Some events originally scheduled at St David’s Hall are now being moved to venues like Cardiff’s Utilita Arena or the Wales Millennium Centre.
St David’s Hall on the Hayes is likely to be closed until early 2025 because of concerns about concrete in the building’s roof.
The concrete causing concern is reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) which was used in flat roofing throughout public buildings between the 1950s and 1990s. These buildings are now surpassing their designed lifespan which has hit the beating heart of arts and culture in Cardiff.
St David’s Hall currently have more than 180 performances scheduled in their 12-month itinerary, most of which are now facing cancellation.
The Academy Group is a promotions company that is helping to rebook the events. Emily Devonald works for the company. She says saving some of these shows from cancellation is possible thanks to other venues, but moving events from a concert hall like St David’s Hall to a larger venue like the Utilita Arena comes with its challenges.
She told Cardiff News Plus that although other venues have been able to take on certain events, these are pushing venues – that are already extremely busy – to their limits.
“Cardiff is the premier location in Wales for artists to come on their tours, these inevitable cancellations will mean certain events will miss Wales entirely,” Emily says.
Relocated events began taking place in the Arena including a concert from pianist Ludovico Einaudi, where the venue was met with a mixed reception from concertgoers.
Some people used social media to complain that the venue is ‘rubbish’ and ‘cramped’.
St David’s Hall has asked ticket holders of future events to remain patient whilst they wait for cancellation or relocation to be officially announced.