Blast From The Past Arcade Returns: Halifax’s Retro Gaming Hub Reopens in New Location

Blast From The Past, Halifax's beloved retro gaming arcade, has made a triumphant return after previously closing its doors due to rising operating costs and dwindling visitor numbers.

The iconic UK venue, known for its impressive collection of arcade machines and classic gaming memorabilia, initially ceased operations at the end of August.

However, in a remarkable turn of events for fans and local gaming enthusiasts, the arcade has now found new life thanks to a partnership with the Halifax comic book store Pages N' Pixels. Ryan Pearson, the passionate small business owner behind Blast From The Past, has forged an agreement allowing the arcade to reopen inside the new Pages N' Pixels store at the Woolshops shopping center.

This collaboration was first reported by the Halifax Courier and has since created a wave of excitement throughout the gaming community.

According to a recent Facebook update from Pearson, this revived arcade will host limited-time events, gaming sessions, and competitions, bringing a fresh array of entertainment options to the Halifax area. The relaunch took place on Friday, October 17th, and marks a new chapter for the venue, which will now operate exclusively on weekends.

Tickets are available for booking online, with a rate of £15 per person for two hours of gaming.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a curated selection of arcade machines, an array of nine vintage pinball tables (dating between 1947 and 1980), and an assortment of legendary consoles, including the Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Master System, Mega Drive, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). One of the highlights of the new location is the faithful recreation of the original 1980s-style living room from the Piece Hall site.

In addition to consoles, board games, toys, and memorabilia, Blast From The Past’s new space features an expanded retro lounge complete with cartoons playing on TV, books, and even a dining table for group gaming sessions.

This upgrade is made possible thanks to the significantly larger floor area at Woolshops, moving beyond the constraints of the former, much smaller venue. Pearson humorously described the difference, noting that visitors no longer have to “be crammed nuts to butts in the sardine tin that was my old room.” He also announced new features such as a dedicated reception area, a themed cabinet celebrating iconic '80s movies like Aliens and Back to the Future, and an easily accessible board game section stacked with over 60 classic titles. Reflecting on the unique appeal of Blast From The Past, Pearson summarized: “Walking through is a magical experience, from the displays on gaming history to seeing rare items like Atari cartridges from the famed E.T.

burial site or the Nintendo Power Glove.

Pictures just can’t capture the fun and wonder—this is a place you truly have to visit to appreciate.” The return of Blast From The Past is a testament to the passion and commitment within the Halifax gaming community.

As Pearson welcomes visitors new and old, the refreshed arcade promises to deliver an even better experience, celebrating the enduring appeal of classic gaming on platforms like Nintendo, Atari, and beyond.

arcade UK retro gaming Blast From The Past Halifax Arcade Pages N' Pixels Woolshops shopping center Ryan Pearson Nintendo Atari