Winter Wonderland in Cardiff

Christmas has come early for pupils of Oakfield Primary School after winning a special festive day out at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland, all thanks to their teacher Natasha Lewis who entered and won a Christmas competition via Red Dragon FM.

On Friday November 27, Natasha along with her class of 25 pupils will take to the ice to enjoy Wales’ coolest Christmas attraction.

The Cardiff Devils will make the visit extra special with players including Brad Voth, Max Birbraer, Matt Towe and Ben Davies hosting a special penalty shoot out with the children and teaching them some ice hockey moves.

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is the perfect Christmas treat for the young and the young at heart, the open-air ice rink is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Civic Centre and offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

Off the ice, visitors to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland can relax at the ice café bar or keep an eye on the action from the heated terrace overlooking the ice. A traditional helter skelter and children’s carousel and rides ensure there’s something for everyone.

Visitors can also take a ride on the new John Lewis Wheel. Standing as tall as three double decker buses, the wheel boasts 24 heated, waterproof, enclosed gondolas that can accommodate up to six passengers on a 10 minute flight and offers a bird’s eye view of the city and its surroundings.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said:” I hope the pupils of Oakfield primary enjoy their day out at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland. Now in its ninth year Winter Wonderland is a fun day out and is a great way to get into the festive spirit.”

I am pleased that the Cardiff Devils have taken time out of their busy schedule to spend time with the children on the ice”.

Brent Pope Head of Devils Community Foundation said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to get primary school children involved with ice skating and hockey. Winter Wonderland is the perfect setting to teach the children a few moves.

“Going out into the community is very important to the Cardiff Devils, we are very proud of our Devils Community Foundation which aims to engage, cultivate and re-connect strong relationships within the community of South Wales.”

Red Dragon FM’s breakfast presenter Kam Kelly, said:”The response to the competition has been fantastic. So many kids across South Wales want to get on the ice. I hope they do better than I did.”

Bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is now open every day, except Christmas Day, until January 3, 2010.

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of many ways to celebrate Christmas in the capital other events include Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a free live music stage supported by Queens Arcade, the free Admiral Family Fire Show; and the Admiral Free New Year’s Eve Bus Service plus fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities in the city with Christmas Park & Ride facilities supported by Admiral and much, much more.

For more information on bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland, including tickets, news, session details and entertainment listings visit www.bmibabycardiffwinterwonderland.com

Tickets for Cardiff’s must see Christmas attraction costs £8.50 per adult and £5.50 for children (aged 12 and under). Plus, those wanting to skate in the day can take advantage of the special off-peak rate of £5.50 (sessions from 11am to 4pm Monday to Friday, up to and including December 18).

There are also special rates for school groups, who can skate for £2.50 per pupil (teachers free) between November 16 and December 18 (11am to 2.40pm) and groups of over 20 can take advantage of discounted rates of £7.50 per adult and £4.50 for children at the 9.40-10.40am session from December 19 to January 3 (except Christmas Day, December 26 and January 1).

Anthony Head and Colin Morgan

There will be Christmas magic in the air on Thursday November 12 when the cast of Merlin swap Camelot for Cardiff to turn on this year’s Christmas Lights at the Civic Centre on Thursday November 12 (from 5.30pm).

Merlin stars, including Colin Morgan who plays Merlin, Bradley James who plays King Arthur Angel Coulby who plays Gwen , Katie McGrath who plays Morgana will join acclaimed British actor Anthony Head who plays Uther in switching on the lights and officially opening bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland.

The BBC’s adaptation of the much loved tale focuses on Merlin as a young wizard on the cusp of adulthood and his ongoing clashes with a young King Arthur.

Entertainment also comes from Barney. The world’s favourite purple dinosaur who will lead the young and young at heart in a festive sing song!

Red Dragon FM Breakfast presenters Kam and Sally will also be on hand to get everyone in the festive mood and the Red Hot Santa’s will return with a brassy selection of Christmas classics.

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of many ways to celebrate Christmas in the capital other events include the Cardiff Bay’s ‘On the Road to Christmas’ festivities on November 14th. Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations, with free live music stage supported by Queen’s Arcade, the Admiral Family Fire Show; and the Admiral Free New Year’s Eve Bus Service. Plus fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities in the city with Christmas Park & Ride facilities supported by Admiral and much, much more.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “I am delighted that cast members from the hit series Merlin will use their magic to switch on this years Christmas lights.

“The Christmas light switch-on and bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland marks the start of the festive fun in the capital and I would encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the Christmas countdown.”