Brangwyn goes from strength to strength after refurbishment

AN ASTONISHING 120,000 visitors have enjoyed time out at Swansea’s historic Brangwyn Hall in the year since it re-opened after a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The landmark building that’s been used for everything from a set for Dr Who to weddings, university graduation ceremonies and set-piece concerts by the likes of the National Orchestra of Wales, re-opened in July last year after an extensive modernisation and restoration programme.

And in that time the much-loved venue has gained new friends as well as attracted many old favourites to 650 events – an average of almost two a day.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Brangwyn Hall has always been one of our city’s finest cultural success stories ever since it opened 80 years ago.

“The Frank Brangwyn panels that adorn the walls were carefully preserved throughout the year-long restoration and since it re-opened a year ago with a gala concert by Elvis Costello, the hall has been going from strength to strength.

“A particular success story has been the partnership we’ve developed with JR Catering, a local firm which provides a bespoke service from brand new kitchens. This adds an extra special touch to many events staged there.”

He added: “Visitors from as far afield as Australia, the United States and Canada came to see Sir Frank Brangwyn’s famous Empire Panels.

“The many national meetings and conferences have certainly helped to re-establish the Brangwyn’s position as one of Swansea’s key conference destinations.”

Jessica Rice, of JR Catering, said: “The past year has been a tremendous success. We’ve been incredibly busy producing everything from small cocktail parties to banquets for hundreds of people.

“It’s been a fantastic experience and a wonderful privilege to be able to provide a service to match such auspicious and exciting surroundings.”

Among the many successful events which have taken place at the Brangwyn in the last year were the graduation ceremonies of both city universities, which saw 30,000 graduates and their families pass through the Brangwyn doors. Swansea University even created a graduate village on the lawns outside the Brangwyn as part of their celebrations.

The Brangwyn Hall opened in October, 1934, and was closed between 2012 and 2013 for essential maintenance improvements. Working in close collaboration with Cadw and specialist contractors, the Grade 1 listed building saw infrastructure improvements and a considerable amount of re-decoration.

Technological advances have included improved sound and lighting in the Brangwyn Hall along with wi-fi in the all public areas of the Guildhall.

Among the major events to have taken place there since re-opening are the Welsh Wedding Awards and the Swansea Life Awards.

Other events over the last year have included:

* Performances by Gower Chorale, Swansea Community Orchestra, West Glamorgan Youth Music Service, Swansea Philharmonic Choir, the Salvation Army and male voice choirs including Morriston Orpheus, Dunvant and Pontarddulais.
* The return of the Swansea International Festival returned with impressive themed events for the Dylan Thomas Centenary including a Karl Jenkins’ Under Milk Wood inspired piece ‘Llareggub’ performed by the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra.
* More than 15,000 Swansea University students sat their exams at the Brangwyn this year.
* Scores of weddings have taken place at the Brangwyn which was once also the setting for a Christmas episode of Dr Who featuring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond.

In the coming months scheduled events include:

* The Big Swansea Food and Drink Festival.
* Two beer festivals.
* Swansea International Festival including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
* Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel.
* Handel’s Messiah.
* The annual Christmas by Candlelight concert.