Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion hoping for phased reopening this summer

Director and CEO Stewart Drew said: “Following the most recent government advice we have been working hard to re-think our DLWP summer this year.

“We have been told that cafés, bars and leisure facilities may be allowed to re-open from the beginning of July, although social distancing will still have to be maintained.

“Before we determine the Pavilion’s opening date, we will ensure that every part of the operation is COVID-secure and compliant with government standards of cleanliness and social distancing.

“We are considering an approach where the opening of our outside terrace bar, café bar and galleries would be phased, opening separate areas of the building when we are confident that our visitors and staff will be safe.

“The exhibitions Zadie Xa: Child of Maghalmi and the Echoes of Creation and Marc Bauer: Mal Être/Performance will remain in the galleries until at least September to give everyone an opportunity to visit.

“However it is clear that it would be irresponsible for us to offer events that involve a lot of people gathering in one place.

“Regrettably this means that our free community events such as the highly popular Sunset Screenings will not take place, neither will Bexhill Record Fair, Dubs at DLWP or Beach Beats. The good news is that we have rescheduled these events to summer 2021 and your tickets remain valid for the new dates. We have also rescheduled Toots and The Maytals and Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club.”

Stewart added: “We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of DLWP during closure.

“As always, we had an amazing summer planned for our community and we are sorry to disappoint those of you who love to be outside and listen to live music, dance in the sun with a beer, or sit on your blankets with fish and chips to watch a film at sunset. If, as the weeks pass, we can see opportunities to run events safely, then we have plenty of ideas and can quickly bring them together.

“In 1935 DLWP was designed as a place to bring people together, inside and out and we will work hard to bring that back to you as soon as we can.

“But as we head into the autumn, it may be that the way the building operates and the programmes and services that we offer will look different to before. We will have to adapt to our situation, not in the least because of the dramatic loss of income incurred since closure.”

Stewart added: “We are a charity and your support is needed now more than ever. You can help us do this by not asking for a refund on re-scheduled events, making a donation or becoming a member.

“And there are other ways you can help. Tickets are still available for some 2021 music and comedy events – take a look on our website – and we are open for bookings for weddings, conferences, celebrations and other events next year.

“And, of course, you can visit us when we re-open and buy the lunch, coffee and cakes that you have missed since we closed. We will do whatever it takes to make sure we all keep safe and you will be sure to receive a warm welcome!

“DLWP has been bringing communities together through culture for 85 years. We have lost half our income overnight and we need your support more than ever. We are your Pavilion - please donate today. Thank you.”

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