This year, two of the UK’s biggest entertainment stars will be switching on the Christmas lights in the Civic Centre.
On Wednesday 12 November, Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon, who play Nessa and Bryn in the award-winning Gavin and Stacey, will begin the Christmas celebrations with the big switch on.
The pair are joined by Only Men Aloud, who won the BBC’s Last Choir Standing competition.
The event, which begins at 5.30pm also marks the opening of the bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland. For the eighth year in a row, it is looking to attract over 50,000 visitors to the ice rink.
Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “Ruth and Rob are two of the most popular stars in the UK and Only Men Aloud are big news at the moment, so we are extremely pleased to have them all here in November to launch another sparkling season of winter festivities.”
The city centre lights will be switched on simultaneously with a display on the front of Cardiff Castle, a unique set of lights depicting artwork by young people from 22 youth clubs across Cardiff. The artwork, undertaken as part of the Portrait of a Nation project and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was inspired by Cardiff’s heritage.
Also, on 15 November Cardiff Bay will be holding further Christmas celebrations. Here the switch on will be combined with a free live music stage, a fire show and free buses.
