Wales’ largest light trail, Christmas at Bute Park, has today announced the three local charities it will be partnering with for its 2025 light trail.
This year, the award-winning event is proud to introduce two brand new collaborations with Cardiff Mind and bereavement charity 2 Wish, alongside a continued partnership with long-term charity partner City Hospice.
Cardiff Mind provides mental health support and services to people across the city, offering a range of programmes aimed at improving mental wellbeing.
2Wish was founded in 2012 by Rhian Mannings MBE, following the tragic loss of her baby son George. Just five days after his passing, Rhian’s husband Paul also took his own life, consumed by grief. With no support available at that time, Rhian was left to navigate the devastation alone with her two young children. Her experience laid the foundation for 2wish – ensuring that no bereaved family is overlooked or left without compassionate, specialist care in the aftermath of tragedy.
City Hospice is the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in Cardiff, offering medical, nursing, and emotional support to both patients and their families, all provided free of charge.
These meaningful partnerships highlight the event’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital community services and raising awareness for organisations making a real difference to the lives of people across south Wales.
In addition to its charity partnerships, Christmas at Bute Park will once again support Cardiff Council’s ‘Passport to the City’ scheme, offering free tickets to foster children and young carers, ensuring the magic of the trail reaches some of the city’s most deserving young people.
Since its launch in 2020, Christmas at Bute Park has raised £218,327.40 for its charity partners, thanks to the generosity of visitors and the wider community.
James Padbury, CEO of Cardiff Mind said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Christmas at Bute Park this year. It’s a magical event that brings people together, and it’s wonderful to be part of something that lifts spirits while helping raise awareness for mental health.”
Rhian Mannings, founder of 2Wish said: “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you for supporting 2wish and giving our amazing families the opportunity to come together at such a special event. Moments like this mean so much, bringing comfort, connection, and the chance to create new memories while remembering loved ones. We are truly grateful to be linked to such kindness and support.”
Dr Liz Booyse, CEO of City Hospice said: “We’re proud to continue our relationship with Christmas at Bute Park, an event that brings warmth and joy to so many. The support we receive helps us continue our vital work for patients and families across Cardiff.”
Roxy Robinson, Creative Director at From the Fields, the team behind Christmas at Bute Park, said, “Supporting local charities is at the heart of Christmas at Bute Park. We’re incredibly proud to welcome two fantastic new partners in Cardiff Mind and 2Wish, while continuing our longstanding relationship with City Hospice. These partnerships, along with our work with Passport to the City, ensure the event’s reach extends far beyond the park gates.”
This year’s light trail will run from 21 November to 31 December 2025, transforming the historic Bute Park into a magical winter wonderland for visitors of all ages.
