Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill take a journey through time to land in Cardiff’s Civic Centre on November 10 when they will be there to thrill the crowds by switching on the city’s Christmas Lights and mark the start of festivities for Cardiff, The Christmas City.
Matt is the eleventh incarnation of the Time Lord and is currently around the city filming his second series of the blockbuster TV favourite with his latest assistant Karen Gillan, who plays Amy Pond, along with her screen husband Rory Williams played by Arthur Darvill. Matt Smith said: “It’s a real honour to be asked to switch on Cardiff’s Christmas Lights because the city has become like a second home to not only me, but the rest of the Doctor Who production team. We love filming here in Wales and we even managed to get into the festive spirit extra early this year when filming the Doctor Who Christmas Special in August. Cardiff is a great city and I’d like to thank all of its residents for being so welcoming and accommodating.”
The big switch on takes place on King Edward VII Avenue at 7.40pm, after the crowds have been entertained from 6.30pm by children’s favourite Bob The Builder and his sidekicks Wendy and Spud, with music from soul band Supernatural, and compères Real Radio Breakfast Show presenters Jagger and Woody. And BBC Wales presenter Jason Mohammad will be introducing the Doctor Who team to the stage for the big switch on.
November 10 also marks the opening night of the 10th Cardiff Winter Wonderland, the city’s ever-popular frozen attraction which creates a fantastic seasonal atmosphere around the Admiral Open Air Ice Rink.
Nigel Howells is the Council’s Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture. He said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On has become the traditional start of the festive season in Cardiff, and this year, to celebrate the 10th Winter Wonderland, we welcome another two stellar names from BBC Cymru Wales’ Doctor Who, which has such a strong connection with the city, to help us launch the lights, shopping and attractions that make up Cardiff, the Christmas City.”
Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland features The Admiral Open Air Ice Rink, Ice Café Bar and John Lewis Wheel over more than 50 days of seasonal cheer. The 10th year of the event runs from November 10 to January 3, and tickets for Cardiff’s number one Christmas attraction are now on sale and can be purchased from Ticketline UK on 029 20 230 130.
Ceri Assiratti, People Services Manager for Admiral said: “We’re delighted to be involved with Cardiff’s Open Air Ice Rink this year. It really is a ‘must do’ event for the city on those chilly winter days and nights. Our headquarters in Capital Tower overlook the attraction and I know our staff and their families will be heading down to enjoy some festive fun on the ice.”
Cardiff The Christmas City also boasts fabulous shopping throughout the city and in the Winter Fairs around St John’s St. and in the Castle Quarter, and there is the traditional Calennig celebration on New Year’s Eve when the Family Fire Show returns before live music from T Rextacy heralds the dawn of 2011.
For further details about all activities in Cardiff The Christmas City visit www.cardiffswinterwonderland.com
