Final curtain for Aylesbury Civic Centre

Archived press release

Date Published: 26/05/10

After 35 years of sterling service, Aylesbury Civic Centre is finally closing to make way for a magnificent new theatre.

The closure will be marked on Saturday 5 June by one last cabaret evening, with a range of entertainment, food and drink and celebrations headlined by comedian, entertainer and former Civic Centre panto star Bernie Clifton.

Tickets are not available to purchase for this grand finale, as they are being allocated to Civic Centre customers who've previously bought tickets for events by a lottery process.

Rock legend Paul Weller is the headline act at the Civic’s penultimate show on Friday 4 June. Also appearing at the sold-out Friars Club event is John Otway, a well-known Aylesbury singer/songwriter.

The Civic Centre – which was officially opened by the then Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, Councillor Anthony E Mogford, on 2 September 1975 – has enjoyed a rich and colourful history. David Bowie, Genesis and The Police are just some of the famous names who have performed at the venue over the past 35 years.

Excitement is mounting as the finishing touches are added to the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, which opens in October. The theatre will attract many visitors to Aylesbury, giving a boost to the economy in the town centre.

Managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group on behalf of AVDC, the theatre will host a stunning array of drama, music and dance. The venue opens on 12 October with the award–winning and breathtaking Northern Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake.

“We want the Civic to go out in style,” said Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council. “This will be an emotional and exciting finale to 35 years of great service to the community.”

He added: “We are working hard to get the new theatre ready for the opening night and with the first show less than five months away we can feel the excitement build. After months of anticipation and commitment towards this state of the art project it is great to finally see local people benefiting as they buy tickets for all sorts of shows.”

For more information about the shows at the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and to buy tickets, call 0844 871 7607 or go to www.ambassadortickets.com/aylesbury