The historic Methodist Chapel on West Street in Axbridge is set to take on a new lease of life—not as a place of worship but as a thriving arts centre. After being declared redundant last year due to declining congregation numbers, the building will reopen on Sunday, July 6, as the Axe Vale Arts Centre, thanks to the dedication of local residents Paul Hughes and Pete Harding.
Having secured a one-year lease with the hope of purchasing the building in the future, Paul and Pete have rallied the community to breathe fresh energy into the historic site. The launch event promises a full day of artistic celebration, featuring theatre performances, live music, poetry readings, and visual arts. The festivities begin at 1pm and will continue into the evening, with all refreshments sold to support ongoing renovation and maintenance efforts.
Paul Hughes expressed his excitement about the community’s involvement: “The response has been wonderful—volunteers have helped paint and decorate the schoolroom and outbuildings, and even set up a bar to serve teas and coffees. This free event invites everyone in the town, many of whom haven’t yet experienced this beautiful, ancient building, to come and preview what’s to come.”
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Pete Harding added, “Our vision is to transform this historic church into a vibrant cultural hub—offering space for music, theatre, exhibitions, workshops, and more. We want the Axe Vale Arts Centre to be a welcoming place where creativity and community spirit thrive.”
The launch day’s highlights include performances by local folk trio Ochre Trails, a dramatic excerpt from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Axbridge Community Theatre, poetry readings by Simon Rennie and Harry Mottram, as well as jazz sets from the Winscombe Swing Jazz Project.
With ongoing volunteer efforts to prepare and enhance the space, the Axe Vale Arts Centre is poised to become a lasting cultural landmark in Axbridge, offering a creative home for years to come.