Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl

The Grand Pavilion stands in Porthcawl, a seaside town in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. Built in 1931–32, it is an octagonal entertainment venue with a distinctive dome and wide frontage. Originally designed as a Palm Court for tea dances and civic events, it quickly became a landmark in the town. The building used ferrocrete, a new material at the time, allowing swift construction. Councillor Russell Mabley opened it in August 1932 as Chairman of P.U.D.C. The Pavilion hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Theatre, concerts, ballroom dancing and conferences take place regularly. Christmas pantomimes draw large audiences each season. Over the decades, stars such as Rob Brydon, Eddie Izzard, Katherine Jenkins and Cerys Matthews have performed on its stage. In 1957, Paul Robeson gave a live concert via transatlantic telephone link after a travel ban prevented his appearance. The venue celebrated its golden jubilee in 2007 with a concert featuring Sir Willard White. Inside, the main hall has a stage and seats 643 people. Its sprung dance floor is among the finest in South Wales and is used for ballroom classes and tea dances. Below, the refurbished basement space called The Stage Door hosts comedy nights, folk and jazz performances, theatre workshops and meetings. The Cafe Bar offers its own programme of Jazz evenings, literary talks and art forums. A few metres away, the Seabank Hotel overlooks the same stretch of coast.