Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the largest arts centres in Wales, built on the Penglais university campus above the town. It opened in stages: the Great Hall concert hall in 1970, and the Theatr y Werin theatre in 1972. Both buildings were designed by architect Dale Owen of the Percy Thomas Partnership and the complex received the RIBA Gold Medal for Architecture in Wales. Over 50 years it has become the principal cultural institution for mid-Wales as well as a major venue for the university.
Spaces and Programme
The Great Hall seats over 900, with a maximum capacity of 1,250. It is used for orchestral concerts, major theatre productions, large-scale comedy and university graduation ceremonies. Theatr y Werin — the theatre of the people — is a more intimate space, used for drama, dance, folk music and community performances. There are also several gallery spaces running changing exhibitions throughout the year, and a cinema programme.
The arts centre runs one of the more ambitious regional programmes in Wales. Major annual events include:
Aberystwyth Comedy Festival — first weekend of October, around 100 shows across multiple venues, bringing TV comedians, Edinburgh Fringe acts and new talent to the town. One of the established comedy festivals in Wales.
Aberystwyth Musicfest — an international summer music school and public concert series, with the harpist Catrin Finch as artistic director. Open concerts are available to non-students.
International Ceramics Festival — biennial event drawing international ceramic artists for public demonstrations, kiln firings, masterclasses and an international conference. When it runs it is one of the most significant ceramics events in Europe.
Abertoir — Wales’ International Horror Film Festival, held annually at the Arts Centre with screenings and Q&As.
Wales One World Film Festival — documentary and world cinema programme.
The Craft Shop and Café
The Arts Centre has a well-regarded craft shop — one of the better places in mid-Wales to buy contemporary Welsh craft, jewellery, ceramics and design. The café is open during the day and extended hours on performance evenings.
Getting There
The Arts Centre is on the university campus on Penglais Hill, about 20 minutes on foot from the town centre (uphill). By car, take Penglais Road from the town centre — the Arts Centre is signposted and has a car park. The campus bus route connects to the town centre.
Check the current programme at aberystwythartscentre.co.uk before visiting — the exhibition and performance schedules change regularly and it is worth knowing what is on. Admission to the galleries is free; performances are ticketed.
The Arts Centre is immediately adjacent to the National Library of Wales on Penglais Hill — a visit to both in the same half-day is straightforward.
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