Merlin's magic moment at Christmas lights switch on

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

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

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

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

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

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

bmibaby Cardiff Winter Wonderland is one of many ways to celebrate Christmas in the capital. Other events include Cardiff Bay’s ‘On the Road to Christmas’ festivities on November 14th from noon; Cardiff’s Calennig New Year’s Eve celebrations, with free live music stage supported by Queen's Arcade; the Admiral Family Fire Show; and the Admiral Free New Year's Eve Bus Service. Plus fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities in the city with Christmas Park & Ride facilities supported by Admiral and much, much more.

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

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