Hexham Abbey

Secular Benefits 

Centre

SERVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY

At the heart of the Hexham Abbey Centre project is the proposal to restore the original monastic buildings to the Abbey, but this does not mean the new centre will be for the exclusive use of religious groups.

The recreated cloister and refurbished monastic rooms will also provide welcoming facilities for the general public as well as a refectory, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces and performance areas.

The new exhibition and performance areas will complement the existing provision in Hexham and the Tyne Valley and provide much needed opportunities for local and visiting artists, performers and musicians. Currently the Abbey supports the region’s cultural life by hosting events such as Music in the Abbey, The Hexham Abbey Festival of Music and Art and The Young Artists’ Platform.

Music in the Abbey - is a series of concert which presents a varied selection of concerts of the highest quality. Organ recitals feature the famous 1974 Phelps organ, whose beautiful tones attract organists from around the world.

The Hexham Abbey Festival of Music and Art - is one of the North of England’s major cultural events attracting top performers and ever larger audiences. Last year’s programme was the most eclectic ever staged with delights ranging from the early music of Melopoetica to the hilarious Rossini’s Cat Duet with Two balloons. For 2008 the theme is ‘Northern Lights’ and besides music from Acoustic Triangle; Exaudi; Thistle Brass; Avison Ensemble; Horses Bra the festival will feature sound and light sculptures from northern artists.

The Young Artists Platform - is a highly significant new venture offering performance opportunities for emerging talent based both in the North East and from outside the region.

In addition to expanding its support for cultural events, the Abbey is also keen to further develop its role as a welcoming venue for a wide range of other community groups and activities. By offering a permanent home for youth organisations, health clinics and other such bodies, an expansion of the Abbey’s public rooms could make an enormous difference to the well being of people living in Hexham and South Northumberland.

The Hexham Abbey Centre will provide much needed additional space that will not only allow local people to benefit from improved community services but will also allow the Abbey’s world famous music festivals to have an even greater impact on the contemporary cultural life of the region.