About us

Bollington Arts Centre was established to provide a permanent home for the various groups which emerged after the first ever Bollington Festival in 1964 – Bollington Festival Players, Bollington Festival Choir

Would you like become a Bollington Arts Centre volunteer? Find out more ...

In 1984 the Methodist Church was being remodelled and no longer needed the Sunday School situated at the top of the hill behind the church. Led by Dr John Coope and Mrs Pat Penney, a group of keen actors and singers formed a trust and negotiated loans in order to buy the Sunday School building, renaming it Bollington Arts Centre.

After a lot of fundraising and hard work, the loans were paid off and the Arts Centre is still providing a rehearsal and performance space for its regular users as well as a programme of concerts, talks, classes and exhibitions for everyone to access. It is run entirely by volunteers and is self-supporting.

The auditorium has excellent acoustics and a warm intimate atmosphere where one can almost 'feel at home'.  The Gallery, as well as housing a licensed bar, provides a light and airy space for exhibitions; these change frequently and in most cases the work is for sale.  Upstairs, there are two meeting rooms – one suitable for small (12 pax) committee-type meetings and the other suitable for larger (40 pax) meetings, rehearsals, classes etc.

Bollington Festival Players meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings, the Festival Choir on Tuesday, Bollington Light Opera Group on Thursday and a childrens' music theatre group on Sunday afternoon. A Bridge Club plays on Thursday afternoon and Friday evening and there are currently two embroidery classes, two art groups, Italian and Spanish classes and dancing classes for a variety of ages - toddlers included, all taking place during the day.

A programme of events is organised for the Autumn, Winter and Spring - these include regular jazz and chamber music concerts, a comedy club and a series of talks on a wide variety of subjects, as well as occasional poetry readings. 

It is possible to hire rooms in the Arts Centre for meetings and private events: for details of availability ring the Bookings Secretary, Mick Wilkins on 01625 576810.

For general information about Bollington Arts Centre please e-mail hello@bollingtonartscentre.org.uk.

Technical specifications

We can cater for and provide various equipment for most requirements. For a full listing of our technical specifications please download our .pdf document. It is also possible to download a plan of the auditorium.  

Individual contacts

Art exhibitions - David Ransley 01625 575287

Bollington Art Group (Weds) - Graham Ritchie 01625 820685 

Bollington Art Group (Tues) - Sheila Ratcliffe 01625 877844 

Bollington Festival Choir - Donald Judge 0161 225 4680

Bollington Chamber Concerts - Sally Smith 01625 560355

Bollington Comedy Club - Caroline Leadsom 01625 560774 

Bollington Festival Players and Junior Players - Kath Portlock 01625 574085 

Bollington Light Opera Group - Sharon Davies 01625 824955

Bookings secretary - Mick Wilkins 01625 576810

Bridge Club - June Cash 01625 575508 

Children's Music Theatre - Donald Judge 0161 225 4680

Creative embroidery and textile art classes - Ann Ford 01625 560459

Dance classes - Sue Lane 01625 574176 

Italian classes - Audrey Parnell 01625 572130 

Jazz - Bernard Selby 01625 574410

Spanish classes - Kate Barraclough 01625 583897 

Talks - Jean Ransley 01625 575287 

WI Art Group - Sheila Ratcliffe 01625 877844 

Dr John Coope M.D. M.B.E 1928 – 2005

Dr John was a true Bollingtonian with a strong sense of civic duty and a man of science with a passion for the Arts. Our local G.P. was also respected internationally for his research into hypertension, puppets and Chekhov. He tended the sick; he galvanised a small town.

In 1964 Dr John initiated the first Bollington Festival, his vision being “to rekindle the community spirit”. It encouraged home-grown talents and gave rise to numerous groups still thriving today. Subsequent festivals reinvigorate this “celebration of local vitality”, featuring existing societies and prompting new ones.

Dr John’s inimitable energy and talent for sparking enthusiasm made the Arts Centre possible. He led the group of trustees who bought the building and he guided its expansion from theatre and rehearsal space to today’s dynamic home for arts, culture and social endeavour, accessible to everyone.

Much of what is unique and fine about Bollington is due to the inspiration of Dr John Coope. Certainly, Bollington Arts Centre is indebted to him. 

Becoming a volunteer

Do you have you a few hours to spare each week? Then why don’t you volunteer at Bollington Arts Centre?

Make new friends, learn new skills and contribute to the Arts Centre in the heart of our Bollington Community.  Volunteers do all sorts of tasks including: selling programmes, showing people to their seats and serving drinks behind the bar.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer please complete our enquiry form.

For general information about Bollington Arts Centre please e-mail hello@bollingtonartscentre.org.uk.

Sponsors and supporters

Bollington Arts Centre is indebted to its many volunteers who work tirelessly to keep our doors open.

We are also very grateful for the support we have received from WREN for £40,000 for a new roof in 2009 and Cheshire East Council for  £250 towards our new website.