Blast From The Past Arcade in Halifax Set to Close: Iconic Retro Gaming Venue Shuts Down After Three Years

Halifax’s renowned retro gaming hub, Blast From The Past, will close its doors for the last time at the end of this month.

Situated in the historic Piece Hall, the independent arcade quickly became a staple for classic gaming enthusiasts since its opening in 2022.

The unique venue was created by arcade aficionado Ryan Pearson, who set out to deliver a nostalgic, authentic experience distinct from larger arcades across the UK. Occupying a prominent spot on the upper floor of the Piece Hall, Blast From The Past featured not only original arcade cabinets such as Galaxian, Pac-Man, Defender, and Space Invaders, but also a curated range of legendary retro consoles including the Sega Mega Drive and Atari 2600.

Pinball aficionados were treated to rare titles like Williams’ NASA-themed Apollo, Bally’s Captain Fantastic, and the historically significant Gottlieb’s Humpty Dumpty—the first commercial pinball machine with flippers. One of the arcade’s signature attractions was a meticulously recreated 1980s living room, complete with a CRT television, an NES, and authentic memorabilia, transporting visitors back to the golden age of home gaming. Founder Ryan Pearson confirmed the closure through a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, citing unsustainable operating conditions, increased costs, and notably a downturn in visitor numbers.

He explained that repeated early closures during the Piece Hall’s busy event season also hampered the arcade’s ability to operate smoothly.

Pearson encouraged local patrons to continue supporting other independent businesses in the Piece Hall community. Reflecting on the journey, Pearson stated that he poured his passion into developing a ‘true classic arcade with original machines, designed to make both long-time fans and a new generation of players feel the thrill of gaming as it began in the 70s and 80s.’ He emphasized, 'Our experience was built around authenticity—no emulation, no modern shortcuts, just pure 80s fun as you remember it.' He expressed gratitude to visitors and apologized to regulars for the difficult decision, noting that he tried to make Halifax’s arcade scene truly unique. Blast From The Past will officially close to the public after August 25, 2024, but private hire and open visits remain available until August 24.

Gaming fans have only a short window left to experience this one-of-a-kind piece of retro arcade history before it becomes a fond memory. For more updates on UK gaming venues and retro arcade news, stay tuned to our coverage.

retro gaming Blast From The Past Halifax Ryan Pearson Piece Hall Sega Mega Drive Atari 2600 Galaxian Pac-Man Defender Space Invaders William's Apollo Bally's Captain Fantastic Gottlieb's Humpty Dumpty NES