PTCardiff Winter 2016_digital

What’s On Where FOR FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS 

www.primarytimes.net 

Cardiff 

& The Vale 

www.cardiff-events.com 

PARENTING • EDUCATION • DAYS OUT • NEWS & REVIEWS 

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | WINTER 2016 Primary Times WINTER 2016 

1 

28 NOV – 5 FEB 2017

CADWCH LE AR-LEIN NAWR 

BOOK ONLINE NOW 

www.rhonddaheritagepark.com 

27 Tachwedd 

tan 24 Rhagfyr 

£8.95 Plentyn • £5.45 Oedolyn 

£7.45 Dan 3 oed 

Wythnos y Nadolig: 

£9.95 Plentyn • £6.45 Oedolyn 

£8.45 Dan 3 oed 

Bydd pob plentyn yn derbyn anrheg 

oddi wrth Siôn Corn. Bydd oedolion 

yn cael diod boeth a mins pei. 

Cadwch le ymlaen llaw 

27 November 

to 24 December 

£8.95 Child • £5.45 Adult 

£7.45 Under 3 years 

Christmas Week: 

£9.95 Child • £6.45 Adult 

£8.45 Under 3 years 

Each child will receive a gift from 

Santa. Adults will receive a hot drink 

and mince pie. 

Pre-booking strongly advised 

2 

Parc Treftadaeth Cwm Rhondda Heritage Park 

Trehafod, Ger/Nr. Pontypridd CF37 2NP 

Primary Times WINTER 2016 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff

Dear Reader 

Welcome to our Winter 2016 issue. The year is nearly at an end, 

to be rounded off nicely with the festivities of the season. It 

hardly seems like five minutes ago that we started 2016! 

As we approach the end of year we are delighted to bring you 

a plethora of events and activities happening across the region 

during the coming months. As always Santa will be visiting 

some key venues across Cardiff & The Vale – see our Where’s 

Santa feature which starts on page 4. 

In our WOW section we have highlighted Christmas activities 

and events with Santa and Christmas trees symbols to help you 

and your family get into the festive spirit. 

Our regular Box Office section features lots of fantastic seasonal 

productions – a trip to the panto at Christmas time is a joy to 

behold. Plus we have eight great competitions for you to enter 

on pages 28 and 29. 

We would like to wish everyone a wonderful 

time over the festive season and we look 

forward to what 2017 will offer us. 

With very best wishes 

Marion, Sam, Carol & Amie 

Contents 

Inside this issue... 

CONTENTS 

4 Where's Santa? 

THE PRIMARY TIMES TEAM 

Editor: 

Marion McAdam 

marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Sales: 

Sam Jackson 

ptcardiff@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Tel: 01275 331382 

Production: 

Carol George 

production@schoolspublishing.co.uk 

Design: 

Amie Joachim 

Primary Times Cardiff & The Vale, 

Schools Publishing Limited, 

Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate, Newtown 

Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon, RG9 1HG. 

TEL: 01491 411848 

FAX: 01491 411416 

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff 

...the UK’s biggest, 

free ‘what’s on’ 

magazine for parents! 

Primary Times in Cardiff 

& The Vale distributes 

more than 50,000 copies 

six times a year, and is part 

of a national network 

distributing more than 2.7 

million copies in 59 regions 

across the UK and Ireland. 

10 WOW: 

Family events 

and activities 

20 Top Tips 

25 Kids in the kitchen 

28 Competitions: Fabulous 

prizes up for grabs 

30 Box Office: 

Your family 

theatre guide 

34 Pinboard 

CALLING ALL 

FAMILIES 

AND TEACHERS! 

Remember to send in 

your news for our news 

pages – we would love 

to hear from you! 

Don’t forget 

to visit us 

online at 

www.primarytimes.net 

/cardiff 

Primary Times 

Club-Cardiff 

Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Cardiff and The 

Vale. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses, attractions 

and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or by 

joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. 

We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful 

to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Cardiff and The Vale for 

their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all 

the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours 

when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio 

remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over two million 

copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. 

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff | WINTER 2016 Primary Times 3

4WHERE'S SANTA? 

ONGOING EVENTS 

Until 24th December 

where's 

santa? 

SANTA’S TOY MINE 

Rhondda Heritage Park, CF37 2NP 

Meet Santa in his underground grotto. 

Each child will receive a gift from Santa. 

Adults receive a hot drink and mince pie. 

Pre-booking strongly recommended. 

Children £8.95; adults £5.45; under 3s £7.45. 

Christmas week - children £9.95; adults 

£6.45; under 3s £8.45. 

Tel: 01443 682036 


3rd - 23rd December 

SANTA CLAUS’ NORTH POLE 

IKEA, Cardiff, CF11 0JR 

Visit Santa at Ikea with all proceeds going 

to Noah’s Ark charity Tiny Lives Appeal - 

supporting the life-saving care of premature 

and critically ill babies. £8 - visit and gift; 

£10- visit, gift and photograph. Open 

Mon - Fri 1 - 5pm; Sat 11am - 5pm; Sun 

11am - 3pm. 

4th, 11th, 18th and 21st December 

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PANTO AT 

VILLAGE HOTEL CARDIFF 

29 Pendwyallt Rd, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7EF 

Enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter 

including a 2 course meal with a visit from 

the man himself! Book your tickets online – 

www.village-hotels.co.uk/Christmas 

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS - DYFFRYN GARDENS 


FATHER CHRISTMAS’ GROTTO 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 

CF10 5AL. Glanfa Foyer. Free - open to all. 

10.30am - 2.30pm & 4.30 – 5.30pm. Father 

Christmas is bringing his lovely grotto to the 

Centre this year and he’d love to invite you 

and your family to visit. Tel: 029 2063 6464. 

www.wmc.org.uk 

Selected days 26th - 24th December 

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO 

Pugh’s Garden Centre, Wenvoe, CF5 6AD 

Walk through the Wardrobe at 

Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe. Selected 

days from 26th Nov – 24th Dec, children £8, 

Adults £2. Price includes 3 activity rooms 

plus meeting Father Christmas and a toy. 

Please go online to book 

www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk/wenvoe 

or call – Tel: 01315 139989 

3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th & 

19th December 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Tredegar House, Nr Newport, NP10 8YW 

10:30am - 4pm. Normal admission 

applies. See the House decked out with 

lavish Victorian decorations for a special 

celebration of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas 

Carol'. Take a wintry walk through the 

gardens to the house where there will be 

music and merriment throughout, with 

traditional activities for the whole family. 

Visit Father Christmas (additional £2.50) and 

meet the ghosts of Christmas past, present 

Primary Times WINTER 2016 | www.primarytimes.net/cardiff 

and yet to come...but beware! Scrooge 

might be just around the corner. There will 

also be food and craft stalls so pop down to 

pick up a festive treat. Tel: 01633 815880 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

1st - 24th December 

SANTA TOURS 

Principality Stadium, Cardiff CF10 1NS 

A fun filled visit to the stadium which ends in 

a visit to see Santa Claus in his secret grotto 

deep in the heart of the stadium. 

Adults £6; children U16 £11.50. 

www.principalitystadium.wales 

10-11 and 17-18 December 

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS 

Dyffryn Gardens. Nr St Nicholas, CF5 6SU, 

Tel: 029 2059 0813. Join Dyffryn Gardens 

this Christmas and visit a special man in 

red who will be making a stop at the grand 

and traditionally decorated house to hand 

out gifts to the children. Visits to Father 

Christmas are £4 per child, normal admission 

charges apply (National Trust members go 

free and under 11s go free if visiting Father 

Christmas). www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

DECEMBER 

Saturday 3rd December 

MEMO CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 

Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, 

Barry CF62 8NA. 10am – 4pm. Over 30 stalls 

laden with gifts, hand-made craft and food. 

Festive films and Santa’s Grotto & Post Office. 

Your Grotto ticket includes a stop-off at Santa’s 

Post Office, where you can discuss wish lists, 

stamp and post your letter in our North Pole 

post-box. Once in the Grotto with Santa there 

will be a photo opportunity and gift from the 

Big Man himself! Festival Market: £1, Santa’s 

Grotto: £6.50. Tel: 01446 738622. 

www.memoartscentre.co.uk 

CHRISTMAS EVENT 

Aberdare, CF44 

10am - 4pm. Free family day out with a visit 

from Santa and his reindeers plus Christmas 

market, Ski slope, refreshments, Birds of 

Prey, farm animals, funfair, face painting 

and more. Tel: 01443 424123. 

www.rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson 

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 

SANTA VISITS 

Castle Coch, CF15 7SS 

10.30am - 4pm. See Santa, his grand red 

sleigh and a beautiful travelling grotto. 

cadw.gov.wales/events 

BLACKWOOD CHRISTMAS MARKET 

Blackwood High Street, NP12 1AE 

Sat 9am – 5pm; Sun 10am – 4pm. Stalls 

along the high street, funfair rides, 

traditional entertainment, real reindeers 

and a Santa’s grotto. 

Plus: 

SANTA’S GROTTO 

Tidal’s Store, Blackwood High Street, NP12 1AE 

Visit Santa in his grotto. See website for 

more information. Tel: 029 2088 0011. 

www.caerphilly.gov.uk 


Cardiff Castle CF10 3RB 

Santa will be waiting in the magical Black 

Tower with presents for all good boys and 

girls. Sessions in Welsh available. Book 

online at www.cardiffcastle.com 

SANTA’S WINTER WONDERLAND 

Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre, NP11 7FA 

Walk through the snowy valleys to the North 

Pole and tell Santa your Christmas wishes 

and get an early gift! £6 per child. Includes 

gift. Tel: 01495 272001. 

www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk 

Sunday 4th December 

SANTA SPECIAL 

Miniature Railways and Tramways. King 

George V Drive East, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 

4AW By ticket only. Children £10; adults 

£3.50. Miniature train rides, steam diesel 

& electric plus tram rides. Model railway 

layouts, refreshments. Open 1 – 5pm. No 

advanced tickets are available or required. 

Visit www.cardiffmes.com. 

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 

St Donats Castle, Nr Llantwit Major, 

CF61 1WF 

10:30am – 4:30pm. Over 50 stalls including 

jewellery, wood, glass, ceramics, textiles, 

craft and so much more! Enjoy festive 

entertainment and an outdoor birds of prey 

display in the beautiful castle gardens. £6 

per car. £2 per person on foot. Refreshments 

in the The Barn. There may even be a visit 

from Santa! Tel: 01446 799100. 

www.stdonats.com 

FAMILY SUNDAY LUNCH 

Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol CF72 8JY 

Enjoy a classic Christmas carvery lunch and 

let the children enjoy balloon modelling, 

cheek and eye painting, a family quiz and 

a visit from Father Christmas. Family £75 (2 

adults & 2 children under 12 years). Adult 

£29, child under 12, £12. Includes 3 course 

meal and entertainment. 

Tel: 01443 665803.

Tuesday 6th December 

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS 

Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, 

SA10 8EU 

5 - 8pm. Wrap up and take a candlelit walk 

to the waterfall, enjoy story-telling with Mr/ 

Mrs Claus and cozy-on up in the tea-room 

with a hot drink and mince pie. Adults 

£5: children £2.50; family £12.50. Free to 

National Trust members. Wear weather 

appropriate clothing and take a torch. Tel: 

01639 636674. 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aberdulais 

SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 

Christmas Event 

Mountain Ash, CF45 

10am - 4pm. Family day out with a visit 

from Santa, Christmas stalls, Ski slope, 

Snowglobe, refreshments, funfair, face 

painting, and more. Tel: 01443 424123. 



Treorchy, CF42 

10am - 4pm. Family day out with a visit 

from Santa and his reindeers, Christmas 

stalls, refreshments, funfair, face painting 

and more. Children and Reindeer Parade at 

3:30pm. Tel: 01443 424123. 


FAMILY FESTIVE FUN 

National Museum, Cathays Park, 

Cardiff CF10 3NP 

10am - 4pm. A day of craft activities, 

storytelling and face painting. Meet Santa at 

3pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 

www.museum.wales/cardiff/whatson 

SATURNALIA 

National Roman Legion Museum, 

Caerleon, NP18 1AE 

11am - 4pm. Free entry - charge for some 

activities. Drop in. Find out how the Romans 

celebrated their winter festival, Saturnalia. 

Taste Roman foods, make a Christmas gift 

for a loved one plus a visit from Santa. Tel: 

029 2057 3550. 

www.museumwales.ac.uk/roman 

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th December 

SANTA VISITS 

Caerphilly Castle, CF83 1JD 

Sat 10am - 4pm; Sun 11am - 4pm. See Santa, 

his grand red sleigh and a beautiful travelling 

grotto. Experience the sights, sounds and smells 

of a medieval castle preparing for Christmas 

with festive activities and entertainment for 

the family. No booking required. Plus visit the 

Christmas markets in the town centre. 

cadw.gov.wales/eventscadw.gov.wales/ 

events 





girls. Sessions in Welsh language available. 

Book online at 

www.cardiffcastle.com 


Love Caerphilly Shop, Caerphilly Town 

Centre, CF83 1JR 

Visit Santa in his grotto. £3.50 per child 

(Includes gift). Tel: 029 2088 0011. 







gift. Tel: 01495 272001. 


BREAKFAST WITH THE ELVES 

Dyffryn Gardens, Nr St Nicholas, CF5 6SU 

9:30 - 10:30am. Booking essential. Enjoy 

some breakfast, play games and do some 

colouring with the Elves in the tearoom 

before paying a visit to Father Christmas. 

Adults - £10; children £7.Then visit Father 

Christmas from 11am - 3pm. Normal 

admission applies plus £4 per child. U11s free 

admission if visiting Santa. Father Christmas 

will be meeting all the good boys and girls 

to give them an early Christmas present. 

Tickets for your allocated time slot can be 

collected from the visitor reception, posted 

out or collected on the day. 

Booking essential for Breakfast with Elves 

and visiting Santa. Tel: 029 2059 0813. 


SUNDAY 11TH DECEMBER 

Big Pit Babies 

Big Pit National Coal Museum, NP4 9XP 

Sessions at 11.30am - 12.30pm & 1.30 - 

2.30pm and MUST be booked in advanced. 

Limited spaces. £5 charge to include a gift. 

Suitable for 0 - 5 years. A chance for younger 

visitors to meet Mother Christmas and find 

out what's been happening in the Christmas 

household. Tel: 029 2057 3650. 

www.museum.wales/bigpit 



Enjoy a classic Christmas carvery lunch and 

let the children enjoy balloon modelling, 

cheek and eye painting, a family quiz and 

a visit from Father Christmas. Family £75 (2 

adults & 2 children under 12 years). Adult 

£29, child under 12, £12. Includes 3 course 

meal and entertainment. Tel: 01443 665804 

FEED THE BIRDS WITH SANTA 

National Wetlands Centre, Llwynhendy, 

Llanelli, SA14 9SH 

Feed the birds with Santa 2.45pm. A magical 

experience to join Santa as he takes a break 

from his busy preparations to help feed the 

birds. Included in admission price. Tel: 01554 

741087. 

www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli 

FESTIVE SUNDAY LUNCH WITH SANTA 

Copthorne Way, Culverhouse Cross, 

Cardiff CF5 6DH. Adult £16.95 children under 

12 £9.95; children under 3 eat free. To book 

tel: 029 2029 4333 or email events.cardiff@ 

millenniumhotels.com 




SA10 8EU. 5 - 8pm. Wrap up and take a 

candlelit walk to the waterfall, enjoy storytelling 

with Mr/Mrs Claus and cozy-on up in 

the tea-room with a hot drink and mince pie. 

Adults £5: children £2.50; family £12.50. Free 

to National Trust members. Wear weather 

appropriate clothing and take a torch. 

Tel: 01639 636674. 


Continued on page 6 

WHERE'S SANTA? 

TINY LIVES APPEAL 

Visit Santa 

Elusen Arch Noa 

at IKEA Cardiff 

APEL BYWYDAU BYCHAIN 

3rd– 23rd December 2016 

All proceeds go to the Noah’s Ark Charity Tiny 

Lives Appeal – supporting the life-saving care 

of premature and critically ill babies. 

£8 (visit and gift) 

£10 (visit, quality gift and photo) 

Opening hours: 

Mon–Fri: 1pm–5pm / Sat: 11am–5pm 

Sun: 11am–3pm / 19th–23rd Dec: 11am–5pm 

Sponsored by 

www.noahsarkcharity.org 

Registered charity number 1069485 


WHERE'S SANTA? 

Friday 16th December 

SANTA’S WORKSHOP 



5 - 6.30pm. A fun-filled, festive evening 

with Santa & his elves! Small gift, crafts & 

refreshments included. Booking essential. 

£10 per child (including 1 adult). 

Tel: 01554 741087. 


Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December 

BARGOED ICE RINK SANTA’S GROTTO 

Bargoed Ice Rink, Morrisons Car Park, 

Bargoed, CF81 8QT 

11am – 4pm. Enjoy a festive skate at the 

Bargoed Ice Rink (£3 per person) and then 

visit the famous man himself…Santa! 

