Cultural events planned as museum takes shape

Purcell CGI image of the museum and cultural centre which is due to open in 2025. The building is made of bricks and has lots of windows. Purcell
The new museum is set to open in 2026

Cultural events and projects are being planned for the Isles of Scilly as the redevelopment of a town hall takes shape, an arts group has said.

Culture on Scilly, funded by Arts Council England, said it would be working with newly formed charity Scilly Arts and Heritage on plans for St Mary's new museum and cultural centre.

The former town hall will be refurbished using £4.6m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to house the Isles of Scilly museum and a performing arts venue.

Lydia Bassett, director at Scilly Arts & Heritage, said: "We are working together and coming up with some really great ideas for events all year round."

Museum to open 2026

She added: "We're really excited to be working with Culture on Scilly this year as we plan for the opening of the town hall next spring.

"We still plan to keep working across all five islands once the new Cultural Centre and Museum is open, bringing live performances to the brilliant spaces on Tresco, Bryher, St Agnes and St Martins."

Culture on Scilly said it was "on the brink of announcing its 2025 programme of events on the islands".

It said it had brought 15 shows to the Isles of Scilly across the last 12 months.

The group said it was providing arts access to young people on the islands and collaborations with schools had helped to build younger audiences.

Ms Bassett said the museum was set to open in 2026.

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