Celebrating Two Major Milestones this July

This week marks 2 Milestones for Weymouth Pavilion!

This week we celebrate two major milestones here at Weymouth Pavilion. The first being the 66th Anniversary (15th July, 1960) since the Weymouth Pavilion building first opened its doors following construction. A lot has happened since then, and fast forward to 2013 the Pavilion was closed and fears grew for the Pavilion's future with talk of demolishing the much-loved landmark and cultural hub.

Thankfully the story of the Pavilion does not end there. In the same year our directors, Phil and Lou Say successfully bid to save the historic venue from demolition, Phil, Lou and the team set about bringing the venue back to life from scratch. There were no computers, no booking system, no phones and, most importantly… no shows! The Pavilion then re-opened on 5th July 2013. Fourteen years on, so much has happened, and we're incredibly proud of everything we've achieved together.

Here are just a few of the highlights we'd love to share with you...

Construction Began, 1958

Following the devastating fire in 1954 that led to the original (formerly known as The Ritz) building being demolished. Development for a new Theatre and Ballroom took a number of years before finally beginning construction in 1958. The venue was designed by architect Samuel Beverley, whose art deco inspired design would go on to becme one of Weymouth's most recognisable landmarks.

In 1959, the council held a public competition to choose a name for the new venue. After much consideration, it selected Weymouth Pavilion, with The Normandy finishing as the runner-up.

Weymouth Pavilion Opening Night, 15th July 1960

Built at a cost of £154,000, the ballroom welcomed its first visitors shortly before the complex's official opening. On 15 July 1960, Weymouth Pavilion was formally opened, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the town's entertainment and cultural life.

The Olympics, 2012

2012 saw one of the busiest times in Weymouth's history with the Sailing and other Wind Sports taking place along the Weymouth and Portland coastline. 

Fears grew on the future of the Pavilion, 2013

Weymouth Pavilion
Picture: Finnbarr Webster

In 2013, fears grew on the future on the Pavilion, with talks of demolishing the building.

The Doors officially re-opened 14 years ago on 13th July, 2013

Phil Say signs the lease and officially takes over the Pavilion in 2013, securing the future of the Pavilion. 

2015 saw major renovations to the Piano Bar to restore the layout to the original 1950s Art Deco inspired style, February 2015

Our Ocean Room

We've hosted an incredible variety of events in our Ocean Room, from beautiful weddings and live concerts to prestigious company awards evenings, all set atop the original sprung ballroom floor.

Our Theatre

Our Theatre has welcomed an incredible variety of performances, from breathtaking full orchestra concerts from the likes of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to unforgettable evenings of comedy with stand-up greats such as Jimmy Carr to world class tributes to some of musics true greats. We've got something for everyone here at Weymouth Pavilion. 

Pavilion lit up Weymouth with its dazzling new exterior lighting effects!

A unique new lighting feature was added to the Pavilion, illuminating the building in a spectacular array of colours. Since its installation, the feature has been used to raise awareness for a wide range of important causes, from RNLI Week to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, with the building illuminated in the colours of each charity or organisation to show support and help promote their important work.

We opened the doors to our Cinema, February 2025

An early crowd pleaser - Bridget Jones' Baby saw one of our first packed audiences! The Weymouth Pavilion is now the only cinema in Weymouth following the closure of the Cineworld on New Bond Street. 

 

Over the past 14 years we've had the privilege of welcoming millions of visitors through our doors, hosting unforgettable performances, community events, family shows, live music, comedy, pantomimes, and so much more. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our audiences, performers, partners, volunteers, and dedicated staff - both past and present. Here's to many more years of entertainment at Weymouth Pavilion! If you'd like to support us, please visit our Donate page for more information.