Burleigh Academy

A hidden gem for all but knowledgeable Newport locals, head out of the city centre over the railway bridge near the central train station and a short walk into the mainly residential suburbs to find this. It’s worth the trek. The restored, beautiful old Llanthewy Road Baptist Church is home to the Burleigh Academy, a performing arts organisation set up by a former touring soul/​rock singer to teaching dance and music. There are various spaces and studios, but the building’s main area is Burleigh Hall, a 300-​capacity room with a small, functional bar. An intriguing occasional gig venue covered in jazz memorabilia, unsurprisingly the smoother side of musical sounds are usually the staples of the programme, with regular jazz nights the main attractions. Although once in a blue moon, outside promoters provide intimate shows from rock-​leaning acts. It also hosts wedding/​civil partnership ceremonies, conferences, birthday and christening parties and theatre workshops.