student Society Wales (BDSSW).

On this day in Welsh history…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The City of Cardiff was officially named as the capital city of Wales. Cardiff was named as a city in 1905 and 50 years later in 1955 achieved its capital city status.

Cardiff was proclaimed capital city just in time to host the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Branded as “The Empire Games”, at the time it was the largest sporting event to be held in Wales. In 2012 Cardiff will be hosting the very first event of the Olympic Games on 25th July.

The population of Cardiff is around 320,000. The city is home to the Millennium Stadium and its very own castle (to name just a few of its landmarks). The stylish Cardiff Bay also houses the Wales Millennium Centre.

Wales has a number of other cities, Swansea, Bangor and Newport as well as the smallest City in the United Kingdom, St Davids.

As part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, a total of 26 towns across the UK will compete for the right to become a city. Both St Asaph and Wrexham in North Wales are in the running to become one of Britain’s newest cities.

Your Celebrity Guide to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dr Who actor Matt Smith and film star Luke Evans show you around their favourite parts of Wales with some absolutely magnificent scenery along the way. We thought you might like to see these two great videos from Visit Britain highlighting some of Wales’ best bits.

Dr Who’s guide to Cardiff
Join Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, as he guides you around his favourite bits of Cardiff, where the show is filmed.

Luke Evans Guide to Wales
Film star and local boy, Luke Evans goes back to his roots and takes a trip around Wales’ glorious countryside.

Small Welsh company lands exclusive Chinese deal

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A small Welsh company has announced that it has landed a multi-million pound exclusive dealership agreement with the giant Sany Group of Hunan province, China.

Tramor Ltd, a newly formed SME based in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, will sell the extensive range of Sany heavy industry machinery throughout mainland UK.

The news comes ahead of a high level UK-China Joint Economic Trade Commission meeting in Cardiff tomorrow (Thursday December 14) followed by a business lunch and Forum for Chinese and UK SME’s.

Speakers include Business Secretary Vince Cable, Vice-Minister Gao Hucheng, Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

The Forum will discuss the outlook for UK-China SME co-operation, key investment opportunities between regions in the UK and China and opportunities arising from China’s green revolution. Forty leading Chinese companies will be present together with Welsh and UK businesses, including Sany and Tramor.

Business Minister Edwina Hart said she was pleased the Welsh Government’s key projects team had been able to provide support for Tramor both in Wales and in China.

"It is quite an achievement for a small Welsh company to sign an exclusivity agreement with one of the world’s largest construction machinery companies.

"China offers huge trading opportunities for Welsh companies and I am delighted to hear how Tramor is forging links with Sany and hope this week’s trade mission will mark the start of a growing relationship between our countries".

Sany Group is the world’s largest concrete machinery manufacturer and ranked 6th in the top 50 global construction machinery manufacturing companies employing over 70,000 people worldwide.

Following recent expansion in the European market with the opening of a €100 million manufacturing plant in Bedburg Germany, Sany’s globalisation through localisation programme has now entered the UK market.

Mr Xiang Wenbo, President of Sany Heavy Industry Group, said that in the engineering and construction machinery industry particularly, customers from different regions have different requirements for equipment according to their preferences

He emphasised:

"Going global should be based on localisation. Localisation involves not only products and talents, but also the production and operation system,".

As a result of the contract Tramor will be creating over twenty new posts in various fields including engineering, procurement and sales, accounts and admin.

Tramor Ltd's Directors John Lewis and Rhodri Morgan described the contract as a very positive move for the construction industry in the UK and would have immediate and encouraging economic implications for Wales.

John Lewis, who has over 30 years in the industry having previously run a successful UK Dealership, said they landed the exclusive deal after literally flying out to China and knocking on Sany’s door.

"We had identified the need for an alternative brand of machinery for the UK and undertook extensive market research on possible companies. A business colleague advised us to go to China to meet Sany which we did several times.

"It was only then that we realised the magnitude of both the Sany brand and that the manufacturing capabilities of the company were on a scale never before seen in the UK".

"The attention to detail, high level of quality and workmanship that this company strive to achieve is something that I haven’t seen in over 30 years in the industry. I have great confidence that our customers here in the UK will welcome the brand and also a new machine and company in the market".

Rhodri Morgan said they were delighted that Tramor was selected as both the first and also the exclusive representative of Sany in the UK.

The first consignment of machinery and spares, modified for the UK market, will arrive in Wales in the New Year with an official launch and marketing campaign by both Tramor and Sany to raise awareness of the brand.

John Lewis said:

"The implications for Wales are immense as the deal has the potential to attract serious investment to both Wales and the UK as similar machinery currently available in the market start at £50,000 for a 7-tonne machine and in excess of £350,000 for a 65 tonne plus machine."

Add a Welsh twist to your Christmas feast

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you’d like a Welsh twist to your Christmas dinner this year, here’s a great recipe for a Christmas canapé by Welsh chef Bryn Williams.

Bryn was born in Denbigh in North Wales and is now chef and owner of Odette’s in north London. His Caerphilly cheese and thyme pastries are a nice way to ‘Welshify’ your Christmas menu.

Bryn, who spoke at the Hay Festival this year, also talked recently about his favourite Welsh ingredients and recipes.

You can find out more about Welsh produce on our Food pages. Or why not try out our Welsh Cakes recipe for a traditional and tasty Christmas morning treat?

Add a little bit of Wales to your Christmas feast this year!

Nadolig Llawen (Merry Christmas)

Wales’ Sports Personality of the Year

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Motorcyclist, Chaz Davies has been named 2011 BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year. The World Supersport Champion won the title as the result of a public vote.

At only 24, Davies became the first Welshman to win a world Superbike class title when he secured the overall crown in the 12-match series.

He succeeds footballer Gareth Bale to win the BBC Cymru Wales award and beat boxer Nathan Cleverly, hurdler Dai Greene, triathlete Helen Jenkins, and Paralympian Nathan Stephens to win.

To celebrate the past year in Welsh sport, the awards ceremony took place yesterday at Swansea's Liberty Stadium

The Welshman won six races in the 2011 Supersport Championship - the competition below the main World Superbikes Championship - at Assen, Monza, Aragon, Silverstone, the Nurburgring and the final race in Portugal.

According to Twitter, Chaz was celebrating his win yesterday with a pizza in California.

A weekend of festivities

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re getting into the festive spirit this weekend all over Wales and as always we like to do things in our own uniquely Welsh way. Here’s just some of what’s going on:

In the north, hundreds of Father Christmases will be donning their running shoes in Llandudno and Wrexham in the annual Santa Fun Run.

Down south, Caerphilly Castle will be bathed in light for a twice nightly spectacular sound and light show. Illuminata, reflects the fascinating history of this iconic castle. It takes place as part of Caerphilly’s Medieval Christmas Fayre will take place10th – 11th December.

For something a little more quirky, Bridgend is looking to break its own record for the world’s largest gathering of elves on Saturday 10th December. Bridgend smashed New York’s previous record last year and are hoping for a crowd of up to 1000 people dressed as elves in Bridgend town centre.

For the food lovers, Abergavenny Christmas Food and Drink Fair takes place on 11th December. There are master-classes, tastings and some great produce to stock up your cupboards for the festive season.

London 2012: First Welsh Torchbearers announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) begins to make conditional offers to inspiring people in Wales to carry the Olympic Flame next summer during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay.

Hundreds of people in Wales are today one step closer to becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer and having their moment to shine next summer. The offers made today include the day of the Relay the Torchbearer is expected to carry the Olympic Flame.

90% of the total 8,000 Torchbearer places across the UK have been made available to people nominated for a personal best through a number of channels, including the four public nomination campaigns run by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay: Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. The remaining 10% of places are offered by invitation.

Of the 6,800 individuals with an offer today, over 5,600 inspirational people were selected through these four nomination programmes run earlier in the year. Each of the four campaigns focused on recognising and rewarding people with a story of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community with the once in a lifetime opportunity of carrying the Olympic Flame.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: ‘Thank you to everyone in Wales who took the time to nominate a friend, a colleague or a family member through one of the four campaigns. Today we are one step closer to giving hundreds of people across Wales their moment to shine during the Olympic Torch Relay next summer. The sum of the individual stories of our Torchbearers will show the world that the Olympic spirit is alive and well right across Wales.’

An average of 115 people a day will take centre stage next summer by carrying the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Among the first people to be offered a place today include Elin Haf Davies, 35 from Gwynedd, nominated through Lloyds TSB’s public nomination campaign who has rowed 5691 miles across two of the world’s oceans and has raised nearly £250,000 for charity and Hannah Jarrett, 14 from Bridgend, nominated through Samsung’s public nomination campaign who despite having numerous medical complaints, including diabetes has raised over £2,000 for diabetes research.

Elin Haf Davies said; ‘I’m delighted to have been offered one of the first places as an Olympic Torchbearer through the Lloyds TSB nomination process. It will be a very proud moment for me to carry the Flame, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and such an honour to have the opportunity to represent all the children and families that have benefited from my extreme adventure, as well as celebrate others all over the country who work tirelessly to support those in their community.’

Hannah Jarrett said: ‘I am so excited at the thought that I could be a Torchbearer. It is such an honour to have received an offer. It will be a very special opportunity and I hope to represent my friends, people at my school and from my home town and all young people with type 1 Diabetes’

Huw Lewis Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said: ‘The people chosen through this rigorous process should be immensely proud of their achievements. The stories and experiences that they have to share should be an inspiration to many and this opportunity will give them a well deserved moment to shine.’

Over 60,000 nominations were received across the UK across four nomination campaigns. Each campaign incorporated a rigorous selection process and the nominations were read and evaluated by independent selection panels. Those who have not been successful with a nomination are invited to join the journey to the London 2012 Games by becoming a Local Leader.

The additional conditional offers made today are to people who also have a story of personal achievement or contribution to the local community. 135 offers have been made to local heroes put forward by the 66 Local Authorities hosting an evening celebration event and Island visit requiring extra logistics on the Olympic Torch Relay, 70 to people who assist with delivering grassroots sport who have been selected by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, sportscotland and Sport Wales, 205 by the BOA, and 71 by the IOC and 678 by other London 2012 Games commercial partners.

A further 1,200 conditional offers will be made by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners in January 2012.

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit Wales between 25 and 30 May 2012. The communities through which Torchbearers will carry the London 2012 Olympic Flame are listed on the London 2012 website.

London 2012: Carrying the torch in Wales…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today individuals across Wales were made offers to carry the Olympic Flame next summer during the 70 day Olympic Torch Relay.

People were asked to nominate individuals for their achievements or contributions to their communities.

Two of the nominations from Wales were Elin Haf Davies, 35 and Hannah Jarrett, 14 - who are now one step closer to becoming a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer and having their moment to shine.

And you can see why - both have some very inspiring achievements outlined in the nominations submitted.

Elin Haf Davies, from Gwynedd, rowed 5691 miles across two of the world’s oceans. Elin landed in Antigua to become the first Welsh woman to ever row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Fourteen months later Elin joined team 'Ocean Angels' to set a world record by becoming the first all female crew to row 3139 miles across the Indian Ocean

Elin has raised nearly £250,000 for her chosen charities.

Hannah Jarrett from Bridgend has a long list of impressive accomplishments noted in a nomination from her teacher:

“Hannah is one of my Yr 10's at Bryntirion Youth Centre and has numerous medical complaints including diabetes. Despite her own difficulties she has raised over £2,000 for Diabetes research….”

Hundreds of people in Wales today will have a smile on their face after being told they will carry the Olympic Torch. The remaining places will be offered in January.

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit Wales between 25 and 30 May 2012.

National Dance Company Wales impress in India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s the last day of the National Dance Company Wales’ tour of India and they’ve had a great response and glowing reviews so far.

The Company has wowed audiences in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi throughout the tour, which runs 25th November – 7th December 2011.

The tour is supported by, British Council, Wales Arts International and the Welsh Government. It’s included performances of B/olero and Black Milk by Ohad Naharin and By Singing Light by Stephen Petronio.

By Singing Light is inspired by the poetry of the late Welsh writer, Dylan Thomas and influenced by the Welsh songs of Mansel Thomas.

Wales Online has covered some the successes of the tour so far.

Continuing the India-Wales dance relationship, India’s STEM Dance Kampni will be visiting Wales in Spring 2012 for a tour of Wales.

A uniquely Welsh Christmas…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’ve always liked to do things in our own unique way here in Wales and Christmas is no exception.

Some of our old Christmas customs still happen in parts of Wales today. Tasty, tuneful and some a little strange - here a just a few of them:

Plygain
We live up to our name of the land of song with Plygain - singing from 3-6am on Christmas Day. In the early hours of Christmas morning, men gathered in the rural churches to sing. They would sing mainly unaccompanied, three or four part harmony carols in a service that went on for three hours or so. After Plygain, Christmas Day feasting would begin.

Taffy
Taffy making is an old Welsh Christmas Eve custom – for those with a sweet tooth.This special kind of toffee was boiled up in pans and ‘pulled’ while it was still warm.

Families and friends would pass the dark hours of Christmas Eve's night with taffy making and storytelling - leading up to the Plygain service.

The National Museum of Wales has a great recipe and more information on the custom of taffy making.

The Mari Lwyd
Perhaps one of the slightly stranger Welsh traditions - The Mari Lwyd (the Grey Mare) a pre-Christian tradition said to bring good luck.

A horse figure, made up of a horse’s skull with decorative ears and eyes attached, colourfully adorned with reins, bells, and ribbons wrapped with a white sheet is carried around on a pole.

The Mari Lwyd and its party would go door to door, singing and challenging the families inside to a battle of rhyming insults. At the end of the battle of wits (known as pwnco) the group would be invited into the house for refreshments.

The Mari Lwyd is still acted out in some parts of Wales. You can see this custom performed at the Museum of Welsh Life’s Christmas Fair.

Wales Sport: The weekend ahead

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As always, there’s plenty of sporting excitement in Wales this weekend.

It’s Wales’ first rugby match on home soil since the Rugby World Cup this weekend. Wales take on Australia this Saturday (3rd December) at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. It’ll be an interesting rematch after Australia edged past Wales, 21-18 in the third-place play-offs just over a month ago.

The test match will also be the last game for Wales’ Shane Williams, so a victory over the Wallabies would be a great send off for the Welsh winger. Williams is making his 87th and final appearance in a Wales jersey.

In football, Swansea City play Blackburn Rovers on Saturday in a Premier League match. Hopefully the Swans will have a similar result to Cardiff City who beat Blackburn 2-0 in the quarter final of the Carling Cup on Tuesday. Cardiff also take on Birmingham in the Championship on Sunday.

For something a little different, how about some extreme mountain biking? Red Bull Downforce is being held in Swansea on Sunday (4th December). World class mountain bikers will speed down some of Swansea's steepest slopes in an adrenaline-fuelled race through the city.

These are just some of the highlights of sport in Wales this weekend.

‘Tis the season…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

December is finally upon us and we can’t wait to tell you all about our festive events here in Wales.

The Hay Festival Winter Weekend takes place this week (2-4 December) in Hay on Wye, Mid Wales. This cosy winter festival is in its twelfth year and is guaranteed to get you into the seasonal spirit. Be entertained by the stories of compelling writers and performers while sampling some great food and drink. Literature, history, journalism, music and comedy are all at the Winter Weekend. It’s also a great place to get some Christmas shopping done.

Also this weekend, Santa arrives at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday, 3rd December.

He will take up residence in his Garden grotto for the three weekends before Christmas and a Santa Spectacular show will from 11am each day.

There’s plenty going on all over Wales throughout December to get you in the festive mood. Have a look at our Christmas in Wales page to find out more.

Cardiff to kick off London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff will see the first action of the entire London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympic Football Tournament will bring the Games to the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff with the first match taking place on Wednesday 25th July – before the opening ceremony.

The tournament will feature some of the best current players and stars of the future from across the world in action. Tickets to the Olympic Football Tournament are on sale from today.

Wales will also host a number of teams for pre games training leading into the London Olympic and Paralympic Games - New Zealand’s Athletics Team being the most recent to choose Wales as its training location.

Building Chinese into Welsh Schools’ Curriculum

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Schools across Wales have met with language experts to discuss the development of Chinese studies at all levels of Welsh education.

