Ashes gets fantastic summer of events underway in Wales

As the 2015 Investec Ashes kicks off at the SSE Swalec Stadium on 8 July – just a week after the announcement of Cardiff as host for the Champions League Final for 2017 – there is no room for question regarding Wales’ credentials as a host of major sporting events.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, who takes part in the opening ceremony on Wednesday, said:

“Bringing the Ashes to Wales for the second time has been a team effort and we are honoured and excited to have another series starting here at the SSE SWALEC stadium this summer.

“We are fortunate to have some of the highest quality venues, facilities and hotels in the UK here in Cardiff. I hope the travelling fans have the chance to see and experience what we have to offer while enjoying our famous Welsh hospitality.

“I was delighted with last week’s news that Wales will be hosting the UEFA Champions League Final in 2017, one of the world’s biggest annual sporting events. Yet again the eyes of the world will be on Wales.

“Wales has proved itself more than once – with last year’s UEFA Super Cup hosted at the Cardiff City Stadium, two Ashes Tests, a Ryder Cup, Olympic football and this year’s forthcoming Rugby World Cup fixtures.  Our credentials as a first class major sporting event host are now beyond question.”

Wales is set for a summer of varied events which have been supported by the Welsh Government. Last weekend the Long Course Triathlon weekend took place in Tenby for the third time and organisers were hoping to attract 5,000 participants. The Speedway Grand Prix, was at the Millennium Stadium over the weekend, with an estimated international spectator total of 35,000. The Hijinx Unity Festival takes place at the Wales Millennium Centre with performers from Mozambique, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and across the UK taking part.  Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale is the Welsh International Classic Rock Festival and also takes place this month.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said:

“July really has got underway with a recognition and excitement that Wales can host the biggest international sporting events. I’m pleased that these iconic events are also supported by events across Wales which have a potential for future growth and will provide a boost to local economies and last year our programme of supporting major events in Wales delivered more than £54 million of additional expenditure.  We have made big strides in building Wales’s position in the global events industry and look forward to successfully hosting this week’s Ashes and then the Rugby World Cup matches.”