Rudolph may also visit. Grotto free! 

029 2088 0011. 




9:30 - 10:30am. Enjoy some breakfast, play 

games and do some colouring with the Elves 

in the tearoom before paying a visit to Father 

Christmas. Adults - £10; children £7. Visit 

Father Christmas from 11am - 3pm. Normal 

admission applies plus £4 per child. U11s free 

admission if visiting Santa. Father Christmas 

will be meeting all the good boys and girls 

to give them an early Christmas present. 

Tickets for your allocated time slot can be 

collected from the visitor reception, posted 

out or collected on the day. 

Booking essential for both breakfast and 

visiting Santa. Tel: 029 2059 0813. 







gift. Tel: 01495 272001. 


Saturday 17th - Tuesday 20th December 

TEA PARTY WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS 

St Fagans National History Museum CF5 6XB 

11am, 1pm & 3pm. £14. Santa and Mother 

Christmas are visiting St Fagans again this 

year. Enjoy a tea party to remember with the 

Christmassy couple, listen to their magical 

stories and - if you’re good - they’re sure to 

give you a gift. Suitable for age 4+. Welsh 

sessions on Saturday 17 December and 

Monday 19 December at 11am. Bookings via 

www.ticketlineuk.com or tel 029 2023 0130. 

www.museum.wales/stfagans 

Saturday 17th - Friday 23rd December 





girls. Sessions in Welsh language available. 

Book online at 





Enjoy a classic Christmas carver lunch and let 

the children enjoy balloon modelling, cheek 

and eye painting, a family quiz and a visit 

from Father Christmas. 

Family £75 (2 adults & 2 children under 

12 years). Adult £29, child under 12, £12. 

Includes 3 course meal and entertainment. 

Tel: 01443 665805 

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE PIT 

Big Pit National Coal Museum, NP4 9XP 

12 - 4pm. Be amazed as Father Christmas 

arrives at Pit Top at 10.30am, travelling 

300ft UP from underground on his way to 

Lapland. Once he’s arrived (and found his 

elves!), there’ll be an opportunity to visit 

him in his cottage, until 4pm and tell him 

what’s on your Christmas list. Music will 

also be provided by Blaenavon Town Band. 

£5 charge to include a gift. Suitable for all 

children. No booking necessary. 

Tel: 029 2057 3650. 

www.museum.wales/bigpit 




2.45pm. Join Santa as he takes a break from 

his busy preparations to help feed the birds. 

Included in admission price. 



Cardiff CF5 6DH. Adult £16.95 children under 

12 £9.95; children under 3 eat free. 

To book tel: 029 2029 4333 or email events. 

c a r d i ff @millenniumhotels.com 




SA10 8EU. 5 - 8pm. Wrap up and take a 







Tel: 01639 636674. 


Friday 23rd - Saturday 24th December 



Cardiff CF5 6DH 

Adults £16.95; children under 12 £9.95; 

children under 3 eat free. 

To book tel: 029 2029 4333 or email events. 

c a r d i ff @millenniumhotels.com 

Saturday 24th December 

SANTA AT COCONUTS 

Sully Moors Road, Barry, CF64 5RP 

Santa and his Reindeer will be visiting, open 

from 10am – 3pm. For more info please 

call 01446 740404 

www.nutsaboutfun.com 

25th December 

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT VILLAGE 

HOTEL CARDIFF 

29 Pendwyallt Rd, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7EF 

Come and say hello to Santa whilst enjoying 

your Christmas Day Lunch, 4 course meal in 

our Inspiration Suite or 3 course meal in 

The Public House 

Book your tickets online – 


BEAUTY & 

THE BEAST 

PANTO 

Enjoy an afternoon of 

fun & laughter including 

a 2 course meal with a 

visit from the man 

himself! 

CABARET 

NIGHTS 

80’s Night 

14th December 

ABBA Night 

21st December 

CHRISTMAS 

2 0 

1 6 

DAY LUNCH 

MARDI GRAS 

PARTY NIGHTS 

(Thursday/Fridays/ 

Saturdays/Sundays) 

A Christmas carnival 

extravaganza including a 

3 course meal 

and disco 

Come and say hello to Santa 

whilst enjoying your 

Christmas Day Lunch, 

4 course meal in our 

Inspiration Suite 

3 course meal in 

The Public House 

NEW 

YEAR'S EVE 

Come and Celebrate 

New Year’s Eve in 

Style 

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE village-hotels.co.uk/Christmas 

Village Hotel Cardiff, 29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7EF 

029 2167 1120 

*Terms and conditions apply. 

6 


CHRISTMAS 

SEASON 

3-17 Dec 2016 

Sat 

3 

Reindeer Dash 

1 mile Fun Run 

Sat 

10 

FREE 

*CHILD ENTRY 

voucher code number 

NAZF022 

Sat 

17 

Terms & Conditions 

* One child only may come in FREE 

with one full paying adult ticket. 

* This offer is valid from the 

3rd - 17th December 2016 only. 

* Not valid with any other offer 

including online booking. 

* Bring this advert with you 

to redeem the offer. 

www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk 


School Holiday 

Childcare 

Mon 19th – Fri 23rd December, deadline for booking is Mon 12th December 

We provide the children with action packed days to ensure their holidays are full of fun and adventure 

There is a fantastic, secure and safe dedicated area in Coconuts Play Centre – EXCLUSIVELY FOR CAMP 

We have a great outdoor area for the children to enjoy 

At Camp Coconuts we: 

• Provide the best possible childcare for your children and excellent service to you, the parents 

• Ensure the children have a healthy, tasty menu, cooked on the premises 

• Strive to maintain a relaxed atmosphere for everyone 

• Love to explore the locality we live in such as Porthkerry Park, Cosmeston Lakes and Barry Island 

only 

£24 per 

day 

Camp opens Monday – Friday 07:30am – 6:30pm (except bank holidays, unless demand is high) 

Contact Leah at Daisy Day Nursery on 01446 724949 or email Leah@camp-coconuts.com 

Christmas at Coconuts 

Come and join us over Christmas. Santa and his 

Reindeer will be visiting Coconuts on Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Eve 24th Dec 10am - 3pm 

Christmas Day 25th Dec Closed 

Boxing Day 26th Dec Closed 

Tuesday 27th Dec 11am - 4pm 

Wednesday 28th Dec 10am - 6pm 

Thursday 29th Dec 10am - 6pm 

Friday 30th Dec 10am - 6pm 

Saturday 31st Dec 10am - 4pm 

Sunday 1st Jan 11am - 4pm 

Monday 2nd Jan 10am - 6pm 

We would like to take this opportunity 

to wish all our visitors, tall and small, a very 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 

www.nutsaboutfun.com 

% 01446 740404 

8 


Winter Season at Parc 

OPEN every weekend and during the school holidays 

• Open 10am – 6pm in November 

• Open 10am – 5pm in December and January 

CLOSED Monday to Friday until 15 December and from 4 Jan 

School holidays 

OPEN 16 Dec – 23 Dec, 

CLOSED Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 

Boxing Day OPEN 27 Dec – 31 Dec, 

CLOSED New Years Day, OPEN 2/3 Jan 

Winter workshop 

Join us for winter crafts 

in our cosy winter cabin. 

Weekends throughout 

December. 

Host your own Private Party 

Weekday Private Parties at Parc from £150. 

Limited dates available for 2016. 

Now taking bookings for 2017. 

Grab a bargain and book online at 

www.parcplay.com/book 

Christmas storytelling 

Come along and listen to an enchanting 

Christmas story in the final leadup to 

Christmas, 19–22 Dec 

ENTRY 

Adults – FREE 

Under 2s – £2 or FREE with older sibling 

Ages 2–3 – £4 

Ages 4–12 – £5.50 

Unit 4, Curran Embankment, Cardiff CF10 5DX 

029 2034 5696 / parcplay@gmail.com 

except Christmas Day 

Your winter escape for Christmas 

parties, delicious food and drink, 

blockbuster films, bowling and 

festive family events! 

www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk 

Cinema | Bowling | Dining | Bars | Casino 

046_Full On Festive Fun_primary times.indd 1 08/11/2016 12:29 


WHAT’S ON WHERE 

10 

WOW! 

What’s on Where... 

LOOKING AHEAD 

Thursday 9th February 

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON 

Howell’s School & Co-ed College, Llandaff 

CF5 2YD. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Tel: 029 2026 1832. 

www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net 

Late January 

YOUNG PERSON’S FILM ACADEMY 

Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff CF5 1QE 

Popular programme for wannabe filmmakers 

aged 9 - 12. Learn more about how films are - 

places limited! Tel: 029 2030 4400. 

www.chapter.org 

ONGOING EVENTS 

NATIONAL MUSEUM 

Cardiff CF10 3NP Tel: 029 2057 3000 

www.museum.wales/cardiff 

Open every day except Monday. 

Until 31st December 

EXHIBITION: A NEW WELSH DINOSAUR 

Free display: The first Jurassic meat-eating 

dinosaur discovered in Wales is back on 

display in the Main Hall. 

Until May 2017 

EXHIBITION: WRIGGLE! 

Free exhibition: Explore the wonderful world 

of worms from fossils to fantasy, from food 

to spectacular beauty and the scary ones too! 

See life from a worm’s point of view or find 

out what museum scientists do to extend our 

knowledge of these fascinating animals. 

UPSTAIRS MEETING ROOM, 

Yr Hen Lyfrgell, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1BH 

Tel: 029 2037 3050. admin@hybu.co.uk 

10th, 17th, 19th - 23rd December 

DROP WHILE YOU SHOP! 

For children aged 4 - 11 years. 

Why not drop your children into 

an activity session whilst you do 

your Christmas shopping? £5 per session per 

We check listings carefully but details 

and prices may be subject to change. 

Please always check with the venue. 

child. The children can create decorations or 

presents or simply play games. Three sessions 

per day - 9.30 - 11.30am, 12 - 2pm & 2.30 - 

4.30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment. 

3HORSESHOES 

Moulton, Nr Barry, CF62 3AB 

Tel: 01446 710428 

www.3horseshoespub.com 

Weekdays throughout December: 

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS 

Eat, play & drink and let the 

children enjoy arts and crafts packs 

- whilst stocks last. Every Tuesday 

and Thursday during term time - Free play in 

the Playbarn. Open 9am - 9pm. 

RHONDDA HERITAGE PARK 

CF37 2NP Tel: 01443 682036 


Until 24th December: 

SANTA’S TOY MINE 

Meet Santa in his underground 

grotto. Each child will receive a 

gift from Santa. Adults receive 

a hot drink and mince pie. Pre-booking 

strongly recommended. Children £8.95; 

adults £5.45; under 3s £7.45. Christmas week 

- children £9.95; adults £6.45; under 3s £8.45. 

IKEA 

Cardiff, CF11 0JR 


SANTA CLAUS’ NORTH POLE 

Visit Santa at Ikea with all 

proceeds going to Noah’s Ark 

charity Tiny Lives Appeal - 

supporting the life-saving care of premature 

and critically ill babies. £8 - visit and gift; 

£10- visit, gift and photograph. 


Open Mon - Fri 1 - 5pm; Sat 11am - 5pm; 

Sun 11am - 3pm. 

DYFFRYN GARDENS 

Nr St Nicholas, CF5 6SU Tel: 029 2059 0813 


10-11 and 17-18 December 

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS 

Join Dyffryn Gardens this Christmas 

and visit a special man in red who 

will be making a stop at the grand 

and traditionally decorated house to hand out 

gifts to the children. Visits to Father Christmas 

are £4 per child, normal admission charges 

apply (National Trust members go free and 

under 11s go free if visiting Father Christmas). 

Until 15th January 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TRAIL 

10am - 4pm. Booking not needed. 

Normal admission applies. Enjoy 

a magical trail and marvel at the 

displays as the traditional Twelve Days of 

Christmas carol come to life around Dyffryn. 

Find French hens, turtle doves, and a 

partridge in a pear tree as the Twelve Days! 

Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

PRINCIPALITY STADIUM 

Cardiff CF10 1NS 

www.principalitystadium.wales 

1st - 24th December 

SANTA TOURS 

A fun filled visit to the stadium 

which ends in a visit to see Santa 

Claus in his secret grotto deep in 

the heart of the stadium. Adults £6; children 

U16 £11.50. 

NATIONAL WETLANDS CENTRE 

Llwynhendy, Llanelli, SA14 9SH 

Tel: 01554 741087 

www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli/lego 


LEGO BRICK ANIMAL TRAIL & 

WORKSHOPS 

Trail available every day, workshops 

weekends only. Look for the nine, giant LEGO 

brick animal models along the trail - available 

every day & included in admission price. Plus 

book an hour-long LEGO brick workshop to 

take part in exciting challenges and make & 

take home your own LEGO brick duckling (£8 

per person plus admission, booking essential). 

17th December - 3rd January 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FUN 

All day family fun to get you in 

the mood for Christmas including; 

Telescope in the Tower 11am 

- 12pm, guide in the hide 1 – 2pm and 

Christmas crafts 2pm - 4.30pm. Included in 

admission price. 

Sundays from 1st January - 26th 

March 

FOLLOW THE FEED 

3.30pm every Sunday, join the Warden 

feeding the collection of birds. 

5th, 12th December, 9th 16th, 23rd & 

30th January 

MONDAY MUNCHKINS 

Mondays during term time: 11am – 12pm. 

Activities for toddlers with a different theme 

each week from pond dipping, minibeast 

hunting, arts and crafts, stories, games and 

feeding the birds. Included in the admission 

price and free for members. 

January Weekend Fun 

All day family fun: Telescope in the Tower 

11am - 12pm, guide in the hide 1 – 2pm 

and seasonal crafts 2 - 4.30pm. Included in 

admission price. 

February Weekend Fun 

All day family fun including den building, 

self guided practice puddles. 11am - 12pm 

Telescope in the Tower; 1 - 2pm birdwatching 

in the Observatory & 2 - 4pm crafts. 

FFRESH RESTAURANT 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. CF10 

5AL Tel: 029 2063 6464. 


Until 23rd December 

Afternoon Tea with Father 

Christmas. Adults £15; U12 

£8. Duration: 1 hour. Enjoy a 

delicious tea of sandwiches and sweet treats 

with Father Christmas. 

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE 

Cardiff Bay. CF10 5AL 

Tel: 029 2063 6464. 


Until 14th January 2017 

THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF 

ROALD DAHL 

For 7 – 107 year olds. Embark on a magical 

and interactive journey to discover the 

secrets of Roald Dahl’s extraordinary life 

and the surprising inspiration for his most 

famous characters and stories. £8 - £9. 6pm. 


FATHER CHRISTMAS’ GROTTO 

Glanfa Foyer. Free - open to 

all. 10.30am - 2.30pm & 4.30 

– 5.30pm. Father Christmas is 

bringing his lovely grotto to the Centre this 

year and he’d love to invite you and your 

family to visit. 

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM 

Swansea, SA1 3RD 

Tel: 029 2057 3600 

www.museumwales.ac.uk 

Ongoing: Exhibition 

WASTE NOT! WANT NOT! 

10am - 5pm. (closed 24th, 25th, 26th 

December & 1st January). Free. Recycling 

Special! Discover the journey your household 

rubbish takes after kerbside collection 

and look at fabulous objects from around 

the world which started life as waste – 

including the fantastic rope animals. 

Saturday 17th - Thursday 29th 

December 

EXHIBITION: OXFORD MODEL CARS 

10am - 5pm. The Swansea company Oxford 

Diecast was famous for its intricate model 

cars, tractors and planes. Find out how they 

were made and pick your favourite. 

Continued on page 12


BIG PIT NATIONAL COAL MUSEUM 

Blaenafon, NP4 9XP 

Tel: 029 2057 3650 

www.museum.wales/bigpit/whatson 

1st, 8th & 15th December, 12th, 19th, 

26th January & 2nd February: 

EVERY THURSDAY DURING TERM 

TIME: STORY AND RHYME TIME IN 

WELSH FOR BABIES. 

10 - 11.30am. Storytelling and singing for 

parents and babies through the medium of 

Welsh. Suitable for 0 - 4 years. Free. 

PUGH’S GARDEN CENTRE, 

Wenvoe, CF5 6AD Tel: 01315 139989 

www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk/ 

wenvoe 

Selected dates until 24th December: 

VISIT SANTA IN HIS GROTTO 

Through the Wardrobe theme. 

Adults £2; children £8. 

Phone to book. 

CITY HALL LAWN 

Civic Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2ND 

Ticketsource: 0333 666 3366 

www.cardiffwinterwonderland.com 

Until 3rd January 2017 

CARDIFF’S WINTER WONDERLAND 

WITH ADMIRAL ICE RINK 

Under cover ice rink plus fairground rides 

and Alpine Village. See website for time and 

prices. Enjoy the atmosphere of outdoor 

skating under the lights of the night sky 

whilst keeping dry in all weathers! Open on 

new years eve until 12.30pm. 

