Because nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit more than Wales’ biggest light trail and a very special guest choir
Christmas at Bute Park 2025 kicked off its first weekend with two special performances from the Mark Jermin choir – which featured in the festive film favourite LOVE ACTUALLY back in 2003.
The 30-strong group, made up of children and young adults who regularly train at Mark Jermin’s acting school, performed festive songs in the Christmas Village – alongside their coach Nia Jermin, who is also one of the original choir members from the film!
The children, from around south Wales, all train under the guidance of Nia and her colleagues, including child agent Andrew Phillips, who also had a starring in role in the much-loved film, which starred a stellar cast including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Emma Thompson and Martine McCutcheon.
Nia said: “Mark Jermin supplied the choir for Love Actually back when it was filming back in 2003 and even yours truly can be seen clicking their fingers to “All I want for Christmas is You!’ The choir, made up of kids aged four to 18, regularly performs in events around Wales, including Joseph’s Smile Concert, Maggie’s Charity Ball, Child of Wales, and performances for the National Assembly of Wales as well as films and television shows and commercials, including most recently the Andrex commercial!”
Andrew, who was 13 at the time of filming, starred as Joseph in the film’s nativity play. He sang ‘Catch a Falling Star’ and he was also a member in the choir, alongside Nia.
He said: “It was such a privilege to be part of such an iconic film. Each Christmas it brings back lovely memories of filming with such terrific talent. Being directed by Richard Curtis and sharing the stage with Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Martine McCutcheon, Thomas Brody and Hugh Grant is an experience I’ll never forget.
“I am so proud of each and every member of this choir, continuing to carry the Christmas spirit and spreading feelgood cheer to the masses. What a treat for people visiting the fabulous light trail.”
Roxy Robinson, Event Director at From the Fields, the team behind Christmas at Bute Park, said: “What a wonderful way to welcome the first wave of visitors to the light trail. The choir performed beautifully and I hope visitors to Christmas at Bute Park enjoyed the festive treat. It is fantastic to be here in Cardiff for its fifth year.”
With more than 104,000 tickets sold in 2024, Christmas at Bute Park runs until December 31st and visitors are in for a spectacular display with a re-imagined route of all new installations, including Water Willow, Icefall, Crystal Avenue and Yuletide Magic – a gorgeous tree projection of magical sparkle, inspired by pixie dust soaring around the trees.
Foodies can also enjoy the array of street food on offer with delicious treats from local traders, as well as the Bute Park Tavern – the cosy heated Alpine wooded cabin where you can sit back and enjoy a drink in the twinkling surroundings.
This year’s traders include Cattle Co. Burgers, Hash & Dash, Frico Pizza & Loaded Fries, Daddy Mac’s, Oh My Sausage, Let’s Wrap Fried Chicken, Chocomelt Station and Crumble Pots. There are also coffee stalls, bars serving a range of hot and cold drinks and vintage fairground rides.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.christmasatbutepark.com.
