Mumbles lifeboat rescues surfer in trouble

Mumbles inshore lifeboat was launched Friday afternoon amid the stormy seas which have battered South Wales over the last few days. Following reports of a surfer in difficulty near Langland Bay just before sunset Swansea Coastguard requested the launch to a man seen drifting out to see by witness’s walking the cliffs.

This is just one of many calls the RNLI have received over the past few days following the strong winds and heavy rain which have had such a dramatic effect on the UK.

James Bolter who was at the helm of the inshore lifeboat said:

‘We experienced very rough seas and luckily the people who reported the surfer in danger directed us to him via Swansea Coastguard, he’d been caught by a very strong riptide off Langland which had rapidly taken him almost a mile offshore.’

Tim Conway, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Mumbles says:

‘These are just the kind of conditions this boat was designed for and its crew trained for, the 28 yr old casualty had endured strong tides and suffered cramp in very big surf. Within minutes we were able to locate him and return him safely to the beach at Langland.'

The RNLI has set a £150,000 fundraising target over the next three years towards a new £2.7m Tamar class boat for Mumbles. The Tamar lifeboats are the most advanced vessels operated by the RNLI, providing all weather rescue capabilities and will replace the current Tyne class rescue boat that currently serves Mumbles. The new boat will carry an inshore lifeboat onboard in addition to the one located on station.

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Big screen continues big game success

Swansea city centre's super big screen is ready to kick-off another weekend of sport.

Wales face Rugby World Cup semi-finalists Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday November 21 at 2.30pm and those without tickets can watch it in Swansea.

The eagerly anticipated third game in the Welsh team's 2009 Autumn International series will be broadcast on Castle Square's BBC Big Screen.

Nigel Jones, Strategic Events Manager for Swansea Council, said: "Castle Square is proving to be very popular with residents as more and more footage is being shown on the BBC Big Screen.

"We all know what a great rugby nation Wales is and how passionate people are about the game. It's good to be able to see Wales play on the large screen with friends and family.

"It's also good to give supporters a great chance to enjoy watching Wales compete against some of the great rugby nations around the world."

Forthcoming Wales games being shown in Castle Square include:

• Wales v Argentina, Saturday 21 November (2 to 4.30pm)
• Wales v Australia, Saturday 28 November (5 to 7.30pm)

Go to www.enjoyswansea.com for other events taking place in the city.

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School and leisure centre to reopen

Swansea's YGG Bryn Tawe and Penlan Leisure Centre will be back open tomorrow (Friday November 20).

The facilities have been closed temporarily because of damage that strong winds caused to the leisure centre's roof on Tuesday evening.

Measures have now been put in place on site and both the school and leisure centre will be safe to use from tomorrow.

YGG Bryn Tawe will be open to pupils and staff for normal school hours and the leisure centre will be open from midday.

All facilities at the leisure centre will be available apart from the sports hall. Classes arranged at the sports hall will be relocated to the school's gymnasium where possible until further notice.

Subject to weather conditions, remedial works at the leisure centre will shortly begin and it's hoped they'll be complete within the next week.

Details of leisure centre class cancellations and relocations will be made available either on www.activeswansea.com or by calling 01792 588079.

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Pudsey visits Cardiff's coolest attraction

Everyone's favourite bear, Pudsey, paid a special visit to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland on Sunday, November 15.

Pudsey was there to show his support for the special Children in Need Happy Hour which took place at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland.

Over £300 was raised during the hour with all money from the 11am till noon skating session being donated. The John Lewis Wheel operated by Sayers Amusements also gave their hour’s takings to Children in Need.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the special Children in Need hour and helped to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”

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

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Parade celebrates a decade of dazzling displays

Next month (Thursday 17th December) Caerphilly town centre will come to life as a 'river of light' flows through the streets to mark the 10th anniversary of the popular festive lantern parade.

The River of Light event attracts thousands of people of all ages who flock to the town centre to enjoy the colourful lantern parade and a spectacular firework display in the skies above Caerphilly Castle.