QUEEN STREET 

Cardiff City Centre, CF10 




Open from 10.30am Mon - Sat, 

11am Sunday. £6 per child with 

2 accompanying adults. See 

Rudolph and wish Santa and his friendly 

Elves a Merry Christmas in his spectacular 

log cabin. 

TREDEGAR HOUSE 

Nr Newport, NP10 8YW 

Tel: 01633 815880 


3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th 

& 19th December 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

10:30am - 4pm. Normal 

admission applies. See the 

House decked out with 

lavish Victorian decorations for a special 

celebration of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas 

Carol’. Take a wintry walk through the 

gardens to the house where there will be 

music and merriment throughout, with 

traditional activities for the whole family. 

Visit Father Christmas (additional £2.50) and 

meet the ghosts of Christmas past, present 

and yet to come...but beware! Scrooge 

might be just around the corner. There will 

also be food and craft stalls so pop down to 

pick up a festive treat. 

MARGAM COUNTRY PARK 

Nr Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ 

Tel: 01639 881635. 

www.margamcountrypark.co.uk 

10th, 11th, 17th - 21st December 

SANTA FEEDS THE DEER 

Ticketed event. See Santa feed 

the Margam deer. Arrive by 

10.30am. Deer feeding starts 

promptly at 11am - 11.20am. Following 

the deer feed, visit the Children’s Village, 

adventure playground and farm trail. Tickets 

- cars £15, minibus £55, coach £150. All dogs 

must be kept on a lead. 

NOVEMBER 

Monday 28th November 

FILM: TROLLS (U) 

Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry 

CF62 8NA 5.30pm. Tickets: Adults £6.50; 

children u 16 £3.50. 

Box Office 01446 738622. 


DECEMBER 

Thursday 1st December 

PENARTH LATE NIGHT SHOP 

Penarth, CF64 

5 - 8pm. Enjoy festive special offers, 

refreshments, carols and live music as you 

shop. www.visitthevale.com 

Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th December 

GERMAN STYLE FESTIVE MARKET 


Thurs & Fri 5pm - late. Sat & Sun 

12pm - late. Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Friday 2nd December 

CARRY ON SCREAMING: ARRIVAL (12A) 


Every Friday at 11am, Carry on Screaming 

allows parents or carers to see a film without 

having to worry about their baby causing 

a disturbance. Exclusively for people with 

babies under one year old. 

Tel: 029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org 

DICKENSIAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE 

The Old Village Square, Dinas 

Powys, CF64 4DE 

Browse a great selection of stalls 

selling crafts, cards, food & drink and gifts 

just in time for Christmas. From 6pm. 

Tel: 01446 704737. 

www.visitthevale.com 

NEWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS 

LIGHTS SWITCH ON 

Newbridge Memo NP11 4FH 

5pm. Free. Tel: 01495 243252. 

www.newbridgememo.co.uk 

TODDLER DAYS: WINTER 

WONDERLAND 

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW 

U4s free, accompanying adults 

£5.50. Pre-school children have 

their run of the exhibits with activities on 

a special theme. There’ll be drawing and 

colouring and something to make to take 

home. Techniquest is buggy-friendly, with 

nappy-changing facilities and lockers. Tel: 

029 2047 5475. www.techniquest.org 

TODDLER TIME 



1.30 - 4pm. Find special boxes of toys, games 

and books hidden in different galleries to 

help parents and children aged 1–4 years 

explore the Museum through play. Plus 

activities in the Clore Discovery Centre. Story 

or songs at 3pm. Free. Theme - Castles, 

Princes and Princesses. Free. 

Tel: 029 2057 3000. 


YULETIDE TOURS 

Tredegar House, 


11:30am - 12:30pm. Booking 

essential. See Tredegar House dressed in all 

its Christmas finery. Discover more about 

Morgan family’s festive traditions and the 

tales of Charles Morgan. Discover the state 

rooms which hosted the celebrations and 

the network of kitchens and servants rooms 

which serviced the grand parties. 

Tel: 01633 815880. 


Saturday 3rd December 

FESTIVE FUN DAY 

National Waterfront Museum, 


12 - 4pm. Free. Featuring Olaf 

the Snowman, crafts, real donkeys, carols 

and a special visit from Santa. Tel: 029 2057 

3600. www.museumwales.ac.uk 

MEMO CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 

Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone 

Road, Barry CF62 8NA 

10am – 4pm. Over 30 stalls 

laden with gifts, hand-made craft and food. 

Festive films and Santa’s Grotto & Post 

Office. Your Grotto ticket includes a stop-off 

at Santa’s Post Office, where you can discuss 

wish lists, stamp and post your letter in our 

North Pole post-box. Once in the Grotto with 

Santa there will be a photo opportunity 

and gift from the Big Man himself! Festival 

Market: £1, Santa’s Grotto: £6.50. 

Tel: 01446 738622. 



Aberdare, CF44 

10am - 4pm. Free family day out 

with a visit from Santa and his 

reindeers plus Christmas market, Ski slope, 

refreshments, Birds of Prey, farm animals, 

funfair, face painting and more. 

Tel: 01443 424123. 


BLACKWOOD CHRISTMAS 

LIGHTS SWITCH ON 

Blackwood High Street (Outside 

Maxime Cinema) NP12 1AH 

4.30pm. Free. Tel: 029 2088 0011. 


CHARITY FAYRE 

Marshfield Village Hall, Marshfield, CF3 2UB 

In aid of Cara’s Dreams - raising money for 

6 year old Cara who has Cystic Fibrosis. Face 

painting, stalls, lucky dip, live choir and 

more. 12 - 5pm. See Cara’s story at 

www.justgiving.com/Carasdreams 

CHRISTMAS CRAFT CLUB 

Winding House Museum, NP24 6EG 

11am – 12pm. Christmas craft 

event. £2.50 per child. 

Tel: 01443 822666. 

www.windinghouse.co.uk 

FAMILY FILM: 


11am - The Muppets Christmas Carol (U). 

3pm - Sad Fantastic Beasts and Where… 

(12A). Tickets in advance: adults £4, children 

£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50. 

Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


JUNIOR RANGERS - 

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS 

Tredegar House, Nr Newport, NP10 8YW 

Booking essential. Crafts with the Junior 

Rangers. Please arrive at 9.45am. 

Tel: 01633 815880. 


MENTER IAITH CHRISTMAS FAIR 

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Nr Nelson, CF46 6ER 

10am - 4pm. Free entry to Fair. 

Tel: 01443 412248. 

www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk 

REINDEER DASH 

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon 

Road, Wraxall, Nr Bristol, BS48 1PG 

Walk, run or prance around a one 

mile zoo track at your own pace. Simply 

turn up and take part! Plus crafts in the 

Courtyard. Enjoy carols sung by local choir 

groups and head down to the reindeer field 

with the zoo keepers with a bag of animal 

food, and see the reindeer family. The 

keepers will be there to tell you all about the 

herd at Noah’s Ark whilst you get handson 

with the reindeer. See the advert to get 

free child entry. 

www.noahsarkzoofarm.com 

WINTER FESTIVAL FAMILY ACTIVITIES 


11am - 12pm: Gingerbread Men 

and Melted Snowman biscuit 

decorating. 12 - 1pm: Christmas Tree 

decoration workshop. 2 - 3pm: Christmas 

Card making workshop. 3 - 4pm: Chapter 

Snowman competition - make snowmen out 

of plastic cups! 4 - 5pm: Chapter Christmas 

interactive storytelling hour. Activities 

designed for the whole family, and are free! 

Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December 

WINTER WORKSHOP 

Parc Play, Unit 5, Curran Embankment, 

Grangetown, Cardiff, CF10 5DX 

11am and 2.30pm. Enjoy Winter crafts in the 

cosy cabin. Tel: 029 2034 5696. 

parcplay@gmail.com 

SANTA VISITS 

Castle Coch, CF15 7SS 

10.30am - 4pm. See Santa, his 

grand red sleigh and a beautiful 

travelling grotto. 

cadw.gov.wales/events 

12 



FAMILY 

CONCERT 

CYNGERDD 

I’R TEULU 

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales 

Cerddorfa a Chorws Cenedlaethol Cymreig y BBC 

Conductor Arweinydd Richard Balcombe 

Soloist Unawdydd Kizzy Crawford 

Presenter Cyflwynydd Josie D’Arby 

Saturday Sadwrn 17/12/16 | 7.30pm 

St David’s Hall, Cardiff Neuadd Dewi Sant, Caerdydd 

0800 052 1812 

bbc.co.uk/now @bbcnow 

1 PrimaryTimes_184x135_Christmas_ad.indd 1 08/11/2016 15:51 

christmas family ad 185x134.indd 1 13/11/2015 15:03 



LIGHTS IN THE SKY 


£1.50 addition to admission price. Look up 

into the night sky to explore the many lights 

that have fascinated humans for centuries. 

Discover their origins, from nearby satellites to 

distant stars, and find out which lights in the 

sky you can see from your own back garden. If 

you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of 

the Northern Lights! Suitable for ages 7+. 

Plus: 

FIRE & LIGHT 

Find out how the fire triangle can help 

us safely extinguish fires and also make 

exhilarating science demonstrations. 

Plus: 

PAWPRINTS IN THE WINTER SKY 

£1.50 addition to admission price. Help Izzy 

take a tour of the night sky as she learns 

about the animals that you can find amongst 

the stars. Suitable for under-7s. Tel: 029 2047 

5475. www.techniquest.org 

CLORE EXPLORERS 

National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 

3NP. 2pm. Find out more about objects from 

the Museum’s collection. 20 places available. 

Themes vary but each workshop will involve 

an opportunity to learn and discover plus a 

craft activity. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 


TRADITIONAL WINTER FAIR 

Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, 

Carmarthenshire. SA32 8QH 

Enjoy Christmas shopping, choirs 

and see the gardens transferred in to a 

winter wonderland. Tel: 01558 668998. 

www.aberglasney.org 

BLACKWOOD CHRISTMAS MARKET 

Blackwood High Street, 

NP12 1AE 

Sat 9am – 5pm; Sun 10am – 

4pm. Stalls along the high street, funfair 

rides, traditional entertainment, real 

reindeers and a Santa’s grotto. 

Plus: 


Tidal’s Store, Blackwood High 

Street, NP12 1AE 

Visit Santa in his grotto. See 

website for more information. Tel: 029 2088 

0011. www.caerphilly.gov.uk 

CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET 

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff 

Bay CF10 4J. Sat 11am - 10pm; Sun 

11am - 8pm. Craft stalls plus enjoy 

the Centre’s restaurants, and cafes. Pick up 

a unique Christmas gift or stocking filler. 

Parking at the Centre is free for customers 

(minimum spend applies). Find out more at 

thereddragoncentre.co.uk 



Santa will be waiting in the 

magical Black Tower with 

presents for all good boys and girls. Sessions 

in Welsh available. Book online at 



Cwmcarn Forest Visitor Centre, 

NP11 7FA. Walk through the 

snowy valleys to the North Pole 

and tell Santa your Christmas wishes and get 

an early gift! £6 per child. Includes gift. Tel: 

01495 272001. www.cwmcarnforest.co.uk 

AFTERNOON TEA WITH ELVES 

Dyffryn Gardens, 

Nr St Nicholas, CF5 6SU 


essential. Join the Elves in the Morning 

Room who will be playing games, telling 

stories, writing letters to Father Christmas 

and enjoying homemade cakes and treats. 

Enjoy a magical day out with the family 

eating homemade treats and cakes in our 

toasty morning room whilst looking out at 

the beautiful, wintry gardens. Tel: 029 2059 

0813. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 


CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 


Book online www.cardiffcastle.com 

SANTA SPECIAL 

Miniature Railways and 

Tramways. King George V 

Drive East, Heath Park, 

Cardiff CF14 4AW 

By ticket only. Children £10; adults £3.50. 

Miniature train rides, steam diesel & electric 

plus tram rides. Model railway layouts, 

refreshments. Open 1 – 5pm. No advanced 

tickets are available or required. Visit 

www.cardiffmes.com. 

CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS 

St Donats Castle, Nr Llantwit 

Major, CF61 1WF 

10:30am – 4:30pm. Over 50 

stalls including jewellery, wood, glass, 

ceramics, textiles, craft and so much more! 

Enjoy festive entertainment and an outdoor 

birds of prey display in the beautiful castle 

gardens. £6 per car. £2 per person on foot. 

Refreshments in the The Barn. There may 

even be a visit from Santa! Tel: 01446 

799100. www.stdonats.com 


Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol 

CF72 8JY 

Enjoy a classic Christmas carvery 

lunch and let the children enjoy balloon 

modelling, cheek and eye painting, a family 

quiz and a visit from Father Christmas. 




Tel: 01443 665803. 

BIRD WALK 

Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, CF23 5NP 

10am - 12pm. Meet opposite the lighthouse 

on Roath Park promenade. Walk around the 

lake in search of winter birds and wildfowl. 

Take binoculars if you have them. Free. 2km. 

Tel: 029 2233 0235 

www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks 

FESTIVE FILM DOUBLE BILL: THE 

SNOWMAN (U: 1982); THE SNOWMAN 

AND THE SNOWDOG (U: 2012) 



3pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


OH SO CRAFTY... MAKING WORKSHOP 


12pm - 2pm. Create button 

reindeers, button Christmas trees 

and pom-pom snowmen! Ideal to hang 

on the Christmas tree. Drop in workshop 

suitable for age 8+. £2 per participant. 

Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


SANTA & ELF DASH 

Roald Dahl Plass, 

Cardiff Bay CF10 5AN 

Join lots of other Santas and elves 

for the Welsh Hearts 5K walk, jog or run 

from Roald Dahl Plass around Cardiff Bay. 

Registration from 9am. Individuals £9, 

family £27. Or at welshhearts.org/sant 

TUDOR TREATS 

Llancaiach Fawr Manor, CF46 6ER 

Price included in manor entry fee, see 

website for times. Visitors to the manor can 

make candles, soap balls and pomanders as 

gifts for friends and family. Tel: 

01443 412248. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk 

4th, 11th, 18th and 21st December 

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PANTO AT 

VILLAGE HOTEL CARDIFF 

29 Pendwyallt Rd, Coryton, 

Cardiff, CF14 7EF 

Enjoy an afternoon of fun and 

laughter including a 2 course meal with a 

visit from the man himself! 

Book your tickets online – 


Monday 5th December 

CAKE DECORATING CLASS 


4:30 - 6:30pm Booking essential. £35. Learn 

from the talented team how to decorate 

your own cake. Tel: 029 2059 0813. 




Aberdulais Tin Works and 

Waterfall, SA10 8EU 

5 - 8pm. Wrap up and take a 







Tel: 01639 636674. 


Wednesday 7th December 

TODDLER TIME MONTHLY MOVIES: 

STICKMAN (U: 2015) 



10.30am. Free fun movie for the under-5s. 

Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


Thursday 8th December 

ROYAL BALLET LIVE: THE NUTCRACKER 

Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, Barry 

CF62 8NA. 7.15pm. Live broadcast via satellite 

from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. 

Tickets: Adults £15; Conc £12.50. Tel: 01446 

738622. www.memoartscentre.co.uk 

Thursday 8th & Friday 9th December 

ST FAGANS CHRISTMAS SONGSHEET 

St Fagans National History 

Museum CF5 6XB 

6pm & 7.30pm. £5.50 per 

person. Traditional tunes and a few more 

contemporary Christmas classics. Book via 

www.ticketlineuk.com or tel 029 2023 

0130. museum.wales/stfagans 








CARRY ON SCREAMING: A UNITED 

KINGDOM (12A) 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


DINKY DRAGONS 

Cardiff Story Museum, The Old Library, The 

Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH 

10am -3pm. Free. Rhyme time, story time 

and messy play. Tel: 029 2034 6214. 

www.cardiffstory.com 

FESTIVE FILM: THE NIGHTMARE 

BEFORE CHRISTMAS 3D (PG: 1993) 



2.30pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


LITTLE MICE CLUB: FESTIVE SPECIAL 



10.30am - 12pm. Enjoy bilingual 

play, songs and crafts. Free. 

Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


TODDLER TIME 







activities in the Clore Discovery Centre. 

Story or songs at 3pm. Theme – Christmas 

Wildlife. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 












which serviced the grand parties. 

Tel: 01633 815880. 


14 



Pt NHM November 2016.qxp_Layout 1 08/11/2016 11:43 Page 1 

Sain Ffagan Amgueddfa Werin Cymru 

St Fagans National History Museum 

8-9 RHAGFYR / DECEMBER 

6.00pm a/and 7.30pm 

Ymunwch â ni yng nghapel Pen-rhiw 

am noson o ganu Nadoligaidd 

Join us in the Museum’s 18th century 

Pen-rhiw chapel for Christmas songs 

Am fanylion ewch i www.amgueddfa.cymru/sainffagan 

Archebwch docynnau ar www.ticketlineuk.com 

For more details go to www.museum.wales/stfagans. 

