St Mary In The Castle ready to reopen and looking to its long-term future
It has been a tough 18 months for arts venues with the survival of many being put in doubt as a result of enforced closure and lack of income.
The good news this week is that the trustees of St Mary In The Castle have announced its reopening with the first event in the imposing seafront venue taking place on Friday September 3rd when Frock Up Friday takes to the stage. Other events taking place from September onwards which will be announced soon.
Jo Mayne, Chair of The Trustees told Hastings In Focus this week: “The Covid–19 Pandemic has impacted all our lives and none more so than the arts, music, and theatre and unfortunately it has not been viable and cost effective to re-open the venue until September.

“During lockdown the trustees have been working tirelessly to explore the best possible way to proceed with the focus on being able to re-open this wonderful venue to the public once again.”
The trust confirmed it had received funding support from the Arts Council England, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Sussex Community Foundation and Safer Hastings: “This wonderful support is being used to implement a variety of aspects to ensure that this amazing venue is fully operational and ready to open,” Jo said, adding, “The trust would also like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Hastings Borough Council for their on-going support during the pandemic and towards the continued success of the venue.”
Jo says the trust is totally committed to building an exciting and sustainable long term future for St Mary In The Castle despite the enormous challenges in respect of being unable to open for many months. The overriding priority for trustees include the ongoing maintenance of the building, ensuring that the venue is Covid-19 compliant and to the safety of staff, volunteers, audiences, performers, and promotors.
Many of the events previously planned for the venue before its enforce closure have be rescheduled to alternative dates from September onwards in 2021 and throughout 2022.
Jo says: “As a venue St Mary in the Castle is utterly unique in respects of its architecture and acoustics and over the years the venue has hosted many outstanding events ranging from Classical concerts, theatre productions, live music performances, conferences, community projects, weddings as well as providing a wonderful backdrop and location to both TV production and film companies.

“The venue is focused on attracting the highest quality live entertainment with acclaimed artistes such as the legendary American singer/songwriter Judy Collins who performed at the venue back in January of 2020.
“The trust would like to thank all the performers, audiences, volunteers, external promotors, and groups that they have had the pleasure of working with over the years. St Mary In The Castle very much looks forward to a brighter and positive future as the country starts to welcome back live entertainment over the coming months.”
For further information regarding future events please do keep in touch with the venue via social media or you can email the venue directly on enquiries@stmaryinthecastle.co.uk