Cardiff at Christmas
A festive stroll around Caerdydd
(Photos/words © editor, urban75, December, 2007)

Cardiff city centre is changing so fast that each time I return home a few familiar landmarks from my childhood have vanished.

While there's no denying that some of the changes have been for the better - Cardiff used to be really run down - it's beginning to turn into one of those rubbish 'clone towns' with rows of identical big name brand stores dominating the main shopping streets.

Here's a few photos from my brief holiday stay in December, 2007.


Christmas decorations in St Mary Street.

After seeing the woeful lights in Brixton and Oxford Street, London, Cardiff's efforts seemed rather attractive (with the Winter Wonderland attraction by the City Hall pushing the ho-ho-ho boat even further).

Mind you, they all look ridiculously tame compared to the completely over the top festive bonanza in the Rockefeller Center, New York.


The calm before the storm. Dorothy's chippie on Caroline Street (aka 'Chip Alley').


Building work on the massive St. David's 2 project continues.


Children's Christmas ride by the Hayes.


Christmas entertainment at the St. David's Centre.




Queen Street and Christmas tree.

I remember when this was a busy road, with the fantastic Cardiff Capitol theatre at the eastern end.

It was at the venue that I managed to watch rock legends Thin Lizzy by drawing a ticket for the gig!


Sale poster, Queen Street, Cardiff.


Queen Street railway station.

This was once a much larger station, with five platforms, a fine glazed overall roof and a large gothic street building.


Changing room, Boxing Day at Caedelyn Park, Whitchurch.


Queen Street in the rain.




Hayes redevelopment and John Batchelor statue. I like it when the statue has been 'enhanced'!


Harley's Coffee Shop in Royal Arcade.


The utterly bizarre 'Platform 0' at Cardiff Central (which, young 'uns, used to be called Cardiff General).


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