Buy tickets from www.ticketlineuk.com 

BE 

GOOD 

AT 

BEING 

YOURSELF 

Singing, dancing and acting 

classes for 4 - 18 year olds, 

where students learn to embrace 

life with creativity and courage 

Find out more today: 

stagecoach.co.uk 

cardiff@stagecoach.co.uk 

bridgend@stagecoach.co.uk 

01446 772727 

/StagecoachCardiff 

/Stagecoach 

BridgendandCowbridge 

Creative Courage For Life 

 

® 

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. 

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd. 



MOTHER AND DAUGHTER 

CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP 


MOTHER AND DAUGHTER CHRISTMAS 

CRAFT WORKSHOP 

The Kymin, Beach Road, 

Penarth CF64 1JX 

Make a festive fur hair bow or 

glamorous winter fascinator and matching 

cosy muffs. Plenty of help for those not used 

to sewing. Learn something about the craft 

of millinery and take something home that 

you have made together. Three hour session. 

Workshops at 10am & 2pm. £30 per pair. 

Tel: 078 2867 1422. 

www.muffworkshops.weebly.com 


Mountain Ash, CF45 

10am - 4pm. Family day out with 

a visit from Santa, Christmas 

stalls, Ski slope, Snowglobe, refreshments, 

funfair, face painting, and more. Tel: 01443 

424123. www.rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson 


Treorchy, CF42 

10am - 4pm. Family day out 

with a visit from Santa and his 

reindeers, Christmas stalls, refreshments, 

funfair, face painting and more. Children 

and Reindeer Parade at 3:30pm. 

Tel: 01443 424123. 


FAMILY FESTIVE FUN 



10am - 4pm. A day of craft 

activities, storytelling and face painting. 

Meet Santa at 3pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 


SATURNALIA 

National Roman Legion 

Museum, Caerleon, NP18 1AE 

11am - 4pm. Free entry - charge 

for some activities. Drop in. Find out how 

the Romans celebrated their winter festival, 

Saturnalia. Taste Roman foods, make a 

Christmas gift for a loved one plus a visit 

from Santa. Tel: 029 2057 3550. 

museumwales.ac.uk/roman 

CHRISTMAS ARTISAN MARKET 

High St, Barry, CF62 7EB 

Enjoy some fantastic festive crafts, 

art , food stalls and music. 10am - 

5pm. Tel: 01446 704737. 

www.visitthevale.com 

TRADITIONAL NATIVITY 



Traditional style Nativity from The 

Redcliffe Brownies and Guides Group. Enjoy 

a selection of classic sing-along Christmas 

carols. Show times: 12pm & 2pm. 

www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk 

WOODEN SNOWMAN MAKING 

Parc Cwm Darran, CF81 9NR 

10am – 2pm. Make a wooden snowman 

with the rangers. Suitable for age 4+. £5 per 

person. Tel: 01443 875557. 

www.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside 

YULETIDE LOG AND WREATH MAKING 

Victoria Park, Cardiff CF5 1EY 

10.30am -3.30pm. Last entry 

2.30pm.Make your own Yuletide 

logs and wreaths for the festive season. 

Meet at the Bowls Pavilion, Victoria Park. 

Logs £2.50. table decorations £2.50, wreaths 

£6.50. Tel: 029 2233 0235 


CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING COURSE 


10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm. £20 

per person includes two hours 

tuition and materials. Tel: 01443 412248. 

www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk 

FAMILY FILM: FANTASTIC 

BEASTS AND WHERE… (12A) 


11am. Tickets in advance: adults £4, children 


Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


CRAFTY PICTURES & FAMILY FILM: 

TROLLS (PG) 


1.50 – 2.50pm. £6 (includes ticket to 3pm 

film). Cinema Club for ages 7+. Before 

the 3pm Family Feature, enjoy a creative 

workshop related to the film. Family Film 

3pm: Trolls (PG). Tickets in advance for film 

only: adults £4, children £3. On day: adults 

£4.50, children £3.50. Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Saturday 10th & 






cosy cabin. Tel: 029 2034 5696. 


SANTA VISITS 

Caerphilly Castle, CF83 1JD 

Sat 10am - 4pm; Sun 11am - 

4pm. See Santa, his grand red 

sleigh and a beautiful travelling grotto. 

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of 

a medieval castle preparing for Christmas 

with festive activities and entertainment for 

the family. No booking required. Plus visit 

the Christmas markets in the town centre. 

cadw.gov.wales/eventscadw.gov.wales/ 

events 


CardiffC a s t le CF10 3RB 




in Welsh language available. Book online at 



Love Caerphilly Shop, Caerphilly 

Town Centre, CF83 1JR 

Visit Santa in his grotto. £3.50 

per child (Includes gift). 

Tel: 029 2088 0011. 




NP11 7FA 

Walk through the snowy 

valleys to the North Pole and tell Santa your 

Christmas wishes and get an early gift! £6 

per child. Includes gift. Tel: 01495 272001. 



D y ff r y nG ardens, Nr St Nicholas, 

CF5 6SU 

9:30 - 10:30am. Booking 

essential. Enjoy some breakfast, play games 

and do some colouring with the Elves in 

the tearoom before paying a visit to Father 

Christmas. Adults - £10; children £7.Then 

visit Father Christmas from 11am - 3pm. 

Normal admission applies plus £4 per child. 

U11s free admission if visiting Santa. Father 

Christmas will be meeting all the good boys 

and girls to give them an early Christmas 

present. Tickets for your allocated time slot 

can be collected from the visitor reception, 

posted out or collected on the day. 

Booking essential for Breakfast with Elves 

and visiting Santa. Tel: 029 2059 0813. 


CHRISTMAS CRAFT WEEKEND 

St Fagans National History Museum, 

CF5 6XB 

12 - 4pm. Small charge to cover 

materials for some activities. Hands on 

drop-in activity sessions. Make a decoration 

for your tree or a special wish as you help to 

stir the Christmas pudding. T 

Plus: 


2pm. Find out more about objects from the 

Museum’s collection. 20 places available. 





FIRE & LIGHT 


Find out how the fire triangle can help 

us safely extinguish fires and also make 

exhilarating science demonstrations. 

Plus: 

LIGHTS IN THE SKY 

£1.50 addition to admission price. Look up 

into the night sky to explore the many lights 

that have fascinated humans for centuries. 

Discover their origins, from nearby satellites 

to distant stars, and find out which lights 

in the sky you can see from your own back 

garden. If you’re lucky you may even catch 

a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Suitable 

for ages 7+. 

Plus: 





the stars. Depending on the season, see 

what animals you can find. It might be a 

bull, a lion, a dragon or a winged horse! 

Suitable for under-7s. Tel: 029 2047 5475. 

www.techniquest.org 

RIVER OF LIGHT LANTERN 

WORKSHOPS 

Caerphilly Leisure Centre, CF83 3SW 

10am – 5pm. Make your own lantern ready 

for the parade on the 22nd December 

through Caerphilly Town Centre. Free. 

Tel: 029 2088 0011. 



FAMILY FILM: TROLLS (U) 





BIG PIT BABIES 

Big Pit National Coal Museum, 

NP4 9XP 

Sessions at 11.30am - 12.30pm 

& 1.30 - 2.30pm and MUST be booked 

in advanced. Limited spaces. £5 charge 

to include a gift. Suitable for 0 - 5 years. 

A chance for younger visitors to meet 

Mother Christmas and find out what’s been 

happening in the Christmas household. 

Tel: 029 2057 3650. www.museum.wales/ 

bigpit 


Vale Resort, Hensol Park, 

Hensol CF72 8JY 

Enjoy a classic Christmas carvery 







Tel: 01443 665804 


National Wetlands Centre, 


2.45pm. A magical experience to 

join Santa as he takes a break from his busy 

preparations to help feed the birds. Included 

in admission price. Tel: 01554 741087. 



Copthorne Way, Culverhouse 

Cross, Cardiff CF5 6DH 

Adult £16.95 children under 12 

£9.95; children under 3 eat free. To book 



Continued on page 18 

16 


this Christmas – and beyond... 

The fun-filled family show 

FIRE & LIGHT 

3-4 & 10-11 December 

plus 

Amazing shows in Wales’ 

only digital Planetarium 

and the delightfully disgusting 

YUCKY YOU! 

17-23 & 27-31 December 

2 January 



FESTIVE STREET THEATRE 

The Red Dragon Centre, 

Cardiff Bay CF10 4JY 

Appearances at 12.30pm, 2pm, 

3.30pm. Visitors to The Red Dragon Centre 

can enjoy an extra sprinkle of festive magic! 

All the way from Lapland, two larger than 

life playful Reindeer Puppets named Morty 

and Dave will be meeting and greeting, and 

spreading festive joy throughout the Centre. 

Parking at the Centre is free for customers 

(minimum spend applies). Find out more at 

thereddragoncentre.co.uk 

ROBIN NEST BOX MAKING 

WORKSHOPS 



Drop in anytime between 11am - 12pm or 

1 - 4pm to receive expert one-to-one tuition 

to make your own robin nest box to put up in 

your garden or give as the perfect Christmas 

gift. £7 per box plus admission. Tel: 01554 

741087. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli 

YULETIDE LOG AND WREATH MAKING 

Roath Park Pleasure Gardens, 


10.30am - 3.30pm. Last entry 

2.30pm. Make your own Yuletide logs and 

wreaths for the festive season. Meet at the 

Bowls Pavilion, Roath Pleasure Gardens. 

Logs £2.50; table decorations £2.50; wreaths 

£6.50. Tel: 029 2233 0235 




















Tel: 01639 636674. 


CAROL CONCERT 


7 – 9pm. Free entry. Tel: 01443 

412248. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk 

CAROLS 

Grange Gardens, CF11 7LJ 

6.30 - 7.30pm. A traditional 

carol concert at Grange Gardens 

bandstand. Wrap up warm and take a torch. 

Free. Tel: 029 2233 0235 



CAROLS 

Victoria Park, Cardiff CF5 1EY 

6.30 - 7.30pm. A traditional carol 

concert on Victoria Park bandstand. 

Wrap up warm and take a torch. Entrance via 

the main gate off Thompsons Avenue. Free. 

Tel: 029 2233 0235 www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks 

CHRISTMAS SINGALONG 



6pm. Free. Sing traditional and 

contemporary carols for maximum yuletide 

delight. Booking required. Tel: 029 2057 

3600. www.museumwales.ac.uk 

Wednesday 14th - Sunday 18th 

December 

BARGOED ICE RINK 

Morrisons Car Park, Bargoed, CF81 8QT 

10am – 7pm. No pre-booking, just turn 

up on the day. £3 per person (30 minute 

session, minimum age 4 years). Tel: 029 2088 

0011. www.caerphilly.gov.uk 


CAROLS 

Roath Park Pleasure Gardens, 


6.30 - 7.30pm. Traditional Carol 

Concert. Wrap up warm and take a torch. 

Entrance via the gate on corner of Ty Draw/ 

Alder Road. Free. Tel: 029 2233 0235. 



SANTA’S WORKSHOP 



5 - 6.30pm. A fun-filled, festive 

evening with Santa & his elves! Small gift, 

crafts & refreshments included. Booking 

essential. £10 per child (including 1 adult). 

Tel: 01554 741087. 




4:30 - 6:30pm. Booking essential. £35. Learn 




CARRY ON SCREAMING: SULLY (12A) 






babies under one year old. Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH 

SPECTRUM SINGERS 

Dyffryn Gardens, Nr St Nicholas, CF5 

6SU. Doors open at 7pm, concert 

starts 7.30pm. Adult (16+) £15; 

children (under 16) £10; Under 2s - Lap ticket 

only £2. Booking essential. Get in to the 

festive spirit and enjoy a concert in the Great 

Hall. Included with your ticket is a glass of fizz 

and mince pies during the interval. Tel: 029 

2059 0813. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 











which serviced the grand parties. Tel: 01633 

815880. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Friday 16th - Thursday 22nd 

December 





cosy cabin. Tel: 029 2034 5696. 



CLASSIC CAROLS 

Winding House Museum, NP24 6EG 

12pm. Join the White Rose Singers 

for classic Christmas carols in the 

historic winding engine house! Free event. Tel: 

01443 822666. www.windinghouse.co.uk 

MONTHLY NATURE RAMBLE 

Forest Farm, Cardiff CF14 7JJ 

10am - 12pm. Guided walk to identify the 

birds and other wildlife, which vary from 

month to month. Take binoculars if you have 

them. Meet at the Warden Centre Forest 

Farm. Free. Tel: 029 2233 0235 


ROCK NATIVITY 



Local group, The Rock Project for 

11-18 year old aspiring musicians, will be 

performing an alternative and dynamic take 

on the Nativity story for visitors to enjoy. 

Show times: 12pm, 1.30pm & 3pm. See the 

advert to get free child entry. 

www.noahsarkzoofarm.com 

WOODEN REINDEER MAKING 

Parc Cwm Darran, CF81 9NR 

10am – 2pm. Make your own 3 foot 

tall Rudolph. All ages welcome. £10 

per person. Tel: 01443 875557. 

www.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside 

FAMILY FILM: TROLLS (U) 




Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


CRAFTY PICTURES & FAMILY FILM: 

THE MUPPETS (PG) 


1.50pm – 2.50pm. £6 (includes ticket to 3pm 

film). Chapter’s Cinema Club for ages 7+. For 

one hour, before the 3pm Family Feature 

enjoy a creative workshop where children 

can take part in a number of different craft 

activities related to the film they will watch. 

3pm: Muppets Christmas Carol (U). Tickets in 

advance for film only: adults £4, children £3. 

On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50. 


Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th 

December 

BARGOED ICE RINK SANTA’S GROTTO 

Bargoed Ice Rink, Morrisons Car 

Park, Bargoed, CF81 8QT 

11am – 4pm. Enjoy a festive 

skate at the Bargoed Ice Rink (£3 per person) 

and then visit the famous man himself… 

Santa! Rudolph may also visit. Grotto free! 

029 2088 0011. www.caerphilly.gov.uk 


Dyffryn Gardens, Nr St Nicholas, 

CF5 6SU 

9:30 - 10:30am. Enjoy some 

breakfast, play games and do some 

colouring with the Elves in the tearoom 

before paying a visit to Father Christmas. 

Adults - £10; children £7. Visit Father 

Christmas from 11am - 3pm. Normal 

admission applies plus £4 per child. U11s 

free admission if visiting Santa. Father 

Christmas will be meeting all the good boys 

and girls to give them an early Christmas 

present. Tickets for your allocated time slot 

can be collected from the visitor reception, 

posted out or collected on the day. Booking 

essential for both breakfast and visiting 

Santa. Tel: 029 2059 0813. 




NP11 7FA 

Walk through the snowy 

valleys to the North Pole and tell Santa your 

Christmas wishes and get an early gift! £6 

per child. Includes gift. Tel: 01495 272001. 


RIVER OF LIGHT LANTERN 

WORKSHOPS 

Caerphilly Leisure Centre, CF83 3SW 

10am – 5pm. A chance to show off your 

artistic skills and make your own lantern 

ready for the parade on the 22nd December 

through Caerphilly Town Centre. Free. Tel: 

029 2088 0011. 


Saturday 17th - Monday 19th 

December 

ST FAGANS FOOD AND MAKERS’ 

MARKET 

St Fagans National History Museum, CF5 6XB 

10am - 4pm. Free. Meet the makers and pick 

up something special that you’d never find 

on the high street. With family friendly craft 

workshops and demonstrations. Tel: 029 

2057 3500. museum.wales/stfagans 

Saturday 17th - 


TEA PARTY WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS 

St Fagans National History 

Museum CF5 6XB 

11am, 1pm & 3pm. £14. Santa 

and Mother Christmas are visiting St 

Fagans again this year. Enjoy a tea party to 

remember with the Christmassy couple, 

listen to their magical stories and - if you’re 

good - they’re sure to give you a gift. 

Suitable for age 4+. Welsh sessions on 

Saturday 17 December and Monday 19 

December at 11am. Bookings via www. 

ticketlineuk.com or tel 029 2023 0130. 

museum.wales/stfagans 

18 



Discotots 

Bilingual Discotots parties are 

now available to book! We are 

pleased to welcome our lovely 

Welsh speakers Hannah and 

Caryl to the team! Discotots has 

continued to go from strength 

to strength since winning the 

Netmums award for ‘Best Party 

Entertainer Category in Wales’ 

and the Mums In The Know 

award for ‘Best Class for 2-4yr 

olds’! For more info about our 

funky, action packed birthday 

parties (up to 8yrs), 

or our upbeat 

preschool class 

(0-4yrs) contact 

us now. 

