Crowds gathered outside Cardiff's Norwegian Church this evening to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic building.
Marking the occasion with a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the event celebrated Cardiff's special connection with the Scandinavian country.
As well as the tree-lighting ceremony, onlookers enjoyed carols, a traditional lantern procession and a Christmas sermon.
The celebrations cumulated in the lighting of the new Christmas tree - gifted to the Norwegian church each year by Norway's Hordaland Fylkeskommune as a reminder of the friendship and generosity behind the building of Cardiff's Norwegian church.
Cardiff-born writer Roald Dahl, whose parents were Norwegian, had strong ties to the church and so Sunday's event also included story telling sessions inspired by the author.
Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Daniel De'Ath said: "Its an honour to be gathered here around this tree to mark the beginning of the Christmas period with carols and traditional festivities.
"It is particularly special this year to mark 150 years of a Norwegian Church in Cardiff."
Anthony Earnest from the Norwegian Society said the tree lighting even was an annual highlight - made better by the 150th celebrations.
He said: "We've got a wonderful day for it's good to see such a great crowd today.
"The church has been a big part of the Scandinavian community over the 150 years with so many sailors and others who have come here."
Many people at the event were there to celebrate their personal history with the church. Mark Hinge's grandfather had helped to build the church.
"We've come down to the Norwegian church this evening because we've got a family connection to the church - in the 1860s my great grandfather brought it over from Norway and we're researching the family history so it's great to be here.
"But, were here today to enjoy the festivities, meet the people and listen to the music."
