Bridgwater Arts Centre has announced an ambitious year-long programme of events to mark its 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades at the heart of the town’s cultural and community life.
Running from October 2026 to autumn 2027, the anniversary programme will bring together residents, artists, volunteers, audiences, supporters and partners to celebrate the Centre’s rich history while helping shape its future.
The milestone comes at a significant time for the organisation. Following Bridgwater Town Council’s acquisition of the building, continued investment and support have helped secure the future of this much-loved venue, ensuring it remains a vibrant and sustainable cultural hub for generations to come.
Cllr Irena Hubble, Chair of the Bridgwater Arts Centre Committee said,
“Bridgwater Arts Centre is one of the town’s most treasured cultural assets and has played an important role in the lives of generations of residents. Bridgwater Town Council is proud to support the Arts Centre and help secure its future. This anniversary programme celebrates not only the Centre’s remarkable history, but also the creativity, community spirit and partnerships that continue to make it such a special place today.”
Beccy Armory, Town Hall & Arts Centre Manager said,
“For 80 years, Bridgwater Arts Centre has been a place where people come together to create, learn, perform and connect. This anniversary programme is an opportunity to celebrate our history, recognise the people who have shaped it, and inspire support for the next chapter of our journey.”
Bridgwater Arts Centre’s anniversary programme will feature a range of events and activities throughout the year, including an expanded exhibition exploring the Centre’s history from 1946 to the present day, featuring new displays and archive sound recordings from Somerset Film.
A new short film, 80 Stories, created with Bridgwater & Taunton College students, will capture 80 memories and stories from people connected to Bridgwater and the Arts Centre, while a local artist will be commissioned to create a permanent artwork for the theatre balcony.
Visitors will also be able to take part in monthly behind-the-scenes heritage tours exploring the building’s history and hidden spaces. The celebrations officially begin on 10 October 2026 with a special civic presentation featuring invited guests, anniversary presentations and the premiere of 80 Stories.
Other highlights include the return of Somerset Youth Theatre’s popular immersive Scary Tours experience for Halloween showcasing films from across eight decades, and the revival of The Big Bash in summer 2027, bringing performances, activities and community creativity back to Castle Street.
The programme will conclude with CIAM 80 in September 2027, a series of talks and discussions exploring architecture, the history of Bridgwater Arts Centre and future environmental themes, marking the anniversary of the landmark 1947 CIAM gathering.
Alongside the celebrations, the Arts Centre will raise funds for its Take a Chance and Pay It Forward ticket schemes, helping to make arts and culture more accessible.
The anniversary year will also see the launch of a legacy giving programme and plans for a commemorative installation in the courtyard garden recognising the contributions of the Centre’s friends, members, donors and supporters.
As it celebrates 80 years of creativity, culture and community, Bridgwater Arts Centre is inviting everyone who has been part of its story to join the celebrations, share their memories and help build the foundations for the next 80 years