One of the highlights of our South Wales festive calendar last year was the CARDIFF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL. It was all new, in a beautiful Spiegeltent. The shows we’re spectacular and delighted thousands of people, both young and old, during the run up to Christmas.
Produced by Cardiff-based live events company LIVE UNDER THE STARS, the Festival really does have something for everyone, of all ages. The shows will be performed in the ornate and intimate 550-seat Fortuna Spiegeltent, which is something really special in itself. This year, the setting is in the beautiful surroundings of Sophia Gardens and promises to transport us to a nostalgic and magical world.
The producers have given us more details on what we can expect this year, and I can tell you, Santa has lined up some real festive treats.
Following its critically acclaimed debut at last year’s festival, CASTELLANA is back with a brand-new production featuring a new line-up of incredible world class performers. The evening is hosted by the outrageous and hilarious drag artist VELMA CELLII, who recently successfully competed in hit TV shows Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. Joining her as fellow-MC is Cardiff singer JUSTINE MARIE MEAD, fresh from starring in the smash hit Greatest Night of the Jazz Age in London.
The pair set the tone with their outrageous humour and powerhouse vocals, introducing amazing artists including international burlesque star MISS BETTY ROSE; aerial artist JIMMY WONG; skilled duo PAUL & LOUISE who perform on roller-skates and as a hand to hand balancing act; the ‘human slinky’ acrobatics and agile hoop dancer CHLOE HANNAH LLOYD; and sparkly cabaret showgirl FORCE MAJURE and incredible acrobat BEN BROWN, who also perform together as aerial act LITTLE FINCH – where boylsque meets drag meets haute couture meets circus! Castellana runs from Wednesday 6th through to Sunday 24th December.
Co-Producer John Manders told us……
“Last year’s Castellana was a huge hit with audiences, offering a spicy, sensuous and totally different night out over the festive period. We’re thrilled to be bringing a new set of dazzling world class artists to the event this year who are going to thrill, entertain and impress.”
New shows have also been added to this year’s festival. MY MY! ABBA – THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT, for one night only on Sunday 10th December, pays homage to the original Swedish sensation, capturing the supergroup’s fabulous sense of fun, recreating their incredible unique sound, and combining this into a fun-filled evening of sing-along, dance-along magic. Their last performance in Cardiff was a huge outdoor concert in Cardiff Castle. Featuring hits such as Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen, performed by a fantastic cast of West End performers, this is a perfect Christmas party night out and a celebration of the greatest pop group of all time.
A comedy night, in support of SHELTER Cymru, takes place on Saturday 2nd December with some of the best stand-up comedians from the UK. COMEDY CRACKER features THE RAYMOND AND MR TIMPKINS REVUE, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent; BBC New Comedian of the Year 2021 and daughter of Burry Port, ANNA THOMAS; and the UKs foremost guitar wielding and loop-playering stand-up comedian ROB DEERING; with more acts to be announced.
A second date for WELSH OF THE WEST END – a night of musical and festive favourites – has been added to this year’s festival, following exceptional demand. The global internet and Britain’s Got Talent musical theatre group will also perform on Monday 18th December in the intimate surroundings of the Spiegeltent. Tickets are expected to be snapped up quicky for this event, as there are now only a handful of tickets available for the event taking place on Sunday 17th December.
The stunning family Christmas show SANTA’S WISH also forms part of Cardiff Christmas Festival. Casting for this magical Christmas musical adventure will be announced soon.
The producers of the festival, Cardiff-based live events company Live Under the Stars, are proud to announce that Admiral Money will be the headline sponsor this year’s festival. Admiral Money launched in 2017 to offer personal loans and car finance to UK consumers. Admiral Money has over 200,000 customers and is part of Admiral Group which employs over 7,500 people in the UK.
Co-Producer Richard Perry said…….
“We’re thrilled to be bringing MyMy! Abba to the festival this year. This is no ordinary tribute show and is a must-book for all Abba fans. And we’re delighted to be presenting a fantastic comedy line-up for the Comedy Cracker, raising money for SHELTER Cymru.
We’re also very pleased to have Admiral Money on board as headline sponsor for this year’s event. As a hugely successful Wales-based business, it’s wonderful to get their support for year two of this event”.
Scott Cargill CEO of Admiral Money added……
“Admiral Money are delighted to be the official sponsor for this year’s Cardiff Christmas Festival. We’re proud to support a local event that’s going to be filled with unique entertainment.”
The CARDIFF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL countdown has begun with tickets starting at £15* for Santa’s Wish and £25* for Castellana. The HYNT carer scheme is available to customers and available to purchase online. It all begins on the 1st running through to the 24th December. For more information, and to get tickets, go HERE
*Booking fees apply.
Group bookings should call on 02921 520052 during office hours or email groups@thecastle.wales
The venue is accessible for wheelchairs. Please message the team with any specific requirements.
To finish on a personal note, the Spiegeltent is a brilliant place to celebrate the festive season with family, friends and maybe some of your work mates. We did that last year to celebrate our second ‘LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR’ award for the whole of Wales.
This year, we have just won that award for the third time, so I suspect we’ll be back to celebrate in the Spiegeltent again.
