Eight primary school children will see their Christmas lighting designs illuminate the streets of Wales' capital as part of the second Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project this winter.
The showcase of designs, from pupils at the Tredegarville Church in Wales Primary School, are inspired by their local area and will be revealed at a switch-on event on Thursday 13 November in the city's Canal Quarter development.
The project offers a meaningful experience of how light can bring communities together through celebration say its co-creators Antonio Capelao and Dr Melina Guirnaldos Diaz from the Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) at Cardiff University.
Mr Capelao, a design tutor at the WSA and founder of Architecture for Kids CIC, said: "We're thrilled to see the Xmas Lights project returning to Cardiff for its second year. The children from Tredegarville have truly embraced the creative journey — from initial concepts to final implementation, we've been encouraging a sense of ownership and agency, helping them see how they can actively shape the city they live in."
Just like the Soho Kids Xmas Lights, this project explores themes of light, place identity, and the contributions of women to the city, with a special focus on how these ideas resonate with the children's own experiences. It's been incredibly moving to witness their responses - thoughtful, imaginative, and full of pride. I can't wait for everyone to see the powerful stories they've helped bring to light.
Over a series of design workshops led by Mr Capelao and Dr Guirnaldos Diaz, the primary school pupils explored their local community, identities, and roles as future contributors to Cardiff's urban legacy.
Through investigations into the role of women in the construction of Cardiff as an industrial city of the past, the children are guided to conceptualise and design their own Christmas lights.
Dr Guirnaldos Diaz, a Lecturer at the WSA, said: "This year, we wanted to continue shedding light on the diverse people who have shaped Cardiff's urban and industrial legacy, with a particular focus on women — from the past to the present. By doing so, we aim to challenge stereotypes about who built the city and to inspire children to engage with STEM subjects, encouraging them to consider related careers in the future."
"We brought the children on a trip to the National Museum in Cardiff to learn about curation. It was really magical to see their reactions to the exhibits there. They were captivated by the presentation from curators Bryony White and Bronwen Colquhoun and I think it helped bring the whole project to life for them."
I could sense by the end of the day that they had a much better understanding of how their designs will be displayed at the switch-on event and that it was now their turn to curate their own illuminated designs.
In collaboration with Cardiff Curriculum, the project also explores how integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects into the primary curriculum can promote creative thinking, civic engagement, and a stronger connection between young people and their surroundings.
"Cardiff is the first city in the UK to be recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City so a chance for our children to literally light up part of the city was irresistible," explains Councillor Sarah Merry Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education.
Working alongside Antonio, Melina and Cardiff Council Curriculum and Commitment teams, pupils learned more about the history and character of their local area, learned about the heritage of the docks and how migration has been a vital part of our growth as a city. What they learned was reflected in their designs and I think to see those transformed into a light show in the heart of the city is a really powerful signal to Cardiff's children that they are at the centre of the decisions we make.
The Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project co-produced by Architecture for Kids CIC, 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.
We are always trying to give pupils authentic experiences and experiences that are relevant to the context in Wales. This project has done that by enabling the children to work with real architects and professionals at the museum. It's a project with a real purpose. Some of them will see their designs up in lights in their city and I think that's quite impactful.
Launched in January 2024 and funded for three years (2024–2026), the Cardiff project is supported by Tredegarville Primary School, Councillor Sarah Merry Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Education, Child Friendly City Cardiff Council, Cardiff Commitment, Cardiff Curriculum, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales, National Museum Cardiff, Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University, Institute of Education and the Bartlett at UCL, Architecture for Kids CIC, For Cardiff, and private partners Floodlighting & Electrical, AtkinsRéalis Engineering Services, For Cardiff and Grasshopper.
Since its inception, the Cardiff Kids Xmas Lights project has delivered eight design and two curatorial workshops involving over 240 pupils from St Cuthbert's and Tredegarville Primary Schools.
Mr Capelao added: "The project simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible generosity of our partners and supporters. Melina and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them. We're really looking forward to welcoming everyone to our celebratory switch on event in November, where the children's creative visions will light up the streets of Cardiff."
