Family affair
It may be cold on New Year's Eve, but still the people will be out dancing in the streets of Cardiff to cheer in the new millennium. More than 100,000 revellers are expected to descend on the Welsh capital at three main landmarks - the castle, the Civic Centre, and the new Millennium Stadium - and plans are already afoot for street parties, funfairs, outside entertainment and a procession. Cardiff Bay may join in the celebrations, but has yet to announce any plans.
"Cardiff is gearing up to mark the millennium with a family celebratory event that we all can be proud of," says Russell Goodway, leader of Cardiff County Council.
The celebration is being called Calennig, from the Welsh tradition meaning New Year's gift. In a similar way to the Scots, the Welsh traditionally go round to people's houses bearing gifts, which are handed over by the children, especially girls.
"It is seen as taking a good wish to the house," says Kathryn Richards, communications manager at the council and one of the co-ordinators of the New Year celebrations.
Calennig was organised officially for the first time last year as a trial run for the millennium, but now the council hopes to stage it every year.
The family theme of the celebrations begins with a lantern-lit procession. In the days leading up to New Year's Eve, holiday workshops will be held at which children will make their lanterns. The procession will begin at Cardiff Castle and then proceed down the street and gather in the Civic Centre square, where there will be a funfair.
Also under consideration are plans for a huge rock concert at the new Millennium Stadium, which is due to open in June. The £120m stadium can seat 72,500 and has five function rooms, each accommodating up to 500 people. Top Welsh bands the Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia and the Stereophonics may perform at the concert.
Restaurateurs are backing the council's plans and many intend to open on the night, making special provision for family catering.
"We are going to have an area for children to encourage families to come," says Giovanni Malacrino, owner of Gio Restaurants and Bar. "Otherwise they will stay at home because they won't be able to find or afford babysitters. There has been talk of babysitters charging £100 an hour."
Cardiff's café quarter, where Malacrino runs his café and restaurant, promises to be a lively area on the big night. Malacrino's establishment can cater for more than 300 people.
"There are about nine or 10 cafés in the quarter and we are already co-ordinating ideas for the evening," he says. "We will have coverings outside at the front so people can be in the street."
Millennium Eve licensing is still under review by the council, but it is expected to allow very late opening - at least 4am.
Staffing could be a major problem for businesses, however. Malacrino is planning a buffet to keep costs down, while Benedictos Lado, owner of Benedictos in the town centre, will offer a set menu.
"It will be more expensive because of the wages, but prices must be sensible," says Lado. He plans to charge about double normal prices - around £90 plus extra for wine - and will cater for 80 covers. Malacrino is looking at about £60 a head, with children half-price.
The Happy Gathering, a Cantonese restaurant in the town centre, also intends to keep prices down. "I think this New Year will be house party extravaganza unless we are sensible," says assistant manager Tim Brosnan. n
