Harrogate Ladies' College has officially opened its performing arts centre after a major refurbishment project.
Harrogate Ladies' College officially opens performing arts theatre Harrogate Ladies’ College has officially opened its performing arts centre after a major refurbishment project. Staff, pupils, parents and alumni at the school were joined by the Earl and Countess of Swinton for the official opening of the newly named "Swinton Theatre." The name of the newly refurbished performing arts space was chosen by alumni of the school. The name recognises the generosity of the Swinton Estate in providing a temporary home for the school during World War II when the school’s buildings in Harrogate were requisitioned by the Ministry of Air Production. The school spent more than 6 years at Swinton Castle between 1939 and 1946 having packed up and moved the entire school, together with 300 pupils, with just 10 days’ notice. [caption id="attachment_67896" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Principal Sylvia Brett, Countess of Swinton, the Earl of Swinton and Sixth Form pupils officially open the Swinton Theatre at Harrogate Ladies’ College.[/caption] Alumni were asked to choose a new name for the theatre after they donated money for the refurbishment project, along with current parents of the school. As well as full re-decoration, the refurbishment project also included the installation of new sound and lighting technology to enhance the teaching and performances of drama, music and dance that take place in the space. Principal of Harrogate Ladies’ College, Sylvia Brett said:
"The generosity of the Swinton Estate in providing a home for the school during the war, is echoed in the generosity of our alumni and current parents in funding the refurbishment of this beautiful space. "It was so fitting that the current Earl and Countess of Swinton were able to come to school to officially open the Swinton Theatre named in honour of their predecessors."Mrs Brett added:
“It’s been wonderful over recent weeks to see pupils of all ages enjoying using the space to express themselves through performance. "I never underestimate how brave pupils are when they step out onto a stage and I know that the confidence this gives them is something they will take with them beyond school and throughout life."The school has long established orchestral groups and choirs, including the Chapel Choir which is a previous runner up in the Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year competition and has performed in Durham, Barcelona, Prague and Venice cathedrals. The school has also recently formed the Harrogate Ladies’ College Dance Company to provide additional opportunities for pupils in this field of the performing arts. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Council boss receives knighthood for work with children and families
LNER funds new van for foodbank charity
Record-breaking year for Harrogate supercar financier
Harrogate care home hosts Santa’s grotto for children and staff
What trains will run through Harrogate over Christmas?
Luxury Harrogate salon rebrands following change in ownership
Plans progress for new Day Case Surgery at Harrogate Hospital
'Warm Spaces' initiative to combat loneliness launches in Harrogate
Christmas coffee morning raises over £1,100 for Saint Michael's Hospice
Harrogate's Woods Fine Linens named one of UK’s best independents
Local businessman delivers Christmas gifts to elderly Harrogate residents
Harrogate venue named one of top festive pubs in UK
Redline Specialist Cars Christmas raffle raises £10,000 for local hospice
Hospice officially opens new Boroughbridge shop
Knaresborough woman's appeal to find missing ashes ring
Harrogate pupils raise £386 for charity through Christmas Carols
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed
New premises will lead to expansion for Harrogate hearing specialist
Council grants £1,000 for Ripon history project
Harrogate community comes together to keep town's Christmas spirit alive
