The Big Ben discotheque, located between Golmés and Mollerussa, was once the largest in Europe and a cultural and social landmark for many generations. This venue, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on March 19, 2026, is now the central theme of a book that recovers its memory.
The journalist and writer, known for his ability to rescue episodes from contemporary history, has dedicated his latest work to the story of Big Ben. The book, titled La Catalunya discoteca, has been published by a publishing house committed to filling gaps in the literary market with original proposals.
“"Pla d'Urgell was home to the largest discotheque on the continent, acting as a pole of attraction to form what he calls the 'invisible route of Catalan party'."
The work highlights the role of Pla d'Urgell as the epicenter of an important Catalan party route, with over five hundred discotheques between Cervera and Fraga. Big Ben emerged as the nerve center of this route, a meeting place for people of different backgrounds and generations during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
For his research, the author had to undertake an almost archaeological task, as social media did not exist during the discotheque's heyday. Oral tradition, local media, and memories have been the main sources for portraying an era marked by music, dance, and social interaction.
After closing its doors in 2015, a promoter group acquired the discotheque and reopened it in 2024. Currently, some of its dance floors are used for specific events, while other parts of the complex, such as the restaurant or bowling alleys, are awaiting rehabilitation. During the pandemic, its parking lot was used as a drive-in cinema.