Welsh schools were invited to Conwy for a two-day round table discussion with language experts, modern foreign language advisors, Chinese tutors, validating authorities and language practitioners to explore the future of Chinese studies.

The third Wales-China Schools Forum was organised by Cardiff Confucius Institute, in partnership with Lampeter Confucius Institute. The discussions built on issues raised in earlier forum meetings in Cardiff and Carmarthen which involved representatives of Cardiff Council, the Welsh Government, British Council Wales and Cilt Cymru.

Scott Andrews, General Manager of Cardiff Confucius Institute based at Cardiff University’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, said: “China is set to be the largest economy in the world within the next 10-15 years and mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. A better grasp of the language and of Chinese culture will enable future generations in Wales to be more equipped to forge links and to partner with China.

“This North Wales meeting of the Wales China Schools forum has attracted even more schools than previous meetings. The forum has demonstrated the increasing interest in the development of Chinese language opportunities as a genuine alternative to other modern foreign languages in both primary and secondary schools across Wales.”

The Wales China Schools Forum seeks to work alongside all schools in Wales currently engaging in activities with China and to raise aspirations for other schools that would like to see Chinese studies integrated into their programmes in the future.

The forums are part of the Confucius Institutes for Wales China Schools Project. The two Confucius Institutes aim to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture across Wales. Last year the project was able to support the provision of over 100 Chinese courses to schools from across Wales.

Cathays High School in Cardiff has been awarded Confucius Classroom status as a pioneer school for Chinese language provision. Mrs Eluned Davies-Scott, the Head of Community Languages for Cathays said: “I have always found the forum very valuable and am pleased to see the developments in Wales since the start of the forum.”

Tesco ad puts Wales in the spotlight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tesco’s new television advert has put the spotlight on Wales in the run up to Christmas. The major UK retailer has re-created Tenby’s famous Boxing Day swim for its festive advert (as well as giving Caerphilly a mention) as one of 12 UK locations featured in the ad.

The Christmas advert, which recreates the famous sea swim among other festive scenarios, is currently being broadcast across the UK.

The Tenby Boxing Day Swim draws a crowd of around 600 swimmers and spectators every year - many in fancy dress. Last year nearly 400 of those were brave enough to take a swim in the freezing sea water at the town’s North Beach, all to raise money for charity.

The event, now in its 41st year, is one of Wales’ many Christmas attractions.

Poets pen insights on India Wales Writers Chain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The British Council's India Wales Writers Chain is a project that marks and celebrates a growing relationship between Indian and Welsh literature.

In the latest stage of the project, Welsh poets Siân Melangell Dafydd, Robert Minhinnick, Twm Morys and Eurig Salisbury have recently travelled to Kerala in India to collaborate with Indian poets K Satchidanandan, Anamika, Sampurna Chattarji and Anitha Thampi.

This visit gave the poets the chance to work together in pairs and groups to develop creative translations of each other's original poems, as well gaining a better understanding of each other's cultural roots and inspiration. It follows on from summer workshops and performances that took place in Wales in June earlier this year.

The poets have shared their thoughts from the India Wales Writers Chain with BBC Wales Online, giving an insight into the visit to Kerala and the work that took place there.

First Minister welcomes Wales’ rugby heroes

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler have welcomed members of Wales’ Rugby World Cup squad to the Senedd to toast their success and look ahead to the sport’s future.

At a reception in the home of the National Assembly for Wales, they hosted an event for both players and support staff who contributed to Wales’ highly successful World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

Sam Warburton, George North and Rhys Priestland were among those who attended.

Also present were the next generation of Welsh rugby stars with young players from the WRU’s regional academy programme.

The First Minister said:

“I would like to say thanks to our national team, who for six weeks united Wales as one in pride.

“What we witnessed was the result of a number of things coming together. First, leadership – a vision fired by ambition and knowledge of what we are capable of set by Roger Lewis and the management team and board at the WRU. Then, creating the right environment and driving the playing strategy and performance by the coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins; Team Manager Alan Phillips and all their support staff through to the Academy system and the relationship with the Regions.

“Then the players on the field. The skill, discipline, mental and physical strength and fitness shown by Sam and his team underpinned by relentless focus and hard work. That hard work is what enabled the inspiration to shine through reflecting the magical tradition of Welsh rugby.

“The team was so full of young talent. Sam and George 23 and 19 years of age, you represent the future. This evening is as much about celebrating the depth of young talent and the WRU’s Pathways programme and the investment we are making into high class facilities such as Parc Eirias in North Wales that I helped open last week.

“The future is bright, and we wish our national squad well for the forthcoming Australia game next week and also for the 6 Nations in the New Year.”

Wales will play Australia on 3rd December at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Prince of Wales attends Resistance film premiere

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

HRH Prince Charles last night attended the premiere of Welsh war film Resistance in Abergavenny.

It’s written in Wales, filmed in Wales and co-stars Welsh actor, Michael Sheen - Resistance last night also had its premiere in Wales.

The film, which was shot in the Black Mountains, is based on international best seller Resistance by acclaimed Welsh author Owen Sheers. The film opens in wartime Britain in 1944 and describes an alternative history where Hitler successfully invades Britain.

Baker Street Cinema (Abergavenny, South Wales) rolled out the red carpet for the Prince of Wales last night who was joined by a host of guests, including the story’s original author Owen Sheers.

Resistance is released in the UK this Friday, 25th November 2011.

Sir Alex Ferguson visits Swansea University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It turns out Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, has quite an interest in American history. So it wasn’t only football on the cards for Sir Alex when Manchester United visited Swansea last Saturday for a Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium.

The United manager paid a visit to Swansea University on Saturday to see its collection of more than 3,000 books about the American Civil War. Professor of American Studies, Jon Roper, invited Sir Alex to the university after discovering his long standing fascination with the Civil War and American history.

Apparently Sir Alex was particularly interested in a book that recounts the story of two brothers from Scotland who fought on opposing sides during the Civil War. He spent an hour at the university’s library looking at their collection of precious books, including rare first editions.

The collection was donated to the university’s American Studies programme by private collector, Alan Milne.

Manchester United played Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (19th November) winning 1-0.

New Zealand chooses Wales for London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New Zealand’s Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its training location leading into the London Olympic Games. The team will be based in Cardiff in the run-up to the Games utilising the first class facilities at Cardiff International Sports Stadium and surrounding areas.

Olympic athletes from New Zealand join the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team, International Boxers from around the world and Paralympic athletes from South Africa and Australia who will all be based in Cardiff. The New Zealand Paralympic team will also prepare for the Paralympic Games in Swansea.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“It is great news that the New Zealand Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its location for pre-Games training ahead of London 2012. The decision reflects the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for. New Zealand’s athletes are amongst the best in the world and include Valerie Adams, the reigning Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion for the shot put. I’m sure the team will receive a warm Welsh welcome during their stay.”

Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Huw Lewis said:

“I am delighted to welcome the New Zealand Athletics Team to Wales. The decision proves that we have international standard facilities capable of hosting top-class sporting teams and events. I hope the presence of these world class athletes in Wales will inspire more young people to take up sport. We will be looking to work with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Athletics New Zealand leading into the Games to maximise benefits for both nations in a sporting, educational and cultural context. ”

Athletics NZ Performance Director Scott Goodman said:

“I am working closely with the staff at the NZOC to ensure that our athletes have every opportunity to achieve our targeted outcomes in London. I visited the Athletics training venues in Cardiff in 2009 and I know that they will provide our athletes with everything we require for them succeed in London. All of the facilities are first-rate in relation to enabling our team prepare for the Games. In particular, the Sports Medicine facilities are the best I have seen. Most importantly though is the harmony between the two Nations through sport which has been reinforced by the recent Rugby World Cup. Both Nations love of sport and fanaticism for Rugby binds us together, so to me this is a logical partnership on a number of fronts”.

NZOC Chef de Mission Dave Currie said:

“I am working closely with Athletics NZ Performance Director, Scott Goodman, and his staff to ensure the success of the NZ Athletics Team in London. We believe that Cardiff is an ideal base for the Athletics Team members to prepare prior to joining the overall New Zealand Team in London. If all goes well we hope to extend this partnership for athletics, and possibly other sports, leading into the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games”.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said:

"It’s great to hear that athletes from New Zealand and the National Olympic Committee are developing a strong relationship with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. And it’s fantastic to know that with less than a year to go plans are being developed to maximise benefits for both nations across sporting, educational and cultural agendas.”

National Dance Company Wales tour India

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Following a successful development trip supported by the British Council Connections Through Culture India-UK scheme, National Dance Company Wales is working with STEM Dance Kampni, based in Bangalore, India on a 3-city tour of India from 25th November to 07th December 2011. The company will perform at venues in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi, and will lead master classes and discussions during their visit.

The tour is supported by, British Council, Wales Arts International and Welsh Government.

The tour will include performances of internationally acclaimed choreographers;
B/olero & Black Milk by Ohad Naharin and By Singing Light by Stephen Petronio.
Ohad Naharin, one of the world’s great choreographers, presents B/olero, a hypnotic female duet with elegant costumes set to Ravel’s famous score while Black Milk is a ceremonial dance that encapsulates the tribal physicality of five male dancers.

Inspired by the poetry of renowned Welsh writer, Dylan Thomas, Petronio created By Singing Light, a profound dance response to the power of Thomas as an artist of international stature. Performed to the lyrical, yet driven music of Son Lux, influenced by the Welsh songs of Mansel Thomas, this is a moving dance from one of the world’s leading choreographers.

Lee Johnston, National Dance Company Wales dancer said:

“We’ve been on many great international tours in the past 7 years I’ve been with the
Company including China, Cuba and mainland Europe. I’m very excited to be representing Wales in India with such a special work as By Singing Light especially as it includes our famous poet Dylan Thomas’ work”

Naomi Tadevossian, National Dance Company Wales Apprentice said:

“I am extremely excited to be going on my first international tour with the Company. This trip is made extra special for me as my Grandmother was born in India so I will have the opportunity to experience my cultural heritage whilst performing Stephen Petronio’s work in India”

The relationship between NDCWales and STEM began in August 2010 when the British Council supported choreographers exchange visits by the resident choreographers from each company and they were able to explore each other’s companies, meet a wide variety of people and plan future collaboration.

Ann Sholem, Artistic Director National Dance Company Wales said:

“This tour has grown out of a cultural exchange and partnership with STEM Dance Kampni in Bangalore. I’m delighted to bring NDCWales to tour Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi. As a national dance company, we bring the work of world class choreographers to Europe and beyond and it is a privilege to present Wales on the world stage with this tour in India”

Louise Wright, Senior Adviser, Arts, Creative Industries and New Media, British Council said:

“Over the last few years a growing number of our best writers, artists and creative companies from Wales have formed strong relationships with their counterparts in India, and the British Council is committed to working with key partners in Wales to nurture and support these collaborations.

This tour further increases recognition for Welsh arts excellence and distinctness, taking it to new international audiences; and by working together to develop exciting exchanges and collaborative opportunities, National Dance Company Wales is building trust for Wales with partners in India and increasing our understanding of each others culture.”

Madhu Nataraj, Founder & Director Natya & STEM Dance Kampni:

“We are honoured to be bringing NDCWales to India to perform as a very special part of our international festival Namma Bengaluru Dance Utsav. Our relationship with NDCWales is a significant partnership for us, exchanging artists, ideas, training opportunities as well as performances and tours in each others countries”

Rt. Carwyn Jones, First Minister, Welsh Government said:

"I am delighted that National Dance Company Wales will be performing in India in the coming weeks and am sure that they will be great ambassadors for Wales, as well as highlighting the creative talent that exists in our country. It is encouraging to hear that they have developed a strong partnership with Stem Dance Kampni in Bangalore and I look forward to the reciprocal visit by Stem Dance to Wales next Spring.

We are keen to see such collaboration between India and Wales being taken forward, not only in cultural activity but also in areas such as education and business. I look forward to strengthening our links with India when I visit next year."

STEM Dance Kampni will be visiting Wales in Spring 2012 for a tour of Wales.

Export success for south Wales defence firm

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff based defence firm, BCB International, has developed the "Wall Breaker" system that fires office water cooler bottles into buildings to help gain entrance to them.

They have sold the system to countries including the USA and Thailand and export products to 96 countries worldwide. Their success has also seen them opening offices in the USA and India.

Check out this video on the BBC website to see how the unusual device works.

Cardiff University celebrates Bob Dylan at 70

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Leading experts on the life and music of Bob Dylan are gathering in Cardiff today at an event held by Cardiff University’s School of European Studies.

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Bash celebrates the career of the legendary singer-songwriter who turned 70 this year.

Dylan, a famous fan of the late Welsh poet - Dylan Thomas, has a career that has spanned over five decades.

The event also explores the music icon’s connections to Dylan Thomas (whose birthday has also recently been celebrated) featuring some of the world’s top authorities on both men.

Welsh writers at Hay Festival Kerala

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With Hay Festival Kerala taking place in India this week it’s good to see some good news stories about our Welsh writers in the Indian press.

Twm Morys, participant in the Wales - India writer’s chain project, speaks about a multilingual poetry event at the festival on IBN Live.

Yentha.com reviews the festival, also highlighting the 'Reading Wales, Translating India' session at the festival’s bandstand venue.

The three day festival finishes tomorrow but will hopefully be back next year.

New section of the Wales Coast Path opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Environment Minister, John Griffiths, will be in Flintshire today to open another section of the Wales Coast Path.

The Minister will formally open a new stretch of the path that runs the four miles from Flint through to Greenfield Dock.

The Welsh Government has invested up to £2 million a year since 2007 to realise its ambition of creating a continuous, 870 mile path that runs right around the coastline of Wales.

The Flint to Greenfield Dock section of path has benefitted from £750,000 of funding from the Coastal Access Improvements Programme (CAIP) which has funded improvements including new rights of way, resurfacing work, and the installation of new gates to make the route more accessible to walkers.

For this section of path, Welsh Government and European funding has also been has also been supplemented by additional revenue from local businesses and community groups keen to maximise the local benefits that the Wales Coast Path will bring.

Speaking ahead of the opening, the Minister said:

“I am pleased to be visiting Flintshire to open this important section of the path, and delighted that we remain on course for the formal opening of the whole of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May 2012.

“The Wales Coast Path is already ensuring world wide recognition for our beautiful coast. Indeed only last month, Lonely Planet named Wales the greatest region on Earth to visit in 2012.

“We expect the Wales Coat Path to attract an extra 100,000 new visitors to our coast each year. This is great news for coastal businesses, great news for our tourism industry and great news for Wales’ economy as a whole, particularly at this economically challenging time.

“The fact that the Wales Coast Path will be open ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, when the eyes of the world will be on the UK is another real plus point. However the path is not just for tourists, and I really hope it will encourage people in Flintshire and across Wales to get out and about and enjoy their local coast line and country side”.

Councillor Tony Sharps, Flintshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment, said:

“The Flintshire Countryside Service and its coastal rangers have worked incredibly hard to make improvements to huge sections of the Path. This project is not just about a path, it's also been about re-linking the communities to the coast and improving the quality of the environment, both natural and man-made.

“We are very thankful to the Countryside Service and rangers, workers businesses, volunteers and community groups for their strong support."

The Minister will mark the opening of the new section of path by lighting a beacon at Greenfield Dock at 12 noon. A second beacon will be lit at the same time at Flint.

The Minister congratulated Welsh local authorities, including Flintshire and the Countryside Council for Wales on their hard work so far, but emphasised that there was a still a lot to do ahead of the opening of the Wales Coast Path on 5th May 2012, and beyond.

Improvements to the alignment and the quality of the route will continue with Welsh Government support until March 2013.

Swansea v Manchester United

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This Saturday, 19th November, sees Swansea City taking on the might of Manchester United. Manchester United, who have won a record 19 league titles will be coming to the Liberty Stadium.

Manchester United have been in impressive form this season, putting 8 goals past rivals Arsenal and with players like Wayne Rooney, Nani and the Welsh legend Ryan Giggs in their squad it could be a tough day for Swansea.

