Andrew recently visited the Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens in Lytham for an inspiring meeting with the theatre’s team, local councillors, and volunteers.
During the visit, Andrew toured the site with Teresa Mallabone, Chair of Lowther Gardens Trust, and Tim Lince, CEO and Artistic Director, to see firsthand the remarkable turnaround story of this iconic community venue and discuss its ambitious vision for the future.
As part of the visit, Andrew viewed the construction of the new £3 million Education Centre and Studio Theatre, a vital development for the Fylde Coast. This new 150-seat space, which will be fully operational by April 2025, promises to provide a much-needed resource for education and the arts, helping to foster creativity and support the local community. Fylde Council recently approved a one-off capital grant of £250,000 toward the internal refit of this state-of-the-art facility. With this support in place, the Lowther Pavilion team are now focusing on raising the final £300,000 needed to complete the project.
Reflecting on the visit, Andrew said:
"I have very fond memories of visiting Lowther Gardens and the Pavilion with my parents, so to see it thriving like this, firmly placing itself at the heart of the community, is fantastic. The team at Lowther Pavilion are brimming with enthusiasm, and their ambitious plans for the future are inspiring. I look forward to working with them to support these developments and ensure this iconic venue continues to grow and serve Fylde residents."
Andrew also highlighted the vital role played by the theatre’s volunteers and the ongoing support from Fylde Council in driving the venue’s success:
"The wonderful team of volunteers and the support of Fylde Council have been instrumental in the continued success of this much-loved Fylde coast venue. Their hard work and commitment are what make this transformation possible, and it’s great to see what can be achieved when a community comes together."
The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens continues to be a beacon for the arts and community engagement. The new Education Centre and Studio Theatre will allow the venue to host a wide range of events, from performances and educational workshops to test events for local creatives looking to develop their work.
As part of their fundraising efforts, the Lowther Pavilion is inviting the public to get involved in helping raise the final £300,000 for this exciting new space. Donations can be made by sponsoring a seat, joining the Band of Names scheme, or contributing a one-off gift.
For more information or to donate, please visit lowtherpavilion.co.uk.
