About Cardiff
Cardiff City is the capital of Wales. As the sixth most popular destination site globally, the city brings in 18 million tourists per year. Known as the Castle Capital, Cardiff has over 600 castles on its land, the main one being Cardiff Castle, which is located in the heart of the city. Due to the influx of people, there are copious amounts of annual events happening every season in Cardiff. Large events typically occur around the city centre and Cardiff Bay, such as the midsummer dance festival Gwyl Ifan and the Brecon Jazz Festival, bringing in over 50,000 people in attendance.
Cardiff is no stranger to hosting charity events, as these tend to be the most popular events in the city. Cardiff hosts many of its own charity events, large and small, such as the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation Quiz Night hosted at the Cardiff Arms Park and the Autistic Minds LIVE, hosted at the City Stadium. These are great places to network and find potential vendors to help you make your charity event fun, unique and successful.
Charity Event Options in Cardiff
Throwing a charity event comes with many different major and minor details to consider. Details such as a theme, form of entertainment, furniture, activities to organise and marketing are some aspects that need planning. In Cardiff, many different vendors can help you in each department.
- Printing Service
You may want to look into finding a local printing service to handle flyers, posters, banners or brochures for your charity event. Having these promotional materials at your event is needed for educational and marketing purposes. A brochure with a simple description of your event or cause has the potential to create returning event-goers if you choose to turn your charity event into an annual occasion in Cardiff.
- Photographer
Hiring a professional photographer at your charity event is also beneficial for the occasion. Photos increase your event's and organisation's presence, especially when uploaded to social media. Many professional event photographers are in touch with the city's newspapers, monthly magazines and online pages and have the privilege of publishing photos of your event. This increases exposure for your event, gaining you potential donors and sponsors.
- Marquee Hire
The wet weather in Cardiff makes it ideal for indoor events. But a charity event done outdoors will attract a larger number of guests. If your event is happening during the rainy season and you prefer to do it outdoors, there is an easy fix! Hiring a marquee is a very wise alternative; in case it doesn't rain, it'll give you coverage from the sun.
Charity Event Companies in Cardiff
- Abbey Bookbinding and Printing
Abbey Bookbinding and Printing was established in 1976 by Roger and Pam Cottrell. With over 30 years of experience, this printing shop now has a team of six that offers professional bookbinding and printing services. Abbey Bookbinding offers business cards, flyers, promotional literature, posters and much more that are suitable for your charity event.
- Phil Boorman Photography
Phil Boorman has been a commercial and advertising photographer for over 25 years based on the east side of Cardiff. Phil primarily photographs people, food, places and events. Phil would be an ideal candidate for your charity event as he specialises in commercial and advertising photography, which goes hand in hand with your charity event needs.
- Alpine Marquees
Alpine Marquees are professionals who provide marquees and interior furnishings to the public. Established in 1997 and with over 20 years experience, Alpine Marquees is a family-run business. Many different marquee styles can be catered for your event needs; for example, a marquee during the winter months has the option to have a raised floor. Alpine Marquees can also provide bar units, heaters, dance floors and other indoor furnishings for your hired marquee.
Pros and Cons of Charity Events in Cardiff
Pros
- Cost
Cardiff is a very affordable place to live and host large events. Although it is the capital of Wales, Cardiff is cost-efficient when it comes to hiring venues and getting the services of vendors in the area.
- Walkable
Cardiff is a delightful and walkable city. If you need to run errands for your charity event, you can walk from A to B provided that the weather's nice!
- Tourist-friendly
If you are not initially from Cardiff and are going there only for your charity event, don't fret. Cardiff welcomes almost 20 million tourists annually so you won't feel out of place.
- Cardiff Bay
If your charity venue is in the innermost city centre, it will most likely have a view of Cardiff Bay, which can give an impressive view for your charity event. The bay also creates a microclimate for Cardiff, where the weather is nicer than in other parts of Wales.
Cons
- Driving
Cardiff is an old city with old one-way roads. This can be difficult if you have never driven on a one-way street. The people of Cardiff can help you with some of the driving etiquettes they go by.
Famous Charity Event Locations in Cardiff
- The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel has magnificent views of Cardiff Castle, a famous landmark in Cardiff. The Dragon Suite is one of their oversized suites that can hold up to 300 guests. This hotel can provide an event management team to help you plan your event, and they also have Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment available.
- Jurys Inn
The Jurys Inn is located in Central Cardiff and has up to eight spaces for hire for various events. There is in-house catering here that provides delectable food and offers delivery. The Jurys Inn has a capacity of 250 guests and can rent out audiovisual equipment in case you need it.
- Park Inn
The Park Inn is located in Central Cardiff, close to the major attractions and the famous Cardiff shopping district. On top of being in the centre of Cardiff attractions, Park Inn is also near the bus and train stations which is very beneficial to you and your charity event guests. This venue holds up to 300 people and offers in-house catering so you wouldn't need to look for a third-party caterer.