Tel: 0845 603 7220 / 02920 462540 

BRIDGEND 

CAERPHILLY 

CYNCOED 

LL ANTRISANT 

LL ANISHEN 

MARSHFIELD 

RADYR 

SULLY 

JOIN US FOR A FREE TRIAL LESSON 


TOP TIPS 

TOP TIPS 

Go Air Trampoline Park 

The nights are getting darker, the weather is getting wetter, and parents are left with 

the dilemma of how the kids can burn off all their excess energy – but finding indoor 

activities that are fun for all the family is no mean feat. 

That’s where Go Air comes in! Wales’ largest trampoline park offers an exhilarating 

experience for all ages with over 120 interconnected trampoline beds, bounce 

basketball, trampoline dodgeball and much more coming in our refit over the coming 

weeks! Open jumping is great way to burn off energy, but for more structured exercise, 

there is also an array of kids’ activities, including trampoline proficiency lessons, 

parkour practice and recreational dodgeball classes, all of which are suitable for age 

6 upwards - plus there’s a host of trampoline based Go Air Fit fitness classes for adults 

running every weekday! 

Jump online now www.goairtrampolinepark.co.uk for all the flipping brilliant info! 

Santa’s Toy Mine returns to Rhondda 

Heritage Park this festive season, bringing 

Christmas cheer by the sled load! 

Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehaford is set to be transformed into a magical 

Christmas experience where you can join the Toy Miners on the adventure as they 

travel through the underground toy mine on the hunt for Santa. With dazzling 

lights and special effects this is an experience like no other. 

Each visiting child will receive a gift and adults will get a hot drink and mince pie. 

Tours run daily from 27th November right up to Christmas Eve. 

To book and for further information please visit 


Cardiff Council 

Cardiff’s great seasonal attraction is back to give the city centre its famous 

festive sparkle, and this year local major employer Admiral are on board – and 

there is a brand new additional feature built on to keep skaters dry as the 

attraction becomes Cardiff’s Winter Wundercoverland. 

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland with Admiral Ice Rink will run from Thursday 

November 10 to Tuesday January 3 (a Bank Holiday), and after one of the 

wettest winters on record last year, organiser Sayers Amusements are reducing 

the risk of people missing out on skating sessions by looking to keep skaters 

super dry with a clear span roof and night sky lights. 

Take a walk across to the fantastically festive Christmas markets and discover 

what makes the Cardiff Christmas Market so unique. St John Street, Working 

Street, Hills Street, the Hayes and Trinity Street Open every day from Thursday 

10 November to Friday 23 December 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, 

10am to 5pm Sunday and 10am to 7pm every Thursday in December 

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the Panto. 

10 December 2016 - 8 January 2017 New Theatre, Cardiff The New Theatre’s 

pantomime will ‘Hofficially’ be the biggest 

and best yet with global television and 

entertainment mega-star David Hasselhoff 

as the dastardly Captain Hook in the 

swashbuckling adventure Peter Pan. 


Phone: (029) 2087 2087 

Email: events@cardiff.gov.uk 

Why not drop while you shop? 

Would like to invite you to drop your children off while you shop 

into one of our Christmas activities sessions at Yr Hen Llyfrgell, 

The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1BH. 

Two hour sessions of making and decorations gifts or just 

playing Christmas Games. Open 10th 17th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 

and 23rd December. 

Daily sessions 9.30 – 11.30, 12.00 – 2.00 and 2.30 -4.30. 

Further information and to book email admin@hybu.co.uk or 

telephone 029 2037 3050. Registered charity number 1159144 

20 


PT CP Dec 16.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2016 10:38 Page 1 

Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Caerdydd 

National Museum Cardiff 

Dewch wyneb yn wyneb 

â deinosoriaid go iawn 

dros y gaeaf 

Am amseroedd agor y Nadolig 

a manylion digwyddiadau, 

ewch i amgueddfa.cymru 

Mynediad 

am ddim 

Free entry 

THE 

THE TALENT HUB FOR 

CARDIFF AND THE VALE 

Come face to face with 

real dinosaurs this winter 

For Christmas opening times and event details, 

visit museum.wales 

Parc Cathays, Caerdydd CF10 3NP 

Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP 

ACTING • MUSICAL THEATRE • DANCE 

Performing Arts School for ages 3 to adult 

Shelley Norton Stage School and Management offers a full and diverse 

timetable of classes in TV, stage and audition technique classes for 

children and adults. 

The Talent Shack, Unit 17, Freemans Parc, Penarth Road, CF11 8EQ 

029 2023 3622 

hello@shelleynorton.co.uk 

shelleynorton.co.uk 

thetalentshack.co.uk 

What’s Go-ing On at 

Go Air this Autumn?! 

Term Time 

Weekdays 4-6pm 

After School 

Bounce & 

Bite Deal 

£8.50 for a one 

hour bounce plus a 

kid’s snack box or 

hot dog meal 

T&C’s Apply 

Mon to Thur 10-8pm 

and Friday 10-6pm 

goairtrampolinepark.co.uk / 02920 099 899 



Saturday 17th - Friday 23rd December 






in Welsh language available. Book online at 


STAR TOURS 


£1.50 addition to admission price. Find out 

more about some familiar constellations, the 

planets, how stars are born and how they die. 

The Digital Planetarium can take you through 

space for a close up look at some of nature’s 

most beautiful sights such as distant galaxies 

and exploded stars. Suitable for ages 7+. 

Plus: 

YUCKY YOU! 

Included in admission price. Why does skin 

becomes spotty, why noses get snotty and 

why we go to the potty - find out in this funfilled 

show that’s suitable for all the family. 

Plus 





the stars. Depending on the season, see 

what animals you can find. It might be a 

bull, a lion, a dragon or a winged horse! 

Suitable for under-7s. Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


ARTES MUNDI CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 

ART ACTIVITIES 

National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 

3NP. Art activities related to the national 

traditions of the Artes Mundi artists. Free, 

drop-in. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 




Vale Resort, Hensol Park, 

Hensol CF72 8JY 

Enjoy a classic Christmas carver 







Tel: 01443 665805 

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE PIT 

Big Pit National Coal Museum, 

NP4 9XP 

12 - 4pm. Be amazed as Father 

Christmas arrives at Pit Top at 10.30am, 

travelling 300ft UP from underground on 

his way to Lapland. Once he’s arrived (and 

found his elves!), there’ll be an opportunity 

to visit him in his cottage, until 4pm and tell 

him what’s on your Christmas list. Music will 

also be provided by Blaenavon Town Band. 

£5 charge to include a gift. Suitable for all 

children. No booking necessary. Tel: 029 

2057 3650. www.museum.wales/bigpit 




2.45pm. Join Santa as he takes 

a break from his busy preparations to help 

feed the birds. Included in admission price. 

Plus: 

ROBIN NEST BOX MAKING 

WORKSHOPS 

Drop in between 11am - 12pm or 1 - 4pm 

to receive one-to-one tuition to make your 

own robin nest box to put up in your garden 

or give as the perfect Christmas gift. £7 per 

box plus admission. Tel: 01554 741087. 





Adult £16.95 children under 12 

£9.95; children under 3 eat free. To book 



CHRISTMAS UNDERGROUND CINEMA 



FESTIVE FILM: MIRACLE ON 34TH 

STREET (U: 1947) 



2.30pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


LANTERN LIT GARDENS AND 

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE 

Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, 

Carmarthenshire. SA32 8QH 

Celebrate the festive period with a Carol 

Service in Aberglasney’s beautiful manor 

house. Mulled wine. Free entry from 3pm. 

Carol Service 6pm. Tel: 01558 668998. 

www.aberglasney.org 

MINCE PIE WALK 


Walk around the Cwmcarn valley and blow 

away the stresses of Christmas with this 

strenuous, but very rewarding walk approx. 

7 miles. Wrap up warm, and take a flask. On 

return to the Centre, enjoy a hot chocolate 

& mince pie. £5 per adult. £3.50 per child, 

payable at time of booking. Dogs welcome. 

Tel: 01495 272001. 


TUDOR TREATS 


Price included in manor entry fee, see 

website for times. Visitors to the manor can 

make candles, soap balls and pomanders 

as gifts for friends and family. Tel: 01443 

412248. www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk 


RSPB CYMRU PARC PLAY 



11am - 3pm. RSPB will provide nature based 

family activities and will also be on hand 

helping families to plant a tree to be taken 

home or left at Parc Play to be visited and 

watch it grow through the year. Tel: 029 

2034 5696. parcplay@gmail.com 

FILM: TROLLS (U) 

Memo Arts Centre, Gladstone Road, 

Barry CF62 8NA 

10am. Tickets: Adults £6.50; children U16 

£3.50. Box Office 01446 738622. 


Monday 19th - Thursday 22nd 

CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING 

Parc Play, Unit 5, Curran 

Embankment, Grangetown, Cardiff, 

CF10 5DX. 10.30am - 2.30pm.Listen 

to an enchanting Christmas story. Tel: 029 

2034 5696. parcplay@gmail.com 











appropriate clothing and take a torch. Tel: 

01639 636674. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ 

aberdulais 

CHRISTMAS UNDERGROUND CINEMA 



WINTER WELLY WALK 


10.30 - 11.30am. Wear your festive wellies 

and enjoy a walk around the Nantcarn valley 

making your way to the Craft hut to make 

Christmas Tree decorations. Wrap up warm, as 

you will be outside for the session! Ages 3+. 

£2 per child. £1 per adult. Book your place as 

spaces are limited! Tel: 01495 272001. 


Wednesday 21st December 

CAROL CONCERT 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff 

Bay. CF10 5AL. 5.45pm. Glanfa 

stage. A celebration of Christmas 

with City Voices Cardiff and some festive 

treats, including mince pies. Free - open to 

all. Tel: 029 2063 6464. www.wmc.org.uk 

FAMILY FILM: THE MUPPETS 

CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) 



£3. On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50. Tel: 

029 2030 4400. www.chapter.org 

FESTIVE CRAFT 

Cardiff Story Museum, The Old 

Library, The Hayes, Cardiff, 

CF10 1BH. 10am - 3pm. £1 per child. 

Drop in to the children’s craft session for 

some festive fun! Tel: 029 2034 6214. 


Thursday 22nd December 

CAERPHILLY RIVER OF LIGHT 

LANTERN PARADE 

From Caerphilly Railway Station, CF83 1HE 

6.30pm start. A festive parade through 

Caerphilly Town Centre, followed by a 

spectacular fireworks display above the skies 

of Caerphilly Castle. Free. Tel: 029 2088 0011. 


FAMILY FILM: FANTASTIC BEASTS 

AND WHERE… (12A) 





Friday 23rd December 

CARRY ON SCREAMING: A UNITED 

KINGDOM (12A) 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


DOGGY TINSEL WALK 

Cwmcarn Forest 

Visitor Centre, NP11 7FA 

11am - 12.30pm. Enjoy a gentle 

stroll around the valley and on your return 

warm up with a hot chocolate and tasty dog 

treats (human treats also available!). Feel 

free to take your tinsel or reindeer antlers to 

get in the festive cheer! Adults £4; children 

£2.50. DOGS FREE! Booking advised as places 

are limited! Tel: 01495 272001. 


25th December 

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH AT VILLAGE 

HOTEL CARDIFF 

29 Pendwyallt Rd, Coryton, 

Cardiff, CF14 7EF. Come and say 

hello to Santa whilst enjoying 

your Christmas Day Lunch, 4 course meal in 

our Inspiration Suite or 3 course meal in 

The Public House. Book your tickets online – 


Friday 23rd - 





Adults £16.95; children under 

12 £9.95; children under 3 eat free. 

To book tel: 029 2029 4333 or email 

events.cardiff@millenniumhotels.com 


FAMILY FILM: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND 

WHERE… (12A) 




Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Tuesday 27th - 

Saturday 31st December 

YUCKY YOU! 


Included in admission price. Why does skin 


why we go to the potty find out in this funfilled 


Plus: 





the stars. Suitable for under-7s. 

Plus: 

STAR TOURS 

£1.50 addition to admission price. The Digital 

Planetarium can take you through space 

for a close up look at some of nature’s most 

beautiful sights such as distant galaxies and 

exploded stars. Suitable for ages 7+. Tel: 029 

2047 5475. www.techniquest.org 

22 



Kids’ Book 

Reviews 

Get your nose stuck in a book... 

Our Kids Book Review Panel is a group 

of children from across the UK who have 

an avid interest in reading. They receive books 

from us on a regular basis and post their reviews online. 

To see reviews for other titles visit www.primarytimes.net/reviews/ 

Santa Claude, by Alex T Smith 

Published by: Hodder Children’s Books. 

ISBN: 1444926497 

Reviewed by Ellen, aged 8 from North Yorkshire: 

One night Claude the dog’s owners go out and he 

thinks he hears a burglar. He ties the burglar up 

but then he discovers the burglar is actually Santa 

Claus! Claude has to deliver all the presents but can he 

get home before his owners come back home? I liked this book because 

it is a very funny story and the author has used a lot of imagination. 

GIVE A 

gift 

experience 

THIS CHRISTMAS 

Prince George and the Royal Potty, by Caryl Hart 

Published by: Orchard Books. ISBN: 1408339714 

Reviewed by Ethan, aged 4 from Cardiff: This book is about a little 

Prince who wants to do grown up things. George wants to be a knight but 

his armour won’t fit over his nappy! George wants 

to go marching but his nappy gets full of poop and 

he starts to smell really bad! So George has to potty 

train just like my brother Harrison is doing at the 

moment. It isn’t long before George can use the 

potty. When George has a wee on the potty he gets 

really really happy! I really liked this book, it is funny 

and my brother Harrison likes it too. 

If you’re looking for something that’s truly 

memorbale, then give an experience to treasure 

at the Vale Resort this Christmas. Sit back, relax 

and enjoy some stress free Christmas shopping 

from the comfort of your very own armchair. 

Nixie: Wonky Winter Wonderland, by Cas Lester 

Published by: OUP Oxford. ISBN: 0192743236 

Reviewed by Willow, aged 7 from Cornwall: 

This book is about a girl called Nixie who is a fairy. It has 

lots of lovely pictures, which helped me to see what was 

happening. The chapters all have clocks on them, this 

helped me learn telling the time. The writing is nice, I 

liked all the different fonts. There is another book about 

Nixie that I hope to read too. I think my sister would like 

this book as well as children who love cheeky fairies. 

Animal Magic Board Book, by Phil Allcock 

Published by: Maverick Arts Publishing. 

ISBN: 1848862326 

Reviewed by mum of Aurora, aged 2 from 

Oxfordshire: This magical nonsense rhyme 

board book is absolutely brilliant. Aurora loves 

it! Is it a hedgehog, a toad or a worm? Highly 

recommended! 

The Awesome Body Book, by Adam Frost 

Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens. ISBN: 1408862352 

Reviewed by James, aged 8 from Cardiff: So... it went like this... 

our topic in school was ‘the body’ and then this book 

arrived so I took it into school thinking my teacher 

would be impressed with me. I based this theory on 

the title of it, rather than having read any of it. My 

teacher looked inside and shrieked with horror, as she 

had opened it on the ‘how to make a poo’ page!! Good 

information and fab pics about the body, but don’t give 

it to anybody over 40 to read as they are all a bit silly 

about poo/wee/bums, etc. 

SPA TREATMENTS | GOLF LESSONS 

AFTERNOON TEA | SHORT BREAKS 

ROUND OF GOLF | PAMPER DAYS 

A LA CARTE DINNER | GOLF MEMBERSHIP 

CHOCOLATE MAKING | MONETARY VOUCHERS 

SUNDAY LUNCH | AND MUCH MUCH MORE 

CLICK OR COLLECT - THE CHOICE IS YOURS 

www.vale-hotel.com/gifts 

Tel: 01443 667800 

Hensol Park, Hensol, 

Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY 










FESTIVE CRAFT 

Cardiff Story Museum, 

The Old Library, The Hayes, 

Cardiff, CF10 1BH. 10am - 3pm. 

£1 per child. Drop in to the children’s craft 

session for some festive fun! Tel: 029 2034 

6214. www.cardiffstory.com 

Wednesday 28th - 


ARTES MUNDI CHRISTMAS 

HOLIDAY ART ACTIVITIES 


Cardiff CF10 3NP. Art activities related to 

the national traditions of the Artes Mundi 

artists. Free, drop-in. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 










CARRY ON SCREAMING: FANTASTIC 

BEASTS … (12A) 









NOS GALAN ROAD RACES 

Mountain Ash, CF45. Road Races start at 

5.15pm. In addition to the road races there 

will be a mystery runner in attendance who 

will light a beacon at 6.30pm plus a Firework 

display at 6.45pm. Tel: 01443 424123. 

www.nosgalan.co.uk 

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE THREE 

HORSESHOES PLAYBARN 

3 Horseshoes, Nr Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, 

CF62 3AB. Meal, Entertainment, Fireworks and 

Transport (Barry & Rhoose) Playbarn Open. 

