An eclectic and exciting programme of live music, comedy and family entertainment awaits audiences returning to Y Muni in Pontypridd when it reopens this autumn following its multi-million pound redevelopment.
The autumn/winter season will kick-off on Saturday 14th September with Ponty Live, an evening celebration of local professional and amateur performers, as Awen Cultural Trust and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council welcome the community back to this much-loved venue. On 28th September, Y Muni will welcome Dan Donnelly and Jon Sevink from folk/rock band the Levellers for an intimate gig.
Live music fans can also look forward to performances from Pontypridd-born drummer of AC/DC and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band fame Chris Slade, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Band and Dodgy frontman Nigel Clark. Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain, Aled Jones, Welsh of The West End, Shaun Ryder and Goldie Lookin Chain are all booked for 2025.
Stand-up comedy connoisseurs are guaranteed a giggle as we welcome multi-award-winning comedian Carl Hutchinson, hot on the heels of the BBC New Comedy Awards – Wales & the West televised heat.
For our younger audiences, we have Theatr Iolo’s family-friendly hip hop drama ‘The Welsh Dragon’, festive film classic The Snowman with a stirring accompaniment from a live orchestra and Animal Guyz, a heart-warming live show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects.
Other events will include regular Free Music Fridays in the new bar area, local band nights, lunchtime dementia-friendly concerts with Live Music Now, open mic nights, songwriter sessions, monthly comedy club, regular cinema programme and quarterly music industry workshops and gigs in partnership with SONIG Youth Music.
Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:
“Y Muni has a vibrant history of live music and performance, and we’re excited to reinstate it as a top destination on the South Wales entertainment scene. We have been working hard to secure a whole host of high-calibre artists, well-known names, and local and grassroots talent, to once again launch Y Muni as place for all ages and interests to enjoy.
“We have developed a close working relationship with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and other local arts and cultural organisations, as well as the business community of Pontypridd. We can’t wait to welcome people back to this beautifully renovated venue and I cannot wait to see this space coming to life with visitors from all over the area.”
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “We are delighted to be working with Awen Cultural Trust on the major redevelopment of Y Muni, to re-establish the historic venue as a much-loved music and arts hub for Pontypridd and the region. The renovations continue to progress well, enabling Y Muni to be ready to support the National Eisteddfod of Wales from August 3-10, before formally opening soon after.
“Awen has today announced a fantastic, varied first season of events – as well as a glimpse into what’s coming in 2025. This represents an exciting first chapter for Y Muni’s new era, and I can’t wait for the public to be able to see inside the venue on their first visit very soon.”
Tickets for these events and more will be on sale from 10am on 1st July 2024 on www.y-muni.co.uk
