Get ready to journey through the decades as City of Arcades 2025 continues its grand celebration of Cardiff’s story! The next exciting chapter is History Fortnight (October 17th – November 1st), shining a spotlight on the capital city’s past, present and future through the thrilling, immersive Time Traveller’s Arcade Trail.
Delivered by FOR Cardiff, the city centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), this campaign marks 70 years of Cardiff being Wales’s capital. It’s an unmissable, free family event that celebrates the unique mix of independent and national businesses across Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades.
During the second week of History Fortnight (October 26th – 31st), each of Cardiff’s historic arcades will be transformed to reflect a different decade of the city’s rich history. Look out for themed décor, vivid window vinyls, and even a live Time Traveller mascot on hand to guide you!
The main highlight is a spectacular one-day live event on Wednesday, October 29th.
- Start Your Journey: Pick up your Time Traveller’s Ticket and map at Wyndham Arcade.
- The Trail: Follow the specially designed map through the arcades. Hanging installations, themed props, and performers will bring each decade vividly to life!
- Collect Your Stamps: Complete the full trail and collect a unique stamp in each arcade.
- Win Big: Finish your expedition in Castle Arcade to receive a Time Traveller’s certificate and be entered into a prize draw to win a £200 FOR Cardiff gift card!
Each of the seven arcades, plus St David’s Dewi Sant, tells a fascinating chapter of Cardiff’s story:
1950s: Dominions Arcade – Cardiff Becomes a Capital City: Take a trip to 1955, the year Cardiff was officially declared the Capital of Wales! Expect cool mid-century displays, a nostalgic soundtrack, shopfronts styled with dreamy pastel tones and vintage flair.
1960s: High Street Arcade – The Birth of Doctor Who: Step into the swinging ’60s and celebrate the origins of time-travelling legend Doctor Who and the series’s incredible, lasting connection to Cardiff.
1970s: Royal Arcade – LGBTQ+ Rights Movement: Colour, courage, and community take centre stage! Royal Arcade honours the incredible rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Look out for pride-inspired displays and retro styling, championed by The Queer Emporium and its independent neighbours.
1980s: St David’s Dewi Sant – The Rise of Retail: Rewind to the totally tubular decade that dramatically reshaped Cardiff’s shopping landscape. We’ll be celebrating the evolution of St David’s, with themed dressing in front of the former Debenhams space and fun nods to ’80s pop culture.
1990s: Morgan Arcade – Cardiff City of Music: Celebrate Cardiff’s legendary music heritage! Expect vibes from grunge, Britpop, and indie, with nods to the city’s iconic record stores and artists from Catatonia to Super Furry Animals.
2000s: Wyndham Arcade – Millennium Stadium Opens: Relive the moment the magnificent stadium transformed Cardiff’s skyline and cemented its role in global sports and live music. Window displays will capture that early Y2K spirit, celebrating rugby, football, and blockbuster concerts.
2010s: Duke Street Arcade – Cardiff City of Sport: A massive tribute to Cardiff’s decade of sporting triumphs, from brilliant grassroots clubs to global competitions. Displays will celebrate our local athletes, teams and community fitness culture.
Now & Future | Castle Arcade – Sustainability & Independents: Looking ahead, Castle Arcade focuses on the businesses and brilliant ideas shaping Cardiff’s next chapter. Expect a showcase of sustainable products, green thinking, and the vibrant creativity of the city’s independent retailers.

Don’t miss these extra highlights on the main event day:
- Live Performances: From 10 am to 4 pm, drama students from the University of South Wales will perform in costume across the arcades.
- Capital City Deep Dive: At 11 am in Dominions Arcade, enjoy a talk exploring the moment Cardiff was declared the capital in 1955.
- Anthems & Music: At 1 pm, a local choir will perform classic anthems in Wyndham Arcade.
- TARDIS Sighting: Look out for a TARDIS in High Street Arcade, honouring Cardiff’s link to the Doctor!
- Strike A Pose: St David’s Dewi Sant invites you to raid the props box and strike your best retro outfit in true 80s style.
- Declaration of Independents: Sign the “Declaration of Independents” at Dominions Arcade, celebrating our vibrant local businesses.
FOR Cardiff Executive Director Carolyn Brownell said: “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.”
Stay fully informed about upcoming city-centre events and offers by visiting: www.thecityofarcades.com.