The whole community is being encouraged to take part in the parade this year and special lantern making workshops will take place in the run up to the event. People can go along to the free workshops on 28th & 29th November and the 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th December at Caerphilly Leisure Centre between 10am and 5pm.

The lanterns made at the workshops will then form part of the big event when the River of Light parade takes place on Thursday 17th December. This year's special anniversary event promises to be a fantastic end to Caerphilly county borough council's events programme for 2009.

As well as all the participants holding aloft their colourful hand made lanterns, the parade will also feature thunderous samba drummers, street dancers and giant sculptures. There will also be an opportunity to purchase and release a spectacular floating lantern before the firework display begins.

For more information about the event or the workshops please contact the Visit Caerphilly Centre on (029) 2088 0011 or go to http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/christmas/

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Hundreds welcome Santa to town

Port Talbot town centre came alive with excitement and song this weekend.

Hundreds of children turned out to watch the switch-on of the Christmas lights and to greet Santa when he arrived in his brand new sleigh.

Swansea Sound and The Wave radio Roadshow set up in the Civic Square entertaining the crowd in the run up to the spectacular switch-on by County Borough Mayor, Pam Thomas.

Parents and children sang along with pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Rhosafan and the Corus Brass Band who delighted the crowds with traditional Christmas carols.

Stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year's pantomime in the Princess Royal Theatre, joined in the Christmas festivities.

The pavements were lined with excited children eagerly waiting Santa's Parade who gave a huge welcome to the big man in the red suit.

Santa arrived in style on his glorious new sleigh following a wonderful parade of local community groups and clubs all dressed up in fabulous costumes full of Christmas cheer.

"The start of Christmas celebrations in Neath Port Talbot was a wonderful riot of colour, song and dance that got everyone in the mood for the season of festivities to begin," says Council Leader Ali Thomas.

Santa made his way to his log cabin in the Aberavon Shopping Centre where he will be in residence until Christmas.

The Princess Royal Theatre was transformed into a bustling Christmas market filled with unusual and hand crafted gifts while Bethany Square hosted the ever popular funfair.

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Temporary closure for Penlan Leisure Centre and Ysgol Bryntawe

Swansea's Penlan Leisure Centre has been temporarily closed because of roof damage caused by severe overnight weather.

Swansea Council officers are on site to investigate the damage and determine what remedial works need to take place.

The leisure centre is now closed to members of the public until further notice.

Neighbouring Ysgol Bryntawe will also be closed from noon today (Wednesday November 18) and tomorrow (Thursday November 19) as a precaution.

Leisure centre users and Active Swansea members can use other facilities such as Morriston Leisure Centre in the meantime.

Have a look at www.activeswansea.com for details of alternative Active Swansea community leisure centres across Swansea.

People can also check www.swansea.gov.uk for updates

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Christmas comes to Port Talbot

A huge gathering enjoyed the festivities at the switching on of Port Talbot Christmas lights and Santa's parade















Photograph: Neath Port Talbot Mayor Pam Thomas switches on Port Talbot Christmas lights

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Santa Claus is coming to Town

Santa Claus will be visiting the children of Merthyr Tydfil not once, but twice this year in the run-up to the festive season!

On Saturday 28th November, Santa, his elves and two of his favourite reindeer will visit the Café Quarter at the lower end of high street between 10:00am and 4:30pm. Each child will receive a gift, while stocks last, and there will be the opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa and his gang! Tickets cost £3 and are only available on the day.

In addition to Santa, there will be a local craft market where you will have the opportunity to purchase locally made arts and crafts that will make wonderful Christmas gifts for all the family.

Also, on Saturday 12th December Santa will bring his Grotto, along with his elves to visit Merthyr Tydfil Street Market between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Entry costs £2 and includes a gift (while stock lasts).

A note to all children from Santa Claus: “Be sure to bring along your wish lists so I know exactly what you want for Christmas!”

