Audiences and performers at Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion have been enjoying the benefits of new stage curtains and a new state-of-the-art loudspeaker system thanks to two generous contributions made by Porthcawl Town Council in partnership with the Grand Pavilion.
Welsh manufacturing has also benefited from the partnership, as the chosen loudspeaker system was designed and manufactured in Mid Wales.
Staff at the Grand Pavilion, which is part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s Arts and Culture service, were well aware that the velour fabric of the old house curtains was literally turning to dust.
Wayne Francis, Technical Manager, said: “The curtains were at least 30 years old and had served us incredibly well, but the constant wear and tear and aging of the fabric meant that it was no longer feasible to maintain them.
“Specialist theatrical company, ASG Stage Ltd, was commissioned to install new curtain track, controller, motorised drive and – of course – a lovely pair of red velour curtains.
“The new curtains glide open at the touch of a button and make an important difference to every performance.”
Similarly, the last significant upgrade to the in-house PA system was 20 years ago. In recent years, it had become obvious that the system was no longer fit for purpose.
Assistant Manager Mark Phillips said: “In the last few years, we had made best use of the existing equipment available to us within the Grand Pavilion and Arts Service. However, it was clear that we needed to take a very significant step forward if we were to keep up with what other similar venues were already offering their audiences and performers.”
“Our mission was clear – find an affordable system of the highest quality that would cater for our vast range of events, from drama and ballet to comedy and live music, and everything in between!
“One of the systems we auditioned stood head and shoulders above the rest and was unanimously chosen. Financially, it also made a lot of sense. To learn that it was designed and built in Wales was a welcome bonus.
“The system has already been used with a wide variety of events and we are extremely satisfied with how it is performing.”
