An exciting new £250,000 outdoor performance space has been created in a rural part of the district thanks to support from Wychavon.
A group of dedicated volunteers - led by The Lenches Sports and Recreation Club working with London-based acoustic specialists SWAP architects - has transformed a naturally occurring slope in the landscape into a 250-seat amphitheatre.
The venue provides a high-quality space to put on live entertainment, theatre and community events set against spectacular views. The amphitheatre has already hosted its first performances to rave reviews and a full programme is lined-up for this summer, with Wychavon in talks about hosting one of its outdoor cinema events at the location as well.
Wychavon backed the project by giving South Lenches Parish Council £95,000 from its Community Legacy Grant scheme. Another £19,000 came from Wychavon’s share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Scheme, with £20,000 coming from the Garfield Weston Foundation. The rest of the money came from a series of community fund-raising events, a generous donation from building material supplier Jewson, as well as free technical support and time from local residents. A grant of £5,000 from National Grid’s Community Matters Greenspaces Initiative has also helped plant 85 trees and bulbs across the site.
A second phase of the project is set for completion this year and includes a two-storey building built next to the current sports and recreation club pavilion. This will provide storage space along with a multi-use room for hire with a balcony offering spectacular views of the Malvern Hills and the stage below.
Neil Pearce, Chairman of The Lenches Amphitheatre Committee, said: “This is an incredibly exciting and unique community led project which has only been made possible by a small team of dedicated volunteers who have committed so much time and energy to ensure the success of this project and of course generous grants and donations.
“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.”
Volunteers are needed to help support live shows and look after the amphitheatre. Anyone interested should email
Since its launch in 2018, Wychavon’s Community Legacy Grant scheme has invested £3 million into community projects across the districts including building new village halls and supporting community transport projects. Another £1 million is set to be invested as part of the latest round of the scheme.
Cllr Rob Adams, Executive Board Member for Stronger Communities, Culture and Sport on Wychavon District Council, said: “This is a spectacular project which has created a first class facility for residents across the district and another example of how we are investing to make a lasting difference to our communities.”
Visit www.lenchestheatre.co.uk for more information.
