Schoolchildren light up streets of Cardiff with Christmas installations

Eight primary school children will see their Christmas lighting designs illuminate the streets of Cardiff as part of the inaugural Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project this winter.

The showcase of designs, from pupils at St Cuthbert's Primary School in Butetown, areinspired by their local area and will be revealed at a switch on event on Thursday 14 November in the capital’s new Canal Quarter.

The children’s creations are a reminder that children have a role to play as future contributors to the city, say co-creators Antonio Capelao and Dr Melina Guirnaldos Diaz from Cardiff University.

The Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project co-produced by the team from the Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) and Cardiff Council is inspired by the Soho Kids Xmas Lights founded in Soho, London by Antonio Capelao in 2021, and informed by Dr Guirnaldos Diaz research expertise on post-industrial heritage.

Both projects trace their original inspiration to creative work of primary school pupils in Newburgh, Scotland.

Mr Capelao, who is a design tutor at WSA and also the founder of Architecture for Kids CIC, said: “We’re so excited to finally bring the Xmas Lights project to Cardiff this year.”

Over a series of design workshops led by the project’s co-producers Mr Capelao and Dr Guirnaldos Diaz, the children researched the Butetown area where their school is located, and the Canal Quarter where the Christmas lights will be exhibited.

The pupils were introduced to the meaning of the built environment on a field visit to the city’s old Dock Feeder canal and the new Canal Quarter, where they learned about the industrial history of Cardiff and the role of migration in shaping its urban fabric.

Dr Guirnaldos Diaz, Lecturer in the WSA, added: “The project highlights the significance of Cardiff's built heritage and how it relates to people from different origins and cultures.”

More than 120 school pupils used their investigations to develop designs responding to the themes of lighting, identity of place and migration, drawing on aspects of their local and personal identities.

“We are especially looking forward to co-constructing resources on the history of architecture in the Cardiff docks, ensuring this project has a lasting impact for all children in Cardiff and beyond.”

The children’s designs were judged by a committee of architects, academics, lighting specialists, members of Cardiff Council and Cardiff Youth Council, and the Headteacher at St Cuthbert's Primary School.

The eight winning designs have been transformed into Christmas street light panels by Floodlighting & Electrical Ltd and will be exhibited in the Canal Quarter from Thursday 14 November until Sunday 5 January.

The Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project is sponsored by Floodlighting & Electrical Ltd and Child Friendly Cardiff, with support from the Welsh School of Architecture, Architecture for Kids CIC, Atkins Realis, St Cuthbert's Primary School, University College London, Cardiff Commitment, Cardiff Curriculum, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales, Design Circle, For Cardiff and Visit Cardiff.

Mr Capelao added: “The project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our partners and supporters, so Melina and I want to say a huge thank you to them. And we really look forward to seeing them all for our celebratory switch on event in November, where the children’s visions will come to life on the streets of Cardiff.”

Find out more about the Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project.