Christmas well and truly came to the capital last night and we can now officially say to Cardiff, it’s Christmas! The city was filled with live music and street entertainment for the launch of the LIGHT OF WINTER TRAIL.
There’s 11 FREE light and sound installations across Cardiff city centre until 5th January 2025.
You can down the Festive Attractions and Light of Winter map straight to your device on the link below.
‘The Light of Winter’ – a brand new immersive light trail in Cardiff city centre. To celebrate the launch, there was exclusive discounts, live music, and street performers in Cardiff city centre including stilt walkers, LED hula hoopers, LED jugglers, and walkabout entertainers.
We were there for the launch of the event and capturing some of the atmosphere around the city.
As part of the Light of Winter, Cardiff’s Central Square features an audio and visual projection called Cardiff Aurora, illuminating the façade of Cardiff Central Station between 5pm and midnight each night.
Designed by projection mapping artists Illuminos, illustrations by four Welsh artists, Sahar Saki, Jack Skivens, Frank Duffy, and Beth Blandford tell a story of Welsh art, tradition, and folklore.
Another new installation – Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights – features lights designed by children from St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Butetown installed on lamp posts lining Cardiff’s dock feeder canal on Churchill Way.
The interactive light and sound experience, Illuminated Reeds Symphony, will also return to Cardiff’s dock feeder for a second year. Designed by Welsh artists and commissioned by FOR Cardiff and Christmas at Bute Park, the installation imitates reeds floating on water, with LED lights and sounds of the Welsh countryside coming to life when you jump, tap or dance on the interactive ground pads.
Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades have been transformed by the Light of Winter Trail. With funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, FOR Cardiff have designed a new festive lighting scheme with world renowned lighting company Blachere Illuminations. The installation will see the entrances to Cardiff’s historic arcades adorned with glass lanterns and festive garlands inspired by the building’s 19th century heritage.
With live street performers from LED hula hoopers, light walkers, a fire performer, two brass bands, two choirs, and a Christmas elf walkabout, the illuminations have kicked off three days of events across Cardiff city centre. Cardiff After Dark featuring the return of the Night Market will take place on Friday, November 15th, and City of Arcades Day with various events and exclusive offers from shops, bars, and restaurants will take place on Saturday, November 16th.
