Video: Tŷ Pawb now open after Everybody’s Monday parade – What did you make of it?

A new chapter in Wrexham’s history was written today as Tŷ Pawb celebrated its official public launch.

From the meeting back in 2014 where a new arts and cultural centre was first suggested for the town, through to various stages of debate and construction phases, today’s event signified the end of four years in the making for the new multi-million pound facility.

Marking the public opening was Dydd Llun Pawb, Everybody’s Monday – an event which aimed to recreate a Victorian Wrexham tradition of residents attending a spring market over the bank holiday weekend, although on a day that began with light snowfall the outcome was slightly different from that victoriana vison.

Today’s event began with a parade through Wrexham town centre, with representatives from different community groups, local artists and residents all taking part (video below).

Led by Llareggub Brass Band (Under Milk Wood fans may recall the name!) the parade of hundreds was taken down Hope Street, through Queens Square and down Lambpit Street before arriving at the new Market Street entrance to see the official ribbon cutting for Tŷ Pawb.

Welcoming the parade, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council Cllr Hugh Jones thanked everyone for taking part, describing Tŷ Pawb as a “really exciting adventure for Wrexham.”

With the Mayor absent, Cllr Jones had the honour of cutting the ribbon, with hundreds of people and participants of the parade flocking in via the Market Street entrance to see the facility for the first time.

Throughout the day the new facility was packed, with new coffee shop Blank Canvas and tapas outlet Plât Bach, proving popular with visitors – although some issues with water to one unit meant that Just Desserts & Milkshakes could not open, so you will have to revist to try them out soon!

Performances took place through the afternoon and into the evening, using the new ‘flexible space’ as well as areas in the rest of the centre.

Due to the wet and dreary weather forecast for the day, last night also saw a change in the planned proceedings, with the live music and entertainment moved to the various galleries and performance space inside Tŷ Pawb which made for a better atmosphere with a rammed venue inside.

Feedback about Tŷ Pawb and today’s event has continued in the divided manner that has been ongoing for the past four years – with a combination of highly positive and underwhelmed comments about the new development which is now on Day 1 of it’s new life.

The day of events has just been rounded off with a huge fireworks display at 8:30pm over the town centre – audible across the area!

What do you think of Tŷ Pawb? You can tweet your verdict to @wrexham or take part in the debate that has already started on our forums!