For many years, the council has been in the position to pay for the road closures and staff to ensure these events can take place safely, but sadly due to cuts to council budgets, we are no longer able to offer this service for free.

The financial position was explained to event organisers last year, to give them time to look at alternative funding arrangements.

Due to the cost-of-living crisis, this hasn’t been an easy task, so the council has stepped in and found a sponsor, which has agreed to pay the council charge to ensure that these events can go-ahead.

Urban Centric, the sponsor of these events is a development company that specialises in regeneration residential projects in city centre locations, including Cardiff, Birmingham and Exeter.

Andrew Woods, Managing Director of Urban Centric said: “When the council reached out for a sponsor, we were happy to help, as Christmas is a time of good will and cheer. We hope that the events are enjoyed by all that live in these areas, and it is our way to say happy Christmas to Cardiff.”

Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Climate Change and Transport said: “The council is happy to assist community groups and charities with their community events, but if the event requires the closure of the highway, space on the highway or staff to ensure the event takes place safely then these costs must be paid for by the event organiser.

“In a perfect world, we would like to provide the assistance and staff for free, but this isn’t possible due to the increasing costs on the council, especially in education and social care. I would like to thank Urban Centric for their generosity, I know that it will be appreciated by residents in all these communities.”