Attendance Soars at Y Muni in Pontypridd After Reopening
Y Muni in Pontypridd has seen impressive attendance since reopening, with nearly 1,400 visitors in just two months.
Pontypridd, Wales, Y Muni, Theatre, Events, Community
Pontypridd: So, Y Muni has really bounced back since it reopened! In just August and September, nearly 1,400 folks showed up for performances. That’s a solid turnout, right? The reports say they had about 1,584 visitors overall, which is pretty impressive considering it was only the start.
During that time, 199 people got involved in various events too. Y Muni, which used to be called The Muni Arts Centre, kicked things off on August 3 with a lineup for the National Eisteddfod. It was a great way to relaunch the venue.
Then, on September 14, they officially reopened with a bang! Over 250 people came out for Ponty Live!, showcasing local talent. There were around 140 performers, including the Pontypridd Male Voice Choir and some other cool acts.
They’ve also hosted some exciting events like the BBC New Comedy Awards regional heat, which was filmed for BBC Wales. Plus, there was live music from Dan Donnelly and Jon Sevink from The Levellers. It’s been a busy time for Y Muni!
The council had a plan to revamp the place, securing a hefty £250,000 from the Welsh Government and another £250,000 from RCT Council. They even got £5.383 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to enhance the building’s original gothic style and make it more sustainable.
Awen Cultural Trust is now managing the venue, and they’ve been working on community projects too. One of them, called Voice from the Market, captured stories from local market stallholders and shoppers, leading to some creative pieces of music and video.
They’ve also been hosting live music at The Market Quarter and even collaborated with local school kids to create a new piece of music about the town’s heritage. It’s all about getting the community involved and making Y Muni a hub for everyone.
Recently, a lease agreement was signed to keep things running smoothly until 2028/2029. Awen is on board to handle the venue’s operations and maintenance, ensuring it stays in good shape for all the events and activities planned.
They’re committed to offering a balanced program with high-quality live music, comedy, and theatre. Plus, they’ll be meeting regularly with the council to keep everything on track. It’s exciting to see how Y Muni is shaping up!