Latest news with #CornExchange
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
IT equipment stolen in break-in, Newbury theatre says
Burglars have stolen items of IT equipment in a break-in at a theatre, its operator has Exchange Newbury said the raid happened on the evening of Thursday 17 July, but said it did not wish to give details of what was said the incident would have "financial implications" but would not affect shows and Valley Police said it could not find details of the crime on its system. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the theatre said: "We are saddened to share that Corn Exchange Newbury (Trust) experienced a break-in last week, resulting in the loss of a number of pieces of equipment used day-to-day."As a registered charity, this incident is especially disheartening and will unfortunately have financial implications."The venue later confirmed that IT equipment was taken, but declined to give details including theatre trust is currently fundraising to refurbish the Old Library in Newbury to become a new arts hub. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
South Wales Argus
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport unveils new ‘busk stops' in the city centre
Shoppers and regular visitors to the city often find themselves entertained by the wide variety of music that's performed in the city centre daily, but now these performers are being encouraged to show their craft and talents with special areas known as 'busk stops'. Seven of these 'busk stops' have been installed around the city centre, with locations in Queensway (outside the railway station); High Street (near popular music venues the Corn Exchange and Le Pub); Market bus station, Upper Dock Street; near the junction of High Street and Bridge St; Austin Friars; Commercial St (near the Charles St junction) and Llanarth Street. David and Jax are quickly finding a love for busking (Image: NQ) Having only been installed for a short while, the sites are working and already beginning to attract those who are new to the craft and reigniting the flame for others. Buskers Jax Jones and David Chapman are new to the craft. Jax said: 'I've never busked before, and David hasn't busked since 2015.' 'Newport has a really interesting music scene, and this sort of thing will encourage people to go out and busk more. There's a lot of pubs closing down so this gives us more opportunities and a reason to come out.' The sites not only allow buskers to show their talents, but it also widens the music tastes of those walking by. A quick performance of a track by American rock band Alice In Chains by David and Jax may not be the first choice for many shoppers today but the duo is helping broaden the horizons of the general public. The act of busking itself is a centuries-old tradition that is performed around the world and Newport is no exception, with the music that flows through the streets being appreciated by many. The main aim of these spaces is to enrich the already diverse and thriving music scene in Newport by encouraging even more performance. These buskers are more than welcome to now set up shop during the day at one of these designated spots and perform, instead of waiting until the evening when the venues in the area are open for business. These 'busk stops' are the next step in deepening Newport's love for music and showcasing its incredibly rich local talent.
Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'Busk stops' are being installed in a Welsh city to get people to sing more
'Busk stops' are being installed in a Welsh city to get people to sing more The council is hoping that new signs will encourage people to busk across the city Seven busk stops have been installed across the city centre in Newport (Image: Newport City Council ) Multiple busk stops have been installed across a city in south Wales in a bid to encourage more people to perform on the streets. Seven signs have been placed around Newport city centre by the council, creating designated places for buskers to sing in public. The music scene in Newport has been thriving according to the council, with the inaugural Newport Music Trail in March being hailed a success. The free festival inspired event has also been confirmed for a second year, with next year's trail taking place on March 27 and 28 next year. Now, seven 'busk stop' signs, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, have been placed across the city centre creating spaces to allow people to share their talents. Never miss a Newport story by subscribing to our newsletter here The stops are located in Queensway (outside the railway station), High Street (near popular music venues the Corn Exchange and Le Pub), Market bus station, Upper Dock Street, near the junction of High Street and Bridge St, Austin Friars, Commercial St (near the Charles St junction) and Llanarth Street. Councillor James Clarke, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: "Busking is a centuries-old tradition around the world and the city is no exception. "We know from the work done on the place making plan for the city centre that street music is something that is appreciated by many people. Article continues below "Regular visitors to the city centre will know that buskers often take up spots and entertain passers-by. We want to let them know they are welcomed and encouraged and the busk stops will help people know where to find them. "Newport has a fantastic musical reputation and a thriving musical scene in many venues. "We have recently announced that a second Newport Music Trail will be held next year following the wonderful success of the inaugural event in March. We want to widen that love of music in the city from the indoors to the outdoors. "We also hope that the busk stops will be used for other forms of street entertainment and will attract new local talent as well as our regular performers." There are multiple restrictions when busking in Wales that any street performer must abide by. The council allows buskers with rules that you must observe such as: Article continues below not making too much noise not blocking public highways (footpaths, pavements, open pedestrian areas) not displaying notices asking for payment not carrying out street trading (you need a street trading licence for this) only busking in certain parts of the town or for a limited period of time.
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Worcester Corn Exchange scheme boosted with £1.73m decision
The government has agreed that funding awarded to Worcester City Council can be used to revamp the Grade-II-listed Corn Exchange. In total, £1.73m can be spent on the second stage of the Scala arts centre scheme, the restoration of the theatre, on Angel Street, Worcester. A council spokesperson said the money would transform the Corn Exchange into a base for food and drink sales at the arts centre as well as it becoming an extra performance space, with an opening planned for autumn leader of Worcester City Council, Lynn Denham, said: "The development of the Corn Exchange will ensure that Scala arts centre will be able to offer the complete experience when it opens next year. "It's another piece in the jigsaw of this fantastic initiative that will change the character of Angel Street and Angel Place, making it one of the most attractive destinations in our city."Work on the main theatre scheme started in January. The government has also provided £370,000 for a revamp of 6 Angel Place, next to the Scala former party shop is currently being used as a base by builders Speller Metcalfe, which is carrying out the refurbishment work. The extra funding will see the building converted into an office space for Scala and a co-working space for creative groups in the extra £233,000 will be used to create an outdoor performance and social space at Angel Place, in front of the main Scala building, a city council spokesperson added. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Business News Wales
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Newport City Centre Welcomes Buskers with Dedicated 'Busk' Spots
Buskers are being given their own special places to perform in Newport city centre. Seven 'busk stops' have been installed around the city centre to encourage performers to share their talents. Councillor James Clarke, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: 'Busking is a centuries-old tradition around the world and the city is no exception. 'We know from the work done on the place making plan for the city centre that street music is something that is appreciated by many people. 'Regular visitors to the city centre will know that buskers often take up spots and entertain passers-by. We want to let them know they are welcomed and encouraged and the busk stops will help people know where to find them. 'Newport has a fantastic musical reputation and a thriving musical scene in many venues. We have recently announced that a second Newport Music Trail will be held next year following the wonderful success of the inaugural event in March. 'We want to widen that love of music in the city from the indoors to the outdoors. We also hope that the busk stops will be used for other forms of street entertainment and will attract new local talent as well as our regular performers.' The busk stops have been made possible by funding from the UK Government. They are located in Queensway outside the railway station; High Street near popular music venues the Corn Exchange and Le Pub; Market bus station, Upper Dock Street; near the junction of High Street and Bridge St; Austin Friars; Commercial St near the Charles St junction and Llanarth Street.
