**Cardiff’s Beloved Queen Street Carousel Set for a New Lease of Life in Cardiff Bay**
For many Cardiff residents and regular shoppers, the bright and colourful carousel that once graced Queen Street was more than just a fairground attraction – it was a much-loved city landmark and a source of fond childhood memories. Its unexpected removal earlier this spring sparked disappointment and nostalgia across the capital, with many expressing their sadness at seeing such an iconic feature disappear.
Though the carousel’s absence has left some feeling that Queen Street has lost a part of its character, hope is not lost for carousel fans. In a move that may help soothe those still lamenting its loss, it has now been confirmed that the historic ride is being reinstalled at a new location in Cardiff Bay. Construction is currently underway, and the carousel is anticipated to welcome riders again soon, bringing a familiar splash of magic to a different corner of the city.
The decision to remove the Queen Street carousel was met with a mixed response from Cardiff’s residents. Whilst a small number voiced support for the new attraction that replaced it, the general consensus has been one of disappointment. Many have described the replacement as lacklustre, bemoaning the loss of the grandeur and charm that the old carousel brought to the busy shopping thoroughfare.
In fact, the sense of loss was so pronounced that a petition was launched, calling for the carousel to be reinstated on Queen Street. The petition described its removal as “a shame,” and expressed frustration at what some see as a trend in UK cities of replacing unique local features with more generic, uninspiring alternatives. Helen Abraham, one local resident, remarked: “I always used to stop for a photo with the old one. This new version just isn’t a photo opportunity.”
Many fellow residents echoed these sentiments, sharing personal stories about what the Queen Street carousel meant to them. For instance, Momal Ali shared how the old carousel carried fond memories of her child’s early years, whilst university student Holly Tucker commented that the replacement carousel “is boring, dark, and closed”, diminishing the open, festive spirit that once welcomed both locals and visitors.
Not all feedback, however, has been negative. Some residents have found positives in the new design and its features. Ghita Sania noted that although the new carousel was less visually appealing, her children still enjoyed it, particularly appreciating the parent benches and shelter from the often inclement Welsh weather. Another local, James Gannon, acknowledged the safety provided by the carousel’s new surrounding glass but nonetheless missed the openness and visual impact of the previous design.
In addition, a few voices have suggested that while the carousel may be downsized, some of its new features represent an upgrade. Lakshmi Kaur observed that the rides themselves were more modern and offered greater variety, albeit at the cost of a more enclosed feel. Similarly, Ella Shaughnessy welcomed the practical move to a more protected structure, given the frequent Welsh rain, yet mourned the loss of the thrill and pageantry provided by the original, double-tiered carousel.
As the new carousel prepares to open in Cardiff Bay, the city’s residents will soon have the chance to enjoy a piece of their heritage once again – even if it’s in a different setting. The story of the Queen Street carousel serves as a poignant reminder of how certain landmarks become woven into the fabric of a city’s identity, and how passionate residents can be about the small joys that brighten urban life.
At the time of writing, requests for comment from the SAYERS Group and Cardiff Rocks regarding the move had not been answered. The public response, however, speaks volumes about the enduring affection for Cardiff’s carousels, both past and present.
For now, as work continues at Cardiff Bay, the return of the carousel offers a glimmer of hope – and perhaps the start of a new chapter for one of the city’s treasured traditions.