Top act to launch arts centre (From Herald Series)

Top act to launch arts centre

6:55am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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The curtain will go up at Didcot's long-awaited Cornerstone Arts Centre at the end of next month.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will headline the opening night on Friday, August 29.

The eight-strong group have performed at sell-out concerts across the world, collaborating with bands including Madness and Kaiser Chiefs.

advertisement The £7.4m venue is almost complete and South Oxfordshire District Council has already scheduled a full programme of events for the autumn season.

Arts centre manager Emma Dolman said: "We are delighted to have attracted such a famous, fun and inspirational act to perform on our opening night.

"The orchestra will be the first of many top class acts to grace the stage at this brilliant new arts venue, which will offer a fun, inspiring and professional environment for local people to enjoy a wide variety of creative and cultural activities."

On Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, the launch festival will continue with an outdoor theatre performance telling the story of Didcot's past, present and future.

The centre, at the junction of Orchard Street and Station Road, was designed by architects Ellis Williams, creators of the renowned Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

Bill Service, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "Local people will have seen Cornerstone taking shape over recent months with its contemporary design and colourful cladding. The council is so proud of the building and what it will mean for Didcot."

Tickets for the opening night cost £17.50. Call 01491 823823.

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