Penarth Pier Pavilion to hold open day
The Vale of Glamorgan Council will be holding an open day at Penarth Pier Pavilion on Saturday to showcase the opportunities it offers the local community.
Since taking over operation of the building in February, the Council has made a raft of improvements and undertook a public consultation exercise over the summer to establish how residents wanted it to be used.
That feedback has been analysed and over the last few months a range of activities, including children’s events, wreath making, musical performances and exhibitions have taken place, many of them free.
More than 200 events will have been held in the pavilion by June and the Council is keen for the public to explore further possibilities.
In the build up to Christmas, Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Teas, Brunch with Santa and a New Year’s Eve Party are all in the calendar, with tickets available from Eventbrite.
The open day will begin at 11am with a carol singalong with the Salvation Army before people are invited inside the pavilion for tea, coffee and mince pies.
There will be a table-top exhibition in the gallery, illustrating the work that has taken place over the last 10 months.
Representatives from Snowcat cinema will also be in attendance to show people around the cinema, while there will be an opportunity to view the facilities available for wedding ceremonies.
The public are free to attend throughout the day, with the event finishing at 4pm.
Cllr Kathryn McCaffer, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said: “Our staff have worked incredibly hard over the last year to restore the pavilion to its former glory.
“Our aim is to establish the building as a hub for the whole community to enjoy so we are really keen to hear residents’ views and show them the changes that have been made.
“We want the pavilion to be a vibrant, varied space that can be a source of pride for locals and a focal point for visitors.
“So much has already been done, but we also have big plans for the future.”
On taking over the building, the Council quickly set about assessing its condition, arranging for repairs and thorough cleaning to be carried out.
The Big Fresh Café then opened, run by the Council’s catering company, offering a range of food and drink from local suppliers to enjoy in-house or take away.
As well as contributing to the running costs of the pavilion, profits from Big Fresh are used to fund healthy school meals for Vale pupils.
Since the summer, wedding ceremonies and receptions have been staged at the pavilion.
The cinema and bar have also reopened and discussions are ongoing over hosting further live music, comedy and artistic events.
Other suggestions to come out of a public survey include using the building as a street-food space and holding classes and group sessions there.