Memories from the dance floor Cymru

At Material Queer, we don’t just document history—we amplify it, celebrate it, and make sure it’s heard. With that in mind, Memories from the Dance Floor Cymru wasn’t just a podcast. It was an audio heritage project, a deep dive into Wales’ rich but often overlooked LGBTQ+ nightlife, told by the very people who lived it.

As the second season of the critically acclaimed Memories from the Dance Floor, which launched in 2023 with Acast, this series took us beyond the mega clubs and punk bars of England and straight into the heart of Welsh queer culture. With over 100,000 downloads, 73,314 social media impressions, and features across The Guardian, The Observer, DJ Mag, BBC Radio Wales, The Big Issue, and more, it proved there was a real hunger for these stories. Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund Cymru, the project didn’t just preserve history—it reignited conversations about the importance of LGBTQ+ spaces and why they need protecting.

We unearthed stories from the people who built and sustained queer nightlife in Wales - DJ legends, club promoters, bar owners, and the revellers who turned these spaces into homes. Across four episodes, we explored everything from growing up gay in rural Wales to the rise of Cardiff’s super clubs and the ongoing fight for representation. Every interview was archived with National Museum Wales, ensuring that these voices won’t be lost to time.

But Memories from the Dance Floor Cymru wasn’t just about reminiscing. It was about equipping the next generation to tell their own stories. Through six workshops, we trained over 300 attendees in oral history, research, and interview techniques in partnership with National Museum Cardiff, Inclusive Journalism Cymru and Span Arts. We also created 10 work experience and volunteer opportunities, with 16 volunteers contributing 307 hours across editing, PR, marketing, archiving, and event management. One volunteer put it best:

"It can be difficult to get a foot in the door in the audio industry and entry-level opportunities are sparse. Projects like this allow us to build our portfolio and gain experience across multiple areas, helping us figure out where we want to go—whether that’s research, editing, or project management."

To celebrate the launch, we hosted a live panel discussion at the start of LGBTQ+ History Month 2024, streamed in partnership with Culture Colony and AM Cymru. And because queer history is community history, we wrapped Pride Month with Queer Culture Jam, a full day of workshops and discussion panels in Fishguard, in collaboration with Span Arts.

This project was never just about nostalgia. It was about legacy. By archiving these stories, training future storytellers, and opening up new conversations, we’re making sure Wales’ LGBTQ+ history is heard, shared, and celebrated.

A massive thank you to Heritage Lottery Fund Cymru for trusting us with this work. We believe that by making history accessible, we create a world that is more understanding, empathetic, and, above all, proud.

Listen here.