Poppies bloom in city centre as appeal is launched
CARDIFF was painted red yesterday to celebrate the city’s annual Poppy Day.
The event, which was organised by the Royal British Legion, aimed to raise thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal.
Representatives from the armed forces flooded the city centre with collection buckets in hope of stacking up funds and The Royal Artillery Band performed at various places in the city centre throughout the day.
Shoppers enjoyed watching the band perform songs from artists such as Bastille and Taylor Swift.
Little ones also enjoyed having a dance along The Hayes as they put their donations in collection boxes.
Singer and presenter Aled Jones was also on hand to support the appeal.
He spoke of how wonderful it was to be a part of such a worthy cause.
The Walking in the Air singer said: “I have always been a really big supporter of the Poppy Appeal.
“I think we should take time to remember our armed services more than ever before.
“It’s important to remember people who have given their lives for us as well as those who are working in the armed forces now.
“The armed forces are inspirational and the work they do is incredible.”
He also explained how wonderful it was to be back in Cardiff where he started his career.
The singer took to the stage of St David’s Hall when he was only 12 and he remembers thinking what a big city Cardiff was when he was a youngster.
He added: “There was no John Lewis or Wagamama nearby then.
“I love coming back. Cardiff still has a really intimate feel.”
Fundraisers were also walking around the city with contactless payment machines for the first time in Cardiff. This allowed people to donate by card if they struggled to find change in their pockets.
But campaigners were keen to remind people they can still donate their old £1 coins to the cause this year.
If you still have some old £1 coins you can use them to make a donation to the appeal between now and November 12.
Community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion Lynne Woodyatt said: “Poppy Day started four years ago in Cardiff.
“It took off following the Poppy Day in London which raised over £1m – we then started doing them in all the cities.
“We’ve been trying to grow it every year and we hope to raise around £25,000 in the single Poppy Day in Cardiff.
“The overall appeal raised about £75,000 in Cardiff last year.
“It’s been fantastic here today and Aled has been a great ambassador.”