Swansea though have had a great start to their first ever premier league season and are currently 10th in the league. They also have an impressive home record against the red devils. Swansea have never lost at home to Manchester United despite 8 attempts…Ok, so the last time the teams met in South Wales was in 1982, but if Swansea can hold out at the Liberty Stadium to keep this home record it'll be a fantastic achievement

And if you are heading to Swansea for the game or for a spot of shopping at Wales' largest indoor market be sure to dress in red and white as Swansea are holding a red and white themed day.

Boys Village wins at Beijing Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Boys Village written and directed by Till Kleinert has won its first international award when it was presented with the audience award at the 10th Beijing Film Academy International Film Festival.

The film is the second short film produced by the Iris Prize. Presented annually at the Cardiff based film festival of the same name the prize enables the winning filmmaker to make a short film with a budget of around £25,000.

“We are delighted for Till and the amazing cast and crew who worked on this project. Film making is a collaborative process but when you have a talent like Till leading with his vision and well crafted story telling skills you know that you will get something special,” said Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize Festival Director.

“The film was well received at its premiere screening in Cardiff, but you would expect this from a local audience. The real test is when an international audience gets to see the work. Winning the audience prize at Beijing is a great start for Boys Village as the film embarks on its journey around international film festivals,” he added.

The film has also screened recently at Reeling, the Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival and the Hamburg Queer Film Festival. Festival screenings are being dealt with by The Festivals Company Grant@thefestivalscompany.co.uk

Soundtrack Film Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, 16th November, sees the start of the Soundtrack International film and music festival. 2011 is the third Soundtrack film festival and is a celebration of the World of music and movies.

The opening of the festival tonight sees Oscar winning producer Ian Canning, one of the producers on the Kings Speech, attending and taking part in a Q&A.

The Soundtrack Festival will be running in a number of different venues in and around Cardiff and Newport until the 20th November.

Wales v Norway

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales host Norway this Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium in an international football friendly.

The Welsh manager Gary Speed has named a strong squad with a host of premier league players from teams such as Arsenal, Swansea, Wolves, Liverpool and Spurs in the squad.

With two previous wins in international games, Welsh fans will be hoping for three in a row and with players such as Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in fine form for their clubs we might just get it!

Helping Welsh children explore the Chinese world

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh schoolchildren are growing up in a world where China is an increasingly influential player.

A Cardiff University-led project aims to equip pupils with language skills and cultural awareness which will help them to work with Chinese partners in the future. Last year, the pan-Wales China Schools Project delivered more than 100 different Chinese courses across the country.

The University’s Confucius Institute, which runs the Project, has just been successful in its bid to create three new Confucius Classrooms to act as hubs for the delivery of Chinese language. The three – Cathays High School. Cardiff, Argoed High School Flintshire and Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy - will join the two existing Confucius Classrooms at Llandovery College and Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn in Carmarthenshire. The schools will run language and culture courses and qualifications at secondary school level and will also help local primary schools deliver Chinese teaching.

Cardiff Confucius Institute has also launched a Welsh Government-funded initiative to identify a further seven Welsh Confucius Classrooms over the next 12 months.

Scott Andrews, manager of the pan-Wales China Schools Project, which is a joint initiative with Lampeter Confucius Institute, said: “We were delighted to hear the news from China that our bid to have these three schools recognised as Confucius Classrooms had been successful. They will provide a critical and strategic platform from which to further promote learning opportunities for Chinese language and culture for school children across Wales.”

Dawn Spence, Headteacher at Argoed High School, said: “This is a very exciting development which will benefit not only pupils but also our community. The opportunities it extends pupils through links with China and its culture and language are excellent and we are very excited about the next phase of this development.”

Mrs Eluned Scott-Davies, Head of Community Education at Cathays High School, said: “We are delighted to receive the news that we have been accepted as a Confucius Classroom. This is an exciting development in our partnership with the Confucius Institute of Cardiff University and will lead on well from our successful application for a British Council Chinese Language Assistant to be based at the school this academic year.”

Mrs Ann Bradshaw, Deputy Headteacher at Ysgol Aberconwy said: “We are delighted to be able to have the opportunity to work with the Cardiff Confucius Institute and develop the teaching of Mandarin and Chinese culture throughout our local area. The Confucius Classroom opens the doors to a world which our pupils need to explore. Our local community as well as our own pupils will benefit greatly from the extra dimension this award will bring.”

Find out more about Wales' links with China on our China pages.

The Gentle Good in China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Welsh musician the Gentle Good, aka Gareth Bonello, has been given the amazing opportunity to take part in a 6 week programme in Chengdu, China organised by the British Council and PRS for Music Foundation, and we've been following him on his blog.

The residencies are designed to enable innovative British musicians to explore new musical territory, reach new audiences, and write new material. This is a once in a life time chance for Gareth and will culminate in an album of collaboration inspired by both Welsh and Chinese culture. We look forward to hearing the album when it's released!

Fulbright Programme expands in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Fulbright Programme has been going from strength to strength and 2011 sees the greatest number of exchanges between Wales and the USA for quite some time. The Programme, which was created in the aftermath of the Second World War, seeks to promote learning and understanding between cultures through international exchange. Fulbright scholars contribute to an international network of professional and academic researchers, students and teachers who work not only in their fields, but serve as a community of cultural ambassadors as well. The number of exchanges has been bolstered by a Wales themed Summer Institute hosted by three Welsh universities: Aberystwyth, Bangor and Cardiff. This was a six week summer programme for American undergraduates to explore Welsh culture and geography. In total, 13 exchanges will take place during 2011-12.

For more information on the Fulbright Programe, go to www.fulbright.co.uk

Wales and India writers chain

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This November sees an exciting new phase of the British Council’s India Wales Writers Chain project. From 12th – 17th November 2011, Welsh poets Siân Melangell Dafydd, Robert Minhinnick, Twm Morys and Eurig Salisbury will travel to Kerala, Southern India, to collaborate with four Indian poets: the Malayali literary legend K. Satchidanandan, renowned contemporary Hindi poet Anamika, Mumbai-based Bengali poet Sampurna Chattarji and Malayali poet and translator, Anitha Thampi.

Following a series of successful summer workshops and performances in June 2011 in Wales between three Indian and four Welsh poets, this unique collaboration is now set to continue in India, and aims to further strengthen cultural connections between Wales and India through literature, focusing on translation and language diversity.

Welsh poet, Robert Minhinnick said:

“It's wonderful to be part of this ambitious project and to meet a host of both new and established writers. This is further evidence of how important it is to develop the scope of our arts. In Kerala we will exchange ideas and learn about life in a multilingual - not simply bilingual – society and I’m looking forward to exploring the creative possibilities and opportunities emerging when languages meet and play.”

Indian poet, Anamika said:

“Umra-bhar ek mulakat chali jati hai: One meeting lasts a lifetime.

I visualize different moral geographies, various cultural histories walking up to each other for a dialogue that'll keep us charged all through. Richly rewarding would be this vibrant cultural exchange of dreams, memories, ideas and visions of a truly pluralistic society paved with alternative modernities.”

India - Wales Writers Chain 2010-2012 has been developed by British Council and Wales Arts International, in partnership with Wales Literature Exchange, and is supported by Welsh Government, Hay Festivals and Literature Across Frontiers Wales.

Through an intensive workshop organised by Wales Literature Exchange, the eight poets will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and understand the cultural roots and inspiration of each other’s work. Collaborating in pairs and groups, the poets will develop creative translations of each other's original poems.

Led by Dr Sioned Puw Rowlands, Director of Wales Literature Exchange, one of the group's aims is to eventually create a body of work suitable for publication in poetry anthologies in Welsh and English as well as in Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam.

Dr Rowlands said:
“As a bilingual nation, Wales is keenly aware of the richness of language and its use and, like multilingual India, is well aware of the doors literary translation can open. With this phase of the Writers’ Chain project we are continuing the work of helping both emerging and established Welsh writers get their works translated into the languages of one of the fastest growing publishing markets in the world. It will also help bring to light for Welsh audiences the poetic trends and literary revolutions that are currently taking place all over the Indian sub-continent.”

The translation workshops will take place at the Surya Samudra Kovalam from 12th – 17th November 2011.

The project will culminate in a series of exciting performances and conversations at the second Hay Festival Kerala held in the Kanakakunnu Palace, Trivandrum to be held 17-19 November 2011. New poetry and translations in Welsh, English, Bengali, Hindi and Malayalam will be showcased and will also be included in future publications in both India and Wales.

Wales’ Welsh language Children’s Laureate/Bardd Plant Cymru, Eurig Salisbury, will also be introducing school children in southern India to the Welsh language and to Wales as part of a series of classroom events with well-known Indian children’s poet, Sampurna Chattarji on 21st and 23rd November. The workshops will focus primarily on creative writing and adaptations.

Louise Wright, Senior Adviser, Arts, Creative Industries and New Media, British Council said:

“The activities this November in Kerala highlight the close cultural connections that have been forged between writers in Wales and India. These relationships have been sustained by a dynamic and vibrant set of partners, supported by British Council initiatives since 2009. The creative exploration of language by writers of both countries continues to deepen understanding of each others cultural experience, creating a truly extraordinary international collaboration and uncovering new opportunities for the future.”

Harry McIver, Co-director of Wales Arts International, said:

“Wales Arts International is delighted that the Writers Chain is continuing to deepen relationships between Wales and India through exchanges of words and ideas, highlighting the powerful role the arts can play in making genuine links between people across the world. Multilingualism, the diversity of language and creative collaboration are at the heart of the Writers Chain program, which aims to connect writers, publishers, translators and readers in Wales and India. This exciting activity follows a series of events, initiated by Wales Arts International and British Council over the last three years, which has seen Welsh authors starring at major Indian literary festivals, Indian translators journeying to Wales to understand the roots of our literatures, innovators in media and publishers coming together and school children in Wales and India connecting digitally to share their passion for words. We look forward to supporting relationships and ideas as this programme grows."

Building on creative links with Canada

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Canada's top representative in Britain was welcomed to Wales for the first time last week by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Mr Jones held talks on Thursday 3rd November in Cardiff with High Commissioner Gordon Campbell who has been in post since September this year.

The First Minister said:

"I am pleased to formally welcome the High Commissioner here to Wales for the first time. We discussed the Welsh Government’s commitment to continue to support companies to develop trade links with Canada. We already have strong relationships through the creative industries and I want to encourage any further opportunities for our two nations to do business with each other."

Gordon Campbell, High Commissioner for Canada said:

"I'm pleased to be here for my first trip to Wales - the first, I hope, of many - and I had a very productive meeting with the First Minister. Canada and Wales have both established a strong reputation for creativity, and I'm sure that there are many opportunities for Canadian and Welsh companies to work together in areas such as film, the literary arts, and digital interactive technologies for entertainment and education."

There are a number of links between Wales and Canada through the creative industries, including:

Machine Productions which co-produced the first series of the children’s TV show Tati’s Hotel with Canadian production company Screen Door Ltd.
Ha Ha Hairies Ltd set up in Cardiff last year by Jan Page and Mellie Buse, the creators of Grandpa in my Pocket. Canada-based company Decode was appointed to distribute the TV show internationally.
Rondo Media recently worked with Canadian-based production company Rhombus on a documentary entitled The Devil’s Horn about the history of the saxophone.
Dinamo productions are working on a new project called Badly Drawn Roy and will be working alongside a company called Lizard Brain Animation based in British Columbia.
Calon is developing a project with a company in Montreal, called Cinegroupe, for an animated series for a grown-up audience.

During his time in Wales the High Commissioner toured the Senedd, the roof of which is constructed from Canadian Red Cedar wood.

Olympic Flame to Visit Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re really looking forward to next year when the Olympic flame will be carried through Wales!

The flame will travel through Cardiff, Swansea, Llanelli, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Wrexham to name but a few of the 80 towns and villages that the flame will travel through.

The flame will also reach the summit of Snowdon as well as travelling on a boat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and on a Ceredigion Cob horse in Aberaeron

For more information on the route of the flame through Wales and the rest of the UK check out the BBC article

Wales Rally GB

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s going to be an exciting few days here in Wales with the start of the Wales Rally GB!

Up for grabs is one of the biggest prizes in motor rallying and the Wales Rally GB will test the drivers to their limits as it’s one of the most challenging events out there.

Starting in Llandudno on the 11th November Wales Rally GB will see some 80 cars from around 32 different countries competing. The event will finish on the 13th November in Cardiff.

Indian Summer for November in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It might not be in terms of weather, but there is definitely an Indian flavour to November for us here in Wales.

The Hay Festival Kerala starts on the 17th November and will include three days of speakers and authors from across India and the World. The Hay festival in Wales is one of Britain’s biggest and best literature festivals and was described by a former president of the United States as a Woodstock of the mind.

A new phase of the successful British Council Wales-India writers chain will take place at the festival in Kerala. Prior to the Festival both Indian and Welsh poets will collaborate in a literary translation workshop

And from the 28th November National Dance Company Wales will be touring India and performing in Bangalore and Delhi. National Dance Company Wales is a leading European dance company, producing an engaging and exciting repertoire.

Pioneering cancer treatment to extend to China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Surgical treatment which is helping thousands of British breast cancer patients could soon be helping patients in China.

Cardiff University scientists, who developed sentinal node biopsy training in the UK, will help establish it as a standard technique in one of China’s leading cancer hospitals.

The arrangement is part of a new partnership signed by the University and Chongqing Cancer Hospital during a Welsh Government business and education trip to China led by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Sentinal node biopsy was pioneered by Professor Robert Mansel, of the University’s School of Medicine. It means breast cancer patients need only have one lymph node removed from the armpit to check if the cancer has spread. Previously, all the lymph nodes had to be removed, often unnecessarily. The technique has now been rolled out across the UK, saving thousands of patients from surgery and discomfort every year.

Under the new agreement, Cardiff will help establish a practical and standardised approach to sentinel node biopsy at Chongqing Cancer Hospital, which is the most advanced cancer hospital in Western China, with more than 1,000 beds. The agreement will also allow doctors and researchers from Chongqing to visit Cardiff for training and research directed by Professor Wenguo Jiang in the School of Medicine. Cardiff and Chongqing will also conduct joint research projects on breast cancer and hope to extend this to other tumours, such as lung and prostate cancer, in time.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at Chongqing by Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and International, Professor Hywel Thomas and the Director of Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Dr Qi Zhou.

First Minister Carwyn Jones, who attended the signing, said: “Cancer has become a leading killer in both Wales and Chongqing so I am delighted to see Cardiff University and Chongqing Cancer Hospital joining forces to advance research and training to combat this disease.

“I hope this important link will further strengthen the relationship between Wales and Chongqing and that the outcomes of the collaboration will benefit people in our two nations and beyond.”

Professor Ling Zhang, Deputy Director of Chongqing Health Bureau said she was very pleased to see colleagues from Cardiff and Wales and particularly grateful for the First Minister’s support for the new agreement. She said: “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship and collaboration between the two institutes. I hope there will be fruitful research projects and exchange of scholars over the years to come.”

During the visit Professor Wen Jiang and Professor Robert Mansel also delivered lectures to the Chongqing International Cancer Forum. Professor Jiang spoke on “Molecular and cellular basis of cancer metastasis” and Professor Mansel on “Sentinel node therapies in breast cancer, state of the art.”

Positive talks with China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones held positive talks with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Fu Ying during his trade and education mission to China last week.

On Friday 28 October 2011, he also formally signed a new co-operation agreement with the municipality of Beijing to explore areas of collaboration.

The First Minister said:

"I have had a very positive discussion with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Madame Fu Ying.

"The meeting included a wide ranging discussion on a number of mutual important issues such as education and culture but mainly focussed on trade and investment.

"I was also keen to raise issues of how to strengthen Wales and China’s relationship and how China’s diplomatic presence in Wales might be enhanced."

Prior to his meeting the First Minister was fully briefed on UK - China relations and on Chinese current affairs from the UK Deputy Ambassador Christopher Wood.

Take some time to stand and stare...

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As the world reaches 7 billion people and the pace of life becomes ever more hectic why not take some time to read a poem by Welsh poet William Henry Davies.

Davies was described as 'A Welshman, a poet of distinction, and a man in whose work much of the peculiarly Welsh attitude to life is expressed with singular grace and sincerity' . Davies was born in Newport in 1871 and led an interesting life. In 1911 he wrote a poem that you might well have heard but might not have known that it was a Welsh poet that wrote it.

