As we reach the end of a year unlike any other, we’re reflecting on the challenging times that we’ve faced and continue to face, and we’re feeling grateful to everyone who has supported us this year.

We’re not able to welcome you to our building this Christmas, but we have a few festive things for you to enjoy from afar.

Our front windows are currently home to a selection of beautiful displays…

Hijinx would normally be performing their annual Christmas show in our Weston Studio right now, but as it’s not possible this year, the company have reimagined their usual gathering, and created something new.

Throughout December they’re bringing us 12 Days of PAWB, an online festival showcasing each of their participatory projects, including performances to enjoy on their social media channels. They’ve also collaborated with illustration students from the University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University, to create beautiful artwork that can be viewed online and in the window panels of Wales Millennium Centre.

This exhibition wraps around the left-hand corner of the building, if you’re standing directly in front, and, to its right, you will notice some new residents, who’ve come in to the warm from colder climes…

We’re delighted to work in collaboration with our partners Butetown Carnival to develop a window display of beautiful lanterns created by local artists Niki and Alice Fogaty. You will see Barnabus the owl, Frank the penguin and his chick Juniper and last but not least Harriet the hare in a sparkly winter wonderland.

Crafted by hand and lit from the inside, these festive characters bring a dollop of magic to our windows. Our volunteers have also created a number of lanterns which will join the display and they will hopefully all take part in our annual lantern parade in the new year.

And across the building you will see a bright and colourful artwork wishing you ‘Nadolig Llawen’ (a Merry Christmas).

If you’re looking for some fun, cosy indoor activities for the whole family, look no further than our online production – Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, available to stream from as little as £10. We’ve joined up with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Pins and Needles, to present their hugely popular Christmas show. Once you pay for a ticket you can stream the show as many times as you like – what could be better than a theatre show in the comfort of your own living room? 

We’ll be taking an extended break over Christmas, ready to come back feeling energised and refreshed for 2021. We’d like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year.