Weston-super-Mare’s Blakehay Theatre is set to relaunch under new leadership later this year, following a robust and competitive public tender and procurement process issued by Weston-super-Mare Town Council. The venue will be operated and managed by a newly formed charitable incorporated organisation, with the building ownership remaining with the Town Council. The Blakehay Theatre CIO, established specifically to operate the theatre as a standalone institution with a renewed focus on artistic ambition, inclusion, and financial sustainability.
The successful bid was led by local not-for-profit Hub Weston CIC, whose team have a strong track record of delivering ambitious cultural and community venues in the town. These include the former Backyard Cinema—previously the West Country’s largest open-air cinema—and The Stable and The Stable Games Room, both known for blending creativity, access, and social impact.
The new charity will be governed by a separate board of trustees drawn from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds, including the performing arts, education, enterprise, and accessibility. Establishing a dedicated charity ensures strong oversight, deep local relevance, and unlocks exciting new opportunities for the Blakehay’s future in the heart of Weston.
Under the new leadership, The Blakehay Theatre will expand its programme to include:
- Professionally-led performances spanning theatre, music, spoken word, and film
- Family and youth engagement, including school partnerships and holiday activities
- Artist development initiatives, residencies, and low-cost rehearsal space
- Creative industry talks and networking, supporting the wider sector in North Somerset
- Community and wellness programming, with accessibility at its core
Leader of Council – Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly.
“Weston Town Council remains committed to supporting arts and culture development in Weston-super-Mare and The Blakehay Theatre is an integral part of that.
The Blakehay Theatre is a much loved theatre in our town and as a town council we’ve continue to invest and make improvements to provide a high quality theatre experience.
This next phase of The Blakehay Theatre is exciting and we are looking forward to the opportunity to work with The Blakehay Theatre CIO as they continue to build on and improve the theatre experience and offer, which the town, and visitors can benefit from.”
The Council will be working with the new board and team to begin a phased transition over the coming months.