Leisure is all about taking a step back and watching life pass you by so, in the poem's centenary year, why not take some time to stand and stare…

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
WH Davies
From Songs Of Joy and Others (1911)

Welsh Coast is Number 1

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh coast has been named as the number one region to visit in 2012 by the Lonely Planet.

The All Wales Coast Path will officially open in May 2012 and will make Wales the only country in the world where the entire length of its coast will be accessible to explore.

And the Welsh costal path isn’t the only place in Wales to have been named as a top destination by the Lonely Planet. Recently, Llyn y Fan Fach in Wales’ Black Mountains made Lonely Planet’s list of 1000 Ultimate Sights across the globe.

Take a look at our Visit pages to start planning your trip to Wales in 2012.

Wales strikes gold, silver and bronze for 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Athletes are now one step closer to the dream of winning a medal at next summer’s Games as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic medals go into production, at the Royal Mint headquarters in Llantrisant, South Wales.

The Royal Mint has brought together a specially selected team of Royal Mint designers, technicians and craftsmen who have been testing and refining the minting process to ensure every medal produced meets highly exacting specifications. They will produce around 4,700 medals which will be awarded during the 805 Victory Ceremonies taking place at venues across the UK during the Games.

Taking around ten hours in total to complete, each medal will be struck fifteen times with 900 tonnes of weight on a special press. After each first five strikes the medals are slowly rolled through a 750 degree furnace to soften the metal allowing the designs to be replicated perfectly.

The designs for both the Olympic and Paralympic medals were unveiled earlier this year. The Olympic medals have been designed by British artist David Watkins and the Paralympic medals by practising Jewellery artist and senior lecturer in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Design, Lin Cheung.

Paul Deighton, LOCOG CEO, said: ‘It’s great to see businesses across the UK benefiting from the Games and I’m absolutely delighted that the Olympic and Paralympic medals for the Victory Ceremonies are being made in South Wales.’

Adam Lawrence, Royal Mint Chief Executive, said: ‘We are immensely proud and honoured to be able to strike the Olympic and Paralympic medals. More than 800 local people are employed by the Royal Mint, and now each one will be able to tell their children and grandchildren that they - and South Wales - had a hand in creating a piece of Olympic history.’

The ore for the medals is supplied by London 2012 sponsor Rio Tinto and is mined at Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper Mine near Salt Lake City in America, as well as from the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia.

Happy Halloween!!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend we will no doubt see a few ghost and ghouls wandering around as we prepare for our Halloween fun.

At the National Waterfront Museum you can take part in the big beastly bug draw and find all things that slither, creep or crawl.

Or if you fancy celebrating Halloween Celtic style why not head over to National Roman Legion Museum and check out their Samhain celebrations.

Samhain is thought to be the ancient Celtic festival on which Halloween is based, It was thought to be the time of year when the boundaries between this world and another were thought to be at their thinnest and a time when the spirits could return.

And if you are looking for an event to inspire the mind why not head over to the Dylan Thomas festival, Dylan Thomas’ works are renowned for the continuing process of life and death and the new life that linked the generations; 'Death shall have no dominion here' and 'Do not go gentle into that good night' are amongst his most famous works

Welsh Coast is number 1

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at our Visit pages to start planning your trip to Wales in 2012.

Dylan Thomas Birthday

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, 27th October, marks the anniversary of the birth of Wales’ greatest poet, Dylan Thomas. Born in Swansea in 1914 and renowned for works such as ‘Under Milk Wood’, ‘Do not go gently into that good night’ and ‘Death shall have no dominion’
To celebrate, the Dylan Thomas festival will running in Swansea from the 27th October to the 9th November. The Dylan Thomas website also has a wealth of information about the poets’ life and works.

First Minister seals links with Beijing

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will sign a new co-operation agreement with the municipality of Beijing before meeting senior representatives of the Chinese Government for talks whilst in the Chinese capital.

The activity is part of a Welsh Government mission to promote business and education links with China.

The First Minister’s two day schedule in Beijing (Thurs 27th + Fri 28th Oct) includes meetings with Vice Foreign Minister FU Ying, the State Administration for Foreign Experts Affairs and the Chinese Government body that controls food imports. He will also meet with the British Embassy and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to see how the Welsh Government can continue to promote Welsh interests in China.

On the agenda will be promoting Welsh businesses and higher education, whilst also working to lift a lamb export ban.

Accompanying the First Minister are representatives from Welsh industry and education sectors.

China was Wales 9th largest trading partner, accounting for £162 million in Welsh exports in 2009. In 2010, this figure grew by 42%, to £230 million.

When trade with Hong Kong and Taiwan are also taken into consideration, the figure for 2010 was £500 million.

On Friday the First Minister will attend a ceremony with the Mayor of Beijing, Guo Jinlong , to sign a new agreement with the Beijing Municipal Government to explore areas of collaboration.

The schedule includes a higher education event promote Wales as a study destination to the Chinese media and Swansea University signing a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the possibility of establishing a China Europe Standards Institute at the University’s campus.

The Welsh Government will be holding a reception to promote Wales as a business location and give Welsh companies the opportunity to meet their Chinese counterparts.

Efforts to open up Welsh lamb exports to China will continue with the First Minister again meeting a top official from the body that controls the import and export of food to mainland China, the Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine (AQSIQ).

The First Minister said:
"I am delighted to be here in Beijing on my first official visit to China as First Minister. The UK and China have agreed to double the amount they trade by $100 billion by 2015, and I am here to make sure Wales benefits from this.

"Our aim as a government is to continue raising the profile of Wales in China. We have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. With a population of just three million, we are small enough to be personal and attentive – but our attitude and spirit enable us to compete and win against some of the stiffest competition in the world. We provide an ideal platform from which to serve the wider European market."

First Minister to visit China

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones is visiting China this week for a business and education mission.

The visit will take place between the 23rd to the 29th of October. The First Minister will be taking a delegation of Welsh business and academic representatives with the aim of raising the profile of Wales as a business destination and place to invest. It will also seek to push forward education and academic links.

Business delegates travelling with the First Minister include representatives from the Wales Aerospace Forum, the Welsh Automotive Forum, the Welsh Optoelectronics Forum and the Life Sciences Sector. Universities that will be represented include Cardiff, Swansea, Glamorgan, Glyndwr, Bangor and Newport Universities.

The First Minister said:

"Our relationship with China will be vital to the future of Wales. I am delighted to be visiting the country to build on our business, cultural and education links.

"It is essential that the Welsh Government and Wales’ business and education organisations continue to do all they can to develop and advance our relationship with China. Only by promoting ourselves abroad can we look for opportunities to grow our economy and academic sector.

"The message I will be taking is simple – Wales is an excellent place in which to locate and do business. We offer excellent opportunities and possibilities for Chinese companies and academic institutions to set up their European operations here in Wales. Our academic links go from strength to strength and we have much to learn from each other for mutual benefit."

During the visit, the delegation will visit Beijing and Chongqing. The First Minister will hold talks with Chinese Ministers, business and academic institutions.

The schedule includes:

Meeting the Mayor of Chongqing and signing a new agreement with the Municipality of Chongqing.
A Visit to the 8th China International Garden Expo in Chongqing where the National Botanical Gardens have designed a Welsh Garden, the only UK nation to do so.
Launch of Welsh Higher Education Sector Training Consortium to tap into the training and development market of Chinese Universities and Provinces.
Signing of Cardiff University – Chongqing Health Bureau Agreement on Cancer training and research collaboration.
Meeting with Bo Xilai, Chongqing Party Secretary.
Meetings with Ministers and representatives of the Chinese Government, to discuss foreign trade, economic cooperation and foreign investment.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Beijing Municipal Government to explore areas for collaboration, especially in the fields of business and education.
Signing of Swansea University Agreement to establish a China Europe Standards Institute on the new campus site at Swansea, which would bring Chinese students to the Institute.
Signing of Cardiff University Agreement with a Chinese Government backed organisation to jointly fund some scholarships at Cardiff University.
Press conference with Chinese media to promote Wales as a study partner and destination.
Launch of Wales-Chongqing Further Education Consortium

For more details of our links with China, please visit our China pages.

Art Across the City: Art takes over Swansea

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Visitors to Swansea have been enjoying a selection of new and exciting public art works across the city over the last week, as Locws International launched their 2011 exhibition of temporary site specific work at some of Swansea’s most famous and recognised locations.

Artists from Sweden, Wales and further across the UK have been taking inspiration from the culture and heritage of Swansea City to transform the popular sites and venues or simply add to the already inspiring landscape.

Today (19 October) at 1pm, Locws Director David Hastie, and one of this year’s artists Mark Folds, will be at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to talk about the diverse projects for 2011 and to lead an open discussion about public art and the role of artist.

Project Co-ordinator for Locws, Erin Rickard said, "It’s been inspiring to work with these artists who have created such diverse and engaging artworks for the people of Swansea to enjoy. Artists have focused on the historical and future aspects of the city as well as being inspired by famous creatives from the region including poet Dylan Thomas and Polish born painter, Josef Herman."

Artist Mark Folds new work Dylan’s Pencil, was inspired by the presence of a 30 ft tree stump standing in Cwmdonkin Park.

The city’s famous poet, Dylan Thomas, was said to have penned many of his early work in or about this beautiful location and this new sculptural work represents simple humble beginnings, ideas jotted down on paper as the starting point for creativity.

Other works in this year’s offering include S Mark Gubb’s Ambition Is Critical, displayed at the city Bus Station, which includes the rough translated text upon a series of flags from the current twinned towns of Swansea.

Art Across the City runs until 30 October and all artworks are free and open to all. For more details visit the information point at Swansea’s Civic Centre, where an exhibition of Locws’ education work with schools can be seen.

Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our food here in Wales is definitely something to celebrate. Tomorrow we’ll do just that at the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards.

As one of the most anticipated events in the Wales food calendar, the Awards were created to highlight excellence in Welsh food, drink and hospitality and to raise the profile of Welsh food and drink throughout Wales and beyond.

As a country, we pride ourselves on supplying some of the finest produce in the world. The 1,017 competition entries from 366 companies, large and small, across Wales just goes to show how proud we are of our great ingredients.

The shortlisted finalists will be independently judged in 16 different categories.

Wales’ very own ‘food Oscars’ also celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year. The awards ceremony takes place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno tomorrow (20^th October) where the category winners will be revealed.

The prestigious (and we imagine, delicious) awards dinner will be prepared by the in-house team at Venue Cymru headed by executive chef, Rob Lawton.

This year’s awards also coincide with the annual North Wales celebration of food and drink – Gwledd Conwy Feast (October 22nd & 23rd).

Held in the ancient town of Conwy, the Feast features a variety of activities and exhibitions including a True Taste Winners Food Hall.

Lightning research advances at Cardiff University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff University launched a new research facility on Thursday 13^th October, the Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory.

The facility is set to tackle the emerging trend to use composites within the airframe (mechanical structure) of an aircraft. Composites are light and strong; ideal for efficient and greener transport. Thorough testing of all parts and new designs is essential to keep the world’s fleet airborne.

The Cardiff School of Engineering facility is named after Rhodri Morgan, former First Minister of Wales, and Dr Jean Botti, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) Chief Technical Officer, both instrumental in establishing the laboratory.

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory, with around £1.6M joint funding by the Welsh Government and EADS Innovation Works, is the most advanced University based lightning test facility in the UK. It will be able to generate up to 200,000 Amps. To put this in context, an average lightning strike has 32,000 Amps and the maximum amount of electricity powering a house is about 100 Amps.

The facility will complement the expertise within the Cardiff School of Engineering’s High Voltage Energy Systems research group, and combined with the practical knowledge of EADS will provide a unique research and testing facility for businesses in Wales involved in composite materials and structures.

Mr Philip Leichauer, Lightning Laboratory Project Manager, said: "Our new laboratory will generate controlled lightning, which will be used with advanced test and measurement methods to further understanding of lightning effects on materials, and ensure future aircraft remain safe, as they are today."

Professor Manu Haddad, Cardiff School of Engineering, added: "This new facility will allow Cardiff University to work closely with manufacturers and users of composite materials and components to optimise the electrical properties of the material and structure designs, and, ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly and safer aircraft".

The Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory will be used by manufacturers of composites, lightning conductors and aircraft manufacturers, including the Next Generation Composite Wing programme which will provide novel technical concepts to forthcoming aerospace programmes.

Dr Jean Botti, EADS Chief Technical Officer said: "EADS is very pleased, once again, to expand its research footprint in Wales and also partner with a leading academic institute like Cardiff University. The importance of the research that will be conducted at the new lab cannot be understated, given its importance to civil aviation. The expansion of our partnership with Cardiff University is another milestone in our commitment and strategy to work with the tremendous technical talent that exists across the UK."

Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales said: "I am delighted the Welsh Government has been able to support this unique facility, which is the only one of its kind in the UK to provide access to lightning simulation for both research and testing purposes.

"This is a flagship centre for aerospace research within Wales, and will provide a magnet for industries developing composite materials and encourage Research and Development investment into our country."

Airbus’s Welsh base takes flight

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, officially opened Airbus’s new north factory at Broughton, north Wales on Thursday 13^th October.

The new facility will build the wings of the new A350 aircraft and help to secure thousands of jobs. The aircraft is revolutionary as more than 50 per cent is made from composite materials, such as carbon fibre. This will help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent compared with previous generations of aircraft.

The Welsh Government has invested £29 million in the 46,000 sq m factory to support employees, helping them retrain and have the skills needed to make the wings.

The First Minister signed a A350 wing which will be placed at the entrance of the building to commemorate the opening of the facility. He also met Airbus apprentices.

The First Minister said:

"This is a fantastic day for both Airbus and Wales. The wings being made here showcase us at our best – a world class company based here in Wales making a product that will be used across the globe.

"The Welsh Government has a very close and highly valued working relationship with Airbus which is an important company for the country. We have invested £29 million to ensure that the North Factory was opened here in Wales and that the new, significantly lighter A350 wings could be assembled at this site.

"Our investment has allowed staff to retrain in composites, allowing workers to upgrade their skills and transfer from metal to composite wings. This has enabled the safeguarding of a significant number of jobs. Our assistance has created highly transferable skills sought by the aerospace sector and created demand for training with education institutions.

"We are proud our partnership approach with Airbus, Glyndwr University and Deeside College to create the Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre next to this site, which has not only facilitated the training of Airbus staff to work in this wonderful new factory, but is also open for use by other businesses with an interest in new composite technologies.

"Our approach with Airbus shows how the Welsh Government is working to create the jobs and growth Wales needs to prosper in the modern world."

Wales v France: Rugby World Cup semi-final

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The excitement is building here in Wales for one of the most important matches in Welsh rugby history. With a place in the Rugby World Cup final at stake, Wales will take on France tomorrow in Auckland, New Zealand.

The semi-final showdown is attracting support for Wales from all over the UK and the world – the Welsh flag will even fly over Downing Street tomorrow in support of the last British team remaining in the Rugby World Cup.

But it’s nothing like the bubble of anticipation that’s building here in Wales. Even with the match being played thousands of miles away in New Zealand, we still know how to support our boys. The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff is opening tomorrow for a special showing of the Rugby World Cup semi-final and is expecting a crowd of over 60,000 to cheer on the Welsh squad from the other side of the world.

You can already see a wave of Welsh flags and rugby shirts across the country and the buzzing atmosphere of pride, passion and enthusiasm is like nothing else.

A win for Wales tomorrow would mean a place in the Rugby World Cup final against either New Zealand or Australia and who knows, maybe something very special from there.

Pob lwc/Good luck Wales!

Food, glorious food

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We love our food here in Wales. We’re on countdown to our very own food Oscars - Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards and there are some fabulous food festivals to get you in the mood.

Tantalize your taste buds at Llangollen Food Festival this weekend where you can enjoy live cookery classes and take part in the Real Ale Trail and discover local beers. There’s also some great food and drink in the local producers market.

The 10^th anniversary Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards will take place on October 20^th at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. The Awards were established to celebrate and highlight excellence in the food, drink and hospitality sectors, and create awareness of the quality and range of produce and services in Wales.

