Thanks to a combination of miserable weather, New Year diets and empty pockets post-Christmas, January is often seen as the most depressing month of the year, culminating in Blue Monday on the third Monday of the month.

However, through a survey we conducted recently, we have found that a host of simple pleasures can put a smile on people’s faces, no matter how grey the weather.

Following the survey results we found an overwhelming majority of Cardiff residents (60%) voted for Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ as the song most likely to put a smile on their face, firmly beating Katy Perry’s ‘Fireworks’ into second place (26%).

It’s no surprise therefore that a flash-mob performance to Pharrell’s feel good hit put a smile on many visitors at the Centre last weekend! 20 dancers from the Performing Arts Academy Wales were involved to help put a smile on people’s faces. Check out our Facebook page for the video in full.

As well as enjoying a bit of Pharrell, the people of Cardiff are big fans of eating out, voting it their favourite thing to do in the city (61%), with visiting the castle or museum a distant second (12%).

The majority of people asked (52%) said that they find their happy place in enjoying time in a restaurant with loved ones, with Chinese food (37%) being the dish of choice.

However, the cinema came a respectable second with 40% of Cardiffians saying that the cinema is their happy place, and 48% adding that a trip to the cinema is by far the most likely activity to put a smile on their face on a rainy day. Bowling came a respectable second, with 30% of people asked saying they enjoy the activity on a rainy day.

Despite the fact that Cardiff isn’t renowned for its fine weather, locals are exceptionally loyal with 81% saying that the city is their favourite place in Wales to spend time.

Speaking about the survey results, Emma said: “January doesn’t need to be a dreary month and I’m so pleased that the people across the capital believe in simple pleasures to help cheer things up.”

The survey and flash mob are part of The Red Dragon Centre’s “The Happy Place” campaign, which will run throughout January and encourages people to visit the Centre to put a smile on their faces during the cold and blue month.