05/08/2025
😞CLOSING DOWN THIS MONTH😞
It's with the absolute heaviest of hearts I must let you all know that my little slice of heaven in this world "Blast from the Past Arcade" will be closing down later on this month.
Due to a few factors including constant rising costs, a dramatic drop in footfall, difficult operating conditions and the overall detrimental effect The Piece Hall gig season has had on my business this year and for last few years means I unfortunately have been left with no option now other than to close up.
I've put my entire heart and soul into creating this tribute to the past, and I hope it's been just as special of a place to you all as it has been to me! I wanted to bring something different to Halifax, not only a true classic arcade with original machines, but a place that was incredibly welcoming and had all the bells and whistles to make you feel like a kid again. And to show the next generation of kids where video games all began and what other incredible things came out of the 70s & 80s!
I've always given my all to the arcade to bring you the best experience possible, exactly how you remembered it being; no emulation, no flats screens, no replicas, no corners cut, just original 80s gaming fun. I'd say I successfully created a place not only unique to Halifax, but different to any arcade you've ever been too or ever will!
My literally blood, sweat and tears have gone into the restoration and continuous maintenance of all my machines, to keep them alive and operating as best as I can make them! I love this arcade and my machines so much, I'm extremely proud of them for operating so well and taking another beating after 40+ years when they really should be enjoying their retirement!
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone single one of you who have visited me over the last 3 years! To everyone who came through my door with the biggest smile on their face! To all of my regulars who I'm going to miss dearly! To everyone who had a conversation with me about their memories or their own collections! To everyone who donated things to be enjoyed by so many!
There are honestly too many of you to thank, you all made my dream a reality and helped this place grow into what it is today. Because an arcade is so much more than a room of games, it's a community, and to all of you who have become a part of our Blast from the Past family I'm so sorry that I couldn't keep this wonderful place going any longer for you, believe me if I could I would!
My last day being open will be the Bank Holiday Monday AUGUST 25th, one last bash at Blast from the Past! Until then I will be open as usual, apart from having to work around all the gigs still to happen yet at The Piece Hall this summer!
Please, if you are able to, do be sure to go and support the other independent businesses inside The Piece Hall, especially during gig seasons, because I can assure you I'm not the only business that is affected this badly every year and it would be devastating to see more of us have our dreams shattered and have no choice but to leave! We are what makes The Piece Hall an exciting, friendly, unique and fantastic place to visit everyday!
My heart is completely broken right now, the last 3 years have been one hell of an amazing ride that I will forever be grateful for and has created some incredible memories and I still can't believe that my dream became a reality, let alone that it is now all over.
Anyone who has messaged about or is already booked in for private hire or general entry will get a message back as soon as possible and I will continue to offer private hire slots until August 24th as well as general entry too!
I've still got a couple of final events coming up this month including over 18s night and a pinball tournament but if you haven't visited me yet then please do now before I'm gone, because there will never be another place quiet like Blast from the Past Arcade!
Much love to you all,
Your friend in time,
-Ryan 💖
