“Hexham Abbey has a long history of contributing to the artistic, musical and cultural heritage of the North East. The proposed new spaces will make a massive, positive difference to the enjoyment that the Abbey gives to audiences and artists. I wish you all every success for this timely and culturally valuable project.”
(Dame Gillian Weir, International Organist)
The new exhibition and performance areas created by the Hexham Abbey Project 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 North East’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 concerts which presents a varied selection of performances 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. The most recent programme set a new level of excitement and enterprise with a line-up of local, national and international artists. It also allows young local artists to have a stage to recognise their emerging talent.
The Abbey also plays host to numerous other concerts, plays and events during the course of each year.
The lack of modern facilities currently hampers the development of these activities and the comfort of audiences.
The Hexham Abbey Project will provide the facilities that will meet these needs.