Friends of the Civic

14/05/2026

Just a quick update. We have been informed that work will start on the roof repairs onsite at The Civic next week, as per the agreed schedule.

Thanks to Cllr Steven Smithson for the update.

05/11/2025

Hyndburn Borough Council are inviting members of the public to give their opinions on how the £20 million regeneration funding is spent.

You can go and speak to members of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board at Accrington Town Hall on Friday 7th November between 4:00 - 6:30pm.

Don't forget to mention the reopening of the Civic if you pop in!

Full details on the link below:
https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/news/accrington-community-invited-to-help-shape-20-million-regeneration-plan/

03/10/2025

🚨Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre update🚨

The contract for the reroofing and associated works at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre is now out to tender. This will involve reroofing and repairs to the roof of the building including rainwater goods, scaffolding and other specified works.

I’d encourage local contractors to play their part in getting the Civic reopen and respond to the tender process.

For any local businesses that would like to submit a tender, further details are here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060477-2025

At the recent Full Council meeting Cabinet Portfolio Member for Culture, Heritage and Sport Councillor Kimberley Whitehead committed to establishing the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre working group by November/December. As a champion for Oswaldtwistle and being a ward councillor in our town I expressed an interest at the meeting to be part of the working group when it is set up.

I am pleased to see progress is being made but it is very important the council continues to keep residents and the Friends of the Civic group updated on a regular basis on any future progress.

The Civic Theatre is not just a theatre but a hub for our community and all councillors want to see the Civic Theatre reopened and we must work together to achieve this.

Cllr Steven Smithson 💙

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/25498435.oswaldtwistle-civic-theatre-reroofing-contract-tender/

21/06/2025

Without The Civic, Accrington Theatre Group are having to travel to Pendle for a suitable theatre space. Their rehearsals are looking brilliant! We're sure it will be well worth the trip for anyone wanting to support a local theatre company 🎭🎸🤘

13/06/2025

Last Friday, members of our committee met with Sarah Smith MP to discuss The Civic.

We talked about what The Civic did for our community and the incredible health, wellbeing and social impact that it had for people of all ages and backgrounds. There was a discussion about how local community groups are struggling without that versatile space and how we could potentially add to the many uses of the building in the future.

Obviously, there are a number of challenges to overcome but Sarah supports the campaign to get The Civic reopened and recognises that Hyndburn has a need for a safe, community focused Arts space.

It was great to meet with the Friends of The Civic last week.

We discussed the civic, the huge impact it's had on so many lives, the community of Oswaldtwistle and beyond. For so many, the civic was more than just a creative space, it was the heartbeat of Ossy.

The council are fully committed to getting it reopened, but it will take some time.

I will continue to support all involved as we work towards getting this space back into use.

04/06/2025

Break a leg to Oswaldtwistle Players for their show this week!

Oswaldtwistle Players were a regular hirer of The Civic and they're trying hard to keep live performance happening in Ossy. We're sure this will be a great night out if you're looking for something to do at the weekend!

04/06/2025

We're thinking back on memories from over the years at The Civic...

We'd love to hear your stories about famous faces that you met there over the years. We'd love to see your photos in the comments too.

Here's a great picture of Dramatic Annie's young adult group with Divina Di Campo in 2022 🎭

18/05/2025

Just a reminder that we're keen to hear from local schools, Arts professionals and community groups. Please get in touch and tell us what impact the Civic had when it was open and what you are finding difficult without that community space.

It's really important for us to demonstrate why we need the Civic reopened.

The Friends of the Civic need your help to get those famous red curtains open again!

We are looking to start collecting together information to share with our MP and Councillors about the impact of The Civic being closed.

We'd love to hear from local performers, school staff, community groups etc with comments about the challenges that you are facing without having access to the theatre or the services it provided, e.g. the pantomime, social activities, workshops etc.

You can comment on this post, message our page or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for your support!

06/05/2025

The Friends of the Civic need your help to get those famous red curtains open again!

We are looking to start collecting together information to share with our MP and Councillors about the impact of The Civic being closed.

We'd love to hear from local performers, school staff, community groups etc with comments about the challenges that you are facing without having access to the theatre or the services it provided, e.g. the pantomime, social activities, workshops etc.

You can comment on this post, message our page or email us at [email protected].

Thanks for your support!

04/05/2025

We've created this page to help to share our campaign to support the re-opening of the Civic Theatre and Arts Centre.

We'd love if you would share your happy memories and photographs from across the many years that The Civic was the heart of our community. You can share them in the comments, tag the page in your own posts or email [email protected].

Follow this page for ways that you can get involved in our campaign, to see progress updates and to find out about future dates for meetings. Please share and encourage other members of the community to join us too!