Taste Dolgellau also takes place this weekend (15th - 17th October) in Snowdonia, North Wales, celebrating Wales' newest food festival. In the shadow of the dramatic Cadair Idris mountain range and Mawddach Estuary, there’s a choice of over 28 gastronomic events to satisfy your cravings.

Five things you didn’t know about Wales:

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For a small country we have a lot of big stories to tell. Here are some interesting facts that you may not know about Wales…

1. We’re a nation of original thinkers: We’ve had many ‘world firsts’ here in Wales. The world’s first canned beer was developed at Felinfoel Brewery, Llanelli in 1935 and the world's first mail-order shopping began in Newtown. Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, a draper from mid Wales, invented home shopping in the 19^th Century when he saw the potential of emerging railway networks and a reformed postal system to expand his market. Even Queen Victoria was one of his customers!

2. Mount Everest: It may not be in Wales, but it gets its English language name from Welshman, Sir George Everest from Crickhowell. Proof that wherever you find a challenge, you’ll find a Welsh person taking it on. In Sir George Everest’s case, as Surveyor General of India in 1865. Our mountains may not be as high as Everest but we’re just as proud of them.

3. We’re home to the world’s oldest record store: The land of song lives up to its reputation with Spillers Records. Established in 1894 and based in Cardiff, it is widely considered to be the world’s oldest record shop.

4. How we adopted the daffodil: We have a number of national symbols in Wales such as the leek, our unmistakable flag and the three feathers of the Prince of Wales. The daffodil came about in a slightly different way. The Welsh for leek (the original national emblem) is Cenhinen, while the Welsh for daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused until the daffodil was adopted as a second emblem of Wales. Now a much loved and used symbol in Wales, you’ll see the yellow flower on jackets across the country on St David’s Day and even at our international football and rugby matches. Count how many you can see on Saturday at the Rugby World Cup semi final.

5. Wales is a popular Hollywood backdrop: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Ironclad and Tomb Raider 2 are just some of the Hollywood blockbusters that have used Wales as a filming location. The last few weeks has also seen Snow White and the Huntsman, directed by Rupert Sanders, being filmed in Pembrokeshire.

Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only a couple of weeks remain to the most eagerly anticipated event in the Welsh food and drink calendar - the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards 2011-12.

The annual Welsh Government managed awards, is celebrating its tenth anniversary, which is being held in association with leading organic dairy, Rachel’s.

The Awards were established to celebrate and highlight excellence in the food, drink and hospitality sectors, and create awareness of the quality and range of produce and services in Wales.

A moveable feast, this year the awards ceremony is heading to North Wales, with Venue Cymru in Llandudno hosting the event on Thursday, October 20th, when the category winners will be revealed.

The presenters for the ceremony will be BBC Wales presenter Jason Mohammed and S4C presenter Heledd Cynwal.

Jason said:

"Over the past ten years the Wales the True Taste Food and Drink Awards have been an important showcase for our producers and products, and I am delighted to be part of the competition’s anniversary event.

"As a reporter and presenter I have covered many stories about the highs – and sometimes lows – of Welsh food producers. I am always amazed by the growing quality and popularity of our food and drink."

Heledd said:

"I am a firm believer in supporting local produce and businesses. I live in Llandeilo, which has a great variety of food shops and produce, and you get to know the people and how they work.

"The True Taste Awards recognise all the effort and hard work the producers and businesses put in – and it gives them a boost."

The Awards dinner will be prepared by the in-house team at Venue Cymru headed by executive chef, Rob Lawton, while for a group of Coleg Llandrillo Cymru hospitality and catering students, the True Taste Awards ceremony will provide a rare opportunity to gain experience working at such a prestigious and large scale event. Some of the 12 to 14 of the students will work in the kitchen alongside the professional staff, while others will be involved in service and front of house activities; and will be supervised by College lecturing staff.

The independently judged awards feature 16 categories which aim to cater for all areas of the food and drink production, retail and hospitality sectors.

This year there were some 1,017 entries from 366 companies in the overall competition, drawn from companies large and small across Wales.

Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries said:

"Year on year the Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards has grown in popularity and stature, and is recognised in Wales and beyond as a mark of the quality and diversity of produce and services offered by the industry in Wales.

"I am sure it will be a wonderful showcase evening for Welsh food and drink. I look forward to hearing about the winners."

The sponsors of this year’s Awards include multiple retailers, food organisations and businesses as well as media companies.
Among them are: Asda, Bangor Mussel Producers Ltd, Bodnant Welsh Food, Brains, Decantae Natural Mineral Water, Fine Food Digest, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, Fine Food Digest, Food Technology Centre at Coleg Menai, Harlech Food Service, Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales, Imperial Hotel, Menter a Busnes, Puffin Produce Ltd, Real Food Festivals, Taste of Christmas, Tesco, The Grocer, Western Mail, Welsh National Opera, and Zero2Five Food Industry Centre at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

While the Awards supporters include: Coleg Llandrillo Cymru, Conwy County Borough Council, Farmers Union of Wales, National Farmers Union Cymru, Pembrokeshire College, S4/C, Tinopolis Interactive, UWIC, and Venue Cymru.

This year’s awards also coincide with the annual North Wales celebration of food and drink – Gwledd Conwy Feast (October 22nd & 23rd).
Held in the ancient town of Conwy, the Feast features a variety of activities and exhibitions including a True Taste Winners Food Hall.

It’s Our Football & Rugby Sports Blog!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Another weekend of sports in Wales, kicking us off this weekend will be the Wales v Switzerland football game at the Liberty Stadium tonight!

Well, if we’re honest it will be Wales v Switzerland part 2, as a Swiss team from Fachhochschule Berne will play a team from Glamorgan University at 2pm today, Friday 7^th October.

Both groups will then be heading to watch the game at the Liberty Stadium. On the Saturday the Swiss students will take on Cardiff University, could we have a hatrick of wins over the Swiss?

Whatever the results, I’m sure our Swiss friends will relish the opportunity to catch the Wales v Ireland Rugby World Cup game! We’ll be taking on our Celtic Cousins at Eden Park in New Zealand!

Good luck to all our sport teams and people this weekend.

Movies and Music

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 7 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If our previous blog on sports isn’t quite your cup of tea, then don’t worry there are plenty of other things going on in Wales this weekend!

The Iris Prize Festival is well underway with the winner of the festival being announced on Saturday, 8^th October, good luck to all the filmmakers! The Iris Prize is the only short film prize in the world which allows the winner to make a new film!

Newport is also hosting a celebratory weekend of fire, spectacle and entertainment! The Big Splash kicks off today, with a host of Fire Spectacular, Motorcross Stunts, Escapologist, Roller Derby, BMX Stunts, SWICA Magick, Gigantic Puppet Show BRAN, Climbing Wall, Waterwalker Balls, Danters Fairground and Food and Craft Stalls.

If that’s not enough the very first Hay Walking Festival takes place this weekend as well! And we have the Michael Jackson Concert on Saturday 8^th October at the Millennium Stadium.

Phew! There should be plenty there to keep you busy

Iris Prize Festival

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday 5^th October sees the start of the Iris Prize in Cardiff!.

There will be a host of feature films, panel sessions, parties and screenings of some 30 short films competing for the Iris Prize. And the International gay and lesbian short film prize is the only short film prize in the world which allows the winner to make a new film!

Running since 2007 the festival has gone from strength to strength, and has partner festivals in Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Dublin, London, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Miami, Montreal and Hong Kong.

What will WOMEX do for Wales?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Following the news that Cardiff has been selected as the city to host WOMEX, the leading world music expo, in 2013, what will WOMEX bring to Wales?

The obvious answers are the economic gains of visitors and tourism but there are many other opportunities that come along with the prestigious international showcase event.

Bringing the world music market to our doorstep, it is the first major arts trade showcase Wales will host.

There is a real opportunity to develop the music industry in Wales on the back of WOMEX and to build on international projects that are already taking place- One example being the Indigenous Australian performance group The Black Arm Band Company and members of Welsh band 9Bach coming together for a unique project exploring place, identity, culture and the preservation of language.

Supported by the British Council, 9Bach have travelled to Australia to spend a month with members of The Black Arm Band Company, first in Melbourne, then in the Northern Territory region of Papunya.

The two musical ensembles, from opposite sides of the world, have a similar approach – both perform and record in their respective country’s historical languages. For 9Bach, it is the Welsh Language; and for The Black Arm Band Company, it is the many tongues of the Australian Aboriginal people.

The musicians will re-develop The Black Arm Band’s 2009 production, dirtsong, to produce a new work, tentatively titled Mother Tongue which will be staged as part of the River of Music event at the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad in the UK.

Wales has a musical heritage that has both cultural and economic value and WOMEX could act as a catalyst to develop music in Wales.

WOMEX 13 Cardiff will bring an opportunity for traditional music in Wales to be given international exposure and to showcase our talents to a much wider market.

Caws Teifi Cheese success at British Cheese Awards

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Caws Teifi Cheese has been named ‘Best Welsh Cheese’ at the British Cheese Awards, for a record sixth time.

Ceredigion cheesemakers Paula van Werkhoven and John-James Savage-Onstwedder received ‘The Dougal Campbell Memorial Trophy’ for their Teifi Natural cheese, at the awards ceremony at Cardiff City Hall.

It is the sixth time the Llandysul based artisan cheesemakers has won the Welsh Government sponsored trophy.

The company’s latest accolade follows previous success in numerous cheesemaking competitions with its range of cheeses including top honours at The World Cheese Awards; Product of the Year at the 2010-11 Wales the True Taste Food & Drink Awards; and has twice won the Supreme Champion title at the British Cheese Awards.

Also among Caws Teifi Cheese’s trophy cabinet is the highest award in British Artisan Cheesemaking – ‘The James Aldridge Memorial Trophy for the Best British Raw Milk Cheese, which was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Said Caws Teifi Cheese founder, John Savage-Onstwedder,

"We have been making cheese for 28 years at Glynhynod Farm and we are delighted that the cheese we started with all those years ago has won again this year.

"We can confidently say that over the past 28 years Caws Teifi Cheese has proved to be the most highly awarded cheese in British artisan cheesemaking."

A number of Welsh cheesemakers came away with medals including: Y Cwt Caws, Caws Cenarth, Trethowan’s Dairy, South Caernarfon Creameries, Carmarthenshire Cheese Company, Holden Farm Dairy, Pembrokeshire Cheese Company, Abergavenny Fine Foods Company, and the Snowdonia Cheese Company. While The Wynnstay in Machynlleth was named Best Welsh winner in the Best British Cheese Board competition, with The Kings Head from Gower recommended.

The awards were held on the eve of the Great British Cheese Festival, which was once again hosted by Cardiff Castle. The two-day festival featured Britain’s Biggest Cheese Market, master-classes, and entertainment as well as more unusual activities such as cheese skittles and cheese tossing.

More sporting success for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Another victory for Wales in the Rugby World Cup this weekend after an impressive 66-0 win over Fiji. The team’s success in the last of the group matches means that Wales have secured place in the quarter finals where they will take on Ireland on Saturday in Wellington.

Once again, it’s not only rugby success for Wales. In football, Swansea City claimed a 2-0 victory over Stoke- their second win of the Premier League at home at the Liberty Stadium.

In Taekwondo, World Championship silver medallist Jade Jones won her first British Open title in Manchester on the weekend. The 17-year-old from north Wales, beat world number five Marlene Harnois of France 10-8.

There was more victory for Wales in Manchester, at the National Track Championships, where Welsh duo Becky James and Jon Mould both claimed senior titles. James won her first National Womens Sprint Championship on day 3 followed by claiming her 2nd title on day 4 of the Championships with a comfortable win in the womens Kierin event.

We’ve also seen another world record here in Wales. Mountain biker, Dave Buchanan, has set a Guinness world record with a gruelling non-stop ride across Wales and back. Buchanan, 41, from Hengoed, Caerphilly, finished his trip in just over 59 hours, covering 721 km (448 miles), while climbing the height equivalent of Mount Everest two and half times. He set a new record category by cycling 571 km (355 miles) between Cardiff and Caernarfon in 48 hours. Guinness World Records confirmed the ride last week.

US students experience life in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This summer, eight undergraduate students from across the United States spent six weeks at the Fulbright Commission’s UK Summer Institute in Wales. Hailing from universities in cities such as Chicago, Seattle, Tampa, New York and Pittsburgh the students all came to the UK with a common goal: to learn about the history and culture of Wales and to experience the day-to-day realities of contemporary Welsh life.

In order to provide its participants with as wide a view of Wales as possible, the Summer Institute was held at three different Welsh universities: Cardiff, Bangor and Aberystwyth. Each institution focused on different aspects of Welsh history and culture, planning bespoke academic sessions, educational field trips and outdoor activities for the eight students. The students spent two weeks at each Institution.

Each student commented that they felt privileged to have been able to spend their summer in Wales. They felt that during their time they got to see a side of the UK that was not represented in US popular culture and visited places that are not necessarily on the US tourist destination map. From field trips to Mynydd Parys Copper Mine, St Fagan’s National History Museum, Conwy, Caernarfon and Cricieth Castles to the National Library of Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology and King Arthur’s Labyrinth they travelled the length and breadth of Wales discovering a country rich and varied in its history and innovative and dynamic in its present. The programme aimed to look at Wales on a local, national and global level as well as explore the contributions Wales is making to culture, politics and energy policy in the United Kingdom. Thus the students’ field trips were backed up by information-packed academic sessions on topics as diverse as "Regeneration in the South Wales Valleys", "Contemporary Welsh Language Policy", "Wales and Empire" and "A Sustainable Wales." The educational sessions and field trips were complimented by a series of outdoor adventures designed to highlight the stunning natural beauty of Wales. In Cardiff they drove up to Penarth to enjoy panoramic views of the bay, whilst in Bangor they visited Snowdonia National Park and went gorge scrambling up the Afon Ddu. In Aberystwyth they visited Llangrannog beach and completed a Go Ape! outdoor pursuits course.

Overall the students commented that they had a wonderfully enriching time in Wales. They enjoyed themselves immensely and learned a great deal about their host country with many wishing they could have stayed for longer than six weeks. They found Wales to be an incredibly hospitable country with excellent and engaging professors, warm and friendly inhabitants and a university staff willing to go above and beyond to look after them. Asked to describe the programme in five words, one student wrote that it was an "amazing, unforgettable educational and cultural experience."

All eight students have gone back to the States ready and eager to spread the word about Wales, their university hosts, the UK and Fulbright. The Fulbright Commission would like to thank all the university staff at Cardiff, Bangor and Aberysthwyth for the hard work they put in to making such a successful programme.

The Commission hopes to run between three and five Summer Institutes in the year 2012. We are currently accepting proposals from higher education institutions around the UK. We very much hope to run another Summer Institute in Wales next summer.

Sport in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales take on Fiji this Sunday in New Zealand in their last game of the Rugby World Cup group stages. The Welsh rugby squad have put in some strong performances so far and are hoping for a place in the quarter-final.

But Wales will have something to prove this weekend after losing to Fiji, 38-34, in the 2007 World Cup, eliminating them in the final game of the group stages.

In football Swansea continue their Premier League journey as they take on Stoke City at their home ground- the Liberty Stadium, while Cardiff City play away this Saturday against Hull in the Championship.

Wales has also been visited by a US Olympic swimming champion, Rebecca Soni, this month as part of Team USA’s campaign to explore Britain prior to the 2012 Olympics. Rebecca visited the Millennium Stadium (which will host 11 football matches as part of the 2012 Olympics), tried her hand at coasteering, enjoyed a traditional Welsh breakfast and explored the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

Rebecca said,

"The lasting impression I’ll take home from Wales: Sometimes you see pictures of a place before you visit, and it turns out to be not quite as impressive… this trip was the opposite. Wales was so much more than I expected and is a place that must be experienced firsthand!"

You can find out more about Rebecca Soni’s many other adventures during her trip to Wales by reading her blog.

Cardiff wins international bid to host WOMEX 2013

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cardiff has been selected as the city to host WOMEX, the leading world music expo, in 2013. The announcement made today at the Wales Millennium Centre comes at the end of a year-long campaign to bring the event to the Welsh capital.