For further information on Christmas events in the Town Centre, contact the Town Centre Manager on 01685 725106 or visit the Council’s website www.merthyr.gov.uk

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Merthyr Tydfil's Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony 2009

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s Leisure Services Department will hold its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony at the forecourt of the Civic Centre on Friday 20th November 2009.

This FREE event will help you see in the festive season in style, as Santa Claus and His Worship The Mayor, Councillor Glen Price, switch on the Town’s spectacular Christmas Illuminations!

A performance by Edwardsville Junior School Choir and communal carol singing will also help you get in to the Christmas spirit.

Accompanying Santa and the Mayor for the illumination ceremony will be three inspirational young people, who this year have received Outstanding Achievement Awards - Matty Sutton, Young Learner of the Year; Claire Price, Young Volunteer of the Year and Jessica Edwards, Young Carer of the Year.

Danter’s funfair, various children’s entertainers and the Red Dragon Radio Roadshow will also be present to keep the crowds entertained.

Kids should also keep a look out for Santa all day around the Town Centre, as Santa will be visiting St Tydfils Shopping Centre during the day, followed by a visit to the Children’s Ward in Prince Charles hospital.

The lighting ceremony begins at 6.00pm and ends at 7.00pm with the switching on of the inner town lights. The funfair will remain open until 8.30pm

For further information on the Lighting Ceremony, contact the Municipal Events Officer on 01685 726254 or visit the Council’s website www.merthyr.gov.uk

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Get fit and win prizes

Swansea residents keeping fit for Christmas could also be in line for a festive treat for all their healthy efforts.

The Active Swansea challenge encourages people to take part in 15 activities (One per visit) before December 6 at any Active Swansea Centre.

Those taking part can collect a training card and get it stamped and signed by a member of staff each time they exercise.

They could then be in line for a range of prizes including Christmas hampers, tickets to watch the Swans and Ospreys or meals for two at Nandos.

There are also tickets for the Pantomimes at Penyrheol Theatre and Swansea Grand Theatre, Ice-skating tickets for Waterfront Winterland, a meal for two at Dylan Thomas Centre and vouchers for NRG clothing at Up and Running, up for grabs.

Dave Osborne, Swansea Council's Indoor Leisure Operations Manager, said: "It's easy to get caught up in the Christmas whirl and forget to exercise so the Christmas Challenge is a fantastic incentive to keep fit."

To complete the challenge you could take part in any of the Active Swansea fitness classes, swim, have a gym workout, a game of tennis or play badminton.

Active Swansea centres taking part include Penlan, Morriston, Cefn Hengoed, Penyrheol, Bishopston and Swansea Tennis Centre.

More information about the Christmas Challenge is available from www.activeswansea.com

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Kids get a free visit to Plantasia

Families are escaping the cold with a trip to Swansea's very own hothouse this winter.

Plantasia is proving to be the perfect place to enjoy the warmth and see insects, monkeys, a chameleon and turtles as well as banana plants, pineapple plants, prickly cacti and giant bamboo.

And a new special offer is set to tempt even more people in to the Parc Tawe-based tropical hothouse.

If you text kids to 60006 you'll receive a free text message offering a free child entry with each paying adult.

Plantasia is open every day from 10am to 5pm with the last admission at 4.15pm.

For more details log onto www.plantasia.org or call on 01792 474555.

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Mischa's smart move rewarded

A recent visit to Heolddu Leisure Centre in Bargoed resulted in six-year-old Mischa Smith becoming the 50,000th person to sign up for a Caerphilly county borough council 'Smart Card'.

Mischa, from Tredegar, was the lucky recipient of the landmark 50,000th card and as a reward she was presented with a 12 month leisure centre membership for herself and her family.

The popular Smart Cards allow local people to access library and leisure centre services faster and more smoothly. Some of the benefits of having a Smart Card include access to hundreds of books, CDs and audio tapes, free computer use, Welsh language resources, author visits and music events at local libraries. The card also provides free swimming for children (during the school holidays) and the over 60s, and access to concessionary rates.

