Y Muni, a cherished arts and music venue located in the heart of Pontypridd, Wales, is set to reopen after being closed since 2018. The iconic landmark received a much-needed facelift with a £5.3m redevelopment funded by Levelling Up, bringing hope for a vibrant future as a cultural hub. The closure of Y Muni in 2018 was due to financial challenges but thanks to the efforts of Awen Cultural Trust, in collaboration with RCT Council, the venue is ready to welcome back the community.
The grand reopening of Y Muni is scheduled for September 14, 2024, coinciding with Ponty Live, an event celebrating local and national performers. Prior to the official reopening, the venue was utilized during this year’s National Eisteddfod to host competitions and intimate concerts. The redevelopment focused on making Y Muni more environmentally friendly and accessible, with the installation of new lifts, toilets, solar panels, insulation, and boilers.
The upcoming autumn/winter season will feature performances from notable figures like AC/DC drummer Chris Slade, Aled Jones, and Shaun Ryder. Y Muni will also host a variety of events such as Free Music Fridays, a comedy club, dementia-friendly concerts, and a cinema programme. The building’s rich history dates back to its opening as a Wesleyan Chapel in 1895, transitioning into a municipal hall and eventually an arts centre beloved during the 80s and 90s.
Richard Hughes, the chief executive of Awen Cultural Trust, expressed the intent to maintain Y Muni’s essence as a cultural centre while focusing on music events to fill a gap left by closed music venues. The revamped auditorium, now capable of seating 300, standing 400, and hosting 120 for cabaret-style events, has been acoustically treated for live music performances. The addition of a new bar and seating areas, along with refurbished dressing rooms, enhances the visitor experience.
RCT Council members Bob Harris and Mark Norris lauded the reopening of Y Muni, emphasizing its significance as a regional arts and cultural venue. The venue’s versatile offerings including music events, cinema screenings, and community gatherings aim to reignite its legacy as a cultural cornerstone. Y Muni’s transformation signals a new chapter for Pontypridd as it regains its status as a vibrant hub for the arts and entertainment.