{"id":18158,"date":"2017-11-23T14:03:37","date_gmt":"2017-11-23T14:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/?p=18158"},"modified":"2017-11-23T14:03:37","modified_gmt":"2017-11-23T14:03:37","slug":"christmas-lights-in-the-november-rain-drag-queen-karaoke-and-street-views-a-trip-to-cardiff-in-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/christmas-lights-in-the-november-rain-drag-queen-karaoke-and-street-views-a-trip-to-cardiff-in-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views &#8211; a trip to Cardiff in photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-01.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Once again, Cardiff lived up to its reputation as\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/britains-rainiest-cities-revealed-good-news-for-londoners-9803812.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Britain\u2019s wettest city<\/a>, with my two days in the capital being accompanied by a near-incessant drizzle.<\/p>\n<p>Being Welsh, I&#8217;m used to the rain, and find there&#8217;s a certain melancholy beauty to the rain-lashed streets when they&#8217;re reflecting the festive lights.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-02.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Located on St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, the Christmas market has grown considerably in size in recent years, although the relentless rain had dampened festive spirits when I walked past.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-03.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Early evening view.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-04.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The big windmill was back again.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-05.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Baubles galore.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-06.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Rush hour in Cardiff Queen Street as commuters pack into an antique train.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-07.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The street artwork seemed appropriate.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-08.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>More rainy views.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-09.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-10.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-11.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The iconic H Samuel clock &#8216;Everite Time&#8217; in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/photos-of-cardiff-central-market-a-victorian-indoor-market-in-the-castle-quarter-wales\/\">Cardiff Market<\/a> seems doomed to never work again.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-12.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Church Street.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-13.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/cafecitta.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cafe Citta<\/a>, a family-run Italian cafe\/restaurant, delivered a delicious pizza and pancake special. Recommended!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-15.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Back on the street, the rain continued to bucket down.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-16.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-17.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Inside the Tiny Rebel bar in Westgate Street.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-18.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Dorothy&#8217;s and Tony&#8217;s &#8211; two long-serving legends of Cardiff&#8217;s &#8216;Chip Alley&#8217; (Caroline Street).<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-19.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A near-deserted The Hayes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-20.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-21.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We popped in for a late drink at the fabulous Golden Cross pub\u00a0at the\u00a0junction of Customhouse Street\u00a0and\u00a0Hayes Bridge Road.<\/p>\n<p>A karaoke competition was taking place, complete with a trio of judges casting their verdict on each act. It was great fun.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-22.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Read my earlier feature: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/glazed-tiles-grade-ii-listing-and-drag-acts-the-wonderful-golden-cross-pub-in-cardiff\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Glazed tiles, Grade II listing and drag acts: the wonderful Golden Cross pub in Cardiff<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-23.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Now with a population of 350,000, Cardiff is among the fastest growing cities in the UK, and new buildings are cropping up all over town.<\/p>\n<p>Sadly there seems to be very little visual coherence from one new build to the next, so the skyline is beginning to look a mess.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-24.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Formerly known as Snelling House and serving as the headquarters of Wales Gas, this 1966 tower block has been converted into a hotel.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-25.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a real eyesore.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-26.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The rain temporarily eased up in the morning. But not for long&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-27.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Queen Street view.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-28.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A true &#8216;Christmas Wonderland.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-29.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Santa&#8217;s Grotto on Queen Street.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-30.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I liked these fairy light deer outside Cardiff Castle.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-31.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-32.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Arcade view.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-37.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Spillers Records.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-33.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The rain returned in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-34.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A soaked St Mary Street.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-35.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/images\/cardiff-november-rain-36.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas lights in the November rain, drag queen karaoke and street views - a trip to Cardiff\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/?s=cardiff\">more Cardiff photos here<\/a> or join in with the Cardiff chat here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Once again, Cardiff lived up to its reputation as\u00a0Britain\u2019s wettest city, with my two days in the capital being accompanied by a near-incessant drizzle. Being Welsh, I&#8217;m used to the &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[20,456,17,193,198,16],"tags":[1196,753,748,1045,24,1347,135,18,1195,31,1810,809,1194],"class_list":["post-18158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardiff","category-news","category-photos","category-places","category-wales-places","category-wales","tag-cardiff","tag-cardiff-castle","tag-cardiff-central-market","tag-cardiff-queen-street","tag-christmas","tag-golden-cross","tag-market","tag-photography","tag-photos","tag-rain","tag-st-mary-street","tag-street-photography","tag-wales"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/cardiff-november-rain-01.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pQI7P-4IS","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18158"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18161,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18158\/revisions\/18161"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}