Adults £30 & Children £15. Tel 01446 710428 

www.3horseshoespub.com 

Sunday 1st January 

VEGGIE PATCH KIDS 



11am - 12pm. Take your little ones to grow 

veggies in the patch and learn how to care 

for plants. Included in admission price and 

free for members. Tel: 01554 741087. 


Monday 2nd January 






the stars. Suitable for under-7s. 

Plus: 

STAR TOURS 

£1.50 addition to admission price. The Digital 

Planetarium can take you through space 

for a close up look at some of nature’s most 

beautiful sights such as distant galaxies and 

exploded stars. Suitable for ages 7+. 

Plus: 

YUCKY YOU! 

Included in admission price.Why does skin 


why we go to the potty find out in this funfilled 


Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


Wednesday 4th January 

TODDLER TIME MONTHLY MOVIES: 

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD (U:2011) 



10.30am. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


Friday 6th January 

CARRY ON SCREAMING: 

PHONE FOR FILM DETAILS 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


TODDLER DAY: 

RAINBOWS & RAINDROPS 


U4s free, accompanying adults £5.50. Preschool 

children have their run of the exhibits 

with activities on a special theme. There’ll 

be drawing and colouring and something to 

make to take home. Techniquest is buggyfriendly, 

with nappy-changing facilities and 

lockers. Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


Saturday 7th January 

FAMILY FILM: PHONE FOR FILM 

DETAILS 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th January 

GIANTS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM 


£1.50 addition to admission price. Jupiter, 

Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are the largest 

planets in the solar system; they are known 

as the Gas Giants. However, these are not 

just balls of Gas as their name suggests. 

They are the guardians of the Solar System, 

protecting the inner planets from potentially 

life threatening collisions with space debris. 

Find out the true nature of these Giants. 

Suitable for ages 7+. 

Plus: 

DON’T DO THIS AT HOME 

Weekends only: Included in admission price. 

Find out why you shouldn’t put metal in a 

microwave and what you should never put 

in your toilet. Show full of thrilling science 

demonstrations using simple house hold 

equipment that you should definitely not 

try at home. 

Plus: 

STARMAN AND HIS DOG 

£1.50 addition to admission price. Discover 

who the Starman is as he helps you find 

pictures in the night sky by joining the stars 

together using imaginary lines. Did you 

know that in the sky there are young, adult 

and old stars? Suitable for under-7s. 

Tel: 029 2047 5475. 



National Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff 

CF10 3NP 







MARI LWYD PUPPETS 



Make a puppet to celebrate this ancient 

Welsh winter custom that includes a horse’s 

skull. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


Sunday 8th January 

GARTH MOUNTAIN WALK 

From Taffs Well Train Station, CF15 7PE 

10am - 1pm. A walk up the gradual slopes of 

the Garth. Wet weather clothing and stout 

walking boots essential. Plus a flask of coffee 

or soup might cheer you up at the top! Meet 

at Taffs Well train station Free. 11km. Tel: 

029 2233 0235 www.cardiff.gov.uk/parks 


3D SPACE SHOW 



7pm. Free. Join AstroCymru for this hands on 

science spectacular that will take you on a 

journey around our solar system. 

Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


CARRY ON SCREAMING: PHONE FOR 

FILM DETAILS 








DINKY DRAGONS 

Cardiff Story Museum, The Old Library, 

The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1BH 

10am -3pm. Free. Rhyme time, story time 

and messy play. Tel: 029 2034 6214. 


TODDLER TIME 








or songs at 3pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 




DETAILS 


Tickets in advance: adults £4, children £3. 

On day: adults £4.50, children £3.50. Tel: 029 

2030 4400. www.chapter.org 

THRIFTY KIDS: MAKE A RECYCLED 

MILK CARTON ELEPHANT 



10.30am -12.30pm. Free. Decorate an old 

plastic milk bottle to turn it into a cute 

elephant friend. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 


Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January 


















try at home. 

Plus: 












Plus: 








Tel: 029 2047 5475. 



BIRD WALK 

Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, CF23 5NP 

10am - 12pm. Meet opposite the lighthouse 

on Roath Park promenade for the start of 

this walk around the lake in search of winter 

birds and wildfowl. Take binoculars if you 

have them. Free. 2km. Tel: 029 2233 0235. 


24 



H 

Christmas 

H 

Kids in the Kitchen 

Christmas is one of the most expensive 

times of the year so why not cut down on 

expenses while getting your children into 

the kitchen at the same time. Unlike socks 

or aftershave, food gifts are rarely unwanted. 

The main difference between something 

home-made and a shop-bought treat is price, 

and with clever packaging, a home-made 

treat can be even more eye-catching than 

its commercial equivalent. The more ‘down 

to earth’ and ‘artisan’ your presentation, the 

better the home-made treat looks. Stock up 

on icing sugar, twine, empty jam jars and 

brown paper bags and boxes. Check out 

boutique food shops and cafés and take 

pictures of ‘rustic’ items that capture your 

fancy, then simply reproduce the look at home! 

Not only will home-made gifts save you money, 

but family and friends will be touched that you 

took the time. 

You don’t have to be Mary Berry! The following 

recipes are so easy that the whole family 

can join in. 

By Anne Marie Scanlon 

Mini Christmas Pudding 

Rice Krispie Cakes 

The Rice Krispie cake has to be one 

of the easiest recipes ever created. It 

is next to impossible to fail and best of 

all, everyone loves them. 

Ingredients: 

50g Rice Krispies/popped rice cereal 

50g Butter • 100g Milk Chocolate 

80g White Chocolate 

Pre-made icing holly leaves 

Method: 

Melt the chocolate and butter together 

and mix well. 

Put the Rice Krispies into a large 

bowl, add the melted chocolate and 

mix until every ‘Krispie’ is coated in 

chocolate. 

Shape the mixture into little ‘puddings’ 

and put in the fridge until set. 

Melt the white chocolate and dribble 

over the puddings. Top with the premade 

holly leaves and again leave in 

the fridge until completely set. 

Presentation & Wrapping: 

Use a large dinner plate to draw 

around and cut out a large circle 

of cellophane. Place a mound of 

‘puddings’ in the middle and take the 

edges of the cellophane up to cover 

the mound. Hold together with an 

elastic band or Sellotape, then tie with 

twine and a handmade label. 

Christmas Coconut Truffles 

Truffles are a perennial favourite and 

incredibly easy to make... 

Ingredients: 

200ml Double Cream 

200g Dark Chocolate (minimum 70% 

Cocoa Solids) 

200g Desiccated Coconut 

Method: 

Chop the chocolate into small pieces 

and put in a mixing bowl. 

In a saucepan, bring the cream gently 

to the boil. 

Pour the cream over the chocolate 

and stir until both ingredients are 

completely blended and smooth. 

Leave the mixture in the fridge until it 

becomes solid. 

Using a teaspoon, scoop out small 

pieces of the mixture and roll into bitesized 

balls. 

Roll each individual ball in coconut 

until it is completely covered. 


You can wrap these in cellophane 

just like the Christmas Pudding Rice 

Krispie Cakes. Or line a small brown 

cardboard box with tissue paper 

and use twine to secure it. Add a 

handmade label made of brown 

cardboard. 

Edible Garlands 

Edible decorations such as 

gingerbread shapes and candy canes 

have been a staple on Christmas trees 

for a long time. The following edible 

garlands are so simple to make that 

even the smallest members of the 

family can help. They can be used to 

decorate your own home or can be 

given as gifts. 

Ingredients: 

A large sewing needle and thread. 

Popcorn, marshmallows, and dried 

fruit such as cranberries work well. 

Method: 

Double your thread to increase its 

strength and thread on the ingredients. 

Tie off the ends and hey presto! – It’s 

that simple! 


If you’re using these garlands as 

decorations then simplicity is key. 

Use one or two ingredients for an 

authentic rustic feel. 

If you are planning on giving the 

garlands as gifts you can add all sorts 

of decorations – melted chocolate, 

edible glitter and more – let the kids 

take over! Then twizzle the garland 

into a large glass jar and tie with a 

ribbon and child’s handmade label. 

Perfect for grandparents! 



MUSEUM MONTHLY MOVIES: 

WALL-E (U:2008) 



2.30pm. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 




FILM DETAILS 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


TODDLER TIME 










Saturday 21st January 

FAMILY FILM: PHONE 

FOR FILM DETAILS 




Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January 


















try at home. 

Plus: 












Plus: 








Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


SANTES DWYNWEN – LOVE BUGS 



12.30 - 3.30pm. Free. Make a cute love 

bug to celebrate this ancient Welsh love 

tradition. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 



CARRY ON SCREAMING: PHONE 

FOR FILM DETAILS 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


TODDLER TIME 



Every Friday afternoon from 1.30 - 4pm 

you’ll find special boxes of toys, games 


help parents and children aged 1 – 4 years 

explore the Museum through play. There will 

also be play activities in the Clore Discovery 

Centre and you can enjoy a story at 3pm 

or song in a new part of the museum each 

week. Free. Tel: 029 2057 3000. 




DETAILS 




Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


STAR ATTRACTIONS AT THE MUSEUM 



10am - 4pm. A fun-filled day of spacethemed 

activities for all the family. Free. 

Tel: 029 2057 3000. 


Saturday 28th & 


FIRESIDE STORIES - NATIONAL 

STORYTELLING WEEK 

St Fagans National History Museum CF5 6XB 

11am - 1pm & 2 - 4pm . Free. It’s National 

Storytelling Week so snuggle up by the fire 

for a tale or two with the ‘Year of Legends’ 

themed stories to spark your imagination. 

Tel 029 2057 3500. 

museum.wales/stfagans 


















try at home. 

Plus: 












Plus: 








Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


PIRATE WEEKEND 



12 - 4pm. Free. Enjoy cutthroat crafts, 

swashbuckling stories and hands on fun, and 

meet the ship’s surgeon to hear gory tales 

from the high seas. Tel: 029 2057 3600. 



STARGAZING! WITH DARK 

SKIES WALES! 


6pm - late. Adults £7.50; children £4, 

(includes tea/coffee/hot chocolate and 

biscuits). View the stars with the help of 

Dark Skies Wales through state of the art 

telescopes. Learn lots of facts about our 

constellations! Pre booking and payment. 

Tel: 01495 272001. 


Friday 3rd February 


FILM DETAILS 







Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


TODDLER DAY: LOTS OF LOVE 


U4s free, accompanying adults £5.50. Preschool 

children have their run of the exhibits 

with activities on a special theme. There’ll 

be drawing and colouring and something to 

make to take home. Techniquest is buggyfriendly, 

with nappy-changing facilities and 

lockers. Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


TODDLER TIME 










Saturday 4th February 


DETAILS 




Tel: 029 2030 4400. 


Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th February 


















try at home. 

Plus: 












Plus: 








Tel: 029 2047 5475. 


Sunday 5th February 

VEGGIE PATCH KIDS 



(First Sunday of every month) 11am - 12pm. 

Take your little ones to grow veggies in 

the patch and learn how to care for plants. 

Included in admission price and free for 

members. Tel: 01554 741087. 


26 


COMPETITIONS 

WIN! 

WIN! 

A family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to see 

Christmas Celebrations with BBC National 

Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. 

Tickets are available for either 16 December in 

Swansea or 17 December in Cardiff. 

Perfect for the whole family, Josie d'Arby presents a concert set to 

get you in the Christmas spirit. In a feast of Christmas classics, there 

will be music from Love Actually and Home and Alone, alongside 

The Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Sleigh Ride, Santa 

Baby and many more to sing-a-long with. There will even be a 

special appearance by singer and songwriter Kizzy Crawford. 

So don your Christmas jumpers, bring along your festive cheer and 

jump aboard a sleigh ride through your favourite Christmas tunes. 

0800 052 1812 bbc.co.uk/now @bbcnow 

To enter these fantastic competitions * 

and more please go to... 

www.primarytimes.net/cardiff/competitions 

or Facebook at Primary Times Club-Cardiff 

*Closing dates may vary 

WIN! 

A Family Ticket for 4 to experience The 

Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl at 

Wales Millennium Centre 

Thursday 29 December 

Embark on a magical and interactive journey and discover the 

secrets of a writer beloved by children of all ages. Learn about 

Roald Dahl's extraordinary life and the surprising inspiration for his 

most famous characters and stories. The tour features unique items 

from the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre archives. Plus there 

are interactive installations to spark the imagination - and even test 

your own powers of creativity. Squirm your way through curious 

spaces as you step inside this Wondercrump World. 

Age guidance: 7 - 107 year olds. 

Ticket Office: 029 2063 6464 www.wmc.org.uk 

WIN! 

A Family Ticket to see Dick Whittington 

at The Coliseum Aberdare 

Saturday 10 December 2.00pm 

Di Botcher (Stella- Sky 1) makes her first RCT panto appearance as 

Fairy Bowbells ably assisted by Frank Vickery as Sarah The Cook, 

Max James as Dick Whittington and Lee Gilbert as King Rat! 

As well as an awesome cast this magical high seas adventure has 

heaps of comedy, magical special effects and spectacular scenery - 

all the purr-fect ingredients for a swashbuckling adventure! 

Tickets: £15.00/£12.00. Family of Four £48.00. Box Office 08000 

147 111. Book online www.rct-arts.co.uk 

*Bookings are subject to a £2.50 transaction charge. Terms and Conditions. This competition 

closes at midday on 5th December 2016. One winner will receive a family ticket to see a 

performance of Dick Whittington at The Coliseum Theatre Aberdare. Family Tickets are for 

four people, (including two under 16). The winner will be picked at random from all correct 

entries and contacted via email after 

the closing date. Please make sure 

your details are entered correctly. 

The prize is as stated and cannot be 

transferred or exchanged. No cash 

alternative will be offered. 

THEATRAU RhCT 

RCT THEATRES 

WIN! 

An open jump pass for a family of 5 

at Go Air Trampoline Park 

Wales’ largest trampoline park offers 

an exhilarating experience for all 

ages with over 120 interconnected 

trampoline beds, six supersize foam 

pits, bounce basketball, trampoline 

dodgeball and much more! Open 

jumping is great way to burn off energy, but for more structured 

exercise, there is also an array of kids’ activities, including 

trampoline proficiency lessons, parkour practice and recreational 

dodgeball classes, all of which are suitable for age 6 upwards - 

plus there’s a host of trampoline based Go Air Fit fitness classes 

for adults running every weekday! 

Win an open jump pass for a family of 5 at Go Air Trampoline 

Park, and bounce to your heart’s content with a full hour of 

indoor fun, whatever the weather… 

Go Air HQ, Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen, 

CF14 5DX Tel: 029 20 099899 

www.goairtrampolinepark.co.uk 

28 


WIN! 

WIN! 

A Winter Weekday Private Hire at 

Parc Play worth £150 

Available midweek at 10:30am, 1:00pm or 4:30pm during Parcs 

Winter Season. Hire the whole of Parc including party invites, 

squash and cups for up to 60 children for your next party. Great 

for class and joint birthday parties or any large get together! 


Grangetown, Cardiff, CF10 5DX. Email: parcplay@gmail.com 

Tel: 02920 345696 (out of hours 077 380 77 810) 

OPEN to the public every weekend and during the school holidays 

during Winter Season. 10am - 6pm in November - 10am - 5pm in 

December and January 

www.parcplay.com 

To Enter go online to the 

Primary Times website 

www.primarytimes. 

net/cardiff or the 

Primary Times Facebook 

page which is Primary 

Times Club Cardiff 

WIN! 

4 Tickets to see Peter Pan at The 

New Theatre Tuesday 13 December 7.00pm 

The New Theatre, 

Cardiff has announced a 

major casting coup for 

this year’s pantomime 

Peter Pan, as it has 

secured global superstar 

David Hasselhoff at the 

helm of the panto in 

the role of Captain Hoff the Hook, Neverland’s 

ultimate bad boy. With amazing flying effects, 

barrels of laughter, magic and fairy dust, join 

Peter and the lost boys and set sail in the 

ultimate pantomime adventure complete with all of the ingredients 

audiences know to expect in this swashbuckling festive treat. 

Don't delay, this is Hofficially the panto to book for. Peter Pan will 

be captivating Cardiff audiences from Saturday 10 December 2016 

to Sunday 8 January 2017. 

Box office: 029 2087 8889 www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 

COMPETITIONS 

CHRISTMAS CARD 

COMPETITION 

May Fletcher (6) 

and Sam Fletcher 

(7) of Hawthorne 

Primary School in 

Nottinghamshire 

were chosen as 

the winners of 

the Primary Times 

Head Office 2016 

Christmas Card 

Competition. 

2016 WINNER 

We received hundreds of entries and every single 

one was absolutely brilliant – we clearly have a 

nation of very talented children! Well done to 

everyone that took part. 

WIN! 

A Family Ticket to see A Giant Panto Full 

of Fun! Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl 

Wednesday 21 December at 5pm 

Join us to see if Jack can save the day, 

retrieve the harp and win the heart 

of the beautiful Princess Tamara. This 

Panto promises to be a festive treat for all the family! A family ticket 

is two adults and two children. Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 

9th - 31st December. Tickets from £9. Adults pay kids’ prices. 

