Who’s Who and What’s Where in

Wales  

If you thought Wales was all about leeks, sheep and characters like Glyn from last year’s Big Brother then think again! Home to the Ryder Cup in 2010 and a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city, Wales is growing an international reputation for ambition and opportunity.  XCEL takes a look at what Wales has got to offer.

Nights Out In Wales
From relaxing Lounge Bar’s to Hard House nightclubs, Wales has got it all. XCEL recommends the following venues:

Student Nights Out In Cardiff:
If you’re a bit hip and trendy then maybe you should check out Stylus, one of the newest clubs on the scene in Cardiff.

If you fancy a giggle then pay a visit to The Glee Club, Cardiff’s premier comedy club. Make sure you go early to beat the queues.

Bar Cuba is great for anyone who fancies a venue with a Latino flavour and cheap drinks.

If you’re in the mood for chilling out and chatting then pay a visit to Ha Ha’s; it’s got a good atmosphere and attracts a trendy crowd.

Student Nights Out In Swansea:
If you are into Garage/R&B and Hip Hop, then a night at ICE is recommended.

Matisse or The Rubiks Cube is the place to go for Drum and Bass.

If you’re feeling adventurous then across the bay is the celebrated ‘Mumbles Mile’ a stretch comprised of bars, pubs and clubs that will keep you entertained.

If it’s a traditional pub you’re after then fear not, Swansea’s got aplenty.

Student Nights Out In Wrexham:
According to The Independent and Kerrang, Central Station is “Wales’ leading live music venue”.

Scotts nightclub has a massive variety of music, attracting the biggest DJ’s in the Northwest and North Wales.

Landmarks In Wales
Landmarks in Aberystwyth:
Get your walking boots on for a trip up Constitution Hill, an impressive 430 ft high. It’s worth the effort, the views are fantastic.

Landmarks in Newport:
The enormous transporter bridge at Newport, built in 1906 is the second largest working transporter bridge in the UK. Not for those who feel queasy about heights.

Newport is also home of the ‘Steel Wave’, a commissioned piece of installation art designed by Peter Fink that still divides local opinion.

Landmarks in Mount Snowdon:
If you’re up for a challenge and you like climbing then why not scale the heights of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. At a whopping 3, 560 ft (1, 085 m) above sea level, Mount Snowdon is one of three mountains climbed as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge. If that sounds too exhausting then go along just to see the impressive peak.

Welsh Talent:
Everyone knows that the oldies, Shirley Bassey, Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones are from Wales but more recently there’s been a notable surge of young Welsh talent on the showbiz scene. 

Controversial rap crew, Goldie Lookin Chain (GLC) got their big break in August 2004 with ‘Guns don’t kill people, rappers do’.  Many of their songs include references to places in their hometown, Newport. 

The former ‘voice of an angel’, Charlotte Church is now using her voice in different capacities. In 2005, Charlotte released her first pop album but perhaps she is best known for being a TV personality. In summer 2006, she began hosting her own show, ‘The Charlotte Church Show’ featuring celebrity guests, comedy sketches, music and a recurring Welsh theme. Charlotte’s relationship with Gavin Henson, a Welsh rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys, has received much media attention.

T4 fans will know that model turned presenter, Steve Jones is also a Welsh favourite on our screens.

Did you know….that Roald Dahl, famous writer of children’s books was actually raised in Cardiff?

The Geography Of Wales

Wales can be split into 5 major regions:

Northwest: Bangor, Holyhead, Llandudno, Caernarfon, Pwllneli, Dolgellau, Abergele

Northeast: Wrexham, Rhyl, Flint, Deeside, Mold, Llangollen, Ruthin, Debign

Mid: Aberystwyth, Newtown, Welshpool, Cardigan, Llandrundod Wells, Brecon,

Southwest: Llandovery, Haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Neath, Tenby, Swansea, Port Talbot

Southeast: Abergavenny, Merthyr, Pontypridd, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport.

Sport In Wales

Rugby is BIG in Wales both nationally and internationally. And with the resurgent Welsh national side, this looks like it will only continue.

International athlete and sports personality, Jamie Baulch, has represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games and has competed at the highest level: Olympic, World and European. Jamie is well known as a top class 400m sprinter but he also won a silver medal in 1991 in the Welsh Schools Trampoline Championship.

Lewin Nyatanga, a  professional international football player for Wales, is one to keep an eye on. Born in Burton upon Trent, England to a Zimbabwean father and Welsh mother, Lewin qualifies for Wales through parentage. He is currently playing for Derby County but is on loan to Sunderland. In March 2006, 17-year-old Lewin broke the record as the youngest ever Welsh international when he made his debut for Wales in a friendly against Paraquay in Cardiff.