Cardiff Students' Union - Y Plas venue image

Info

Cardiff Students' Union – Y Plas is a renowned nightclub and live music venue located within Cardiff University in Cardiff, United Kingdom. Originally established to serve the social and entertainment needs of Cardiff University's student population, the union’s nightlife offering has evolved significantly over the decades. The area now known as Y Plas underwent a thorough redevelopment in the early 2010s, transforming the former Solus nightclub—a staple student venue since the 1970s—into a modern, multi-functional space.

This rebranding and restructuring reflected both a nod to Welsh language and heritage—‘Y Plas’ means 'The Place' in Welsh—and a desire to create a versatile facility that could accommodate large club nights, live concerts, student events, and society balls. As part of Cardiff University’s vibrant city centre campus, Y Plas has become a central hub in the city’s nightlife, attracting not only students but also music fans from across Wales and the UK. Y Plas holds a significant reputation within the Cardiff cultural landscape, regularly topping lists of student club venues and being touted for its atmosphere and sound quality.

The venue is renowned for hosting weekly club nights—such as the iconic YOLO and Flux—as well as themed parties and university events. As a live music destination, it has played a key role in supporting both emerging acts and established artists, offering a platform for a diverse range of musical genres. The transformation from Solus to Y Plas brought significant structural improvements, including enhanced acoustics, a larger capacity (approximately 1,600), and state-of-the-art lighting rigs, which have kept the venue competitive with larger establishments in Cardiff’s busy music ecosystem.

While the location within the Students’ Union building has remained the same, these internal renovations have ensured that Y Plas retains its position as a central venue, both physically and culturally, within the city. Notable artists who have performed at Y Plas and its predecessor include international stars such as Ed Sheeran, Bastille, Stormzy, Twin Atlantic, and Alt-J, as well as beloved local Welsh acts like Catatonia, Stereophonics, and Kids In Glass Houses. The venue has also welcomed emerging talents like Declan McKenna, Wolf Alice, and Sundara Karma, alongside hosting club events featuring high-profile DJs and electronic acts such as Sigma, Wilkinson, and Annie Mac.

Its commitment to supporting a broad range of musical styles and artists has cemented Y Plas as a must-visit venue for music fans in Cardiff and the wider UK.

Capacity

The capacity of Cardiff Students' Union - Y Plas is 2000.

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Past Artists

UPDATED : 15 October 2025 at 14:32