Where is the Welsh Champs?

Croeso i Gaerdydd, Prifddinas Cymru!

 

Barry, just a 10 miles from Cardiff city centre, plays host to the welsh champs and is famous as the home of Gavin and Stacey. A popular destination with tourists of all ages, Barry is located on the south-west coast within easy driving distance of Cardiff. The town boasts several beautiful beaches and is on the Glamorgan heritage coastal path, famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs.

Barry Island, linked to the town with the construction of docks in the 19th century, is also a great place to explore. Barry pleasure park, known as 'fun-harbour' provides a wonderful day out for fun loving grown-ups.

It is also a source of fascination to anyone with an interest in history, having been the scene of archeological discoveries which stretch back to the Mesolithic period.

Tell me about the venue?
Situated near the Waterfront development in Barry, the Memorial Hall and Theatre has a long and valued reputation for being a unique venue for large events as well as a popular entertainment and arts centre.  The main room benefits from a beautiful huge sprung dance floor, licensed bar, full catering facilities, specialist stage, sound and lighting facilities, and the assurance of a on-site 150 space car park.  The venue also has many changing rooms and will have a practice area away from the main room to help with warming up.

 

Memorial Hall and Theatre
Gladstone Road
Barry, Vale of Glamorgan
CF62 8NA

 

How do I get there?
TRAINS:
Arriva Trains Wales offer a frequent rail service with connections to Barry station from Cardiff Central train station.  National Rail Enquiries (24 hrs) 08457 484950
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk

CAR:
Leave M4 at Junction 33 (via A4232) following the signs for Barry.

 
Is there any parking nearby?
There is a 150 space car park at the venue itself.

I would like to come for the weekend. Where can I stay?
In Barry itself there is not much accomodation within walking distance of the venue.
The Best Western Hotel is the closest with a 10 minute walk and there are a number of bed and breakfasts'.
Two miles away there are many hotels supporting Cardiff airport including Travellodges and Express by Holiday Inn, these are cost effective hotels.
Or, if you want to stay in Cardiff Bay (only 8 miles from Barry), there are numerous hotels there including all of the major chains.

The Welsh Champs will be running a shuttle minibus from Barry MEMO to Cardiff Bay every 30 minutes between certain times of the day (before the event, after the competitions, from 11pm till the event closes). More precise details about the shuttle bus will be posted, rest assured that if you want to book your accomodation in Cardiff Bay early there will be transport to get to the venue.

More information about accomodation in Barry can be found on this website.

 

Tell me about the pre-competition party.
'Dance with the Stars' is the pre-competition freestyle night at Barry MEMO on Friday 23rd September. with top DJs all night, a blues room and the best dancers from around the UK including the judges, teachers, crew and fellow competitors.

The party night will allow you to sample the wonderful venue at its best and will kick start your dancing weekend on the Friday evening before the main welsh championships.
Doors open at 8pm, and the event finishes at 2am. Only £10 per person when booked online here...otherwise pay on the door for £13.

 

What can I do on Sunday?
Sample Ceroc South Wales in action by joining in with our Sunday afternoon tea dance in the heart of Cardiff, or why not take a trip into Cardiff City centre and you will never be short of things you can do. Here is the link to the Cardiff tourist board to help you make up your mind, personally, I recommend the shopping in St Davids 2!