Cllr Phil Bevan, Cabinet Member for Education and Leisure, handed the prize over to Mischa at the recent 'Get Active Festival' at Heolddu Leisure Centre. "Congratulations to Mischa for being our 50,000th Smart Card member. It's fantastic to hear that so many people have signed up to the scheme in the last two years, and I hope that many more will follow in Misha's footsteps and access our leisure and library services in the swipe of a card," said Phil.

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Warm up for Christmas at city centre event

Street entertainment is among the fun being made available in Swansea city centre this weekend in the build-up to the Christmas celebrations.

The Wave will be on hand at Portland Street for an outdoor broadcast between noon and 4pm on Sunday (November 15) before the Christmas Parade and the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

A choir from the Mark Jermain Stage School will be on hand with Christmas carols and city centre Christmas brochures are being distributed.

The brochures include information on shops, parking and opening times in the city centre as well as the chance for one lucky person to win £1,000 for a seasonal shopping spree.

Details of Christmas events such as the Christmas Market from November 27 to December 13 and the French Market from December 10 to December 13 are also included.

Additional fun will see daily street entertainment in the city centre from November 27 to boost seasonal spirits.

Sunday's Christmas Parade (November 15) will leave the Guildhall at 5pm before making its way through the city centre to the Dylan Thomas Centre.

The festivities include Santa Claus, festive floats and a walking procession and will mark the switch-on of the city centre's Christmas lights.

Waterfront Winterland also returns on Sunday and will be open from 10am in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "Excitement towards Christmas is now really starting to build and Sunday marks the start of the build-up to the fun here in Swansea.

"The outdoor broadcast and street entertainment lined up for Portland Street from noon gives people the chance to get in the swing of things earlier than ever this year and to help generate a festive atmosphere before the arrival of Santa and the switching on of the Christmas lights.

"A variety of attractions and events means this will be a Christmas to remember here in Swansea for all the family."

Have a look at www.swanseachristmas.com or www.waterfrontwinterland.com for more information.

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Book your tickets for Brangwyn candlelight magic

Tickets are now available for a magical candlelight concert at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall.

Murder, Mystery and Madness is being held at 7.30pm on Sunday November 22.

The three themes have been some of the favourite inspirations for famous composers over the years- some of whom led mysterious lives themselves.

Top Welsh musician and TV personality Alwyn Humphreys will tell some of the more fascinating tales from yesteryear and music will come from the Chamber Orchestra of Wales and guest soprano Ros Evans.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The candlelight concerts are always a treat and the Brangwyn Hall makes for a wonderful classical music venue.

"This is one of many events people can look forward to in the build-up to Christmas."

Tickets are £11.50 and £9.50 for concessions. They're available online at www.swansea.gov.uk/brangwynevents or from the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01792 475715.

The Christmas by Candlelight concert at the Brangwyn Hall is being held on Wednesday December 23 at 7.30pm.

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Merlin's magic moment at Christmas lights switch on

There was Christmas magic in the air last night as the cast of Merlin turned on this year’s Christmas lights at the Civic Centre.

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

A crowd of over 10,000 were left spellbound as the cast took to the stage to perform a special Christmas spell to switch on the capital’s lights.

Merlin’s magic also seemed to work on the weather with the rain stopping just as the cast came on stage to switch on the lights.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “Christmas in Cardiff is truly a magical time so it was very fitting to have the cast of Merlin switch on this year’s lights. It was fantastic to see the young and the young at heart help to cast the special Christmas spell.

“The Christmas lights switch on and bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland marks the start of the festive fun in the capital and I would encourage everyone to pay a visit to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland and celebrate the countdown to Christmas.”

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of many ways to celebrate Christmas in the capital. Other events include Cardiff Bay’s ‘On the Road to Christmas’ festivities on November 14th from noon; 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.

