A BELOVED arts and community centre, which has operated as a symptom-free testing site during the pandemic, will soon reopen to the public again.

The Beacon located in the heart of Wantage, which was normally used for live concerts and cinema screenings, has played a vital part during the pandemic as one of Oxfordshire's four sites for residents to get tested and as a place to collect test kits from.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils worked closely with partners across Oxfordshire to help set up this rapid symptom-free testing venue back in February, when the UK was in its third Covid-19 wave.

However,Vale announced its plans to reopen it as an arts and community centre again from Monday, September 6.

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The Beacon's facilities, which are owned and run by the district council, include a theatre auditorium with a new programme of shows being planned for September.

There is also a dance studio, two function rooms and a coffee shop.

The venue is also available to hire for meetings, conferences, parties and a variety of performances.

In the past, The Beacon has been a host to a number of high-profile events that have drawn crowds from across Oxfordshire and even from neighbouring counties.

Some of these include the Wantage Summer Festival and the Wantage Literary Festival.

Some of the stars who have been guests of the venue include Lord David Owen.

Earlier this year Vale councillor Helen Pighills, who is cabinet member for healthy communities, urged everyone eligible for the free tests to book a slot as soon as possible and do their bit in the war against coronavirus.

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The programme was set to help identify and self-isolate those who are unaware they are carrying the virus, which will protect work colleagues, customers and communities alike.

Other community testing centres across Oxfordshire include Oxford’s Kings Centre, Brownes Hall in Carterton and Banbury’s Spiceball Leisure Centre.

Speaking about the reopening of The Beacon, the councillor said: “Having played such a key health role for residents during the pandemic, it will be fantastic to see it open its doors once more.

"It will soon be offering a new programme of entertainment and providing community space to hire too."

Those who wish to hire space at The Beacon can now make provisional bookings for events taking place on or after its reopening date.

However, the council warned that all bookings will be subject to change depending on any future Covid-19 guidance.

For more information visit The Beacon's website at www.beaconwantage.co.uk or email the centre on beacon.wantage@whitehorsedc.gov.uk