Ayr Pavilion

Ayr Pavilion
Ayr Pavilion

Ayr Pavilion is a former music venue and multi-purpose hall in Ayr, Scotland, situated on Ayr's Low Green.

History

Ayr Pavilion was built in 1911 after plans by architect James Kennedy Hunter.[1] The auditorium had ca. 600 seats.[2]

During the 20th century the venue was used for a variety of entertainment, including music hall performances, dances, and ice skating. American forces stationed at nearby Prestwick Airport during the Second World War reportedly had a new dance floor laid at the venue.[3] From 1974, the stage and scenery grid were restored by the Ayr Intimate Opera company, and the venue hosted opera and a classical concert series through the early 1980s, as well as other events including the British Chess Championships.[3]

The pavilion hosted artists such as Iron Maiden, Gary Numan, Ian Gillan, Rory Gallagher, New Order and Faith No More.[4]

In the 1990s the building was used as a night club named Hanger 13. During the early 1990s raves became the target of much police and media interest after three alleged ecstasy-related deaths occurred.[5] The club was eventually shut down, although there was a "unity campaign" to keep the venue open.[6]

The building subsequently operated for around two decades as "Pirate Pete's Family Entertainment Centre", a children's soft play.[7]

Since 2023, Pavilion Festival, an electronic dance music festival, has been held annually on the Low Green. The festival is named after the Pavilion.[8]

In November 2025, dance music promoter STREETrave staged two sold-out "Homecoming" weekends inside the building before its planned refit as a soft play centre continued.[9][10]

In January 2026, it was announced that Pirate Pete's would close permanently and that the building would resume use as a live music and events venue under the name Ayr Pavilion.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ portal.historicenvironment.scot
  2. ↑ Theatres Trust Database
  3. 1 2 Smith, Graeme. "Theatres in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland". Arthur Lloyd: The Music Hall and Theatre History Site. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Ayr Pavilion, Ayr, Scotland Concert Setlists". setlist.fm. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  5. ↑ "Licensing (Amendment)(Scotland) ACT 1996". Hansard. UK Parliament. 1 May 1996.
  6. ↑ Arlidge, John (2 May 1995). "The day the music died, Hanger 13, Scotland's top rave venue, has been closed after three Ecstasy-related deaths". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  7. 1 2 "Iconic Ayr Pavilion music venue to return as part of exciting new year plans". Yahoo News UK. 4 January 2026. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  8. ↑ Thom, Ryan (1 May 2023). "Ewan McVicar praises legendary crowd on emotional Ayr homecoming". Daily Record. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  9. ↑ "STREETrave The Homecoming Saturday, Pavilion Ayr". Skiddle. 15 November 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "The Homecoming raveCAVE – Saturday, Pavilion Ayr". Skiddle. 22 November 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2026.
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