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Performance venue struck down by Covid to reopen

Steve YabsleyWest of England
News imageBBC A woman stands in the centre of an historic chapel. She is standing on parquet flooring and behind her are two large windows and a raised area - which is accessed by two sets of stairs. She has her arms open side in greeting. BBC
Olivia Riddiford at The Armstrong's newly refurbished Cossham Hall

A much-loved performance venue is coming back to life after new backing from the local community.

The Armstrong Hall in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, closed during Covid in 2020 and never re-opened.

Originally launched in 1972 the site has played host to countless musical, dramatic and cultural events and now stage one of its restoration is nearly complete thanks to backing from councillors, volunteers and generous donations.

A new foyer, bar, toilets and green room have all been added and The Cossham Hall performance space has been completely renovated.

News imageA man stands, with his hands in his pockets in front of a curved wooden reception desk. The floor and all the walls are wood-lad. Behind him is a toilet door and to his side are several chairs.
Trustee Dave Walker-Cornes at The Armstrong's new foyer and reception area
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Volunteer Jackie Jackson said the venue has been sorely missed: "It was like a hub - you had theatre groups, you had film groups, you had musical groups, you had everything. So when this place closed because of Covid, it ripped the heart out of Thornbury," she explained.

"Actually, I cried when I walked back in, you know, because of all the memories of everything we've done here."

The work was only made possible thanks to a generous £350,000 donation from Maggie Lansdown - wife of Bristol City Football and Bristol Bears Rugby owner Stephen Lansdown.

Trustee Dave Walker-Cornes said the venue is vital to the cultural life of the town.

"It's incredibly important - since the complex closed, so many of the local theatre groups and all sorts of other users have disappeared from Thornbury."

"They've moved out to other locations, some have shut down completely."

"Now that it's reopening, it's going to be so exciting to see everybody come back here and put on their productions or use the hall for all their community events to really get full use out of the complex," he said.

News imageA large hall is full of clutter - including chairs, card boxes, glasses, crates, tables a piano. A dark stage curtain can be seen at the far end of the hall. The parquet flooring is badly in need of repair.
The original Armstrong Hall remains in need of major renovation

The larger of the two halls - now re-named The Lansdown - will remain closed until funds are found to repair and restore it.

It's been estimated that work will cost at least £1.2m.

In meantime, The Armstrong has a busy calendar of events lined up - beginning in April.

Olivia Riddiford - Events and Business Manager said: "It's a place where people have gathered, come together, shared so many experiences and now we can confidently say we're back open again - it's just incredible for the community."

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