Here is your Friday update, covering:

• A look back at GCSE results day in Cardiff
• New Cardiff Music City Festival artists and events announced
• Details of the rolling road closures for the Cardiff 10K race

GCSE Results Day in Cardiff 2024

Thousands of Cardiff's pupils have today received their GCSE results with outcomes in A* - C grades, above the Welsh average.

In Cardiff, based on the provisional WJEC GCSE results announced today, 26 percent of GCSE results for 2024 are graded A* to A, compared to the Wales figure of 19.2 percent.

The percentage of GCSE entries in Cardiff resulting in A* - C grades is 67.4% compared to the Wales figure of 62.2%. 96.1% of GCSE examinations are graded A*-G, compared to 96.6% across Wales.

In a similar picture across Wales, outcomes are higher than 2019 but lower than 2023 when there were additional measures put in place.

Summer 2024 represents the final step in transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements in the Wales qualification system. The policy aim was to return broadly to pre-pandemic outcomes in Made-for-Wales GCSEs, AS and A-levels and Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications.

There has been no advance notice provided for learners and no adaptations made to assessments.

Both WJEC and Made-for-Wales vocational qualifications have been awarded in line with pre-pandemic arrangements.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "I would like to congratulate all of Cardiff's pupils, on behalf of the Local Authority, who have today received their GCSE results.

"It is unbelievable to think that these pupils were just at the beginning of their secondary school education when the pandemic began and have continued to show determination and resilience throughout. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and I would like to wish them the very best of luck as they begin a new chapter of their lives, whether they are moving onto university, employment or training.

"It is pleasing to see that performance across the city has again continued to rise and in particular, that Cardiff outcomes are significantly above the Welsh average for A* - A grades. 

Cllr Merry added: "I would also like to thank the city's schools, teachers and staff for the dedication and support, in helping pupils reach their potential and preparing them for their future.

"For any pupils unsure about their next steps, a wealth of information on education, employment, training and other opportunities is available on the What's Next platformwww.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk."

Read more here

Cardiff Music City Festival: Wave of new artists and events announced

Imagine a city composed entirely of music for three glorious weeks. A city where basslines throb deep into the night, synthesisers buzz around arenas, concert halls and independent grassroots venues, and melodies sing out from street corners. A city full of unexpected happenings, exhilarating gigs and sonic art. A city where even the buildings pulse in time to the beat.

The city is Cardiff, and the festival is the new Cardiff Music City Festival.

Supported by the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, the festival aims to attract 20,000 visitors in its first year.

With just over four weeks until the festival begins on Friday, September 27th, a new wave of emerging and iconic artists, exciting events, music industry talks, and mind-blowing installations have been lined up in established and unconventional venues across the city.

Cardiff Music City Festival aims to celebrate artists who have pushed the boundaries of music production and performance and continue to do so, creating a space for new and established acts to inspire audiences, try new things, and deliver unique participation experiences.

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "Music is the beating heart of Cardiff and the first Cardiff Music City Festival is a key part of our music strategy to support every part of the city's music ecosystem - from musicians to producers, promoters, venues and beyond.

"The whole city will be alive with music throughout the festival. It promises to be a really special few weeks. Music is such a powerful means of bringing people together and perhaps now more than ever, that sense of social cohesion is really important."

The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "This brand new music festival is fantastic for Cardiff and I'm proud that we've been able to support the festival and elements of the city's music scene over the years.

"It's an amazing line up embracing all types of musical genres that will really showcase the city's diverse range of music venues."

Read more here

Rolling road closures for the Cardiff 10K on September 1

With thousands of runners expected to pound the streets of the capital on Sunday, September 1st competing in the Cardiff 10K, a rolling road closures will be put in place to facilitate the event.

Road closures

To ensure that the set-up of the event can take place, the Civic Centre will be closed from 7am on Saturday August 31st until 6pm on Sunday September 1st.

This will include King Edward VII Avenue, Corbett Road, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road.

On Sunday September 1st, there will be a series of rolling road closures implemented along the route from 9am until 1pm. This includes:

North Road, from the junction with Colum Road to the junction with Boulevard de Nantes - Access to Blackweir via Park Place/Corbett Road and access to Queen Anne Square will be managed via Colum Road/Corbett Road and exiting will be via Corbett Road onto Colum Road

North Road south of the junction with Boulevard de Nantes to the junction with the A1461

The A1461 from the junction with North Road to the junction with Kingsway

Kingsway from the junction with the A1461 to the junction with Duke Street

Duke Street and Castle Street in their entirety

Cowbridge Road East from the junction with Castle Street to the junction with Cathedral Road

Boulevard de Nantes from the junction with Park Place/Stuttgart's Strasse through to the junction with North Road

The Friary and Friary Gardens, Westgate Street, Wood Street, Golate, Guildhall Place, Quay Street, Central Square, Scott Road, Havelock Street and Park Street

St Mary Street from the junction with Mill Lane through to Guildhall Place

High Street from its junction with Castle Street to the junction with Guildhall Place

Tudor Street from the junction with Clare Road

Fitzhamon Embankment, Despenser Street, Despenser Lane, Despenser Place, Plantaganet Street, Beauchamp Street, Clare Street, Lower Cathedral Road, Brook Street, Mark Street, Green Street and Coldstream Terrace

Cowbridge Road East from the junction with Cathedral Road to the junction with Neville Street/Wellington Street

Neville Street from the junction with Cowbridge Road East to the junction with Lower Cathedral Road

Wellington Street from the junction with Leckwith Road (inbound towards the city centre)

Cowbridge Road East from the junction with Kings Road

Cathedral Road from the junction with Cowbridge Road East to the junction with Penhill Road

All side roads that exit on to Cathedral Road

Hamilton Street, Talbot Street, Sophia Close, Sophia Walk, Spine Road in Sophia Gardens, Plasturton Place, Dyfrig Street, Kyveilog Street, Sneyd Street, Dogo Street, Berthwin Street, Teilo Street, Gileston Road, Meldwin Street, Fairleigh Road, Fields Park Road, Denbigh Street, Fairleigh Court and Heol Wilf Wooller

Penhill Road from the junction with Llandaff/Cardiff Road (inbound only)

A lane closure will also be in place on Western Avenue from Excelsior Road to the junction with Mill Lane.

NOTE: the banned right turn from Colum Road into Corbett Road will be revoked to facilitate access to Queen Anne Square only. This will be controlled by traffic management stewards.

Read more here