Bridgwater Arts Centre celebrates 80 years as England's oldest

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

Bridgwater Arts Centre, England's oldest funded arts centre, marked its 80th anniversary with celebrations including a new mural and exhibition.

Bridgwater Arts Centre marked 80 years as England's oldest funded arts centre with celebrations on 10 October. Volunteers, supporters and descendants of the centre's founder gathered at the venue on Castle Street to reflect on its history since opening in 1946 and its role in the community. To mark the occasion, the centre unveiled a new mural and mounted a special anniversary exhibition running until 24 October, exploring the site's history through memorabilia, photographs and archive material.

Bridgwater Arts Centre was the first arts centre in Great Britain to receive funding from the newly-formed Arts Council in 1946. The venue hosted heritage tours, community arts activities, a new film capturing local memories, and performances and fundraising initiatives in the coming months. Town Hall Theatre and Arts Centre Manager Beccy Armory said: 'It's not lost on me the weight of standing on that stage exactly 80 years after the incredible Gwen Pollard opened this building with funding from the Arts Council.'

Counsillor Brian Smedley reflected on the centre's role in nurturing local talent, writing that he joined Bridgwater Youth Theatre in 1975 and put on shows at the venue. He noted that the centre enabled young people to develop bands and stage performances during the punk rock era of the 1970s.

How it is being reported

• Brian Smedley: We should treasure the Bridgwater Arts CentreBridgwater Arts Centre marks its 80th anniversary as Cllr Brian Smedley reflects on its role in nurturing local talent.Bridgwater Mercury · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Brian Smedley: We should treasure the Bridgwater Arts CentreBridgwater Arts Centre marks its 80th anniversary as Cllr Brian Smedley reflects on its role in nurturing local talent.Somerset County Gazette · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Bridgwater Arts Centre celebrates 80 years as England's oldest funded arts centreVolunteers, supporters and descendants of the centre's founder gathered to celebrate 80 years of one of the country's oldest community arts venues.Bridgwater Mercury · 13 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Bridgwater Arts Centre · Arts Council · Gwen Pollard · Beccy Armory · Brian Smedley · Bridgwater

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem