The largest light show in Wales is set to open in Bute Park this week amid concerns regarding the ecological impact of the event
Christmas at Bute Park opens this weekend, but event organisers have assured attendees that precautions are in place to minimise environmental harm.
The event includes a 1.4km light display, a feature created by leading fire art specialists, and local food and drinks stalls. Home to over 3,000 trees, Bute Park will see an influx of crowds from the light show which has already sold out of weekend tickets.
However, there are growing concerns the event will cause disruption to the Cadw grade one listed park. As a result, Cardiff Council and independent ecology specialists have partnered with the event’s management to avoid harm to the heritage site.
Acer Ecology, one of the specialists, has stated that the lighting will not “significantly affect” wildlife in the area, providing the event follows its recommendations.
Alongside this, Treecare Consulting suggested additional work on top of the council’s upkeep to protect Bute’s forestry and avoid harm to attendees. Any wood cut down will not go to waste and instead be used for habitats on site.
Organisers and attendees taking steps such as these will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more sustainable community
Joe Wilkins, head of campaigns for UK Youth for Nature, said, “It’s great to see that nature is coming to the forefront of decision-making and event planning. The festive period can be a devastating time for our wildlife and planet, so it’s wonderful to see organisers trying to minimise this impact.
“Organisers and attendees taking steps such as these will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more sustainable community.”
In October, Bute Park received a Green Flag Award, meaning the park has high environmental standards, accessible facilities, and is maintained thoroughly. Additionally, a recent study by the University of Southampton commissioned by NatWest, placed Cardiff as the third most ‘green’ city in the UK.
The event will run from 25 November to New Year’s Eve with family tickets priced at £55 and adult tickets at £18.
Simple steps to a green Christmas
- Use LED lights when decorating your tree – can be up to 80% more energy efficient than regular bulbs
- Wrap presents in recyclable materials – brown paper, recycle old gift wrap or good old-fashioned newspaper
- Get a real Christmas tree – artificial trees have a carbon footprint over ten times larger than that of a real tree that’s been burned after Christmas