Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl facts for kids
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| Address | Esplanade, Porthcawl, Wales, CF36 3YW |
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| Coordinates | 51°28′36″N 3°42′21″W / 51.4766°N 3.7059°W |
| Operator | Awen Cultural Trust |
| Genre(s) | Theatre |
| Capacity | 643 (main hall) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1931 |
| Opened | 1 August 1932 |
The Grand Pavilion is a popular entertainment spot in Porthcawl, Wales. It first opened its doors on August 8, 1932. This special building has an octagon-shaped dome and a wide front. When it was first built, it was meant to be a fancy "Palm Court." This was a place for tea dances, big parties, and important town gatherings.
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Building the Pavilion
Building the Grand Pavilion started in the summer of 1931. The builders used a material called ferrocrete. This was a new and modern way to build things back then. Using ferrocrete helped them finish the building very quickly. The entire project was done by August 1932.
Fun Events and Famous Faces
The Grand Pavilion hosts many different events all year long. You can see live plays, concerts, and even ballroom dancing. They also have conferences and other dances. A very popular event is the Christmas pantomime, which is a fun show for families.
Many famous people have performed on the Pavilion's stage. These include Rob Brydon, Eddie Izzard, Elkie Brooks, Cerys Matthews, Hayley Westenra, Katherine Jenkins, Suzi Quatro, Ralph McTell, Joe Pasquale, and Gerry & The Pacemakers.
A Special Performance
In 1957, a singer named Paul Robeson was not allowed to travel to the UK. He was supposed to perform at an event called the Miners' Eisteddfod. But he still managed to perform live! He did it through a secret phone call from across the Atlantic Ocean. Fifty years later, in 2007, the Grand Pavilion celebrated its 75th birthday. They had a special concert with Sir Willard White.
More Than Just Shows
The Grand Pavilion is also a place for other events. It can host business meetings and conferences. People can also have their wedding ceremonies, receptions, and parties there.
The Main Hall
The main hall has a stage with all the equipment needed for shows. It can seat 643 people for theatre performances. This hall also has one of the best sprung dance floors in South Wales. A sprung floor is special because it has some bounce, which is great for dancing. The octagonal (eight-sided) floor is often used for ballroom dancing classes and tea dances.
The Stage Door
In the basement of the Pavilion, there is a renovated performance area. It used to be called the "lesser hall" or "Jubilee Room." Now, it's known as "The Stage Door." This space is used for comedy nights, folk music, jazz nights, and dance classes. It also hosts theatre workshops, conferences, and meetings.
The Cafe Bar
The Cafe Bar at the Pavilion has its own events too. You can find jazz music, relaxing "chill-out" sessions, and literary talks. There's also an Art Forum for people who love art. Just a short walk away from the Pavilion is the Seabank Hotel.
