The Haverhill Arts Centre in Haverhill, Suffolk, is starting a new series of weekly open‑mic nights on 12 February 2026. These events will run every Thursday evening through early November, providing a regular stage for local singers, poets and musical bands.
The initiative is led by Creative Director Dan Schumann and aims to give emerging artists a low‑cost way to perform in front of a live audience. Local reporting and the Centre say the venue has shifted towards more local projects following Suffolk County Council’s removal of core arts funding, which took effect in April 2025.
The series will be managed by Haverhill Town Council and run day‑to‑day by Haverhill Arts Centre staff under Creative Director Dan Schumann. The nights will use the Centre’s professional sound setup in either the 210‑seat auditorium or the more intimate Bistro space. Performers can take part for free, while audience members will pay between £2 and £5 for entry.
Organisers hope the series will act as a regular social hub for residents, fitting into wider town‑centre plans highlighted by West Suffolk Council. By hosting these events weekly, the Centre is returning to its historical role as a central meeting place for the community.
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