STATEMENT

There has been some speculation online about the future and stability of the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre. We are sad to say that it is actually true and the doors have closed. Instruction has been given to Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP to place Hyndburn Arts Ltd into Liquidation, the charity that has been managing the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre for the last 13 years.

With rising fuel prices, a cost of living crisis, acts cancelling because of low ticket sales, the imminent risk of larger repairs being needed and the loss of some large contracts, notably we have lost £45k of events business from HBC this year that we had last year, we do not feel that we are able to make it through the winter so it’s is prudent to make the judgement call now while debts are relatively low.

Staff have been told and we are now in the process of handing over all information to Begbies Traynor to follow the redundancy process to assist with their claims. We ask that you respect that people have lost their careers and their income alongside something which they are all passionate about.

Obviously, we are saddened that it could not be saved and saddened that we can not be part of all of the exciting opportunities for Arts and Culture in the area. With huge amounts of money coming into the area for Arts and Culture it is sad that we have not been able to be part of Hyndburn Borough Council’s plans.

So, what happens now - everything will now be dealt with by Begbies Traynor. They will be in contact with all creditors in due course regarding money they are owed. If you wish to contact Begbies Traynor, please do so at preston@btguk.com

 

 (Note: if you bought tickets online via Ticketsource these will be automatically refunded when the shows are officially cancelled online). If you paid cash or by debit/credit card or you have paid for the hire of the theatre you will be contacted as a creditor.

 

If you are a performer that was due to be performing at the Civic in the coming months we will contact you. We are doing our best to contact everyone in turn as quickly as possible.

It is going to take some time to process all of this and for the assets to be assessed and distributed. Please have patience with us.

But for now, this is the end of an era. The team are all incredibly sad that we can no longer be part of the community of Oswaldtwistle. We have loved helping to build a creative and vibrant centre that is loved by locals and visited by people from across the North West.

Hyndburn Arts Ltd