Described by UNESCO as the most important international professional market of world music of every kind, WOMEX evening performances will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, and the day time showcases, trade fair, conference and film screenings will be held at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff.

The fully programmed, prestigious international showcase event is expected to include around 60 concerts featuring 300 plus artists, a trade fair exhibiting in the region of 650 companies from over 90 countries, as well as more than 400 national and international journalists, and will take place between 23-27 of October, 2013.

Cardiff presented WOMEX with the best all-round offer in the bidding process and beat tough international competition to host WOMEX including Glasgow and Dublin (shortlisted cities).

Welcoming the news Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister said:

"WOMEX is a great opportunity to bring the most important world music stage to Wales as well as developing the sector in a sustainable way within our country. WOMEX 13 Cardiff will place the music from Wales on the world stage alongside more established markets so that Wales’ authentic music traditions become more widely known internationally and are positioned beside music from our Celtic neighbours. Hosting WOMEX will allow us to grow the profile of Wales's traditional music, both within and out of the country."

The bid to host WOMEX in 2013 was led by Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales, a partnership between Welsh Music Foundation, Wales Arts International and Arts Council of Wales, with support from British Council and Welsh Government. It aims to accelerate the export-ready music sector, promote the music sector of Wales internationally and to bring the world stage to Wales. Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Council and Cardiff & Co, are all formal partners for WOMEX 13 Cardiff .

Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:

"This is a wonderful achievement for Wales. Persuading WOMEX to come to Wales has been a longstanding ambition for the Arts Council of Wales and our partners. This event, of worldwide significance, is an important part of our wider plans to develop a vibrant and exciting music industry in Wales."

Daniela Teuber, WOMEX Director of Production added:

"We're very happy that Cardiff will be hosting WOMEX in 2013. The city offers a most favourable setting for our complex event and its 2500 delegates and artists from all over the globe. The production partners in Wales are truly professional and highly motivated. The wonderful venues are in close proximity and match our multifaceted needs. Wales has outstanding cultural wealth, hospitality and scenic beauty."

As part of the Cardiff 2013 campaign, "Queen of Harps" and Music Ambassador Catrin Finch fronted a Cerdd Cymru : Music Wales showcase to a packed audience of world music industry professionals at WOMEX 10 Copenhagen . She welcomed the news:

"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."

The ambition to host WOMEX is supported by Welsh Government’s new Major Events Strategy, which aims to develop global events in Wales.

Hollywood chooses Wales…again!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has once again become the backdrop to a Hollywood blockbuster, with our picturesque Pembrokeshire coastline as the chosen spot.

Scenes for Snow White and the Huntsman, directed by Rupert Sanders, are currently being shot on Marloes Sands, with armoured knights on horse back already being spotted in the area!

Kristen Stewart, who played Bella Swan in the vampire-themed Twilight saga, stars in the lead role of Snow White.

The film, which is due for release next summer, boasts quite a cast, including Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Lily Cole, Ray Winstone and Bob Hoskins.

Wales has been a popular location for Hollywood movies over the years with films such as Ironclad, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Tomb Raider 2 being filmed across our landscape. Find out more on our TV and Film pages.

An exotic mix of music, dance and culture

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We’re indulging ourselves in a weekend of culture here in Wales. Music, dance, fair trade and food are across the country over the next few days.

Currently underway is the North Wales International Music Festival which is running up until the 1^st October. Founded by William Mathias in 1972, the festival’s aim is to bring the finest international classical artists to Wales. Some of the highlights are a fiddler and former busker, Bruce MacGregor and harpist Angharad Wyn Jones who performed alongside Sir Elton John in New York on 10 consecutive nights. I Fagiolini will sing Caro dolce ben mio and the first ever commercial recording of Alessandro Striggio’s 1566 mass for 40 voices.

In South Wales, renowned Welsh dance Company India Dance Wales present an evening of exquisite classical Indian dance and music on 1^st October. Taking place in Cardiff’s brand new theatre at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, the Bharatanatyam Dance Recital will see performances from exceptionally talented student dancers who attend award-winning dance training programmes. India Dance Wales is just one of many cultural links between Wales and India.

The largest fair/ethical trade event in Wales also takes place this weekend. The event features 30 stalls selling fairly traded goods from all over the world and an African march and with drumming. On 1^st October the Wales World Trade Fair will be in Brecon, followed by Abergavenny on 2^nd October.

WOMEX comes to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s just been announced that Cardiff was won the bid to host the annual gathering of the world music industry, Womex, in October 2013.

The World Music Expo (Womex) showcases traditional music talent from around the globe.

Up to 60 concerts featuring more than 300 artists will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre, with a fair trade exhibition at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena.

http://www.womex.com/realwomex/2013/cardiff.html

Llyn y Fan Fach makes global Ultimate Sights list

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Llyn y Fan Fach, a remote lake in Wales’ Black Mountains has made Lonely Planet’s list of 1000 Ultimate Sights across the globe.

The influential travel authority named Llyn y Fan Fach as one of the most unusual lakes in the world.

The mid Wales spot was the only place in Wales to make the list and is surrounded by mystery and folklore.

Llyn y Fan Fach has its very own Lady of the Lake legend- you can read the tale of the beautiful water fairy on our Myths and Legends page.

Lonely Planet’s 1,000 Ultimate Sights said of the lake, "This isolated drop of blue, beneath a cirque of raw Welsh hills, is enchanting – and enchanted."

Sporting success for Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh rugby team has had a victorious day racking up a dozen tries in an 81-7 victory over Namibia. Now 30 points better than Pool D rivals Samoa, the Welsh squad are on track for a World Cup quarter-final place.

Although it’s not only rugby success for Wales. The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships, which took place this weekend, saw triumph for Wales’ John Pares, who picked up the Commonwealth Men’s race gold medal.

North Wales, which played host to the gruelling race, was also the backdrop to a new world record. Lizzy Hawker (England) smashed the world best 24 hour performance by a woman on the road by 3.423 km.

Ashes come to Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is welcoming the news that an Ashes test match will be held at the SWALEC Stadium, home of Glamorgan Cricket Club, in 2015.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones welcomed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decision and said:

"I'm delighted that the ECB has made the decision to award an Ashes test Match to Glamorgan Cricket Club in 2015.

"The Welsh Government was fully supportive of Glamorgan Cricket's vision to bring an Ashes Test to Wales in 2009 and we have been working closely with the Club to build on that historic achievement.

"We now look forward to working in partnership with Glamorgan to deliver a series of world class events here in Cardiff over the next few years which will further enhance Wales' growing international reputation as a major events destination."

In total, the SWALEC Stadium will now host a further 8 internationals up to 2016, in addition to staging the 2012 Friends Life t20 Finals Day.

Glamorgan Cricket Chairman, Barry O’Brien, added: "In the past decade, Wales has led the way in staging a number of successful high profile sporting events – these include the 2009 Ashes Test match, the 2010 Ryder Cup and countless FA Cup and Heineken Cup Finals.

“The ECB’s announcement will also enable Cricket Wales to implement its exciting plans to further develop cricket..."

Bread of Heaven: A fabulous foodie weekend

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

There’s something for food lovers everywhere in Wales this weekend- from North to South to West!

Cardiff Castle will be hosting The Great British Cheese Festival (24-25^th September), where visitors can try, taste and buy from the finest selection of Great British cheeses. Samplings and tastings, master classes and demonstrations- it offers a real insight into the subtle art of cheese making.

Up in the North, it’s Mold Food Festival, which saw over 11,000 visitors last year. Now in its sixth year, Mold Food Festival showcases outstanding local produce, celebrity chef expertise, live music and entertainment.

Across to the west- it’s Narberth Food Festival. Also running from 24-25^th September. The friendly and enjoyable food festival has tastings, talks and something for everyone.

And for those who want something a little bit out of the ordinary, Wales has its own alternative food festival. Feastival, which takes place in Bridgend from 30th September & 1st October, is a food festival with a difference. A Welsh artist who creates celebrity portraits using marmite on beds of toast and the Great Welsh Leek Relay are just some of the unique additions on top of promoting the best of local produce in Wales.

Learn more about Welsh food in our food section.

Wales’ moment to shine

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales is set to benefit culturally from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Power of the Flame is officially launched today by BBC Radio Wales presenter, Nicola Heywood Thomas at the Wales Millennium Centre. Led by Arts Council of Wales, Power of the Flame is a distinctive and unique contribution from Wales to the Cultural Olympiad.

The Wales-wide project is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity dedicated to creating a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK. Power of the Flame embraces Wales’s unique heritage sites, the history of our sportsmen and women, our disabled young artists, our Eisteddfodic traditions and it also forges exciting links with South Africa.

Wales will have five major unique projects under the banner of Power of the Flame:

Cauldrons and Furnaces – Bringing history to life at 8 of Cadw’s extraordinary heritage sites, inspiring out younger generation to re-interpret our ancient monuments;

Following the Flame – A new history of the Olympic and Paralymic Games and the Welsh athletes since 1896 who have shared Wales’ success; this is a major exhibition accompanied by a specially produced film and a written appreciation and history of our athletes;

Mzansi Cymru – Bringing Wales and South Africa together in a major piece of musical theatre which is based upon two unique events of 1964 the filming of Zulu and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela;

Whose flame is it anyway? - Increasing the voice of disabled young people in Wales, including a performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales of a symphonic work specially composed by Lloyd Coleman, an 18 year old composer from Bridgend;

Kindling Talent – will be developed with Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest youth organisation in Europe and in 2012 focuses on a brand new Urdd National Youth Theatre, the Message of Peace and Goodwill from the the children of Wales to the world and the Urdd National Eisteddfod’s arts and crafts exhibition which will be based upon Olympic themes.

Dai Smith, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said:

"These cultural events will be bringing unlikely groups together to work for a common goal. The aim of this ambitious programme of events and activities is to inspire and engage with the children and young people of Wales to deliver a lasting legacy of creativity beyond the next four years and beyond the Olympics themselves. Ultimately it is up to the people of Wales to make the most of the situation, and to leave a legacy with a uniquely Welsh flavour."

The programme focuses on the creation of art centred on participation and excellence, getting young people involved in telling stories about Wales’ heritage and using music as a way of getting people involved.

Dai Smith continued:

"We are immensely proud to be playing our part in the biggest celebration on the planet next year and we are delighted to be contributing to the projects that will be showcased during the Cultural Olympiad."

Moira Swinbank, Chief Executive, Legacy Trust UK added:

"Legacy Trust UK is delighted to be funding five key projects in Wales, which are bringing a diverse range of cultural activity to communities and building a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Power of the Flame programme brings these cultural and heritage projects together as part of the Cultural Olympiad, and will showcase their activities across Wales. Our mission is to leave a lasting legacy from London 2012 across the UK and with these fantastic individual projects now part of the pan-Wales Power of the Flame programme, we are confident that the legacy of our funding will continue in the country long after the Games have ended."

Arts Council of Wales is proud to be a key partner in the delivery of the Cultural Olympiad in Wales. The diverse range of activities happening in Wales promises to excite the whole of Wales and to bring the values of the Olympics to our diverse linguistic and cultural communities. The aspiration is that it will leave an enormous legacy in the landscapes of Wales and in the minds of our children.

Sport this weekend in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Swansea City’s premier league adventure continues this week as they take a trip to Chelsea, on the back of a 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion, Swansea will surely feel confident.

Meanwhile Cardiff will take on Leicester City this Saturday; it may feel a bit like groundhog day as they only played them on Wednesday in the Carling Cup, but we wont be complaining if the result goes the same way! Cardiff won in a thrilling penalty shoot out.

And not forgetting our Rugby Squad on the other side of the World in New Zealand who take on Namibia! I’m sure our friends in Namibia will be watching!

And if athletics is more your thing, there are athletes from more than 17 different commonwealth countries in Llandudno this weekend for the The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships!

Former Wrexham student celebrates Emmy win.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A former student of Wrexham Art College is celebrating a string of Emmys for period drama Downton Abbey.

Brian Percival, who studied in Wrexham in the 1980s, won best director at US television's awards show in Los Angeles.

Originally from Liverpool, he lived in Penyffordd, Flintshire while studying audio-visual studies in Wrexham before taking a degree course in Manchester.

The star-studded award ceremony on Sunday saw Downton Abbey scoop four awards, including one for outstanding directing in a mini-series.

The show also won best mini-series, as well as a best-supporting actress Emmy for Dame Maggie Smith, and the award for best writing in a mini-series for Julian Fellowes.

The popular drama, which is now in its second series, follows the fortunes of life in an English country house during World War I and the impact of the horror on everyone, from the aristocrats to the servants.

Director Brian Percival, 49, has already won three Baftas including one for Downton Abbey. His other TV credits include The Ruby in the Smoke and The Old Curiosity Shop.

Downton Abbey, which also airs on American television, has earned rave reviews and has been a rating winner worldwide, selling to almost 200 countries.

First Welsh athlete chosen for London 2012

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sailor, Hannah Mills has become the first Welsh athlete to be selected to compete at the 2012 London Olympics.

The 23-year-old is among 11 sailors who are the first confirmed names in Team GB's 550-strong squad for the Games.

Mills and crew Saskia Clark are World Cup runners-up in the 470 class.

Mills' Olympic bid will begin on 2 August at the 2012 Games sailing venue at Weymouth near Mills' new home in Portland.

The women's 470 class medal race and victory ceremony is on 10 August where Mills, who was born and raised in Cardiff, hopes to go one better from the silver she won on that course in August's Olympic test event.

The former world junior champion along with Saskia Clark, was sixth at the 2008 Olympics, in February 2011.

Read the full story of Hannah Mills at London 2012 at BBC Sport.

New section of the Wales Coast Path opens

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A new section of the Wales Coast Path was opened in Chepstow yesterday (19 September) by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

The Minister formally opened five and half miles of coast path that will run from Chepstow to Black Rock.

The Welsh Government has invested up to £2 million a year since 2007 to realise its ambition of creating a continuous, 870 mile path that runs right around the coastline of Wales. Once completed, the path will run from Chepstow, right the way to Queensferry in Flintshire.

Speaking about the path, the Minister said:

"I am pleased to be in Chepstow today to open this important section of the Wales Coast Path, and delighted that we are on course for the formal opening of the path on 5th May 2012.

"The Wales Coast Path will be great news for Wales’ economy as we predict that it will attract an extra 100,000 new visitors to the Welsh coast each year, and I know that this is welcome news to the tourist industry.

"I am also very pleased that the Wales Coast Path will be open ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, when the eyes of the world will be on the UK.

"However the path is not just for tourists, and I really hope it will encourage people in Wales to get out and about and enjoy their local coast line and country side, whilst at the same time boosting their levels of activity."

Put on your Blue Suede Shoes this weekend…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The king of rock and roll is coming to Wales.

Every September thousands of Elvis fans from across the world descend on the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl for a unique celebration of The King.

The Porthcawl Elvis Festival is the largest event of its kind in Europe featuring official shows and a fringe festival across twenty venues in and around the town.

The festival takes place this weekend (23^rd-25^th September) and features ‘The Elvies’- the world's leading award show for Elvis tribute artists.

It is also rumoured that The King himself may have been Welsh. A Cardiff academic published evidence that Elvis' ancestors could have hailed from the Preseli hills in west Wales.

Porthcawl will definitely be an interesting site this weekend with jumpsuits, sideburns and a celebration of all things Elvis along the seafront.

Wales' Junior Commonwealth Games Team Excel

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The future of Commonwealth sport in Wales is looking bright after an outstanding display of talent saw Wales finish fifth in the medal table at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Coming home with a staggering 26 medals from 31 sports, Team Wales’ Chef de Mission Chris Jenkins said;

"Team Wales have put on an outstanding performance here at the Commonwealth Youth Games and I am extremely proud of each and every one of the athletes. We’ve shown that Wales can compete at the highest level of sport and threaten sporting giants like New Zealand and South Africa."

And Jenkins was keen to emphasise the ‘team’ in Team Wales;

"Bringing back 26 medals from a team of just 31 athletes demonstrates just how well everyone has performed and not just athletes. Credit must go to the support networks and coaches here at the Games and back in Wales, who have prepared them to compete so well. It’s been a genuine Team Wales effort."

