Study at Cardiff | International

Culture

While sharing many characteristics with the rest of the UK, the Welsh people also have a culture that is quite unique and of which we are fiercely proud.

Literature

Wales is a country of myth and legend, with an oral storytelling tradition, and poetry and literature in both Welsh and English.

Though full of modern authors, including the critically acclaimed Sarah Waters, Wales' great exports are probably Dylan Thomas and Roald Dahl (who was born in Cardiff to Norweigian parents).

Perhaps Wales' most significant contribution to literature is the town of Hay-on-Wye and the Hay-on-Wye festival. Located an hour from Cardiff, this picturesque village is full of bookstores and welcomes the top names in the literary world every year.

Music

Wales is often referred to as the Land of Song. If you have ever heard one of the world famous Welsh male voice choirs you will find it is a deserved reputation. Famous choirs include Treorchy which has been in existence for 125 years and performed across the world.

Classical music buffs will also enjoy the Welsh National Opera based in Cardiff and the annual Welsh Proms.

Wales is also known for more contemporary music, including most famously Super Furry Animals, Manic Street Preachers and Lostprophets. Los Campesinos! met while they were studying at Cardiff University and Cardiff also boasts the oldest record store in the world: Spillers Records.

SWN festival (sŵn is the Welsh word for 'sound') is the UK's version of SXSW, where over three days local, upcoming and renowned acts play in venues across the city.

For those more interested in pop music, Wales' most beloved son is Tom Jones, but both Shirley Bassey and Duffy are also from Wales.

Food

UK food is often maligned so you may well be surprised by the quality and variety of Welsh food, particularly if you choose to sample some of the local produce. The Great British Cheese Festival is held annually in Cardiff Castle and farmer's markets run each week in the city.

Some traditional Welsh foods include Welsh cakes (pictured above), Cawl (a traditional stew) and Welsh Rarebit - often described as "a posh cheese on toast"!

Sport

The unofficial national sport of Wales is Rugby Union and the joyous family atmosphere in Cardiff on international match days is definitely not to be missed. Matches are played at the Millennium Stadium, a 70,000 seater stadium in the city centre.

Sporting passions stretch far further than just rugby. Football (soccer) is also very popular with Swansea City playing in the Premier League and Cardiff City in the Championship. You will also find one of the UK's best ice hockey teams: the Cardiff Devils.

Motorsport fans can experience the Great Britain Rally, which is based in Wales and finishes in Cardiff each year.