Theatre, music, poetry and film are thriving at arts centres run by South Kesteven District Council – with more than 67,400 tickets sold across its venues in Stamford and Grantham last year.
Among the most popular events at Grantham Guildhall Arts Centre was the Christmas panto, Aladdin, which sold more than 11,000 tickets over 60 performances.
Sell-out shows included An Evening with Aggers (with cricketing legend and renowned correspondent Jonathan Agnew), stand-up comedians Gary Delaney and Alfie Moore and musical evenings with Viva Neil Diamond and Whole Lotta Shakin’.
Stamford Arts Centre hosted fully-booked live performances with Simon Yates (My Mountain Life), Eddi Reader, The Albion Christmas Band, Jay Rayner and Treasure Island.
Cinema nights also proved popular with 53 movies screened to 5,321 customers.
Coming up in Grantham is the latest Comedy Funhouse night on 29th February, starring Justin Moorhouse, the Sensational Sixties Show on Friday 8th March, and the evergreen Neil Sands on Monday 8th April, with Thanks For The Memories.
Remember to check the website for Disco Toddlers dates and school holiday workshops at www.guildhallartscentre.com
Meanwhile, in Stamford, audiences can look forward to highlights including Classical and Jazz seasons, plus music from Maddy Prior and Dean Friedman. Funhouse Comedy makes regular visits the Cellar Bar, while Love’s Labour’s Lost and a unique version of Sense And Sensibility, offer something for drama fans.
Stamford Arts Centre also welcomes more than 40 poets every month into the Gallery Bar for its popular open mic night, A Pint of Poetry, every first Wednesday of the month.
Cinema highlights scheduled include The Color Purple and One Life, along with ballet and opera satellite screenings throughout the year.
More details are available at www.stamfordartscentre.com
SKDC Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “Live performance and screenings of musical theatre, ballet and classical music form the backbone of our arts provision here in South Kesteven.
“Coupled with near sell-out shows at Bourne Corn Exchange, which we also run, there really is something for everyone to see, hear, or get involved with – from toddler discos and holiday workshops, to music in quiet places for a more mature audience during the summer months.
“With new-look new season brochures being designed right now, I would urge everyone to keep their eyes peeled and pick out some theatre visits during the months ahead.”
Details of events at Bourne Corn Exchange can be found here:
www.guildhallartscentre.com/whats-on/bourne-corn-exchange
Bourne Corn Exchange is also home to one of the best multi-purpose halls in the area, including car parking, and is available to hire for events and weddings. Full details can be found online www.southkesteven.gov.uk/BCE