Christmas light switch ons in Cardiff from years gone by

There are a few things that really scream Christmas - the arrival of the Coca Cola Truck, the John Lewis advert on TV and, of course the switching on of the pretty, twinkly festive lights in villages, towns and cities across the country.

Cardiff has had some pretty spectacular lights over the years - and many big names have switched them on. This year the lights will appear from Thursday, November 11 (there's no official 'switch on') but we thought we'd take a look back at some of the city's light switch ons of the past.

From Jamelia to Gavin & Stacey stars to Doctor Who royalty, there have been plenty of stand out moments.

Read more: Free things to do during Christmas 2021 in and around Cardiff

Jamelia gets the crowd rocking (Peter Bolter)

Back in 2003, it was the job of pop star Jamelia to get the crowd in the festive spirit when she was chosen to switch on the lights in Cardiff.

Hundreds turned out to see the singer and the lights, of course.

Late night shoppers in Cardiff Queen Street in 2003 (Peter Bolter)

A few years later - in 2008 - everyone’s favourite uncle, Bryn, aka Rob Brydon, along with Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones, best known as Nessa, had the honour and they were joined by Only Men Aloud.

Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon (Peter Bolter)

Doctor Who stars became familliar faces at the annual festive celebration - with the TV comeback being filmed by BBC Wales in and around Cardiff then they were clearly the perfect choice.

And in 2005 fans of the show were thrilled when the-then Doctor, David Tennant, rocked up with his sidekick Billie Piper in tow to perform the festive ritual.

Doctor Who stars David Tennant and Billie Piper switch on the Cardiff Christmas lights (Wales News Service)

In 2010, they were followed by their successors when the new Time Lord Matt Smith teamed up with Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvil at Cardiff's Civic Centre.

Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill take a journey through time to switch on Cardiff's Christmas lights (Peter Bolter)

Also in 2010, the audience was entertained by Admiral Inspire Choir, Bob The Builder, Wendy and Spud, and live music from soul band Supernatural.

Admiral Inspire Choir providing the entertainment at Cardiff Christmas Lights Switch On! back in 2010 (Peter Bolter)

Meanwhile, in 2002 rugby legend Gareth Edwards had the honour of switching on the Echo Light Up a Life Appeal Christmas tree in St. David's Centre, Cardiff.

Gareth Edwards and two-year-old Ela (Western Mail & Echo)

He was joined by his then two-year-old grand daughter, Ela, for the special occasion.

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