Box Office: 01656 815995 www.grandpavilion.co.uk 


BOX OFFICE 

Your family theatre guide... 

BLACKWOOD MINERS’ 

INSTITUTE 

Blackwood, NP12 1BB 

Box Office: 01495 227206 

www.blackwoodminersinstitute.com 

7th - 30th December 

Beauty & The Beast 

Rainbow Valley Productions bring a 

colourful adaptation of a much-loved 

classic fairy tale to the stage. Starring Owen 

Money. Tickets: Adults £15; children £12; 

family £48. Premium: adults £16; children £13; 

family £52. Performance: Times vary. 

See website for further information. 

GRAND PAVILION 

Porthcawl CF36 3YW 

Box Office: 01656 815995 

www.grandpavilion.co.uk 

9th - 31st December 

Jack and the Beanstalk 

OFFICE 

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum a Giant Panto Full of Fun! 

On their farm in Merrydale hero Jack, 

his mother Dame Trot, and his brother 

Simon haven’t a bean to their name! Their 

friendly cow, Daisy, has gone dry and 

worse still the village is being destroyed 

by the evil giant Blunderbore. His wicked 

henchman Fleshcreep steals the magic harp 

of Merrydale and kidnaps the beautiful 

Princess Tamara. See if Jack can save the day, 

retrieve the harp and win the heart of the 

Princess. A spectacular panto full of stunning 

scenery, stupendous costumes, hilarious 

slapstick and bags of audience participation. 

Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be a 

festive treat for all the family! Ticket prices 

and times vary. See website for more details. 

ICE ARENA WALES 

Cardiff Bay, Olympian Drive, Cardiff, CF11 0JS 

Box Office: 029 2078 9630 

www.icearenawales.co.uk 

45027-46 dick whittington Advert.qxp_Layout 1 04/08/2016 11:24 Page 1 

8th & 9th December 

The Nutcracker on Ice 

The first Christmas show at Ice Arena Wales. 

With special guest skaters performing 

fantastic routines. 

MEMO ARTS CENTRE 

Gladstone Road, Barry, CF62 8NA 

Box Office: 01446 738622 


1st December 

Santa in Love 

Join Santa and his friends in this fun filled 

family musical complete with games, 

giggles and all your favourite Christmas 

songs. Santa will be available after the show 

to meet your little ones and give them a 

present, so don’t forget to bring your camera 

to capture the smiles! Tickets: Adults £9; 

children £8.50 (with gift) / £8 (without gift) 

Performance: 1pm. 


Billboard Ensemble present 

Snow White 

Packed with all of the traditional pantomime 

ingredients; hilarious comedy, stunning 

scenery and costumes and an all-singing, 

all-dancing cast. Family pantomime 

accompanied by a live orchestra. Tickets: 

Adults £13; conc £11; Group (4) £45. 

Performance: 7.30pm & 2.30pm. 

NEW THEATRE 

Cardiff. CF10 3LN 

Box Office: 029 2087 8889 

www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk 

10th December - 8th January 

Peter Pan 

‘Hofficially’ the biggest and best yet with 

global television and entertainment 

mega-star David Hasselhoff as the dastardly 

Captain Hook in the swashbuckling 

adventure Peter Pan. The Hoff will be joined 

by Cardiff’s favourite panto Dame, comedian 

Mike Doyle as Mrs Smee, guaranteeing 

laughs for all the family. With amazing flying 

effects, barrels of laughter, magic and fairy 

dust, join Peter Pan and the lost boys and set 

sail on the ultimate pirate adventure. 

Tickets and performance times vary. 

19th - 22nd January 

Room on the Broom 

Join the Witch and her cat on their mission 

to defeat the dragon in Tall Stories’ musical 

adaptation of the classic picture book by 

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The 

Witch and her cat are travelling on their 

broomstick when they pick up some hitchhikers 

- a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird 

and a crazy frog. But this broomstick is not 

meant for five and CRACK - it snaps in two… 

just as the hungry dragon appears. Songs, 

laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+. 

Tickets: £8.50 - £12.50. 

Performance: Thurs 2.30pm & 4pm; Fri - Sat 

11am & 2pm; Sun 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm. 

21st - 25th February 

Fantastic Mr Fox 

Boggs, Bunce and Bean, three greedy, smelly, 

horrid farmers hate the cunning Mr Fox. 

Mr Fox is clever, smart and rather fantastic, 

but he doesn’t realise how determined the 

farmers are to get revenge. Can he hatch a 

plan to save his family and friends? Can they 

outrun the diggers and outsmart the farmers? 

And can Rabbit shut up long enough not to 

Image burningred 

Image Emily Jones 

Rhagfyr 1 - 14 December 

Y Colisëwm, 

Aberdâr 

The Coliseum, 

Aberdare 

Rhagfyr 18 - 24 December 

Y Parc a’r Dâr, 

Treorci 

The Park & Dare, 

Treorchy 

£15.00 • £12.00 • Tocyn Teulu/Family Tickets £48.00 

THE 

BORROWERS 

25 Nov - 31 Dec 2016 

£15 - £25 

Under 25s Half Price 

Concessions £2 off 

THE EMPEROR’S 

NEW CLOTHES 

DILLAD NEWYDD 

YR YMERAWDWR 

4 & 5 Nov / Tach 

3 – 31 Dec / Rhag 2016 

£8 

By Mary Norton 

Adaptation Charles Way 

Director Amy Leach 

By / Gan Hans Christian Andersen 

Adaptation / Addasiad Alun Saunders 

Director / Cyfarwyddwr Kevin Lewis 

SHERMANTHEATRE.CO.UK 

029 2064 6900 #ChristmasAtTheSherman 

30 


ST0133_Christmas At The Sherman_Primary Times.indd 2 30/09/2016 13:31

give the game away? Roald Dahl’s Fantastic 

Mr Fox is family fun at its finest. A tale of 

greed, pride and the power of friendship, this 

flagship production for the Roald Dahl 100 

celebrations promises a huge theatrical feast 

with live music and songs ideal for all the 

family. Tickets: £11.50 - £21. 

Performance: Tues 7pm; Weds 2.30pm; 

Thurs & Fri 2.30pm & 7pm; Sat 11am & 3pm. 

NEWBRIDGE MEMO 

Newbridge NP11 4FH 

Box Office: 01495 243252 

www.newbridgememo.co.uk 


Sleeping Beauty & the Spinning 

Wheel of Doom Panto 

Join the leading damsel in distress Sleeping 

Beauty on an epic journey with this hilarious 

take on the traditional fairy-tale. 

Tickets: Adults £6; children £5; family £17. 

Performance: Times vary - see website for 

further information 

PARK & DARE THEATRE 

Treorchy CF42 6NL. Plus 

THE COLISEUM THEATRE 

Aberdare CF44 8NG 

Box Office 08000 147 111 

www.rct-arts.co.uk 

The Coliseum: 1st - 14th December 

Park & Dare: 18th - 24th December 

Dick Whittington 

A magical high seas adventure starring Di 

Botcher - known to many as Auntie Brenda 

as Fairy Bowbells alongside favourite panto 

dame Frank Vickery who plays Sarah the 

Cook. Heaps of comedy, magical special 

effects, spectacular scenery and a great cast. 

Tickets: Adults £15; children £12; Family 

ticket (4) £48. Performance: Times vary. 

RIVERFRONT 

Kingsway, Newport NP20 1HG 

Box Office: 01633 656757 

http://tickets.newportlive.co.uk 

29th November - 2nd January 

Cinderella 

Traditional panto with lots of laughs, 

memorable melodies and a flickering of fairy 

dust. Note - contains flashing lights, loud 

music, bangs, strobe lighting and smoke. 

Tickets from £6 - £20. 

Performance: Times vary. 

ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF 

MUSIC & DRAMA 

Cardiff,CF10 3ER 

Box Office: 029 2039 1391 

www.rwcmd.ac.uk 


The Snowman 

The animated movie, based on the 

well-loved book by Raymond Briggs, has 

become synonymous with Christmas 

but now you can watch it accompanied 

by a live orchestra! 

Tickets: £10, £8 concessions (Schools £5) 

Performance: 4th December 2pm; Monday 

5th & Tuesday 6th December 10am & 12pm. 

SHERMAN THEATRE CYMRU 

Cardiff, CF24 4YE 

Box Office: 029 2064 6900. 

www.shermancymru.co.uk 


The Borrowers 

Discover the secret world of Pod, Homily 

and Arrietty, whose lives are turned upside 

down by a dangerous encounter ‘above 

the floorboards’. Size doesn’t stop this 

little family with a big heart. Hide from 

the ‘Human Beans’, battle with wasps and 

go on a magical journey that shows the 

littlest of people can make a big difference. 

Production aimed at age 7+. 

Tickets: From £15 - £25. Conc £2 off; half price 

for under 25s. Performance: Times vary. 


The Emperor’s New Clothes / Dillad 

Newydd yr Ymerawdwr 

Sherman Theatre and Theatr Iolo present 

The Emperor’s New Clothes / Dillad Newydd 

yr Ymerawdwr - a reimagining of the classic 

Hans Christian Andersen tale. Written by 

award-winning playwright Alun Saunders, 

with songs and live music, there’s something 

here for the whole family this Christmas! 

Made especially for 3 - 6 year olds and their 

families. Tickets: £8; schools £6. 

Performance: Times vary 

ST DAVID’S HALL 

Cardiff. CF10 1AH 

Box Office: 029 2087 8444 

www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk 


Bert and Cherry’s Christmas 

Plum Pudding 

This special performance from the Tiddly 

Prom team brings Bert, Cherry and many of 

their musical friends back together for fun 

and frivolity. Featuring songs from Bert’s 

three popular Tiddly Proms alongside festive 

favourites, this interactive live musical 

show is an ideal way for the under 5s to 

re-introduce the adults they look after to 

Christmas. Bert is in a festive mood; the 

Christmas tree is up and he’s wrapped up 

everything ready for the big day. Cherry is 

coming to help put the finishing touches 

to the decorations and all their friends will 

be popping in too. As usual expect a lively 

story, lots silly songs to sing along to and a 

large helping of musical plum pudding. 

Tickets: £7.50. Performance: 10.30am & 

12.30pm. Three Ballets performed by The 

Russian State Ballet of Siberia accompanied 

by the Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet: 

20th & 21st December 

La Fille Mal Gardée 

Recreated by Alexander Gorsky, this remains 

one of the oldest ballets still regularly 

performed. A gentle tale of love thwarted, 

unrequited and found. It is a masterpiece of 

comedy. With plenty of ribbons, romance 

and rivalry, La Fille mal gardée conjures up 

a world of pastoral simplicity where a farm 

boy woos a flirty farmer’s daughter and they 

find inventive ways to avoid her mother. 

Tickets: prices vary. 

Performance: 20th December – 7pm; 21st 

December – 2pm & 5.30pm. 

22nd - 24th & 27th - 28th December 

The Nutcracker 

As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of 

the open fire sends flickering shadows across 

the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the 

presents beneath. When midnight strikes 

we are swept away to a fairytale world 

where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls 

spring to life, the Mouse King and his mouse 

Mr Bloom's Nursery - Primary Times Ad_Layout 1 14/11/2016 15:30 Page 1 

BOX OFFICE 

Wednesday 15 February 

Mercher 15 Chwefror 

1pm & 4pm 


BOX OFFICE 

army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and 

we travel through the Land of Snow to an 

enchanted place where the magic really 

begins… Tickets: prices vary. 

Performance: Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd 

December - 2pm & 5.30pm; Saturday 24th 

December - 2pm. 

29th - 31st December & 2nd January 

Swan Lake 

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is 

brought to life by Tschaikovsky’s haunting 

and unforgettable score. From the 

impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom 

to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in 

perfect formation this compelling take of 

tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the 

temptress in black tulle as she seduces the 

Prince by spinning with captivating precision 

to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, 

Odette as she flutters with emotional 

intensity, the dual role of Odette / Odile is 

one of ballet’s most unmissable technical 

challenges. Tickets: prices vary. 

Performance: Thursday 29th December - 

2pm & 7pm, Friday 30th December - 2pm 

& 5.30pm; Saturday 31st December - 2pm. 

Monday 2nd January - 2pm & 5.30pm. 

15th February 

Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live! 

Mr Bloom and his Veggies are getting the 

Nursery ready for a very special occasion - a 

member of the Royal family is paying them 

visit! Can you lend a hand and help them get 

the Allotment ready in time? Featuring all 

of the much loved elements of the TV show, 

Mr Bloom (Ben Faulks) will be joined by all 

his gardening friends: Margaret, Joan, Colin, 

Raymond and Sebastian, the lovable Wee 

Porthcawl J&B leaflet_Layout 1 16/09/2016 12:56 Page 1 

MacGregors, and not forgetting Mr Bloom’s 

trusty machine ‘The Compostarium’. Sing 

along to all your favourite songs: ‘This Is My 

Allotment’, ‘Meet The Veggies, ‘The Compo 

Song’ and’ Night Night Veggies’. Using song, 

play and interaction Mr Bloom’s Nursery 

is a fun and inspiring show with strong 

educational values which will entertain 

parents and tiddlers alike! Show aimed at 

2 - 7 year olds. Tickets: Standard price 

£15.50. Family of 4 (at least one adult) £50. 

Performance: 1pm & 4pm. 

21st April 

Naomi’s Wild and Scary 

Family audience, but ages 5 – 7 upwards. 

Children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson is 

embarking on a nationwide tour in spring 

2017. The show will be packed full of fun 

and surprises as Naomi is joined on stage 

by ‘Animal Mark’, and some of his scariest 

creatures. Join Naomi as she recalls some of 

her most exciting wildlife experiences from 

the far flung corners of the world and even 

introduces the audience to some of the most 

fierce and frightening animals she met along 

the way! The show is suitable for kids of all 

ages and guarantees a great time for the 

whole family. Tickets: Adults/children £18.50; 

Family ticket (Family of 4) £62. 

Plus a Ticket Service Charge of £3.95 per 

transaction and an optional 95p postage fee 

for tickets to be posted. Performance: 2.30pm. 

BBC NOW 

St David’s Hall Cardiff. CF10 1AH 

Box Office: 0800 052 1812 

www.bbc.co.uk/now 

17th December 

Christmas Celebrations 

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. 

Conductor Richard Balcombe, soloist Kizzy 

Crawford and presenter Josie D’Arby. Family 

concert. Tickets: Standard Price: £15- £37. 

Family ticket ( 2 adults & 1-4 children) £20; 

Family Ticket ( adult & 1-2 children) £15. 

Performance: 7.30pm. 

ST PETERS HALL 

St Peters Street, Roath, Cardiff CF24 3BA 

Box Office: 07779 088623 

Email pete@topbananaetc.com 


Sleeping Beauty 

St Peter’s Players present this popular 

pantomime. Tickets: Adults £7.50, children 

£5, Family ticket available Weds (2+2) £20. 

Performance: 7pm. 

WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE 

Cardiff Bay. CF10 5AL 

Box Office: 029 2063 6464 


30th November 

Raslas Bach a Mawr 

Age Guidance: 4+ (No under 2s). Lend a 

hand to the intrepid duo, Syr Wynff ap 

concord y Bos and Plwmsan y Twnffat Twp, 

as they set off on a perilous adventure to 

save the nation from the evil authorities and 

reclaim their family home. 

Tickets: £19 - includes booking fee. 


1st - 3rd December 

The Snow Queen 

This circus arrives without warning. With 

its appearance, the infamous Snow Queen 

will alter Kai’s world permanently and 

launch Gerda on a quest of self-discovery 

as she navigates her way through the icy 

and wondrous Le Cirque de le Neige. Join 

Hijinx’s community theatre group, Odyssey, 

this Christmas as they share Llinos Mai’s 

new adaptation of one of Hans Christian 

Andersen’s classic tales. Age guidance 

6+ - no U2s. Tickets: £6 - £8. 


4th December 

Ballet Cymru: Roald Dahl’s Little Red 

Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs 

The award-winning Ballet Cymru present 

two stories from the mind of the world’s 

most popular storyteller, Roald Dahl, in 

an afternoon of family friendly ballet 

adaptations. Offering a perfect opportunity 

to introduce your family to the wonders of 

dance, this outstanding classical ballet is 

choreographed by Darius James and Amy 

Doughty and inspired by the internationally 

recognised music by composer Paul 

Patterson. Age guidance 4+. 

Tickets: £8.50 - £20.50. Performance: 4pm. 

14th December - 14th January 

Mary Poppins 

The stage production of Mary Poppins is 

brilliantly adapted from the wonderful 

stories by PL Travers and the beloved Walt 

Disney film. The magical story of the world’s 

favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane 

has been spectacularly brought to the stage 

with dazzling choreography, incredible 

effects and unforgettable songs. Age 

guidance 5+ - no under 2s. 

Tickets: £24 - £59. 

Performance: 2.30pm & 7.30pm. 

