The brand-new cinema at Pontardawe Arts Centre will officially open its doors to the public on Monday 6th October 2025.
The first screenings will feature Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG), Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U), and TRON: Ares (12A), marking the launch of a new era for the venue. Tickets are available now at www.pontardaweartscentre.com.
The newly redeveloped 74-seat cinema features cutting-edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating—offering a high-quality viewing experience right in the heart of Pontardawe. For the first time, the venue will be able to screen the latest first-release films, bringing a new level of cinematic access to local audiences.
The cinema will host relaxed screenings, designed to provide a calm, comfortable, and inclusive environment for people with a range of impairments—ensuring everyone can enjoy the cinema experience.
Visitors will also enjoy a new modern café bar, while the theatre has seen upgrades including new balcony seating, improved lighting, and cosmetic enhancements throughout the venue. The new café bar will be open to all, bringing a stylish new destination to the town centre.
The redevelopment builds on the centre’s already varied and vibrant programme, which includes film, music, comedy, and theatre – making it a cultural hub for the community.
This project was supported by the Welsh Government through their Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales lottery funding, Neath Port Talbot Council’s capital programme, and additional support from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “This fantastic redevelopment means we can now screen the latest blockbuster films right here in Pontardawe. We’re incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government for their support in making this vision a reality. Pontardawe Arts Centre is now better equipped than ever to serve our community and attract new visitors.”
Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added:
“High-quality venues like this are vital for our town centres – they bring people in, support local businesses, and create a real sense of place. Whether you’re here for a film, a live show, or just to enjoy a coffee in our café bar, there’s something here for everyone.
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said:
“We are delighted to support the transformation of Pontardawe Arts Centre into a more resilient and welcoming home for film and the arts. The Arts Council of Wales has invested over £600,000 in this project, including £300,000 most recently through the Welsh Government’s Investment in Theatres and Venues Scheme.
“This new purpose-built cinema will give local audiences access to first-release films on their doorstep, while the improved café, bar and foyer will create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.
“Our funding is about strengthening the cultural life of the community, widening access to the arts, and helping ensure the Centre continues to thrive as part of a vibrant arts landscape across Wales.”
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has supported the redevelopment of the Pontardawe Arts Centre, with more than £1.2 million of our Transforming Towns funding.
“When we invest in venues like Pontardawe Arts Centre, we’re not just improving buildings, we’re strengthening the social and cultural fabric that makes our towns vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.”
