Cardiff used to have some truly cracking entertainment venues that were always buzzing with energy. Nowadays, some of them are still up and running, while others have taken on a new life or closed forever. In this article, you’ll take a little trip back in time to learn about these iconic spaces, their importance to the community, and why some of them just couldn’t hack it.
Over the years, Cardiff has witnessed the opening and closing of all kinds of entertainment venues. Where music and memories used to fill the air, now it’s just deafening silence. By learning more about these places, you can really appreciate the diverse entertainment scene in Cardiff and understand the reasons behind the decision to shut down.
Demolishing a Piece of History at Red Dragon
Opening in August 1997, the Red Dragon Centre was previously known as Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village. In a very short amount of time, it became an important part of the entertainment scene in Cardiff Bay. In 2000, it was rebranded with the name of the local radio station, Red Dragon FM, during a time when the surroundings were very new and bustling with activity.
For almost three decades, families, couples, and friends visited the Red Dragon Centre for its stylish cinema, Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, yummy restaurants, and flashy casino. It offered some good options for any night out on the town. But soon enough, changing tastes and reduced foot traffic led to its eventual demise. In 2020, the Cardiff Council made the bold move of buying the centre for £60 million, with future plans to tear it down and build a new 15,000-seat indoor arena in a couple of years time. The red Dragon Centre remains open, until the new Red Dragon entertainment centre opens in 2026.
New Actors Shake Up Cardiff’s Gambling Scene
The casino scene in Cardiff has changed significantly in recent years. The Grosvenor Casino, which used to be located in the city center, closed down in 2020 after two decades of operation. This marked the end of an era for many local gamblers. This isn’t something specific to Cardiff either. All around the world, casino players are opting to gamble online due to the added convenience of playing casino games anywhere, anytime.
The growing popularity of online casinos has almost entirely transformed Cardiff’s gambling habits. The easy access to online platforms has made more people choose virtual gaming rooms over traditional casinos. This has changed how people in Cardiff have fun and chase those casino bonuses. With tons of new slots and features, it’s getting harder for brick-and-mortar casinos to compete. It makes you wonder if this digital shift will keep changing the way people spend their leisure time in the city.
The Coal Exchange’s Musical Past and Hotel Present
The Coal Exchange in Mount Stuart Square constructed from 1884 to 1888, had a crucial impact on Cardiff’s industrial past. This building was designed in the Renaissance Revival style and stood at the center of the worldwide coal trade. Originally serving as a meeting place for merchants and ship owners to do business, it went on to serve many uses during its history. When the coal industry shrank, the Coal Exchange found a new purpose as a spot for music and events. It welcomed many concerts and cultural happenings, becoming a treasured part of Cardiff’s entertainment scene.
The building’s deep history and impressive architecture made it a one-of-a-kind setting for shows. Nicknamed “The Coal Cathedral” because of its grandeur, the Coal Exchange was where the world’s first million-pound business deal went down. Here’s another fun fact: in 1979, it was even considered as the potential home for the Welsh Assembly. Now, the Coal Exchange is changing into an up-scale hotel, keeping its historic front while updating to meet today’s needs.
St. David’s Hall Musical Legacy is on Pause
St. David’s Hall opened in 1982 and soon became Wales’ National Concert Hall and Conference Centre. You’ll find this venue in The Hayes known for its great sound and wide range of shows. For years, St. David’s Hall was at the center of Cardiff’s classical music world. It put on big events like the Welsh Proms and the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest. The hall’s brutalist design made it stand out in the middle of the city. But in 2023, St. David’s Hall had to shut down for a while to fix its roof. It plans to open its doors again in 2025.
Will this break affect how it does in the long run? You’ll have to wait and see if people will come back with the same excitement, or if the closure will give other venues a chance to shine in Cardiff’s classical music scene. The disruption due to repairs might cause a headache for some music fans, leading them to find other places to enjoy classical music in Cardiff. However, St. David’s Hall has a pretty great reputation and supports local talent, so it could come back even stronger after it reopens. Not to mention, the transfer of operations to Academy Music Group, a big-name entertainment venue operator, is set to bring fresh ideas and events to the table, in hopes of broadening the appeal of the venue.
Venues Reborn and Forgotten Forever
Though not shut down, the Millennium Stadium went through a big change that altered its identity. It opened in 1999 built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup. The stadium soon became a well-known sight in Cardiff’s skyline. In 2016, a sponsorship deal led to the Millennium Stadium’s new name: the Principality Stadium. This switch meant the end of an era for many Cardiff locals who had grown fond of the original name. The venue still hosts big sports events and concerts. It was even named one of the top Six Nations host stadiums for 2024. However, some long-time Cardiff residents feel the loss of the “Millennium” name shows a shift in the city’s culture.
As you think about these famous spots, you can see that Cardiff’s entertainment scene keeps transforming. Some places have closed, while others are adjusting to new times. The next generation in Cardiff will only hear stories of some of these iconic venues. All they’ll be left with is hireath (that’s Welsh for the feeling of nostalgia for something you haven’t experienced). The city’s cultural core keeps going, changing with each new generation. What new entertainment venues do you think will shape Cardiff’s future?
