The venue re-opened in 2017 but has now closed due to financial problems
THE closure of a popular Cardiff music venue has been described as a “huge loss” to the city’s diverse and under-represented communities.
The Moon, on Womanby Street, reopened in 2017 and became a staple of the Cardiff music scene, popular with both fans and musicians.
However, rising costs and fans increasingly turning towards bigger venues meant that the venue could no longer continue to operate.
Ed Townend, The Moon’s technical manager and promoter, said: “It’s heartbreaking news. Cardiff has lost a vital part of its music scene.”
The venue had become a home for many under-represented communities within music and had been praised for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity.
In a partnership with SVC Cymru, a volunteering charity fighting loneliness and isolation, each month the venue would host an accessible club night for vulnerable and disabled adults.
They weren’t just about providing the night, they were about providing a crossover specifically catered to that community. It was such a positive moment,” said Mr Townend.
“It’s really heartbreaking that that community may now miss out.”
One person who believes The Moon will be missed is Richie, 39, who had an active role in the accessible club nights hosted by SVC Cymru.
“It was one of the most accessible venues in Cardiff. It had the ramp, the accessible toilets, and the staff were always so friendly,” he said.
“I hope it will be a big wake-up call to the clubs in Cardiff that they need to be more accessible.”
The venue also had a partnership with Gig Buddies, a project set up by charity Stay Up Late that makes it possible for adults with learning disabilities to go out and socialise at gigs, clubs, and sporting events.
South Wales’ development officer for the project, Kai Jones, said: “The Moon closing is a huge loss. They had built a really strong community, and it was as inclusive as a venue can possibly be.
“The Moon led Wales in terms of creating an environment for disabled people. They were a shining example of how inclusive a venue can be, as it was the only place in Cardiff offering completely inclusive events. I’m absolutely gutted to see it go,” he added.
The venue also hosted the first meeting of the Ladies of Rage, a Cardiff-based collective of women and non-binary people who perform in under-represented genres.
The collective, which has over 600 members, said: “We are so sad to lose the heartbeat of our music scene. The Moon will live forever in our memories.”
(credit: William Dalgleish)
In a statement, The Moon said: “Despite our best efforts to keep going during the past few years, the burden of a cost-of-living crisis and the mounting costs of running a business where survival always runs on a knife edge have proven too difficult for us to continue.”
Since its closure, The Moon has seen an outpouring of support. One fan, Alix England, 20, said: “The Moon holds so many memories for me, from watching friends perform to making friends at diverse gig & club nights.
“It’s a real shame to see another small venue close, especially one that was so supportive of small and local talents,” she added.
