VOLVO OCEAN RACE CARDIFF STOPOVER FAQ S 27 MAY TO 10 JUNE ABOUT THE EVENT 1) What is the Volvo Ocean Race? Last October, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet set off from Alicante, Spain on a race around the world, visiting 12 cities touching six continents and for the first time in its history the race will stop in Cardiff, Wales. The best way to follow this incredible adventure, as 66 men and women race around the world, is via the Volvo Ocean Race app: www.volvooceanrace.com/en/app.html. 2) What is the Volvo Ocean Race Cardiff Stopover? To celebrate the arrival of the teams, Cardiff Bay will host a free festival that gives visitors the chance to find out more about the Volvo Ocean Race - the toughest test of a team in sport. Plus enjoy Welsh culture, entertainment and much more! 3) What are the key event dates? The event opens on 27 May and the estimated date for the boats arrival is 28 May. As it is a Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday 27 & Monday 28 May, the site will be open from 10am to 9:30pm. During the rest of the event period, the hours are Sunday - Thursday 10am - 7pm Friday - Saturday 10am 9:30 pm 4) Can I see the Volvo Ocean 65 fleet race in Cardiff? Yes the race days will be held Friday 8 June Sky Ocean Rescue InPort race in the Estuary Saturday 9 June Pro-Am Race in Cardiff Bay Sunday 10 June The boats will depart Cardiff for Gothenburg Check out the race from the big screens or watch from the Barrage Embankment on the festival site. 5) Will the boats be berthed in the Bay? Much as we would like them to be, the boats are big racing machines and there is simply not enough depth of water in the Inner Harbour (the Bay). However, the boats will be on display in Alexandra Quay on the event site, the signs on site will refer to it as the Volvo Ocean 65 Pontoon. TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL 6) Where will the Cardiff Stopover event be located and how can I get there? A new area called Alexandra Head has been developed near the skate park on the Cardiff Bay Barrage. Visit the Plan your Visit page on www.volvooceanracecardiff.com to find out more about the travel and transport options. 7) I am disabled. Where can I park? Harbour Drive car park (CF10 4PA) next to the Norwegian Church has disability spaces available (first come first term basis). For information about other car parks in the area, visit the Plan your Visit page on www.volvooceanracecardiff.com.
8) I have my own boat and will be travelling to Cardiff by sea - What facilities are there in the Bay? If you re travelling by boat, check the Bay User Guide on the Plan Your Visit page of our website. 9) Will coach parking be available? Coach parking is not available on site, but there is a drop off point at the entrance - from M4 use J33 A4232 to Cardiff Bay, go along Tyneside Road onto Porth Teigr Way, to the drop off point (BBC Roath CF10 4GA). Free Coach Parking is available in Cardiff Bay near Wales Millennium Centre, or you can book a space via the production team for 30 (excluding VAT). Email cardiffsiteoperations@cardiff.gov.uk for a booking form. 10) What shall I tell my taxi driver? There is a drop off point at the entrance of the event site - go along Tyneside Road onto Porth Teigr Way, to the drop off point - BBC Roath Lock CF10 4GA. There is also be a taxi rank in Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. 11) I cycle across the barrage. How will the event affect me? Outside of the opening hours, the cycle path is accessible but the width of the path will be reduced. Once the site is open cyclists may have to dismount and travel though the event site. Also please note cable ramps will be placed on the pathways - take care when travelling over them. Why not travel to the event on your bike? Bike racks will be available. Visit the Plan Your Visit page of our website for bike hire details. 12) I use a wheelchair/mobility scooter. How accessible is the event site? The site will be flat and easily accessible with disabled ramps anywhere with an incline. Also please note cable ramps will be on the pathways, take care when travelling over them. The nearest parking spaces are at the Norwegian church at a first come, first served basis. 13) Will dogs be allowed on the event site? Dogs will be allowed on site wearing a lead. However, access will be restricted in some areas. Please refer to the signage on site. FOOD AND DRINK 14) Can I bring my own food and drink? Yes no problem, however due to safety concerns glass bottles and alcohol will not be permitted. 15) What street food vendors are available? We are working a variety of tasty street food vendors throughout the event including Grazing Shed, Dusty Knukle Pizza and Fritti Italian and more! For a full list visit www.volvooceanracecardiff.com/free-festival 16) What drinks can I buy? There will be bar offering a variety of drinks; however, the way we operate will be different to events as we are trying to reduce single use plastic. Therefore, visitors will be asked to purchase a plastic cup for a 1 to reuse when on site it s also a great souvenir to take home!
