We are raising funds to save one of Wales land mark cultural venues. The Market Hall in Brynmawr.

The Market Hall itself houses Wales’ oldest, continuously running Cinema & Theatre. Opened in 1894 as a theatre, performance space and cinema, the ornate Market Hall (which won national cinema of the year 2014) has many of its original features intact. It is the focal point for the town centre, which is situated at ‘The Market Square’ in the heart of Brynmawr which is the highest market town in Wales. Brynmawr is positioned within the confines of the Brecon Beacons national park, and is one of Blaenau Gwent’s most picturesque yet poorest areas.

The Market Hall is run by the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust, a registered charity set up to manage the facility as an independent ‘first run’ cinema, theatre, venue and community training space. The cinema offers film screenings, live performances, with concession sales for up to 5 shows a day, 7 days a week. The proscenium stage is also used by the local performers & artists and offers alternative content, such as Live perfomance/music, old film screenings, comedy shows, lunch clubs, social services events & screenings, presentations, training etc. The venue is also available for private hire for community events, children’s parties and educational and professional film making activities, while also offering free community messages on the huge screen within the auditorium...

The building itself has histroric asbestos issues and due to these most unfortunate of circumstances the venue has been rendered temporarily unusable and in need of remedial improvement works. Although we are working with partners and are in the throes of resolving the issues that have arrisen, this has placed the Trust in a precarious position. With current losses during the closure in the realm of £95,000 and with more income generation opportunities being lost week by week, our reserves are dwindling. With the need to keep staff employed and the payment of potential works, the charity has been forced into the position where we are requesting the help of our friends, patrons and all those who have a love of the venue and all it represents to help us secure its future. If you can pledge anything at all, from the price of a childs ticket (£3.50) to the most generous of donations for which we would be eternally grateful. We appreciate all donations given and look forward to moving this project to its next stage.

PS please keep up to date with our website where we'll be posting pledge rewards/opportunites for those who go above and beyond to help us keep this historic building alive.