About Cardiff
Cardiff has been known as the capital city of Wales since 1953. Previous to this year, Wales did not have a capital city. Cardiff began as a Roman Fort in 50 AD and has been home to many buried historic castles since then.
Parallel to Cardiff's interesting history are the many extraordinary things to do on its grounds. St Fagans National Museum of History is the perfect place to go if you’d like to learn all about the history of Wales.
You can also visit the Animal Wall at Cardiff Castle, which consists of eight sculptures of different animals climbing up a wall at Bute Park. They were designed by William Burges, a Gothic revivalist architect. Various artists sculpted each animal, which includes a pelican, vulture, hyena, lynx, two lions, monkeys, racoons and a seal.
Event Space Options in Cardiff
While planning an event, there are a multitude of aspects to consider. The theme, equipment, catering and furniture you'll need are all dependent on the type of event you're throwing, be it a birthday party, corporate event or wedding. Whatever it is, the event will need a unique cherry on the cake. We've come up with a list of options that you might need to consider when planning your event in Cardiff. Let's take a look at what this city has to offer.
- Flowers
Flowers are classic decorations, especially in weddings, birthdays and private parties. They can be used for many different event types and can bring out a lovely pop of colour to the room without being ostentatious.
- Catering
In catering, you can choose from many different styles depending on the type and length of your event. You may opt for sit-down meals, buffets, simple appetisers or tea and coffee. While long events usually need full meals, snacks, sandwiches and tea or coffee can suffice for short events.
- Entertainment
DJs liven up the mood of any event, but they're ideal for events like receptions, private parties or Christmas parties. For more formal events like corporate, christenings, and weddings, a jazz band or a musician is more appropriate. But really, there's no stopping you in choosing whatever form of entertainment you want for your event!
- Tech Hire
If you’re planning a corporate event or business meeting for a large audience, you'll need to hire an AV system so that your voice can reach everyone. Or, if you need some stage lights, dance floor lighting or spotlights for parties, then Cardiff has plenty of shops that offer a wide array of tech equipment for your event.
Event Space Companies in Cardiff
- Cardiff Speaker Hire
Cardiff Speaker Hire has an extensive range of sound systems available for hire, such as speakers, PA systems and microphones. However, not only do they specialise in speaker hire, but they also offer DJ booths, dance floors, musical instruments, dry ice machines, amps and more! The staff at Cardiff Speaker Hire are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help, and they'll include sound technicians plus PAT testing on all of their equipment.
- Hearts and Flowers Florist
Hearts and Flowers are professional florists who specialise in personalised service. This flower shop can handle any event from corporate events to weddings and receptions of any size! Whatever the occasion, Hearts and Flowers are ready to deliver floral arrangements to your event.
- Inferno Catering Ltd
Cardiff-based Inferno Catering is a family-owned catering business that has been around for 25 years. Serving both private and corporate clients, they offer tailor-made menus including finger buffets, hot buffets, street food, BBQs, breakfast, grazing platters, afternoon tea, sandwiches, media film crew catering and more. Delivery fee varies according to which zone your event venue is located.
Pros and Cons of Event Spaces in Cardiff
Pros
- Easy to manoeuvre
Since Cardiff is small, it's very easy to get from one end to another even without a car. You'll find this helpful once you're out looking for shops and businesses to help you with your event.
- Cheaper
Compared to many UK cities, Cardiff is relatively cheaper for the average person to live in. Retail services are plenty, which you can afford at a much lower price than in cities like London or Oxford. You'll be able to save a few pounds if you choose this city as your event location.
- Green spaces
The location of Cardiff is beneficial as you are by the water, and it offers rich green spaces as well. The city centre and the wider Cardiff area boast of hundreds of parks and gardens which are accessible by the public, so you're free to visit them once your event is over. You may also choose to hire private gardens as a venue for your event.
- Well-connected
If your event will be having guests from other UK cities, then they'll have no problem getting to Cardiff, thanks to a central train station and an international airport.
Cons
- Rain
As the wettest city in the UK, it's no surprise that Cardiff gets a lot of rain throughout the year, even in the summer! So if you're planning to hold an outdoor event, it would be wise to hire a covered outdoor space or rent a tent or marquee for backup.
Famous Event Spaces in Cardiff
- The Coal Exchange
The Coal Exchange has two unique venues for various events, from celebrations and weddings, to receptions and ceremonies. These suites include The Carruthers Suit and the Grand Hall, both of which can be adapted to fit your event type. The Coal Exchange has in-house event coordinators if you need them.
- The Principality Stadium
The Principality Stadium opened in 1999 and can hold any event type from conferences and meetings, to balls and exhibitions. They have suites, lounges and terraces that can accommodate 16 to 300 people. Hire rate starts at £200.
- Roald Dahl Suite at St David's Cardiff
This serene Dahl Suite can hold up to 80 guests and is ideal for parties, gatherings, meetings and conferences. The space has lots of natural night and impressive views of Cardiff Bay. Amenities include air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for guests.