Immersive light trail to form centrepiece of Christmas in Cardiff

A new light trail will form the centrepiece of Christmas in Cardiff this year with 11 installations launching on Thursday, November 14.

Brought to you by FOR Cardiff, The Light of Winter trail is a free immersive activity that will run between November 14 and January 5, guiding visitors around the city during the festive season.

As part of The Light of Winter trail, Cardiff’s Central Square will be transformed by an audio and visual projection called Cardiff Aurora that will illuminate the façade of Cardiff Central Station between 5pm and midnight each night.

Commissioned by FOR Cardiff and Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff Aurora will tell the story of a winter’s night as trains from past and present transport the viewer from the forests of Wales to the bright lights of Cardiff. Designed by projection mapping artists Illuminos with illustrations by four Welsh artists, Sahar Saki, Jack Skivens, Frank Duffy, and Beth Blandford, the projection will tell the story of Welsh art, tradition, and folklore.

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 will also be transformed by The Light of Winter trail. The new festive lighting scheme was realised through funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The installation will see the entrances to Cardiff’s historic arcades adorned with festive lanterns, lights and garlands inspired by the buildings’ 19th century heritage.

The Light of Winter trail will be illuminated for the first time on the evening of Thursday, November 14, kicking off three days of celebrations marking the start of Christmas in Cardiff.

At 5pm on Thursday, November 14, the Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights installation designed by pupils at St Cuthbert’s Primary School, Butetown, will be revealed on Cardiff Queen Street followed by the illumination of Cardiff Aurora at 6.30pm. Brass bands, stilt walkers, children’s entertainers, and LED glow performers will entertain crowds at Central Square, the Hayes, Queen Street, and High Street.

Friday, November 15, will see the return of the popular Cardiff Night Market as part of the City of Arcades: Cardiff After Dark event. For one night only, Cardiff Market will open until 9pm and shops, bars, and restaurants in Cardiff city centre will run exclusive evening events from sherry tasting to chocolate making.

On Saturday, November 16, the annual City of Arcades Day will return with guided tours, special offers, and in-store events. First launched in 2019, City of Arcades Day has won several national and international awards and attracted thousands to the Welsh capital. See what’s on at https://www.thecityofarcades.com/2024

FOR Cardiff Associate Director Emily Cotterill said:

“Christmas is always an exciting time in Cardiff, with so much for everyone to see and do whatever their age.

“This year we are thrilled to have been able to create a fresh approach to festive lights that brings in all the best the city has to offer at Christmas, alongside a roster of free events for all to enjoy. The display at Central Square will give visitors arriving into Cardiff by train and bus a dazzling first glimpse of the city.

“We hope all these events will encourage more people to explore the city and everything it has to offer this winter season.”

Natalie Isaac, director of the Forty Four Group, said:

“City of Arcades Day is always a great occasion as it brings new people into the city centre. People look at new businesses that they haven’t been to before thanks to the special promotions and events.

“We know that people are saving money for Christmas at this time of the year, but it’s good that people get out and about and visit this amazing city centre. Last year, people loved our breakfast offer and it got people coming in and trying our food, which helped us gain new customers.

Visitors can find out more about Christmas in Cardiff at the Visit Cardiff website.

The Light of Winter Trail map will be available to download from 11th November with physical maps at key locations across the city.