Page 43 - Gi flipbook September 2018

IGEM President hosts a night of Welsh charm at Cardiff Castle Afterwards, the Twmpath Band had
everyone on their feet for a traditional
CARDIFF’S MOST STUNNING Drama and, since 1974, has become dance, similar to a céilidh. Twmpath is
landmark played host to a night of one of Wales’ most popular visitor a Welsh word literally meaning a
dinner, dancing and Welsh hospitality attractions. hump or tump, once applied to the
when the IGEM Summer Ball came to On this warm summer evening, mound or village green upon which
this historic city. guests, dressed in their finest gowns the musicians sat and played for the
President of IGEM Steve Edwards and dinner suits, were ushered into the community to dance.
chose his hometown’s eponymous drawing room, where they were treated Later, DJ Ben Field kept the
castle as the location for this year’s to a performance from Welsh choral dancers busy on the dance floor until
spectacular event, treating his guests group Only Men Aloud while they the early hours.
to a night filled with the sounds and sipped chilled glasses of champagne. Of his presidential Summer Ball,
flavours of Cymru. You may remember Only Men Steve said: “It was my honour and
Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ Aloud from 2008, when they won TV great pleasure to be able to host this
leading heritage attractions and a site talent show Last Choir Standing. The year’s event in my home city. The
of international significance. Located group has since performed at the evening was designed to create an
within beautiful parklands at the heart Royal Variety Show and the opening informal and fun atmosphere, so I’m
of the capital, its walls and fairytale ceremony of the London Olympics. really pleased everyone was able to
towers conceal 2,000 years of history. Dinner was served in the castle’s relax and have a great time.
Beginning life as a Roman fort, the magnificent banqueting hall, the largest “This was a great opportunity for us
castle passed through the hands of and one of the most impressive rooms to spend some time with our
many noble families over the in the castle. It was once used by the colleagues, clients and friends in
centuries until, in 1766, it passed by Bute family for grand entertaining. auspicious surroundings. I would like
marriage to the Bute family. Diners tucked into traditional Welsh to personally take this opportunity to
When the 4th Marquess of Bute lamb cawl, topped with a Caerphilly thank everyone that has taken a table
died, the family decided to give the cheese crouton, followed by slow this evening and our event sponsor
castle and much of its parkland to the roasted beef brisket with a spiced port Aughton Automation Limited.” ■
city of Cardiff. sauce and herby crushed potato.
For 25 years, the Castle was home Dessert was crème brûlée tart served ■ To book your next IGEM event,
to the National College of Music and with whipped cream and fresh berries. visit events.igem.org.uk

43

IGEMNews_SummerBall.indd 2 16/08/2018 13:14