Glamorgan is a former administrative county of Wales and one of the thirteen historic Welsh counties. The original administrative county was made up of the Vale of Glamorgan, the industrial valleys and the Gower Peninsula and was bounded by Carmarthenshire, the Bristol Channel, Monmouthshire and Brecknockshire. However the county boroughs of Glamorgan and the administrative county were broken up and abolished on 1 April 1974; three new counties were established: South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan and West Glamorgan. In addition the name is still used in the county borough of Vale of Glamorgan.
Historically, Glamorgan has changed hands a number of times. Originally known as Glywysing it was fought over by Welsh princes and Norman lords before being taken over by the Normans and becoming Glamorgan. Because there was so much conflict the landscape is peppered with a wonderful concentration of old castles and ruins. By the 17th century the region had become an important part of the industrial revolution, known as ‘the crucible of the Industrial Revolution,’ and exploited its natural resources to the full, including a rich vein of coal. By the 18th century it had also become a tourism destination for English gentlemen on their ‘grand tour’ and it has been attracting visitors ever since, particularly the coastal towns of Mumbles, Aberavon, Porthcawl and Barry Island.
Nowadays most people come to see the beautiful Glamorgan Heritage Coast which runs for more than 14 miles from Porthcawl to Aberthaw and offers up stunning cliff tops, secluded coves and hiking and biking trails for all levels that showcase the towns, views and wildlife of the coast. Walking the 18 mile Glamorgan Heritage Coast trail will allow you to see some of the highlights of the whole county, from Merthyr Mawr, a charming village of thatched cottages that also features the UK's largest dune system (and a Site of Special Scientific Interest), to the eerie ruins of Candleston Castle, as well as St. Donat's Castle, a medieval castle restored by William Randolph Hearst.
Cardiff International Arena, Cardiff…
St David's Hall, CardiffWith their meticulously crafted instrumentals and tight harmonies, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac bring back to the masses the classic hits of the legendary Fleetwood Mac.…
Many people have heard of the song writer Benjamin Francis Leftwich, but few understand that he was introduced to music through classic rock. Some of his idols include the Rolling Stones and Nina Simone, such groups went on to cause the performer to take a decidedly more classic slant in his composition. This is not to say that he "re-hashes" his work, no in fact he is rather revolutionary. He is a relatively new artist on the scene with his debut album Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm coming out in 2011. There is no end to what Benjamin Francis Leftwich may do in the next couple years, but…
St David’s Hall, CardiffFresh from The Thick of It, Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You and his sell-out 2010 tour, Chris Addison, the man who put the 'Chris Addison' into, 'I see Chris Addison is touring again,' is touring again. He's written a brand new show, The Time Is Now, Again, specifically for the venue this website refers to.* (*And about 40 others, but the point still stands.) Top class stand-up from one of the classiest, toppiest stand-ups around. You should come and see him. …
Don't miss The Wanted as they embark on their first UK tour. Hear all the hits from their self titled debut album including the Number 1 charting, All Time Low…
Cardiff University Students Union, CardiffFifteen years and 5 studio albums later and this great American band is still rocking the scene. Its metal core rhythms continue to entertain both young and old. They got a Grammy Award nomination in 2006 for Best Recording Package and have shared a stage with the likes of Lamb Of God, Hatebreed, Korn and UK's Devil Sold His Soul. They have had huge success in mega shows and big tours since 2006 at Ozzfest alongside Dragonforce and Walls Of Jericho. Then there was the 2008 Unsilent Night 2 festival in Texas, 2010 Mayhem Festival a.k.a 'The Battle of the Bands' and 2011 Explosions II Tour. T…
Sarah Millican is a successful English stand-up comedienne from South Shields. Her profile on the comedy scene first increased after winning the 'if.comedy award' in 2008 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She is now a regular and popular addition to many a TV show such as 'Have I Got News For You', '8 Out of Ten Cats', 'Mock the Week' etc and has recently been a celebrity guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. She releases her 'Live' DVD in 2011 and has completed three live tours, the latest of which was her 'Chatterbox' tour in 2010.…
Protest the Hero is a Canadian progressive metal band from Ontario. They were originally named Happy Go Lucky when they formed in 1999; the band line-up remains the same. The band changed their name in 2002 just before they released their debut EP ‘Search for the Truth’. In 2005 the band released a full length album ‘Kezia with indie label Underground Operations. Their second, full length album ‘Fortress’ was released in 2008. Their third most recent studio album was released on 22 March 2011. Protest the hero have toured with many bands including ‘In Flames’ Bullet For My Valentine’ and Betwe…
Solus, CardiffHackney-borne and New Ross native Maverick Sabre got his start in the music industry in 2008, alongside Irish rappers Terawrizt and Nu-Centz on their "Sense the Terror" album. The 21-year-old rapper then went on to perform and collaborate alongside such artists as Jermicide, Danny Diggs, Professor Green, and Chase & Status. His collaboration with Professor Green on "Jungle", debuted at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart. Sabre's debut mixtape, "The Traveling Man", featured fellow rapper Wretch 32. His blending of rap and folk music styles, along with his haunting and soulful vocals, helped his …
The Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, CardiffFlorence and the Machine have been going from strength to strength since their chart topping album 'Lungs' in 2009 and unavoidable cover of 'You've Got the Love' - the latter partly aided by Dizzee Rascal - and are set to continue this trend in 2012. Although Florence and the Machine by name, this success is focused mainly on Florence herself. A flame-haired woman with a striking voice, she has inspired musicians and women as a whole through her attitudes and styles over the last two years - a feat recognised by her new status as a fashion icon. With her assorted band of musicians behind her -…
Live and Unsigned 2012 Cardiff AuditionsSunday, 12 February 2012Singers and bands wanted for Live and Unsigned 2012 auditions! Singers and bands are wanted as Live and Unsigned 2012 auditions start early January! With the chance to play at The O2 in London and with £100,000 in prizes, Live and Unsigned a
Other concerts, music and gigs in Glamorgan are:
Live And Unsigned Auditions12 Feb, CardiffLights15 Feb, CardiffThe Wanted23 Feb, CardiffNorma Jean26 Feb, CardiffFlorence and the Machine5 Mar, CardiffMaverick Sabre5 Mar, CardiffRebecca Ferguson8 Mar, CardiffWild Beasts16 Mar, CardiffAmon Amarth18 Mar, CardiffJLS19 Mar, Cardiff
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Sport in Glamorgan
Cardiff International ArenaOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Cardiff International Arena, located in Cardiff. See what shows and performances are on this week at Cardiff International Arena.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Glamorgan are:
Cardiff Motorpoint ArenaCardiff UniversityGrand TheatreWales Millennium Centre
Swansea MuseumSwansea Museum is a fascinating treasure house of Swansea´s past history. It was opened in 1841 by a group of local people who were known as The Royal Institution of South Wales, which gave the Museum building its original name. Swansea Museum is a real treasure house of the ordinary and the ext…Location: Swansea
Blaenavon IronworksThe Blaenavon Ironworks started production in 1789 and was to become the first purpose built multi-furnace ironworks in Wales. At that time it was on the cutting edge of technology. The furnaces were coke fired and the blast provided by a steam engine. Blaenavon is now home to one of the best preser…Location: Torfaen
Some other notable historic attractions in Glamorgan are:
Swansea MuseumCardiff CastleCastell CochGower Heritage Centre
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