| Wales | |
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Welcome to Wales Wales has a distinctively different feel to the other countries within the UK. Andrew Jarvis guides you around its magnificent countryside and colourful cities |
| Despite its small size and population – fewer than three
million people inhabit a landmass of just over 8,000
square miles – Wales boasts some of the most beguiling
scenery and vibrant cultural life found anywhere in the UK. Wales’s cities and larger towns are home to many prestigious universities and colleges. The University of Wales for instance, is a federal university with an excellent academic pedigree in teaching, research and every field of study. Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor are all exciting, dynamic and friendly regional centres that have excellent academic institutions, abundant and affordable social life, modern leisure facilities and beautiful countryside within easy reach. Wales is the perfect place for a variety of outdoor pursuits such as walking, climbing, trekking, cycling, swimming, canoeing, rafting and riding. Indeed, many people associate Wales with its breathtaking and diverse natural landscape, characterised by rugged coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges, lush lowlands, rolling hills, quaint villages and fairytale castles. In recognition of this natural beauty, Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons – which constitute around one-fifth of the entire area of the country – have been designated as national parks. Wales shares many of England’s political and cultural systems including its currency (pound sterling) and legal system, but in many ways it is culturally distinct and proudly independent.Wales’s most important distinguishing feature is its own language,Welsh, which is one of Europe’s oldest languages. Although university courses are taught in English, Welsh (or Cymru) appears alongside English on road signs and is spoken in many Welsh homes. The Super Furry Animals, one of Wales’s biggest musical exports, released a highly successful album sung in Welsh, Mwng, in 2000. Wales is also internationally known for its ‘Eisteddfodau’ (musical and literary festivals) which rate among the most remarkable cultural festivals in Europe. They incorporate an eclectic mix of music, dance, drama, poetry, lively debate and cultural competitions. Originally meaning ‘a meeting of bards’, Eisteddfodau of varying size are held throughout the year in towns and villages across the country. Llangollen in north-east Wales hosts one of two showpiece events – the International Eisteddfod – in early July each year. The other, the National Eisteddfod, takes place in a different location every August. In 2004 Wales’s newest city, Newport (Casnewydd), will host the event. |
| What's on in Wales |
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Abergavenny Abergavenny Food Festival 18 to 19 September 2004 A two-day celebration of regional food and drink that attracts increasing numbers of visitors each year. www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com Brecon Brecon Jazz Festival 13 to 15 August 2004 One of Europe’s leading jazz festivals. www.breconjazz.net Llangollen Llangollen International Eisteddfod 6 to 11 July 2004 One of Wales’s most important annual cultural events – a festival of international music, dance and song. www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk Newport National Eisteddfod 31 July to 7 August 2004 The enormous Welsh-language folk festival will be held in Tredegar Park on the outskirts of Newport in 2004. www.eisteddfod.org.uk |