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

Photograph: L-R Katie McGrath who plays Morgana; Bradley James who plays King Arthur; Kam Kelly Red Dragon FM presenter; Angel Coulby who plays Gwen; Anthony Head who plays Uther; Colin Morgan who plays Merlin; Sally Bailey Red Dragon FM presenter.

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Christmas arrives in Swansea this weekend

Seasonal fun returns to Swansea this weekend with the return of the Christmas Parade and Waterfront Winterland.

Both events have been arranged to combine with others to generate a festive atmosphere and boost footfall in the city centre.

Waterfront Winterland opens up at 10am on Sunday November 15 and will feature in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum until January 3.

The Admiral ice-rink is again included as well as the 44-metre high Admiral giant wheel, the traditional carousel, Santa's Grotto, the Snow Storm ride and a range of stalls and refreshments.

A Wales first mini ice-rink for children called Rocky's Rink has also been added to this year's line-up thanks to Swansea Council's road safety team.

Live entertainment will take place at the attraction every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and other new Waterfront Winterland features for 2009 include a covered spectator area for the ice-skating.

The annual Christmas Parade will see Santa Claus leading a variety of floats and a walking procession through the city centre from 5pm on Sunday November 15 to celebrate the start of the festive season and the switch-on of the city centre's Christmas lights.

Eight decorated floats will leave the Guildhall at 5pm and make their way through a one and a half hour route of the city centre to the Dylan Thomas Centre.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "It's hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner once again but the variety and range of events and attractions being organised means we've got a fantastic atmosphere to look forward to.

"The Christmas Parade and Waterfront Winterland have become key parts of our annual festivities and their return effectively marks the start of the festive season build-up.

"We're confident the variety of entertainment will make this Christmas more memorable than ever."

Sue Longthorn, Admiral MD, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the parade for a third year. It's such a festive night and a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season- and the floats are always amazing."

A series of road closures is being put in place on the day of the parade (Sunday November 15).

The closures will be phased except for the Guildhall Road North that will be closed from 11am.

Rolling closures are set to take place from 4.30pm to 7pm along Guildhall Road North, St Helens Crescent, Guildhall Road South, St Helens Road, The Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street, Castle Bailey Street, Caer Street, Wind Street, Somerset Place and East Burrows Road.

Advance signage will advise users of road closure details and the closures will be lifted as soon as it's safe to do so.

Have a look at www.swanseachristmas.com for more information.

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Concert celebrates Swansea officially becoming a city

Swansea is to host a free concert on December 10 to celebrate the momentous day it officially became a city.

On December 10 in 1969 letters of patent were issued by HRH Queen Elizabeth II which officially confirmed Swansea as only the second town in Wales to be granted city status.

These documents confirmed an announcement that Swansea was to receive city status made by HRH Prince Charles on July 3 in 1969 during a visit here to celebrate his investiture as Prince of Wales.

To mark the official day Swansea became a city, the Local Authority is planning a concert at the Brangwyn Hall where the presentation of the official document was made four decades ago.

Eight hundred free tickets are being made available to enable Swansea residents to join in the celebrations.

The event on December 10 will include stars such as Steve Balsamo and Mal Pope and the Jacks. Songs through the decades will be performed as well as latest stage hit Cappuccino Girls. The event will be hosted by Kevin Johns.

The letters patent that confirm the city status complete with the royal seal are on display at the Guildhall.

The event will be the climax of celebrations of Swansea becoming a city which have included a garden party for people celebrating their 40th birthday or 40th wedding anniversary.

A time capsule is also being stored in the archives at Swansea's civic centre for the next 40 years and will be opened on the city's 80th birthday celebrations.

In July a Freedom Ceremony for 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) that included a march through the city centre took place.

And babies born in the City and County on July 3 this year were given a unique silver coin especially commissioned from the Royal Mint.

