A new wave of nationally recognised acts are set to appear at Melksham Assembly Hall as the venue expands its entertainment programme while continuing to host community events.
The venue has strengthened links with promoters under new manager Robert Reay-Waugh, who took over earlier this year, helping secure a programme of household names alongside community events, weddings, parties and local groups.
Among the performers booked are Toyah, former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, comedian Dom Jolly, vocal quartet G4 and folk favourites The Wurzels.
The venue, in the Market Place, has hosted events since opening in 1847 and has previously welcomed major acts including Status Quo and Thin Lizzy.
Robert said the aim was to offer something for everyone. He said, “Being a council-run venue and ultimately taxpayer funded, we want to be the venue at the heart of the community, for the community.
“Over the last few months, we have been building relationships with more promoters, giving them confidence that they can bring higher-profile artists here.
“At the same time, the Assembly Hall has got a strong base of customers who enjoy tribute bands and a lot of rock and roll, but we’re trying to make sure there’s something for everyone.”
The venue has also hosted a growing number of community events in recent months, including meetings for arts and history groups, weddings and the recent Drag Bingo event.
“The Drag Bingo was definitely one we were really proud of having,” said Robert. “It was a really high-quality event and everyone who came found it something different from the venue. We certainly got a lot of positive feedback and we are very keen that it returns in the future.”
The Assembly Hall also opened its doors during the FIFA World Cup, screening England matches for supporters. Around 160 people attended the semi-final, filling the venue to capacity for its layout.
Robert said, “It was absolutely amazing. We were at full capacity that night.”
He said maintaining a balance between commercial events and community use was central to the venue’s future. “We want to make sure we are there and available for the community but also trying to be more efficient and making sure that we get these higher-profile acts coming forward to ensure the venue is financially sustainable and can be here well into the future.
“Thanks also to the council for allowing ticket split arrangements to return. That has opened the door to a huge variety of promoters who wouldn’t previously have considered bringing acts here.”
To view or book events at the Melksham Assembly Hall visit https://www.melkshamassembly.co.uk/
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