Cardiff’s arcades step back in time for ‘History Fortnight’ celebration
Cardiff’s arcades step back in time for ‘History Fortnight’ celebration
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
Cardiff’s famous arcades are set to take visitors on a journey through time this month, as the City of Arcades 2025 campaign launches its latest themed chapter, History Fortnight, running from 17 October to 1 November.
Delivered by FOR Cardiff, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), the fortnight forms part of a wider 70-day celebration marking 70 years of Cardiff as Wales’s capital city.
Now in its eighth year, City of Arcades showcases the city centre’s unique mix of independent and national businesses across its historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades, as well as St David’s Dewi Sant.
At the heart of History Fortnight is the Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail, an immersive experience that will see each of Cardiff’s arcades transformed to reflect a different decade of the city’s story.
From 1950s Cardiff’s new status as the capital of Wales to the city’s 2010s sporting triumphs, visitors will be invited to explore a timeline of local culture, creativity, and community.
During the second week of the event, from 26–31 October, the city centre will come alive with themed décor, live performances, and a costumed “Time Traveller” mascot guiding visitors along the route.
The free, family-friendly trail begins at Wyndham Arcade, where participants can collect a Time Traveller’s Ticket and map before setting off through the arcades.
Along the way, each decade will be brought to life with hanging installations, vivid window displays, and themed props, encouraging visitors to collect stamps at each location. Those who complete the trail and finish at Castle Arcade will receive a Time Traveller’s Certificate and be entered into a £200 FOR Cardiff gift card prize draw.
FOR Cardiff Executive Director Carolyn Brownell said the fortnight was designed to celebrate the city’s unique heritage while supporting local businesses.
She said: “History Fortnight and the Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail will celebrate the moments that have shaped our city into the vibrant capital it is today.
“We can’t wait to see families get involved with this free opportunity to connect with the past and present, and to celebrate the businesses that keep making Cardiff a vibrant and exciting place to be.”
FOR Cardiff is also working with Cardiff Bus to make the event more accessible, promoting the Family Ticket to help visitors explore the trail and enjoy a day out in the city centre.
City of Arcades 2025 will continue in November with Health & Beauty Fortnight (1–14 November), offering new promotions and experiences across Cardiff’s retail and hospitality scene.
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