There is also an online exhibition including photographs and video clips celebrating the anniversary at http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=30127

Swansea's Lord Mayor Cllr Alan Lloyd, the only serving Swansea Councillor who was also a Councillor when Swansea officially became a city said:

"I am delighted we are holding this free concert because becoming a city was a landmark event in the life of Swansea. We have been moving steadily forward since that day and that surely makes it an important anniversary for us to celebrate.

"It seems like nothing could stop Swansea once it was granted its city status. The city centre was back on its feet by the 1960s but we still had areas of dereliction and decay. It is easy to forget a time when the Marina we have today was a derelict dock and the lower Swansea Valley was just wasteland.

"I hope people will join us to celebrate Swansea's historic day, its successful development over the past 40 years and the promise of more to come in the next four decades."

Anyone who would like to attend the event can contact Swansea Council's Corporate Marketing Team by emailing corporate.marketing@swansea.gov.uk or by calling 01792 637553 or 01792 637554. Tickets are limited to two per person and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

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Museum marks its millionth visitor

Swansea's National Waterfront Museum has welcomed its millionth visitor just four years after opening its doors.

Welcoming on average a quarter of a million visitors each year from across Swansea, Wales, Britain and beyond, the Museum has made its mark on the Welsh cultural map.

Visitors can explore the exciting human stories about innovation and industry in Wales now and over the past 300 years. There are 100 audio visual exhibits including 36 state-of-the-art interactive displays and some very large and now technologically obsolete objects from across Wales that include the world's first steam locomotive, a brick press and one of the very few surviving coal wagons.

It was a local Swansea family who became the Museum's celebrated millionth visitors.

The family, from St Thomas, were greeted by giant balloons to mark the occasion. Speaking about the Museum, Grandmother Chris Allen said: "It's a great place to bring the children and we regularly come along to the monthly Waterfront Nippers workshop; they love it."

Head of Museum Steph Mastoris presented the family with a souvenir goody bag including a collection of books written about the Museum and a gift voucher for the shop.

2009 has been one of the best performing years for the Museum. This summer alone (July to September) saw visitor figures reaching almost 85,000 compared to last year's 68,000.

Speaking about this special occasion, Steph said: "Welcoming the arrival of our one-millionth visitor is a real honour for us all at the National Waterfront Museum.

"As well as presenting visitors with a fascinating free day out, the Museum plays a key role as one of Swansea's major attractions that adds to the city's cultural offering and plays an important part in its regeneration.

"We're delighted to be providing the quality of exhibitions and events as well as levels of service that encourage visitors to come back to over and over again.

"This achievement is a fitting way to mark the end of an excellent year and it's now all systems go to welcome our two-millionth visitor."

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The National Waterfront Museum has been an outstanding success since it was opened and the visitor figures are testament to its appeal.

"The Museum offers an experience that's both entertaining and educational and the building has become an iconic part of Oystermouth Road and our stunning coastline.

"The National Waterfront Museum combines with facilities such as Swansea Museum, The Dylan Thomas Centre and the Glynn Vivian Gallery to contributing a great deal towards Swansea's thriving cultural community."

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Follow the bear to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland

Join everyone's favourite bear, Pudsey, at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland this Sunday 15 November when he visits the open air ice rink and John Lewis Wheel for a special BBC Children In Need Happy Hour to help raise money for the charity.

Pudsey will be encouraging everyone to take a ride on the John Lewis Wheel between 11am and 12 noon with all proceeds during this hour being donated to BBC Children in Need.

In addition to this, a special skating session on the open air ice rink at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland has been organised from 11am to 12 noon, with all tickets priced at £2.50 during this time. All the money raised from this session will also be donated to the charity.

Tickets for the John Lewis Wheel operated by Sayers Amusements are £3.50 for adults and children over 1.4m, £2.50 for children under 1.4m and £3.00 for concessions.

The aim of BBC Children In Need is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “The BBC Children in Need Happy Hour at bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland provides a great opportunity to raise money for a worth while cause, whilst having fun at the same time.

“I am sure Pudsey will enjoy his visit to bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland and I hope we are able to raise lots of money during this special hour.”

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

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