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).

The wheel celebrates the opening of the new John Lewis store in Cardiff and marks a new era for shopping in Cardiff. The Welsh branch is the biggest John Lewis opened outside of London and is the anchor of the new St David’s development.

Standing as tall as three double decker buses, the wheel boasts 24 heated, waterproof, enclosed gondolas that can accommodate up to 6 passengers on a 10 minute flight.

From the top of the wheel passengers will be able to spot the city’s best known sites, including Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “The John Lewis Wheel is a great Christmas attraction and this year the wheel will be fully waterproof so can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

“The wheel offers the best seat in the house with spectacular views of bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland and across the capital city.”

Liz Mihell, managing director of John Lewis Cardiff said: “We wanted to make a big impact for the people of Cardiff during our first Christmas and it seemed fitting to link up with the big Wheel and Winter Wonderland. I can’t wait to jump aboard.”

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

The airline said 54 pilot and 82 cabin crew positions are at risk of redundancy at Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff airports. A further 22 management and support positions at head office and those airport bases could also go.

It said it has started talks with staff and union representatives and hopes to minimise job losses where possible.

As part of its restructuring program, it intends to reduce its fleet size by five aircraft in 2010. It currently has 17 planes.

Crawford Rix, managing director at bmibaby, said the aviation industry “is facing its toughest time ever ??? it is experiencing record losses and remedial action has to be taken. bmibaby is no exception to this.”

It will focus its activities and efforts on routes where there are clear indications and prospects for future growth and development and “ensure that bmibaby continues to provide its customers with the best possible competitive fares as well as an attractive range of business and leisure products.”

The company plans to expand its East Midlands Airport and this would result in the creation of 10 pilot and 15 cabin crew jobs there.

Since German carrier Deutsche Lufthansa AG bought bmi earlier this year, it has been focused on restructuring bmi’s assets and stemming losses.

Commenting on today’s announcement that up to 158 staff, including some in Cardiff, face losing their jobs under restructuring plans by low fare airline bmibaby, Shadow Minister for the Economy David Melding AM said:

“This is worrying and disappointing news and of particular concern given bmibaby’s significant presence at Cardiff Airport.

“Cardiff Airport is the gateway to Wales for thousands of foreign visitors and provides vital direct links to destinations across Europe and the United Kingdom.

“Securing new routes and attracting new passengers to Cardiff is important if the airport is able to compete with local rivals such as Bristol.

“News such as that today will hardly help.”