Cardiff’s iconic arcades are being transformed into a walk through time as the City of Arcades campaign enters the second week of its popular History Fortnight.
Running from 26 to 31 October, each arcade will represent a different decade of Cardiff’s history, with themed décor, live performers and even a Time Traveller mascot guiding visitors along the trail. The week’s highlight will be a one-day live event on Wednesday 29 October, bringing extra performances and interactive activities to the city centre.
The free event forms part of City of Arcades 2025, a 70-day celebration marking 70 years since Cardiff became Wales’s capital city. Delivered by FOR Cardiff, the Business Improvement District for the city centre, the campaign celebrates Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades and their mix of independent and national businesses.
Families and visitors can begin their journey in Wyndham Arcade, where they’ll collect a Time Traveller’s Ticket before setting off through each arcade using a specially designed map. Along the route, installations, vintage props and colourful displays will bring different eras to life, from the 1950s through to today. Visitors who collect stamps from all eight arcades can finish in Castle Arcade to claim a Time Traveller’s certificate and enter a prize draw for a £200 FOR Cardiff gift card.
Each arcade will tell a unique story from Cardiff’s history, including:
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Dominions Arcade (1950s): Cardiff becomes Wales’s capital city.
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High Street Arcade (1960s): The birth of Doctor Who.
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Royal Arcade (1970s): The rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
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St David’s Dewi Sant (1980s): The rise of retail.
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Morgan Arcade (1990s): Cardiff’s City of Music era.
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Wyndham Arcade (2000s): The opening of the Millennium Stadium.
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Duke Street Arcade (2010s): Cardiff’s sporting triumphs.
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Castle Arcade (Now & Future): Sustainability and independent businesses.
The special live event on Wednesday 29 October will feature performances and activities throughout the day, including:
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Live, in-character performances from University of South Wales drama students between 10am and 4pm
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A deep dive into Cardiff’s history as the capital city at 11am in Dominions Arcade
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A “Declaration of Independents” for visitors to sign, celebrating local businesses
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A live choir performance at 1pm in Wyndham Arcade
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A TARDIS installation in High Street Arcade honouring Doctor Who’s Cardiff roots
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1980s-themed fun at St David’s Dewi Sant, where visitors can dress up and take retro photos
Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director at FOR Cardiff, said:
“History Fortnight and the Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail will celebrate the moments that have shaped our city into the vibrant capital it is today. We can’t wait to see families get involved with this free opportunity to connect with the past and present, and to celebrate the businesses that keep making Cardiff a vibrant and exciting place to be.”
History Fortnight runs until 1 November as part of the ongoing City of Arcades 2025 celebrations.
