Free family craft workshops in January, plus see The Light of Winter installation in Cardiff city centre

Paid collaboration with FOR Cardiff

If you’re in Cardiff city centre between now and 11 February, then do pop by The Light of Winter. You can find the new and original light installation, inspired by ancient Welsh tradition, at St John’s Garden, near Cardiff Market. It offers a chance to take a breather for a few moments from the bustle and busy-ness of town.

The installation hopes to shine a light on the importance of togetherness and community spirit synonymous with the season. It was inspired by the ancient Welsh Midwinter celebration, Goleuni’r Gaeaf (The Light of Winter), the traditional feast, held on the shortest day of the year, and a time to celebrate community and welcome longer, brighter days.

As the lights twinkle, you’ll also hear a unique version of the Welsh folksong Ar Lan y Mor, recorded by St John’s Choir playing around the gardens.

Head to Reels on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram channel for a little video of what to expect.

The installation is free to visit and is open daily from 8am to 9pm – although it’s best to visit when it’s dark to see the lights at full effect.

The Light of Winter was commissioned by FOR Cardiff, which works with businesses in the city centre to make it a more welcoming, vibrant, and influential place, through award-winning campaigns, projects, and initiative.

Free family craft workshops in January 2023

In the new year, FOR Cardiff have also organised a series of free children’s winter crafts workshops with local artist and author Jack Skivens.

Inspired by Goleuni’r Gaeaf, Jack has designed a set of characters – a wren, robin, and starling – which will help tell the story of midwinter and guide people to the installation, which is also inspired by a murmuration of birds.

The free workshops take place on Thursday 5, Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 January, from 11am-12pm, at the Cardiff Story Museum, which is located in The Old Library on The Hayes, next to the light and sound installation.

Children taking part in the workshops will have the chance to create and paint their own birds to take home. The session will include a poetry reading of Jack’s Light of Winter poem, before families are invited to then visit the installation.

The workshop is recommended for children aged 4+, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

You can book a space for the workshops via this Evenbrite link.

Light of Winter installation runs at St John’s Garden, the Hayes, Cardiff, until 11 February 2023 and is open from 8am to 9pm. It is free to visit. You can find out more here.

Light of Winter Crafts Workshops with Jack Skivens takes place on Thursday 5, Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 January, from 11am-12pm, at the Cardiff Story Museum, The Old Library, The Hayes. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked via this Evenbrite link.