After a successful Youth Games in Pune 2008 where the likes of Jazz Carlin, Georgia Davies and Jemma Lowe racked up the medals for Wales the pressure was on to emulate their success in the Isle of Man, and as Jenkins explains the team of 2011 certainly rose to the challenge.

"In Pune 2008 we finished sixth in the medal table with 16 medals which was seen as a great result. Our challenge for the Isle of Man was to support a team that could outperform those results and we’ve done so, and then some.

"When athletes compete you ask them to do their best and even those that didn’t come away with a medal outperformed themselves; picking up personal bests and welsh records. We had a number of agonising fourth place performances that on another day would have been medal winner, but that just goes to show the strength and depth of the team and shows real promise for the future."

And even before the closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Youth Games takes place, talk has already begun of the next step and the senior Games in 2014;

"The athletes that have performed here at the Youth Games have done so because of their potential to claim Welsh medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 and beyond. Combine these stars of the future with existing and proven athletes such as Jazz Carlin, Geraint Thomas and Sean Mcgoldrick and it makes for an extremely exciting prospect.

"Wales is unusual in that Sport Wales and the Welsh Government have aligned sport’s performance strategies to delivering medals at Commonwealth Games, if we continue with that policy over the next two cycles we’ll see Wales position in the medal table continue to rise."

So as the curtain closes on the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, all eyes will be on the likes of our gold medallists and stars of the future Ieuan Lloyd, Angel Romaeo and Ffion Price to bring home the same success in Glasgow 2014 as they have in the Isle of Man.

Indian cricket team come to Cardiff

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Indian cricket team play their first ever match at the SWALEC stadium, Cardiff today where they take on England in a one day international. Despite a testing tour of the UK, where they have struggled to come to grips with the vagaries of the British summer weather, India remain World Champions at this form of the game.

India won the World Cup on home soil back in April this year, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. The Sri Lankan team were also visitors to Wales earlier in the summer when they played a test match against England. This followed the staging of the first ever test match in Wales when England played Australia at the SWALEC Stadium in the Ashes series opener in 2009.

While the Indian team take in their new surroundings they will no doubt be able to call upon advice from Ravi Shastri and Sourav Ganguly, both Indian test cricketers who also played for Glamorgan. Their current coach, Duncan Fletcher, will also feel at home, having guided the Welsh county to a championship win in 1997.

The acting Indian High Commissioner, Mr Rajesh Prasad, will be one of those in the capacity crowd who will be hoping for a change of fortunes for the Indian team.

A tasty weekend in Abergavenny...

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cheese, chilli and chocolate are just some of the tempting treats on offer at the Abergavenny Food Festival this weekend.

The event, which has been described as the 'Glastonbury of food festivals' is expecting up to 40,000 visitors. Taking place from Saturday 17th September to Sunday 18th September, the Abergavenny Food Festival is now in its 13^th year.

Showcasing local produce and international delicacies, more than 200 stalls are set to take over the town. The festival will also see some of the world’s most respected chefs come to Wales.

A programme of almost 60 culinary events will spread out across a number of venues in the historic town including tastings, talks and top-end masterclasses.

Pop-up restaurants, diverse dining experiences and yurts are just some of the quirky additions to the festival this year, which is attracting food and drink lovers from afar.

Wales take on Samoa in the Rugby World Cup…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After a great performance but a close loss against South Africa last week, Wales will take on Samoa this weekend in their second match of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Taking place at the Waikato Stadium, New Zealand, Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad are in for a tough match after Samoa defeated Namibia yesterday. However, Wales are fully prepared and looking for a win this Sunday, 18^th September.

Wales v Samoa will definitely be significant for one 17 year old boy who was named after Samoa’s 1994 victory against Wales. Samoa won the match at Moamoa field, with a score of 34-9. While the game was underway, a boy was born in a small village called Sapapalii and named, Wales Manu Samoa 9-34 Moamoa Gale by his family of rugby fans.

Good luck/pob lwc to Wales this weekend. It will certainly be an exciting match to watch!

Swansea Uni leads partnership on algal bioenergy

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A major €14 million (approx £12.3 million) initiative is bringing experts from across North West Europe together to develop the potential of algae as a source of sustainable energy.

The four-year transnational Energetic Algae – or EnAlgae – project, led by Swansea University, is a strategic initiative funded by the INTERREG IVB North West Europe Programme and backed with £629,000 from the Targeted Match Fund through the Welsh Government, together with a range of co-sponsors.

It involves 19 Partners and 13 Observers across eight EU member states; France, Belgium, UK, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, and aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and dependency on unsustainable energy sources, through the accelerated development and deployment of algal-based biomass and bioenergy technologies.

In 2009, the EC Greenhouse Gas Inventory reported that North West Europe was responsible for more than 40 per cent of the EU’s total Greenhouse Gas emissions. This was due to the region’s high population density and its intensive level of industrial and rural development.

Given such considerable pressures on the environment and current energy sources, sustainable bioenergy innovations could help provide a solution to tackling CO₂emissions across the region, encouraging growth of a Low Carbon Economy.

Currently, algal bioenergy technologies are immature, but rapid advances are being made in the field.

The EnAlgae initiative will allow expert centres across North West Europe to form an integrated pilot network to support and accelerate the development of new algal-based technologies to the point of commercialisation.

The project is unique in developing best practices that will influence European policies on algal biomass production, bioenergy and bioremediation technologies, thereby de-risking and accelerating commercialisation of the sector.

The project’s manager Dr Robin Shields, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research (CSAR) at Swansea University’s College of Science, said: "Algal bioenergy has been identified as a strategic priority by the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. The EnAlgae expert partnership has been formed to develop and implement technologies tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental conditions of North West Europe.

"Thanks to close transnational cooperation, EnAlgae partners and stakeholders will gain access to those sustainable technologies most suited to their local operating conditions.

"As project lead partner, Swansea University is delighted to extend its industry-focused research on algal bioremediation and biorefinery technologies, in partnership with acknowledged experts from across North West Europe."

Welsh Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt AM, said:

"Diversifying our bioenergy sector by developing sustainable biomass sources will not only help us meet our targets for reducing CO₂ emissions, but also our reliance on fossil fuels in the challenge to tackle climate change. I am delighted that we have been able to provide support for this innovative project with resources from our Targeted Match Fund."

For further information visit Enalgae or contact Dr Robin Shields, Tel: 01792 602030, or email: r.j.shields@swansea.ac.uk.

Cardiff hosts Paralympic Torch Relay

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales will help lead the UK in to the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games with Cardiff confirmed as a host to the Paralympic Torch Relay.

Cardiff's flame lighting and Flame Festival will follow those planned across next summer's August bank holiday weekend in London, Belfast and Edinburgh.

Cardiff will light a torch and host a Flame Festival on 27 August 2012, just two days before the Games' official opening.

London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) has revealed that torch relays will be held in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Stoke Mandeville.

Our capital city is the final host city before a special ceremony is held at at Stoke Mandeville (home of the Paralympic Movement) on 28 August to create the Paralympic Flame before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday 29 August 2012.

The London 2012 Paralympic Games will run from 29 August until 9 September with more than 4,200 athletes, with a variety of disabilities, from 150 nations taking part.

Wales will host pre-games training camps for a number of Paralympic teams, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Oceanic Islands as they make their preparations in the lead-up to London 2012.

Tour of Britain: Welshpool to Caerphilly, today!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Top cyclists from across the world will be in Wales today for stage four of The Tour of Britain.

The Tour of Britain takes place over eight days and nine stages in 2011 and is Britain's biggest professional cycle race. The event began in Peebles in the Scottish Borders on Sunday and finishes in London on Sunday 18th September.

This stage of the tour will see riders race between Welshpool and Caerphilly.

Beginning in the heart of Mid-Wales at Powis Castle, Welshpool and finishing outside the spectacular Caerphilly Castle this afternoon- cyclists will pass through Builth Wells, Brecon, Aberdare and Ystrad Mynach along the way.

Cyclists will be in for a tough race today, climbing some of the most challenging Welsh hills including a seven kilometre climb of the Brecon Beacons.

The Tour of Britain is the UK's largest free-to-spectate live sporting event so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth paying a visit to see some of the action!

What links Sarah Jessica Parker and Kings of Leon?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales!

In the news this week, Nashville based band, Kings of Leon have discovered their Welsh roots. The band which comprises of brothers Nathan, Caleb and Jared Followill, and cousin Matthew Followill, found out that they descend from Welsh ancestors.

The bass guitarist Jared Followill updated the world via Twitter writing: “Finally found out where Followills came from. It was originally Followell and we came to Virginia from Wales in the 1700s. I’m Welsh. Cool.”

It would seem that there are also other Wales/America links in the creative world this week.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s new film, ‘I don’t know how she does it’, which opens nationwide in cinemas on Friday is the Hollywood adaptation of the book by Welsh writer, Allison Pearson. The Swansea born journalist wrote the book about a frantic working mum trying to balance motherhood with the perfect career.

This week also sees a television documentary following the Fron Choir’s debut visit to New York. The North Wales based choir, who are signed to one of the world’s biggest record labels- Universal, visited New York as they prepare for the launch of their fifth album.

The documentary, Côr y Fron: Efrog Newydd 2011, airs on S4C on Thursday 15^th September.

Roald Dahl Day Today!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

September 13^th is officially Roald Dahl Day! One of the greatest children’s storytellers of all time, Roald Dahl, would be celebrating his 95^th birthday today.

Born in Wales in 1916 to Norwegian parents, Dahl's books have entertained generations of children, and who doesn’t love to read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG or The Twits to name but a few!

2011 also sees the 50th anniversary of James and the Giant Peach- one of Dahl’s most famous stories.

In fact, we’d be happy to spend the rest of our day just reading our favourite Roald Dahl stories!

New Zealand PM welcomes First Minister of Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones met the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key yesterday for talks on relations between the two countries.

The First Minister also held meetings in the New Zealand capital Wellington with Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture David Carter, Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs, Minister of Health Tony Ryall, and Anne Tolley, Minister of Education.

Issues covered in the meetings included economic development, rural affairs, language and education.

Mr Jones said:

"This is the first time I have had an opportunity to formally meet the Prime Minister face-to-face and discuss a wide range of issues, such as economic development and education. I thanked him for inviting me as a guest to New Zealand and giving me such a warm New Zealand welcome.

"As countries we have much in common, from our size and history, through to our ambition to punch above our weight on the world stage.

"My meetings have covered a number of important issues where we can learn from each other, from how to boost agricultural exports to creating sustainable health services that deliver for our people. Our relations go from strength-to-strength and my government appreciates the links we have formed with New Zealand."

New Zealand and Wales celebrate language links

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aside from rugby, Wales and New Zealand have a shared interest in bilingualism. We all speak English in Wales but the Welsh language is thriving with over 20% of the population speaking Welsh fluently.

The three official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori and NZ Sign Language. English is the language of day-to-day business within New Zealand. Maori is a Polynesian language similar to the languages of other Pacific Island cultures.

As with other regions in the world where two cultures have been mixed, English has influenced Maori and Maori has influenced English. Many places in New Zealand have been christened with two names - one English and one Maori. This is similar to Wales where we often see two versions of place names on road signs.

These similarities were celebrated at events last week arranged by the British Council in New Zealand. The event was aimed at gaining a better understanding of the issues faced by those promoting bilingualism in New Zealand.

The First Minister of Wales experienced Maori culture first hand during his short tour of New Zealand, taking a tour of Auckland from a Maori perspective and visiting Maori Television.

Yesterday also saw The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM meet the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key for talks on relations between the two countries.

Wales’ Rugby World Cup opener

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend (Sunday 11 September) Wales will play South Africa in their first game of the Rugby World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand. Warren Gatland’s team, captained by Sam Warburton, will be cheered on by the First Minister of Wales who will be attending the game during his short tour of New Zealand.

The Welsh Rugby Team has just announced their line up as:
James Hook; George North, Jon Davies, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (capt), Toby Faletau.

Porirua City, New Zealand is playing host to Wales during the Rugby World Cup where the squad have been preparing for Sunday’s game against South Africa.

The last time that Wales beat the Springboks was at the opening match in the Millennium Stadium in 1999 so a win at the Wellington Regional Stadium would be a great boost for the team.

South African fans may also be surprised to learn that their Paralympic athletes will be based in Cardiff in the lead up to London 2012. The team will include the high profile Paralympians 'blade runner' Oscar Pistorius (double amputee and world record holder in the 100, 200 and 400metres) and amputee swimmer Natalie De Toit. The swimming team have recently returned from a training camp in Cardiff.

Welsh composer nominated for Emmy Award

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Welsh composer has been nominated for one of the world’s most prestigious television awards.

Mark Thomas, 54, has been nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the BBC comedy series, Episodes, starring Friends actor Matt Le Blanc.

Thomas, who grew up in Swansea and studied music at Cardiff University, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music category at the 2011 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

The composer who now lives in Somerset has written scores for major film and television companies including penning the Bafta-award winning score for cult Welsh film Twin Town. He is currently working on a new comedy, Stella, written by and starring Wales’ Ruth Jones.

Mr Thomas said he owed debt of gratitude to Welsh language broadcasting in the early days and puts some of his success down to his Swansea music teacher who taught him violin from the age of eight.

The 2011 Creative Arts Emmy Awards are being held this Saturday, 10^th September, at Hollywood’s Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Wales Day at Te Papa Museum, Wellington

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

To coincide with Wales’ first match in the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum is holding a Wales Day on 11^th September.

The Welsh Society of Wellington, is inviting visitors to join them to celebrate Wales with a day of traditional Welsh music, folk songs and children’s activities.

The First Minister of Wales will be speaking at the event before supporting Wales at their first game of the Rugby World Cup against South Africa during his short tour of New Zealand.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand, located in Wellington. It is branded and commonly known as Te Papa and Our Place.

In November 2009 a private repatriation took place which saw the skeletal remains of one female and bones of 11 others, returned to their original community in New Zealand. In addition to these 12 koiwi tangata a smaller collection of skeletal remains were also returned to Te Papa. Until then the skeletons formed part of the Welsh national collection at National Museum Cardiff.

Wales celebrates Paralympic Day

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today the countdown continues to next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games with International Paralympic Day. Events will be taking place to showcase the 20 Paralympic sports at London 2012. Our capital, Cardiff, is joining in with the finals of the GB Cup Wheelchair Rugby Competition taking place at Sophia Gardens. Team GB will come up alongside tough opposition as they compete against Paralaympic teams from Belgium, Sweden, Japan and Australia.

Disability Sport Wales has gone from strength to strength in recent years with 31 Welsh athletes representing Great Britain in the Beijing Paralympics where they won 25% of Team GB’s gold medal haul.

Further afield, our First Minister is attending an event in Auckland, New Zealand to highlight the developing relationship between the Welsh Government, Disability Sport Wales and New Zealand Sporting Organisations. Pictures throughout the First Minister’s visit to New Zealand are available on Flickr.

The New Zealand Paralympic team will be based in Swansea for pre-games training in the run up to the 2012 Paralympic Games. Athletes from the Oceanic Region Paralympic countries: Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, will also be training in Wales prior to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Wales strengthens sporting links

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Minister Carwyn Jones will today (Thurs 8th Sept) join New Zealand sporting legend Sir Murray Halberg and Jon Morgan from Disability Sport Wales to celebrate the developing sport relationships between Wales and New Zealand.

The event in Auckland also marks International Paralympic Day celebrations in New Zealand.
The Welsh Government and Paralympics New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see New Zealand’s Paralympic athletes being based in Swansea ahead of the 2012 Paralympic Games.

At the event the First Minister will also sign a new with the Oceania Paralympic Committee, which represents the Islands.

The two agreements mean that all the Oceanic Region Paralympic countries - Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands - have agreed to locate to Wales prior to the 2012 Paralympic Games.

The First Minister said:

"Wales is committed to providing a first class environment for athletes and the combination of world class training facilities, proximity and quality of accommodation, access to state of the art support services together with a Welsh welcome that is second to none, is a compelling offer which has resulted in Paralympic athletes from many nations deciding to choose Wales."

Disability Sport Wales and the Halberg Trust will be entering into a partnership which will further explore best practice between the two nations in the area of community disability sports development.

