Community

Gosforth Civic Theatre marks 10 years and smashes its Big Give target

Gosforth Civic Theatre has raised £19,892.50 through the Big Give Arts for Impact campaign, past its £18,000 stretch goal, as it celebrates a decade at the old Civic Hall.

Gosforth.org·16 September 2026

There is a good news story on Regent Farm Road this autumn. Gosforth Civic Theatre is marking ten years since it took on the old Gosforth Civic Hall, and it has capped the milestone by sailing past the target of its latest fundraising campaign.

A decade of a community arts venue

It is easy to forget how recent the current Civic Theatre is. A decade ago the building was a council hall facing an uncertain future. Since taking it on, the charity has turned it into one of the area's genuine cultural assets, a place that punches well above its weight with live music, theatre, comedy, spoken word, film screenings and family shows, all wrapped around a licensed cafe bar that is worth a visit in its own right.

Big Give target smashed

The anniversary has been marked with real momentum behind the scenes. Through the Big Give "Arts for Impact" match-funding campaign, the theatre raised £19,892.50 including gift aid, comfortably past both its original £15,000 goal and its £18,000 stretch target. As reported by Gosforth Civic Theatre, the campaign takes the amount raised since December to close to £40,000.

Best for: The money supports the theatre's arts, health and wellbeing programmes, including weekly sessions for more than 100 people with learning disabilities.

Why it matters locally

For residents, this is more than a fundraising headline. The Civic Theatre is one of the few places in Gosforth where you can catch touring musicians, local drama and a half-term film screening within walking distance of the High Street, and where the wellbeing work quietly supports some of the community's most vulnerable people every week. A strong tenth year, and a campaign that beat its goal, means that programme is on a firmer footing heading into an anniversary season of music, comedy, theatre and community events.

To see what is coming up, check the theatre's what's on page and its "GCT is 10" celebrations.

Know of a local achievement worth celebrating? Get in touch.