News: Community theatre in Seaton Delaval receives royal award

 Community theatre receives royal award

Volunteers at a community arts hub in Seaton Delaval have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their outstanding work.

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre on Avenue Road in Seaton Delaval

The team at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre have been recognised with highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, the equivalent to an MBE. The volunteers run and maintain the thriving venue which hosts a range of performances, shows and community events.

The 160 seat theatre opened in 2007 to bring residents together to enjoy and take part in the arts. The venue is also used by a range of community groups on a weekly basis along with a popular pantomime each Christmas.

Volunteers at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre
L-R Stu Bennett, Gareth Miller, Pamela Iley, Helen Orchard, Chris Orchard

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Stu Bennett, Theatre Director said “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award from his majesty in recognition of the work and dedication of our amazing volunteers. In 2007 a small group came together to secure an old Salvation Army church in need of repair. After a huge amount of hard work, we’ve transformed the building into a community arts hub which continues to go from strength to strength. I’m delighted this award has recognised all of our volunteers past and present. We have no paid staff and are completely led by our volunteers, they truly are superstars making a huge difference to Seaton Delaval and beyond.”

Performers on the stage at the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Volunteers of the Arts Centre will receive an award crystal and certificate from Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland in the new year. In addition, volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.

You can find out more about the Seaton Delaval Arts Centre and see what’s on at www.seatondelavalartscentre.com.