MAKING PEOPLE’S LIVES BETTER IN BRIDGEND AND THE WIDER REGION
MAKING PEOPLE’S LIVES BETTER
IN BRIDGEND AND THE WIDER REGION
Who we are
Awen Cultural Trust was established in 2015 as a charitable organisation which aims to enhance cultural opportunities in Wales. Our values are creative, collaborative, empowering and fair – and they are central to everything we do.
what we do
We operate a range of cultural facilities and activities, which include theatres, libraries, community centres, a country house and park and two work-based projects for adults with learning disabilities.
WHY WE DO IT
“OUR VALUES ARE CREATIVE, COLLABORATIVE, EMPOWERING AND FAIR- AND THEY ARE CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO.”
The Grand Pavilion is home to a diverse programme of live entertainment and performing arts, as well as youth theatre, community productions and creative workshops.
Set on the Porthcawl seafront, the Grade II classic Art Deco theatre is a much-loved destination for local people and visitors alike.
A MUCH-LOVED DESTINATION FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND VISITORS ALIKE.
ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY
From family theatre and live music, to youth workshops and stand up comedy, there is entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
If you're coming to see a show, or just passing by, why not spend time in our cafe and enjoy the panoramic views of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. It's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and a coffee.
The Met (as it’s known locally) has stood at the heart of the community of Abertillery for over 130 years.
It hosts a programme of both professional and community events involving the many local choirs, drama societies, musicians, dance schools and other groups, who contribute so much to the cultural life and heritage of this South Wales valley town.
THE MET HAS STOOD AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY OF ABERTILLERY FOR OVER 130 YEARS
The main auditorium was restored to its former Victorian grandeur during a major building refurbishment between 1999 and 2006.
It has retained many of its original features such as the original timber roof structures imported from Canada, iron columns and decorative panels. One of the most famous performers to tread the boards at The Met was Charlie Chaplin.
Scheduled to reopen in 2022/23, Maesteg Town Hall, in the heart of the Llynfi Valley, is currently undergoing an ambitious and much-needed redevelopment.
At £8m, this project represents one of the single biggest investments made in the area and one of the largest arts capital projects currently underway in Wales.
THE GRADE II LISTED BUILDING IS BEING RESTORED BACK TO ITS FORMER GLORY
The Grade II listed building is being restored back to its former glory by protecting the Hall’s period features and cultural heritage, whilst adding modern facilities that performers, participants and audiences need and expect.
These include a new glass atrium, studio theatre and cinema space, a café and mezzanine bar, and a modern library.
Nestled on a hill at the top of the Garw Valley, Blaengarw Workmen’s Hall is a thriving community facility.
Opened in March 1894, the venue offers a 250 capacity auditorium with stage and bar, and various general-purpose rooms and offices, which are well used by local groups and organisations.
BLAENGARW WORKMEN’S HALL IS A THRIVING COMMUNITY FACILITY
From community workshops and classes, to family theatre and comedy nights, Blaengarw Workmen's Hall is a well-loved and used part of the community.
With over 100 acres of meadows, gardens and mature woodlands, Bryngarw Country Park is a magical place to visit.
You can bask in the floral tranquillity of the Oriental Garden; walk through woods carpeted with bluebells; ramble along the banks of the River Garw looking for dippers and kingfishers; and watch the children enjoy the playground with its famous tower slide.
From cycle trails and pond dipping to discovery walks and storytelling events, there is something to do here all year round.
If you fancy a bite to eat, we have an excellent café – but there are other options too: you could hire a barbeque and cook your own feast or enjoy a picnic in an enchanting wildflower meadow. On rainy days, head to the visitor centre to enjoy the interactive digital displays about the park, the restful wellbeing corner and more.
FROM CYCLE TRAILS AND POND DIPPING TO DISCOVERY WALKS AND STORYTELLING EVENTS, THERE IS SOMETHING TO DO HERE ALL YEAR ROUND.
