The Grand Pavilion is the white-and-cream art-deco hall that dominates the western end of Porthcawl's esplanade — an octagonal central dome over a 600-seat auditorium, built in 1932 as a "Palm Court" for tea dances, balls, and civic functions. It is still in regular use as a theatre, concert venue, and conference hall, and remains the centre of cultural life in town.
It is the headquarters of the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival every September. Outside festival season, the programme is the usual mix of touring drama, tribute acts, pantomime, and occasional bigger names on the Welsh circuit. Even if you don't see a show, the building is worth a closer look from the seafront — best in raking afternoon light from the west.