Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Travel advice for Billy Joel in Cardiff on 9thAugust
- Supporting play, fun and friendships at Playday
- Birth registration service in community Hubs expands
- Cardiff attractions named in global top 10% ‘things to do'
Travel advice for Billy Joel on August 9th in Cardiff
Billy Joel will be playing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday August 9th. With gates to the stadium opening at 4pm, there will be a full city centre road closure around the stadium from 3pm until midnight on safety grounds.
The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this concert - so please plan ahead - and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the former Toy's R Us site car park in the Sports Village - CF11 0JS.
For up-to-date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.
Those attending the concert are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales, in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.
Supporting play, fun and friendships at Playday
A fun-filled, action-packed day of free play activities is in store for Cardiff families next week with the annual Playday at Heath Park.
The National Day of Play is celebrated across the UK every August, highlighting children's right to play and the importance of play in children's lives. The theme of this year's day is the culture of childhood - supporting play, fun and friendships.
Organised by the Council's Children's Play Services, stacks of outdoor fun is on the cards for children and families at Heath Park on Wednesday August 7, 1 - 4pm when a range of council services and partners will be delivering games, storytelling, sports, arts and crafts and more, all at no cost to families.
Families are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather - rain or shine, and to join in the fun at the field near the mini railway at the park.
Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: "Playing is vital for children's health, happiness, and creativity and we've put together a fantastic day of free fun for children and families at Heath Park next week to make sure this year's Playday is one to remember."
Birth registration service in community Hubs expands
A service offering new parents in Cardiff the opportunity to register the birth of their child in community Hubs is expanding, with extra days introduced at Llandaff North Hub and Cardiff Central Library.
Operating by appointment only, the service will expand to operate on:
Monday
9am - 4pm, Llandaff North Hub
Tuesday
9am - 4pm, Central Library
Wednesday
9am - 4pm, Ely Hub
9am - 4pm, Llandaff North Hub (from Wednesday 4th September)
9am - 4pm, Central Library (first Wednesday of every month from 7th August)
Thursday
9am - 4pm, St Mellons Hub
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Registration Services, Cllr Norma Mackie, said: "Offering birth registrations in our hubs has been really popular with new parents, allowing them to book a convenient appointment and cutting down on the need to travel across Cardiff. Expanding this service means that even more new parents will be able to register their newborn, closer to home."
Cardiff attractions named in global top 10% ‘things to do'
Summer holiday season sees many people pack a suitcase and head off to visit tourist attractions across Europe and beyond, but when four of the world's top ‘things to do' in 2024 are much closer to home, why not just visit Cardiff?
Based on reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, Travelers' Choice Awards recognise the attractions in the top 10% of things to do worldwide. This year they've been given to Cardiff's very own Bute Park, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Market and Cardiff International White Water Centre.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: "Visitors to Bute Park, Cardiff Castle, the Market and Cardiff International White Water might be looking for quite different things from a day out, but one thing everybody wants is a great visitor experience.
"Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards are based on consistently good customer reviews and ratings, so visitors can be sure that's exactly what they'll get, whether they visit the beautiful Bute Park, the magnificent Cardiff Castle, our charming Central Market, or take to the waves at Cardiff International White Water."