A statement from the Grand Pavilion - 26th June 2020
Grand Pavilion large scale shows: October 2020 – January 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has, and continues to have, a profound effect on our lives and the way we live. People’s safety and wellbeing is the foremost priority for us all. The restrictions have impacted on every part of our economy and perhaps most acutely on the hospitality, theatre and events industry.
While the guidance on what we can and can’t do is managed cautiously here in Wales, the uncertainty on the future of our theatre and events programme means that we are forced to make our own judgements on how to proceed and recover from this crisis.
It is, therefore, with a great disappointment that we have to announce our plans to reschedule or cancel all large-scale events due to take place in the main auditorium at the Grand Pavilion from October until the end of January 2021.
This very sadly means that our annual pantomime Aladdin, produced by Imagine Theatre, will not go ahead this year. We look forward to welcoming back the cast and crew for the Christmas and New Year season in 2021-22, and wish to thank them for supporting us with this difficult decision.
We would also like to thank all other performers, promoters and private hirers who were due to hold events at the Grand Pavilion this year, for their patience and understanding whilst we rearrange their bookings, and to our colleagues at Bridgend County Borough Council for their support and commitment to the venue.
Although our autumn and winter programme of events may seem a long way off, there is still significant uncertainty surrounding how and when theatres, and other event venues, will be allowed to reopen - and even when they are, the corresponding guidance and working restrictions imposed will determine how viable each step is. We need to act now in order to secure a sustainable future for the Grand Pavilion and Awen Cultural Trust.
The challenges facing theatres and venues is now well publicised and, as a registered charity dedicated to providing cultural opportunity, Awen will do its bit in supporting other activities and play a prominent role in the national conversation on how theatres can transition back into places where people can once again gather to socialise, enjoy and learn.
We will be contacting customers by email and telephone with respect to transferring tickets to rescheduled dates or arranging refunds. We politely request that you wait to be contacted by us, over the coming weeks, and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding whilst we deal with thousands of people.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support, donations and kind messages – we really do appreciate it.
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This year The Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl will be home to with the hilarious family friendly pantomime, Aladdin.
