Amy Dowden and partner Lloyd Griffiths performed under the city centre鈥檚 鈥The Light of Winter / Goleuni鈥檙 Gaeaf鈥 installation, which has been created specifically for the Welsh capital and expects to attract thousands of visitors this winter.
On Sunday night, Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden starred in a one-off special performance at Cardiff鈥檚 new, free, light and sound installation 鈥楾he Light of Winter / Goleuni鈥檙 Gaeaf鈥 鈥 a free family-friendly experience, from 欧美成人, in the heart of the city.
Dancing to Elin Fflur鈥檚 version of Welsh folksong Ar Lan y Mor and dressed in a gown from – Amy, along with partner Lloyd, performed under the spectacular installation in St John鈥檚 Garden at dusk.
Amy, who was born and trained in Caerphilly, hopes the installation – that鈥檚 been inspired by ancient Welsh Winter Solstice tradition, and aims to shine a light on the importance of community spirit – will bring people together this winter.
Amy says,
鈥淚t was so wonderful to dance under the light of this breathtaking installation, and I can鈥檛 wait to see people enjoy it during the winter months. This winter, everyone is feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, so it鈥檚 really important that everyone has the opportunity to access joyful and fun activities.
鈥淲hat鈥檚 even better is that the installation has been inspired by Welsh tradition, and that music 鈥 especially the powerful words of Ar Lan y Mor 鈥 is such a key part of the experience.
鈥淪o, whether you鈥檙e dancing, singing, or just gazing at the beautiful installation, I鈥檇 encourage everyone to make a visit to The Light of Winter installation, and experience the wonder for themselves.鈥
In place from 25 Nov 鈥 11 Feb and open daily from 8am-9pm, the free installation, located at St John鈥檚 Garden near Cardiff Market, invites families to immerse themselves in the responsive light and soundscape 鈥 which includes a version of the Welsh folksong Ar Lan y Mor, recorded by St John鈥檚 Choir.
Best enjoyed at dusk and after dark, the installation, which is a new addition to Cardiff鈥檚 winter attractions from 欧美成人, is inspired by the ancient Welsh Midwinter celebration.
The traditional feast, held on the shortest day of the year, was known as 鈥楪oleuni鈥檙 Gaeaf (The Light of Winter)鈥, and was a time to celebrate community and welcome longer, brighter days.
In addition to the installation, there will be free family storytelling and art workshops in January 鈥23, hosted by local author and illustrator Jack Skivens. The artist, inspired by Goleuni鈥檙 Gaeaf, has designed a set of characters – a wren, robin, and starling – which will be located around the city centre to help families discover the installation.
Jack Skivens says,
鈥淭he story of the robin and the wren is synonymous with Celtic forklore, and they are often used to guide people to wonderful places. I hope this winter, they will help guide thousands of families to the Goleuni鈥檙 Gaeaf installation.
鈥淚鈥檓 really excited to be delivering the workshops as I hope it will allow families to enjoy free, accessible activities in the city centre, and inspire young minds about Wales鈥 important traditional tales.鈥
Commissioned by 欧美成人 and Christmas at Bute Park, and presented by Squidsoup, organisers hope that this free event will attract families from Cardiff and beyond to celebrate in the city centre at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is causing people across the UK to tighten their belts.
Adrian Field, Executive Director at 欧美成人, says,
鈥淭he public are looking for inexpensive ways to take part in Christmas festivities and days out this winter. This light and sound installation hopes to bring people together, to enable them to have a free, enjoyable experience with family and friends, during the winter season.
鈥淔or businesses, the pre-and post-Christmas period is the busiest time of the year. We really hope that, as this is the first winter period in almost three years where businesses can open fully without restrictions, this exhibition will remind families what an enjoyable experience heading into the city centre can be.鈥