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Cardiff Facts - get to know the venue for Classic FM Live!
Are you ready for Classic FM Live in Cardiff this week? We thought we'd get in the mood with some facts about this incredible city, so take a look at what we found out!
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1. Older than the pyramids
Archaeological evidence suggests that settlers were in and around Cardiff a 1,500 years before the Great Pyramid of Giza was completed.
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2. City status
Cardiff was awarded city status in 1905 by King Edward VII, and subsequently declared the capital of Wales on 1955.
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3. Cardiff Docks
The docks in Cardiff, otherwise known as part of Tiger Bay, have long been an important aspect of Cardiff's trade life. At its peak, it was one of the largest docks in the world, supplying steel, forest products and more.
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4. Cardiff Castle
This imposing structure was thought to be originally commissioned by William The Conqueror, and has been variously re-built to make it stronger over the centuries. During the Second World War, air raid shelters were built within the castle walls.
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5. Ivor Novello
One of the more culturally significant residents was the songwriter and performer Ivor Novello, who eventually had one of the most important music awards ceremonies named after him.
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6. Llandaff Cathedral
The magnificent Llandaff Cathedral was built in 1107 and is situated on one of the world's oldest Christian sites.
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7. Captain Scott
When Captain Scott made his attempt to reach the South Pole, guess where he left from? Cardiff, of course!
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8. Royal Welsh Collage of Music and Drama
Cardiff is also home to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where the next generation of musical and theatrical stars are mentored and nurtured for the transition into becoming pros. Previous alumni include Rob Brydon, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dougray Scott.
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9. Millennium Stadium
The vast Millennium Stadium is a beacon for sports events, stadium gigs and basically any huge event in Cardiff. It's been home to the FA Cup Final, The Six Nations tournament and concerts from U2, Shirley Bassey, Madonna and more.
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10. Wales Millennium Centre
The home of Classic FM Live in Wales, the Millennium Centre is usually home to the Welsh National Opera, who have been resident there since 2004 along with the company's orchestra and chorus.
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11. World's oldest record shop
Spillers Records opened in 1894 as a repairer and purveyor of phonographs and other audio equipment, and it's still going - though it's mostly records and CDs these days.
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12. Shades on…
This certainly isn't common knowledge - Cardiff actually has more hours of sunlight than Milan!
