Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre

We are delighted to share the news that the brand-new cinema at Pontardawe Arts Centre has officially opened to the public, ushering in an exciting cultural milestone for our community. This purpose-built cinema, part of a major redevelopment of the Arts Centre, offers local audiences a state-of-the-art movie-going experience right here in the heart of Pontardawe. Article NPTCBC

What’s New at the Cinema

• Modern experience: The new 74-seat venue boasts cutting-edge laser projection and immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, bringing the latest blockbuster films to our town with stunning clarity and sound.
• Community spaces: In addition to the screen, the Arts Centre now features a welcoming café bar and upgraded foyer areas – places where people can meet before and after shows.
• Inclusive screenings: Relaxed screenings will be part of the programme, ensuring comfortable experiences for audiences of all abilities.
• Wide appeal: The first films screened included family favourites like Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures and crowd-pulling titles such as Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – a delightful mix that reflects the venue’s commitment to serving all ages . Article Businessnews Wales

This exciting transformation has been made possible through funding from the Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme, Neath Port Talbot Council, and UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

Council leaders have emphasised that this project strengthens Pontardawe’s cultural heart — offering a place to gather, be inspired, and enjoy shared experiences through film and the arts. Article NPTCBC

Cinema Going in Context — Why This Matters

The opening of a new cinema is not just a local event — it aligns with broader trends showing a renewed interest in cinema as a cultural and social experience.

Cinema Attendance Across Europe

After significant declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, cinema attendance in Europe is recovering, though it has not yet fully returned to pre-pandemic levels:

• In 2023, cinema admissions across Europe rose to approximately 859 million, an increase of over 18% from the previous year — a strong sign of recovery.
• However, this figure remains about 23% below pre-pandemic averages from 2017–2019, indicating the industry is still rebuilding its audience base.
• France and the UK remain among Europe’s largest cinema markets in terms of admissions, with France typically leading, followed by the UK, Germany, and Spain.

In 2024, attendance levels stabilized around 841 million admissions across Europe, with revenue estimated at €6.6 billion — evidence that cinema remains an important cultural and economic sector despite ongoing challenges. ibc.org

Audiences & Demographics

Across the industry, there’s clear evidence that younger audiences are playing a key role in cinema’s resurgence. In the UK, under-35s now make up a significant portion of cinema-goers, especially at independent and community cinemas where varied programming and social experiences attract new viewers. The Guardian

Cinema vs. Other Screens

While streaming services remain popular, in-person cinema attendance continues to hold unique appeal — especially for major releases, visual spectacle films, and community-focused venues like Pontardawe Arts Centre. Shared cinematic experiences remain a valued part of cultural life across Europe and the UK, even as viewing habits evolve.

In Summary

The opening of the cinema at Pontardawe Arts Centre marks a significant cultural development for local audiences. Not only does it bring the latest films to the Swansea Valley, but it also connects our town to a broader European trend of recovering and resilient cinema attendance.

Whether you’re a regular movie-goer or new to film culture, this new venue offers a friendly, welcoming space to enjoy stories on the big screen — and to be part of our community’s cultural life.