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT 17) What activities are free? There are a variety a fun-filled things to experience across the 2-week event, here is a taster Pit Lane Experience - Each Team Base will be open to the public, allowing fans to see how the crews work day to day. The Globe At the heart of the Race Village, the Globe serves as a Sustainability Centre as part of the mission to raise awareness about ocean health. Race Boat Experience Impress your friends with a selfie behind the wheel of a model Volvo Ocean 65 Racing yacht. Free Workshops & Talks - Head to the ABP classroom for a variety of fun-filled workshops from National Marine Aquarium, Cardiff University and more. Lunchtime Music - Why not grab yourself some delicious street food and enjoy live music from 12:30 every day on the waterfront? Sunset Sessions - When the site is open until 9:30pm, come and sample the delicious food and drink and unwind as the sunsets over Cardiff Bay, with music sessions curated by organisations including Trac, BBC Horizons and Sŵn. Citrus Arts Shipwrecks Come and watch this highly physical show combining circus with dance and drama (Showtime s: 1.30 and 4.30pm). No age restrictions and no need to book. Skateboard sessions head to the skate plaza where experts will be on hand to teach you some new techniques. All you need is comfortable clothing / helmet and pads if you have them - but they can be supplied (subject to availability) Water Sports Activities - Coaches will be on hand to offer taster sessions in Sailing and Stand-up Paddle Boarding. Register for your FREE space on the day! (subject to availability) 18) I want to take part in Try Sail and Stand Up Paddle Boarding. What do I need to wear? While our instructors will attempt to keep your session as dry as possible, there is a chance you could get wet from splashing and the occasional capsize. Wear suitable clothing to stay warm on the boat, and possibly bring a change of clothes/shoes and a towel. We will provide you with a waterproof jacket if required, and everyone will be issued a buoyancy aid. Age 8 + There is no requirement for participants to be able to swim, as everyone will be wearing a buoyancy aid s whilst on the water, but please let the instructors know if you can t. 19) Even though it is free to enter, will I have to pay for any of the activities and entertainment? There will be many free things going on, but we have to charge a small fee for some of the activities. The Zip Wire and Climbing Wall sessions are open 10am to 6.30pm every day. It costs 3 per person - and we recommend comfortable clothing. No age restrictions. Buy your ticket on the day!
20) I ve heard that NoFit State circus company are doing a show on site - how can I get tickets? We have teamed up with NoFit State, a contemporary circus company, to bring you an unmissable combination of live music, dance, stage design and film with traditional circus skills. The Cardiff Stopover site will play host to their iconic silver spaceship big top to bring you matinee and evening performances throughout the festival. Remember, this is an exclusive opportunity to experience their brand-new performance, LEXICON in Wales! With it marking 250 years since circus began, you have no excuse not to join in the celebration! For show times and ticket prizes visit www.volvooceanracecardiff.com/ticketed-events 21) Are there any Hospitality tickets available? The Wales Pavilion offers guests the chance to enjoy a buffet lunch and open bar in a VIP area, whilst gaining insights from the stopover teams, entertainment - and live race action on the screens. This is a great opportunity for sailing fans! Book you tickets now at www.volvooceanracecardiff.com/hospitality (subject to availability) ABOUT CARDIFF AND WALES 22) I have never been to Cardiff before. Where are the best places to stay? Whether you re looking for a luxurious hotel, a cosy guest house, or a fund-saving hostel, Cardiff has something for everyone. Most hotels and B&BS are just a short walk from the city s visitor attractions, shops and train stations. As a sporting and events capital, Cardiff can get busy during the summer months. If you are planning to enjoy the city for longer, book accommodation early to avoid disappointment. A helpful guide featuring a range of accommodation options can be found at Visit Cardiff. 23) What else is there to do in Cardiff during my stay? Cardiff Castle The Castle you see today, in the heart of the capital city, is at once a Roman fort, an impressive castle and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace, created for one of the world s richest men. Piece together 2,000 years of history on your visit and discover the remains of a Roman wall, climb to the top of the medieval Keep, explore the atmospheric Wartime Shelters and be overwhelmed by the extraordinary decoration in the Castle Apartments. National Museum Cardiff Situated in the heart of Cardiff s elegant civic centre, today National Museum Cardiff houses Wales s national art, natural history and geology collections, as well as major touring and temporary exhibitions. St Fagan s One of world s leading open air museums and Wales s most-visited heritage attraction. Each building is frozen in time and opens a door into Welsh history offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Wales Millennium Centre Wales Millennium Centre opened in 2004 and has already established its reputation as one of the world`s iconic arts and cultural destinations. Our visitors come to enjoy blockbuster West End musicals, opera, ballet and contemporary dance, hip hop and stand-up comedy, art exhibitions, workshops, training days, free daily foyer performances, guided tours, bars and restaurants. Cardiff International White Water Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) is an exhilarating, on-demand adventure facility in the heart of the International Sports Village. CIWW has so many amazing activities on offer that whatever water sport you re looking for, they re bound to have it covered! Mermaid Quay Eating, drinking, relaxing right on the waterfront in the heart of Cardiff Bay, Mermaid Quay is just a short walk from the Race Village. It is the perfect place for a meal, relaxing over a drink or grabbing a quick snack in one of the 30+ restaurants, bars and cafés. With cuisine from around the world from Welsh ice cream to Japanese sushi, American burgers to Italian pizza and much more besides Mermaid Quay has somewhere for every taste, mood and pocket. Shopping If shopping is on your mind, you re in luck! Cardiff is a capital for shopping. Start your journey with the spectacular St David s Shopping Centre, one of the UK s newest, brightest and largest indoor malls, the Queens Arcade, or one of Cardiff s older arcades such as the Royal, Castle, High Street or Morgan. 24) I would like to explore more of Wales after I visit the Cardiff Stopover. Where can I find out more about the country? Wales is a place of natural drama, from the country s beaches to walking its mountain ranges - and the nation s history is told through its ancient monuments and museums. It s also for real holidays and breaks, in the outdoors, along the coasts, up a mountain and atop a castle wall. Every corner of Wales has something to discover. Explore Wales at www.visitwales.com/explore