Jon Morgan from Disability Sport Wales said:

"Our partnership with Paralympic New Zealand and Halberg Trust provide a unique opportunity to create a legacy that lasts well beyond the lifetime of the London 2012 Games. What better time than on International Paralympic Day to announce this exciting initiative."

Halberg Trust spokesperson Nicki Turner said:

"Wales is consistently achieving above expectations, right from grass roots participation through to elite Paralympic level. This is a reflection of the country’s commitment to prioritise disability sport across the board, and the partnership between Wales, Paralympics New Zealand and the Halberg Trust presents a great example of an international collaboration that will no doubt enhance New Zealand’s disability sport pathway – from participation to elite competition."

Ironman comes to Wales…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

No, not Robert Downey Jr. but the renowned Ironman triathlon!

Athletes are in for a gruelling test of endurance this weekend as Ironman Wales takes over the county of Pembrokeshire.

Scheduled for Sunday, 11^th September, the Ironman triathlon is a non-stop event consisting of swimming 2.4 miles (3.8k) cycling 112 miles (180km) then running a marathon 26.2 miles (42.2km).

The exhilarating and demanding challenge will see 50 qualifying slots allocated for the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii 2012.

Located on Wales’ South West coast, Pembrokeshire is known for the breathtaking landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The 186 mile coastal path was recently named one of the world’s top hiking destinations.

Competitors will certainly be in for some inspiring scenery along the way. The race starts at South Beach in the seaside village of Tenby. After exiting the waters of Carmarthen Bay for the 3.8km swim, the athletes will take on the challenge of the 180km bike course through the countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks. The medieval town walls and picturesque beach front provide an impressive backdrop for the concluding marathon through Tenby.

An arduous challenge of stamina along some of Wales’ most spectacular coastline- Ironman Wales will be a tough and exciting event!

Wales welcomes Piers Bramhall.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After being thrown into the limelight as part of Visit Wales’ new marketing campaign last month, Piers Bramhall arrived in Wales yesterday for a week long holiday.

In August, Visit Wales launched a quest to bring Piers Bramhall to Wales and called upon the people of Wales to invite him, tell him about where he can find the best experiences in Wales, what to see and do and where to eat and why. 160 invitations have been left for him on www.facebook.com/visitwales.

Piers arrived in Wales yesterday to take up the challenge of a having a different holiday to his usual ‘fly and flop’ holiday. The week will prove to be an eye opener for Piers as he has never ventured outside Cardiff on previous trips to Wales. Along with his girlfriend Emma, Piers was welcomed at the Blue Anchor Pub, Aberthaw by Rugby Star Gareth Thomas before flying to Anglesey to begin his adventure.

He’ll have plenty of opportunity for an adrenaline rush and some excitement here in Wales. There will be ample time to taste some of Wales’ best produce from Penderyn Whisky to Joe’s Ice Cream. He’ll play a round at the 2010 Ryder Cup Course at the Celtic Manor and even have an opera singing lesson with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff Bay. If that isn’t enough, GwdiHw Bar in Cardiff have also organised a festival in his honour ‘Pierstock’ will be Showcase of Welsh bands.

His holiday will be filmed and will be the basis of the new Visit Wales TV advert which will launch in January.

International Football and Rugby

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh football team is looking to give their fans something to celebrate tonight as they take on England at Wembley. England are by far the strongest team in the group but with premier league players like Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in the squad Welsh fans will be looking for a win!

Welsh Captain Aaron Ramsey will also be likely to feature for Arsenal on Saturday 10^th September as they take on Swansea, who are still looking for their first premier league win, but at the same time so are Arsenal! A win for Swansea at the Emirates would be quite something!

Aaron Ramsey’s former club Cardiff will be taking on Doncaster this Saturday in the Championship as they look to secure a place in next years premier league

And if that’s not enough, this weekend sees the beginning of the Rugby World Cup!! Everyone in Wales in looking forward to the competition, Rugby is our National Sport after all!

Wales kick of their tournament against South Africa on Sunday! And everyone wishes the squad the best of luck!

Cardiff plays host to the Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Some of the world’s top wheelchair rugby players will descend on Cardiff this week for the 2011 Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) will play host to this international event in the build up to London 2012. Australia, Belgium, Japan, Sweden and Team GB will all be present at the tournament which is being held at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff from Tuesday 6^th September to Thursday 8th September.

The 2011 Wheelchair Rugby GB Cup is the highest-level competition for Team GB between now and the Paralympics in 2012.

A terrifying fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby, the game was founded in Canada in 1977 and is a combination of brute force and tactical strategy. Eight rolling substitutes make up squads of 12, with four players on court per team at any time. The aim is to thunder across your opponents' goal line with two wheels in contact with the hardwood floor and the ball in your hands. Players in possession have to bounce the ball or pass with within 10 seconds of receiving it.

This tough and exciting tournament ends on International Paralympic Day, Thursday 8^th September and will provide perfect preparation for Team GB in their challenge for Paralympic gold.

Welsh Athlete Dai Greene wins world gold

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Llanelli born athlete won Britain's first gold medal of the World Athletics Championships in the 400m hurdles in South Korea in a time of 48.26 seconds.

The 25 year old now has the world, European and Commonwealth titles in the 400m hurdles to his name.

The First Minister of Wales congratulated Dai Greene while speaking at a press conference at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club to announce that Wales is to host the Senior Open Golf Championship.

The First Minister said:

"People from all over Wales, will be rightly proud of Dai Greene's performance in Daegu. He showed resolve and determination to power his way to Gold in the 400m hurdles. Well done Dai!"

Speed, Sport and Music: A busy weekend in Wales

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s all going on in Wales this weekend with some fast paced entertainment and a brand new music festival.

Merthyr Rock kicks off tonight for the very first time at Cyfarthfa Park, Merthyr. The festival, which is hoping to become a firm fixture on the rock ‘n’ roll calendar, features some top Welsh talent and a host of alternative and indie bands. The Blackout, Funeral for a Friend, Ocean Colour Scene, Skindred, Goldie Lookin' Chain and Attack Attack are among those playing at the three-day festival.

Also tonight, the Welsh football team will take on Montenegro in a Euro 2012 Qualifying match at Cardiff City Stadium.

For the motor sport enthusiasts, the Red Bull Speed Jam will be taking over the streets and skies of Cardiff on Saturday 3^rd September. Red Bull motorsports teams from across the world will be displaying their talents at the event, featuring Formula 1 and Nascar champions plus the amazing aerial acrobats of the Red Bull Matadors.

A lively and action-packed few days ahead!

‘Talking Pictures’ exhibition launches in Chicago

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 1 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An exhibit featuring photographs of creative people inspired by Wales or carrying the DNA of Wales launches today in Chicago.

‘Talking Pictures’ is a multimedia photography exhibit by Cambridge Jones, an award-winning Welsh photographer who has photographed the Queen, four prime ministers, and many celebrities. It consists of 31 fresh and dynamic portraits of prominent figures in the arts and entertainment world.

At the end of each shoot, Cambridge asks his subjects to talk briefly about who or what inspired them. Viewers to the exhibit can enjoy listening to these comments and thus get the full impact of the ‘talking picture.’

A common DNA joins photographer and subject and that’s simply and magnificently - Wales.

Michael Sheen, Anthony Hopkins, Bryn Terfel, Terry Jones, Rhys Ifans and the Stereophonics are just some of the subjects of Jones’ photographs.

The exhibit has already visited Cardiff, London, New York, and Los Angeles and is now part of Chicago's Pop-Up Art Loop. The initiative of the Chicago Loop Alliance transforms empty storefronts in the Loop into a moveable feast of public art galleries, exhibits and studios.

For those of you unable to attend in person, we’re lucky enough to be able to share with you all 31 photographs from the exhibition. We also have the audio clips available to go along with each picture. You can find these on our ‘Talking Pictures’ section.

The ‘Talking Pictures’ exhibit is presented by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Chicago Loop Alliance and runs from 1^st September to 6^th October 2011.

First book published for Japanese Welsh learners.

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A lecturer in Tokyo with a passion for the poetry of RS Thomas has published the first Welsh textbook in the Japanese language.

Japanese speakers can now learn Welsh thanks to Yoshifumi Nagata, 41, who developed his interest in the Welsh language after coming across the poetry of RS Thomas while studying at Meisei University in Tokyo.

Thomas was a poet and clergyman with a passion for the Welsh language. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature and died aged 87 in 2000.

Dr Nagata teamed up with Welsh learner Takeshi Koike to produce the book, who learned Welsh while at Trinity St David’s University in Lampeter.

The lack of text books for Japanese Welsh learners had inspired Dr Nagata to create his own with Takeshi Koike.

Ue-ruzu Go no Kihon (The basics of the Welsh language) is the first course book in Japanese for those wishing to learn Welsh.

The textbook picks up on Koike’s memory of his time in the west Wales University, and features examples of dialogue between Welsh and Japanese students living in the Ceredigion town.

Dr Nagata teaches Welsh culture at a number of Japanese universities and has written a number of essays on Welsh culture.

Welsh athlete breaks world javelin record

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

World champion Nathan Stephens has broken the F57 javelin world record with a distance of 41.37 metres, winning the Czech Athletics Open in Olomouc.

After victory at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics World Championships in New Zealand in January, the athlete from Bridgend peaked with his first ever throw in excess of 40m.

Stephens, who had both of his legs amputated at the age of nine, will be competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The 23 year-old athlete finished fourth in the javelin in his first Paralympics at the 2008 Beijing Games.

So what did the Romans ever do for Wales?

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With the news that archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman port on the banks of the River Usk, Caerleon- what other influences did the Romans have on Wales?

Well to start- our place names. Places of Roman origin in Wales were often named using 'caer', a Welsh version of the Latin word castra meaning camp. It can be found in the names of many towns across Wales including Caerphilly, Caerwent and Carmarthen, as well as in Caerleon which means 'camp of the legions'.

Our language also has influences from the Roman Empire. There are a number of Welsh words borrowed from Latin such as, 'pont' (in Latin 'pons', a bridge), ‘ffenestr’ (‘fenestra’, window) and 'eglwys' ('ecclesia', a church).

Then there’s our national flag. The origins of the Red Dragon flag, or "y Draig Goch", could date back to the Roman period, when the dragon (or draco) was used by the Roman military. After the Romans left, the Red Dragon remained a key emblem of Wales.

As the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire, a huge variety of Roman remains that can be seen across Wales. In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. The fortress is now a national museum open to the public.

You can find out more about the Romans in Wales at the National Museum of Wales.

Welsh distillery awarded international gold

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Penderyn distillery has been awarded gold at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition for its Brecon Special Reserve Gin.

The award winning Brecon Special Reserve is produced in small batches at the Penderyn Distillery in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Brecon Gin follows a 100 year old recipe and is infused with ten botanicals sourced from across the world. These include; Juniper berries from Macedonia, orange peel from Spain, Chinese cassia bark, liquorice root from Sri Lanka, Madagascan cinnamon, French angelica root, Russian coriander, Indian nutmeg, Spanish lemon peel and Italian orris root.

Its water is drawn from directly beneath the distillery and is filtered through 340 million-year-old rock formations.

The judges of the prestigious competition said of Brecon Gin;

"Distinctly traditional nose with juniper in prominent yet with intriguing and undefineable nuances in the background! Big and full in the mouth with beautiful balance. Juniper lead flavours meld together to give lovely refreshing gin in traditional character."

The award is a great success for Wales and the Penderyn distillery.

You can sample some of Wales’ finest food and drink at Abergavenny Food Festival which takes place on 17^th – 18^th September.

Wales Rugby World Cup squad announced

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wales has just announced its squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The team will be led by Sam Warburton, who at 22 will become Wales’ youngest World Cup captain.

You can view the full list of players in the World Cup squad on the Wales Rugby Union website.

The Wales squad will play its first World Cup match against South Africa on 11^th September at the Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand.

Good luck boys! We’re sure you’ll do us proud!

Continued success for Aberystwyth University

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aberystwyth University continues to be amongst the leaders for student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2011.

The National Student Survey (NSS) results were announced today, Wednesday 17th August. With a mean score of 4.3 (on a scale of 1-5 for student satisfaction), AberystwythUniversity is in joint 4^th place for public residential universities in the UK and, for the seventh consecutive year, is the highest rated higher education institution in Wales - reinforcingthat the University continues to be held in the high regard by its students.

The NSS is an annual survey of final year undergraduate students, which aims to inform the choices of prospective higher education students about where and what to study.

Overall satisfaction at Aberystwyth University remains very high at 89%.

Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor said: "I’m delighted that Aberystwyth retains its place amongst the UK’s leading institutions. Despite a challenging and turbulent time for the Higher Education sector it is particularly pleasing that the University continues to meet students’ expectations in providing a fantastic and rounded educational experience."

Professor Jones continued: "These high scores in student satisfaction are also being translated into our application process with 2011/12 applications for undergraduate courses seeing a 16.6% increase. Successful applicants are also accepting Aberystwyth as their first choice in greater numbers than ever before. Furthermore, Aberystwyth will not be part of the Clearing process for the second consecutive year, demonstrating that Aberystwyth is attracting more applications from exceptional candidates."

Students were asked questions grouped into seven areas: ‘the teaching on my course’; ‘assessment and feedback’; ‘academic support’; ‘organisation and management’; ‘learning resources’; ‘personal development’ and ‘overall satisfaction’.

Aberystwyth University subjects achieving a very strong performance in the survey for ‘Overall Satisfaction’, with results of 4.5 and above on a scale of 1-5, include:

Accounting
Education
History
Human Geography
Physical Geography
Politics
Sports Science
Zoology

Subjects which significantly out-performed the UK average for ‘overall satisfaction’ include:

Accounting
Agriculture
Cinematics
Drama
Education
Human Geography
Physical Geography
Politics
Sports Science
Zoology

The NSS was conducted by Ipsos MORI. A total of 264,514 students participated in the survey this year, an increase of over 12,065 on last year and a response rate of 65%.

Data are available for prospective students, parents and advisors from the Unistats website (www.unistats.com).

A busy weekend of sport

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Welsh rugby team will continue to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this September with a warm up game against Argentina on Saturday, 20^th August. This will be the last game for players to impress before the full squad is announced.

On the Football front, Cardiff City- who are doing well in the championship, will be playing Burnley. Swansea City will also welcome a familiar face to the Liberty Stadium with the return of Roberto Martinez in charge of Wigan.

We’re sure the former Swansea City boss will show his Wigan players some of the sites around Swansea. With some of Great Britain's most stunning coastline only 15 minutes away on the Gower, who wouldn’t be tempted!

For those of you who might be staying longer, why not head a bit further west and try out one of the worlds greatest hiking destinations in the shape of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

The race is on!

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How fast can you run? Do you think you could out run a train?...yes, I did say a train!. If you fancy trying why not head to Tywyn in Mid-Wales for the 29th annual race the train event.

This unique event for multi-terrain runners attracts a great deal of interest across the World. Runners from New Zealand, Australia, America, Hong Kong and Africa have all taken part.

With the London 2012 Olympics on track to start in a few months it may help inspire a future Olympian, so why not check it out.

Green Man Festival is just around the corner…

editor@wales.com (Editor) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Music, magic and mysticism will hit the Brecon Beacons this weekend, with ticket holders already arriving at the Green Man Festival site in Mid Wales.

Green Man, which prides itself on authenticity and originality, attracts over 15,000 music lovers from across the globe and is set in the scenic backdrop of Glanusk Park.

Awarded ‘Best Medium Sized Festival 2010’, Green Man runs from Friday 19^th – Sunday 21^st August. Tickets are now sold out for the weekend, with this year’s line up including: Fleet Foxes, Noah And The Whale, Bellowhead, Explosions In The Sky, Squarepusher, Gruff Rhys, John MOuse, Ellen And The Escapades and Wild Nothing (to name just a few!).

Early arrivals will also get to see the one and only Tim Minchin perform this year. The Australian comedian, musician and songwriter will be kick starting the festival with a special evening gig on Thursday 18^th August.

Whatever the weather this weekend, festival goers will definitely be in for an eccentric, unique and unforgettable experience at one of Britain’s best loved festivals.

Swansea City v Fulham