Langstone Vale Crem reopens as first Welsh ‘SuperVenue’

Langstone Vale Crematorium has officially reopened as the first funeral ‘SuperVenue’ in Wales following a full renovation. The site now features technology designed to offer increased personalisation for services.

The facility, located near Newport, is operated by Westerleigh Group. The provider manages 42 sites across England, Scotland and Wales and recently closed the Langstone Vale chapel to install the new equipment.

Families visiting the site are met by a new external welcome screen displaying the name and photograph of the deceased. A second external screen has been installed to livestream services for larger congregations.

Inside the chapel, thematic images are projected onto the front wall. These immersive displays are coordinated with specific lighting and soundscapes based on themes selected by the family of the deceased.

Westerleigh Group launched its first ‘SuperVenue’ in late 2024, and plans to open nine further sites in 2026, including seven refurbishments of existing crematoria and two new developments.

Aaron Carter, manager of Langstone Vale Crematorium, said: “I am proud that we are the first crematorium in Wales to offer this innovative, immersive, funeral experience to the bereaved. The technology enables families to personalise a funeral to an unprecedented level and create an atmosphere that is truly authentic to the person it remembers.

“There is a wide choice of canvases – some themes are scenic or represent seasons, others reflect specific interests and passions – all designed to curate a uniquely personal funeral service, specifically significant to the individual being remembered.”

He added: “We are passionate about providing the families we support with exceptional care and service of the very highest standards. The SuperVenue technology means we can provide the bereaved with more choice than ever before, enabling them to remember their loved one in the comforting company of other family members and friends.”