New £250k amphitheatre opens near Evesham

Neil Pearce (left), chairman of The Lenches Amphitheatre Committee, said several productions were lined up for the summer

A new £250,000 outdoor venue has been opened in Worcestershire.

The Lenches Amphitheatre, located just outside Evesham, was created by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The culmination of a 20-year dream, the 250-seat venue takes advantage of a natural curve of the land and offers views towards the Malvern and Clent hills.

Wychavon District Council backed the project with an initial £95,000 from its Community Legacy Grant scheme and the amphitheatre has already hosted its first performance.

As well as live music, a number of theatre productions are lined up for the summer.

The next scheduled performance will come on 16 June when Ilyria Theatre Company perform Doctor Dolittle.

The project attracted £19,000 from the council's share of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Scheme, as well as additional money from a charitable foundation and community fundraising.

Neil Pearce, chairman of The Lenches Amphitheatre Committee, said: "We are all very proud of this facility and we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors this summer for another exhilarating programme of family events and shows."

A second phase of the project is set for completion later this year and includes a two-storey building next to the current sports and recreation club pavilion.

This will provide storage space along with a multi-use room and a balcony.