Written by Daniel O’Brien 

Directed by Colin Blumenau 

32 


march 2017 

Raise some dough for your 

local heart charity 

For your free fundraising pack to hold your 

own afternoon tea, bake sale or coffee 

morning, please register online at 

welshhearts.org/teaparty 

Contact fundraising@welshhearts.org 

or 029 2240 2670 

Comisiwn gan Ganolfan y Southbank ar y cyd â Chanolfan Mileniwm Cymru 

Commissioned by Southbank Centre in partnership with Wales Millennium Centre 

Tocyn Teulu o 

Family Ticket from 

£27* 

Byd 

Roald Dahl 

The 

World of 

Roald Dahl 

Mwynhewch brofiad Roald Dahl yng 

Nghaerdydd y Nadolig yma! 

Don’t miss Cardiff’s magical Roald Dahl 

experience this Christmas! 

Tan Ionawr 2017 \ Until January 2017 

*4 person yn unig gyda dim mwy na 2 oedolyn \ 4 people with a maximum of 2 adults 


PINBOARD 

34 

Pinboard 

Ho Ho Ho 

Have Fun this Christmas and go that extra mile and join Welsh Hearts for an all Wales 

festive life saving 5k Dash, Walk, Jog or run around Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay on 

Sunday December 4th . Get your hearts beating faster this Christmas with this great event 

which will bring the whole community together! Last year we had over 2,000 Santas and 

Elfs, Snowmen, Turkeys and various amazing other characters! Suitable for all ages. 

£9 Registration to include a T Shirt, Water,and a Certificate! Family of 4 just £27. 

Sponsor Forms available. Why not set up a Just Giving Page. All children under 16 

encouraged to wear fancy dress - prizes for the best dressed on the day! To book a place 

contact Fundraising@welshhearts.org. This Family Festive Fun event 

is open to everyone - So go on “Be Elfy” this Christmas! So join the fun and be part of 

something truly SANTA-FANTASTIC this Christmas and join the Festive Dash to help us 

save lives in Wales! All monies raised will go towards our Heart Screening Wales 

Programme and to place Defibrillators throughout Wales. You can also register on line! 

www.welshhearts.org/santa Contact Welsh Hearts Fundraising Office on 

02920 647735 or fundraising@welshhearts.org 

Holidays Are Coming 

At Howell’s 

Everything is covered with a festive sparkle at 

Howell’s Junior School. In Hazelwood, home to Year 

4-6, the singers are in fine voice, warming up for 

carol concerts in Llandaff Cathedral and St John’s 

Church, Cardiff. In Ty Hapus, the infant department 

at Howell’s, Christmas tunes leak under classroom doors as the girls create cards with 

a liberal dusting of glitter. Peek in through the nursery window, and girls are whirling 

their way though some energetic moves ahead of their Christmas concert. All in all, it’s 

the most wonderful—and busy—time of the year. 

Join us for our Open Afternoon on 9th February 2017. Alternatively, please email 

admissions@how.gdst.net or telephone 029 20562019 to make an appointment. 

Could you help save a 

baby’s life this Christmas? 

This month, children’s hospital charity, Noah’s Ark, 

launches its Tiny Lives Appeal with the aim of raising 

£1 million towards the development of the neonatal 

unit at the University Hospital of Wales. 

The money raised from the appeal will be spent on 

specialist life-saving equipment like ventilators which 

support premature or critically ill babies to breathe 

and a mobile X-Ray machine which allows doctors to 

diagnose and respond quickly to a vulnerable baby’s 

ever changing condition. The appeal will also help parents facing weeks and months 

of huge worry and uncertainty by providing things like video monitors so that mums 

recovering from birth can see their babies in the anxious hours before they can be 

re-united and family rooms where parents can be supported in caring for their precious 

infant before they leave hospital. 

By donating to the Noah’s Ark Charity Tiny Lives Appeal, you will be playing a part in 

ensuring the best treatment and outcome possible for premature and critically ill babies 

across South, Mid and West Wales. You’ll also be helping to grant their parents’ only wish 

– the chance to take their babies home. 

To make a donation, text LIFE04 and the amount you’d like to donate to 70070. Or for more 

information and to watch our appeal video visit www.noahsarkcharity.org/tinylives 


Love Food? 

Then You’ll 

Love JRC! 

JRC Buffet is a restaurant like no 

other. You’ll find hundreds of 

delicious, freshly prepared dishes. 

Their stylish restaurants are perfect 

for any special occasion or just catching up with family and friends. With so 

much choice, parents love introducing new dishes to their children – even the 

fussiest eaters will find new dishes they’ll love. Your kids will love watching JRC’s 

chefs prepare delicious meals from fresh ingredients at the spectacular Live 

Cooking Stations, which add a sense of occasion to any meal. 

At the Sushi Bar you’ll see chefs preparing authentic Japanese Sushi using 

recipes handed down from generation to generation. It’s healthy, fresh and 

extremely delicious. Watch in awe at the Teppanyaki Bar as expert chefs prepare 

your meal with flair, creativity and a touch of showmanship. The chef takes your 

choice of fresh ingredients and transforms them on the sizzling hotplate into 

delicious creations. You’ll find food cooked in a wok at the Noodle & Wok Bar is 

as healthy as it gets – so go on, have a second or third helping. 

At the Dim Sum Bar, each dim sum has been handmade and filled with 

ingredients from traditional recipes. The art of creating dim sum took centuries 

to develop - no wonder they taste so delicious. 

Don’t forget to leave room for one or a few of the indulgent desserts. 

Remember you can enjoy as much as you like for one set price. 

Visit www.jrc-globalbuffet.com to find your local restaurant. 

Family Bus Travel 

There’s plenty to do in and around Cardiff this 

festive season, so hop on a Cardiff Bus to join in 

with the fun. Families of up to 5 people (maximum 

of 2 adults) can travel all day for just £5 in Cardiff 

and Penarth, and £7 across the entire Cardiff Bus 

network during school holidays and weekends. With regular buses in Cardiff, the Vale 

of Glamorgan and to and from Newport, there are plenty of places to explore by bus. 

View routes and times online at www.cardiffbus.com. Follow @cardiffbus on 

Twitter or ‘like’ their Facebook page for the latest news and updates. 

Give your child Creative Courage 

with Stagecoach Performing Arts 

Parents looking for new ways to keep their children active, happy and engaged have 

found the solution at Stagecoach Performing Arts. Stagecoach Performing Arts offers 

classes in singing, dancing and acting for children aged 4 to 18. 

Performance at Stagecoach is about more than simply learning how to sing, dance and 

act. Students develop the creative courage to unlock their potential, to stand up and be 

heard, to work well with other students and to embrace new ideas and possibilities. 

As they hone their new skills, students become more self-assured, expressive, sociable 

and imaginative. All skills that will serve them well on the stage of life and help them 

tackle new situations with resilience, creativity 

and courage. Classes are age appropriate and 

taught by specialist performing arts teachers. 

To find out more about Stagecoach schools in 

Cardiff, Cowbridge and Bridgend please call 

Principals Helene and Rob Reynolds on 

01446 772727, email cardiff@stagecoach.co.uk 

or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk 

Swimming Nature 

Swim into spring With shorter days and lower 

tempertures, it’s harder than ever to ensure kids 

get the exercise they need. Luckily there’s one 

thing the weather can’t touch. Swimming is one 

of the best ways of keeping kids healthy and, if 

they start lessons in winter, they’ll be in a better 

position to make the most of the water when summer comes around. 

With expert instructors right there in the water, Swimming Nature provides 

small-group or one-on-one lessons: personally tailored to each student’s ability 

level. Visit swimmingnature.com or call 03445 040506 to find out more and enrol 

for January 2017.

Does your 

child keep 

catching 

head lice? 

The truth is they probably aren’t. 

More likely it’s the same infestation you don’t 

quite clear. 

The fact is 80% of the time the products fail 

you. What’s missed hatches, grows up, lays 

more eggs & the struggle goes on. 

We stop that. 100%. We clear it all out and 

shut it all down. No more wasted 

time, energy, & money down the 

drain on useless product - and 

importantly a healthier, happier 

child. 

embarrassing bodies call us 

‘The lice experts’ 

07825 538 803 

southwales@thehairforce.co.uk 

OR VISIT WWW.THEHAIRFORCE.CO.uk 

City Sightseeing 

Cardiff/ Caerdydd 

Hop On - 

Hop Off 

A family (2 adults + 3 children) can travel for 

jsut just £24 on production of this voucher* 

11 Stops Including 

Cardiff Castle 

National Museum Wales 

Doctor Who Experience 

Cardiff Bay 

Principality Stadium 

LOCAL MANAGER: 07808 713 928 www.bathbuscompany.com 

* This voucher is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. 

Book your table at www.jrc-globalbuffet.com 

JRCGlobalBuffet 

JRC_Buffet 


For your free fundraising pack to hold your 

own afternoon tea, bake sale or coffee 

morning, please register online at 

PINBOARD 

Pinboard 

welshhearts.org/teaparty 

Contact fundraising@welshhearts.org 

029 2240 2670 

Brew Up in March 2017 for the Heart 

Charity of Wales Biggest Tea Party! 

Why not get together with 

friends, family or work 

colleagues or in your School 

to hold a tea party or coffee 

morning for Welsh Hearts - the 

heart charity for Wales and help 

us to save lives in Wales! Why 

not have a cake sale at school or 

in the Office or a coffee morning 

or Aternoon Tea Party involving 

friends and family and raise 

much needed funds for Welsh 

Hearts, your local heart charity! 

Your event can be held during the official Wales' Biggest Tea Party month from 1st 

to 31st March 2017 or any other time to suit! To register for your Wales' Biggest Tea 

Party fundraising pack which contains everything from invitations, ideas, posters 

to stickers 

and balloons contact 02922402670. Download a fundraising pack at 

www.welshhearts.org/teaparty or email fundraising@welshhearts.org 

Be part of Wales' Biggest Tea Party! It's a Piece of Cake! 

Explore Cardiff on 

an open top bus! 

As the youngest capital city in Europe, Cardiff is vibrant and 

exciting, with a harmonious blend of history and culture. 

The city is home to many famous landmarks and attractions 

including the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle and the 

National Museum of Wales, and is voted as one of the best 

shopping cities in the UK. What better way to explore Cardiff 

than on an open top bus! Tour tickets are valid for 24 hours, 

and you can hop on and off at any of the designated stops. 

So sit back, relax and let City Sightseeing show you the 

sights! www.bathbuscompany.com 

Gwen Mouncher Piano Teacher 

Gwendolyn Mouncher achieved a BMus(Hons) music degree from Cardiff 

University and has more than five years’ teaching experience. Teaching from 

her home in Lakeside, her focus is to provide 

fun and enjoyable piano lessons for her 

pupils, with students gaining a real love and 

long-lasting appreciation for the piano and its 

repertoire. Lessons are suitable for all ages 

and abilities and Gwen establishes a strong 

foundation in technique and musicality from 

the first lesson. 

For more information about a free consultation 

lesson, please contact Gwen on 07718 204 092 

or email gwen.mouncher@hotmail.co.uk 

Develop your child dramatically!!! 

Confidence, Communication and Creativity – these skills can be taught and the 

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy have been teaching them for over 35 years! 

Experts in their field, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy provides classes 

throughout South Wales. Using a professional, fun-filled curriculum they 

develop children’s confidence and communication skills in a safe and nurturing 

environment. Every lesson is jam-packed with new activities and exciting new 

plays! 

Parent Testimonial: “What I really love about the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy 

is the quality of attention and support that Rhys receives; he is given opportunities 

and encouragement that he doesn’t get anywhere else. Drama has really helped to 

boost his self esteem and he always leaves the classroom with a big smile”. 

Join us for a free trial lesson. For further information please call the office on 

0845 603 7220. Further details of local classes can also be found at 

www.helenogrady.co.uk and www.helenogradysouthwales.co.uk 

Capital Academy 

Why Choose Capital? Developed by 

a passionate team we offer a variety 

of Gymnastic activities for children. 

Our sessions are aimed at all abilities 

and help each child develop 

and achieve their personal goals. 

Through our successful competitive 

structure we can guide promising 

young gymnasts, allowing them 

to thrive and maximise potential. 

We are currently home to some of 

the most talented young gymnasts 

in the Country. 

We currently have over 600 members participating in weekly classes which include 

General Gymnastics, Pre-School, Artistic competitive gymnastics and Team Gym. We 

also offer school holiday dance and gymnastics camps and birthday parties, along with 

learning the fundamental gymnastics skills children will develop their co-ordination, 

balance, strength, flexibility and endurance, providing a good foundation for any type of 

sport or exercise. 

As one of the premier full-time gymnastics facilities in the country our classes are 

offered 7 days a week. All coaches and volunteers are fully qualified and attend regular 

safeguarding courses and have regular DBS checks. 

Tel: 029 21 322 860 

Web: www.capitalacademy.co.uk Email: info@capitalacademy.co.uk 

Unit 7 & 8, Western Business Centre, Riverside Terrace, Ely Cardiff, CF5 5AS. 

Junior Dragon’s Football Development Wales 

Junior Dragon’s Football Development Wales is bringing fun based football programmes to boys and girls of 

primary school age across the country. Our qualified coaches are not trying to find the next Gareth Bale, they are 

simply providing all children with mixed abilities the opportunity to participate in structured football training 

in a fun environment. We all know that exercise is important for the health and well-being, however learning 

the value of team work and fair play has a proven benefit for social interaction. We look forward to seeing your 

children on a football pitch near you! 

To find out more visit us at www.juniordragons.wales or contact us on info@juniordragons.wales 

36 


HOWELL’S SCHOOL & CO-ED COLLEGE 

Girls 3-16, 

Co-ed 16-18 

More than an education… 

come along and see for yourself 

YEAR 7 ENTRANCE EXAM – 


WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON – 

Thursday 9th February, 1.30-3.30pm 

029 2026 1832 

admissions@how.gdst.net 

www.howells-cardiff.gdst.net 

@HowellsSchool 

N U R T U R I N G E X C E L L E N C E 

Registered Charity no. 306983 

Outstanding School for 

Boys and Girls ages 3-18 

Take your next step 

at the Cathedral School 

Entrance Testing for Year 7 Entry 2017 

Saturday 21st January 2017 

Examination results amongst the best in the UK 

“Excellent”- Estyn Inspection 

Please contact the Registrar for further details 

Seniors Juniors Infants Nursery 

029 2083 8504 

registrar@cathedral-school.co.uk 

www.cathedral-school.co.uk 


When I grow up... 

I want to be a superhero! 

Cardiff Steiner School 

learning to love learning 

Kip McGrath’s qualified teachers create 

individual programmes in English & Maths 

to help children feel confident in the 

classroom and reach their full potential. 

Reading 

Spelling 

Just in case the superhero 

gig doesn’t work out... 

English & Reading 

GCSE Preparation 

Spelling & Writing skills 

Age 6 - 18+ 

Maths up to GCSE 

Ages 6-18+ 

Call for your 

FREE 

Assessment! 

www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/cardiff-west 

Unit 3 

Hollybush Est. 

Book Call now:02920 on: 628568 02920 628 568 Coryton 

Unit 3 Hollybush Estate, Whitchurch, CF14 7DS Cardiff 

kipcardiffwest@gmail.com 

CF14 7DS 

Thinking about School options?... 

Rethink what’s possible for your child 

Come and find out about our inspiring, joyful and creative 

education for age 3 to 16. The international Steiner curriculum 

draws on a 90-year-old www.cardiffsteiner.org.uk 

teaching tradition - integrating arts and 

academics into a rich, balanced education that ignites a passion for 

learning. 

Independent, non-selective school for girls & boys age 3 to 16 

(029) 2056 7986 www.cardiffsteiner.org.uk 

Hawthorn Rd West, Llandaff North, Cardiff CF14 2FL 

Visit 

Mornings 

Weds 7 Dec 

& 18 Jan 

38 


Christmas is often a time for 

reminiscing… do you sometimes 

miss being a nurse? 

Our short programme will enable you to 

confidently return to the nursing career you once loved. 

NOW is a great time to apply for Cardiff University’s short 15 week 

Return to Practice Programme 

• No course fees (fully funded by the Welsh Government)* 

• A non means-tested bursary of £1000* 

• Excellent local job opportunities available on completion (92% of 

our September 2015 Return to Practice students secured jobs locally) 

Come and join us at our free and informal Return to Practice Open Day 

on Saturday 14th January 2017. 

To register your attendance visit rtpopenday.eventbrite.co.uk 

or contact Programme Lead Diana on ded@cardiff.ac.uk for more information. 

*To find out more about financial support visit www.nwsspstudentfinance.wales.nhs.uk/home 

Places available for 

April 2017 and 

September 2017 


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K KKKKKKK 

KKK 

KKK 

KKK 

KKK 

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Child £11.50 (under 16 

Adults £6 

Concession £5.50 

under 16) 

16

PTCardiff Winter 2016_digital

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