Councillor Dave Biddleston is among those who have spent years trying to get a community hall for Keynsham. Here he explains why he wants residents to get behind the campaign.
KEYNSHAM is a town rich in creativity. From dance and drama to choirs and orchestras, we have an abundance of local talent. Yet, for all our energy and ambition, we lack one vital ingredient: a proper space to perform, rehearse, and come together as a community.
For over three decades, I’ve been part of Keynsham’s musical and theatrical life. During that time, it’s become painfully clear that we don’t have a single venue that truly meets the needs of local arts groups.
Keynsham once had spaces that served us well. The Fry’s Canteen had a generous performance area; the old cinema doubled as a theatre with wings, a fly tower, and changing rooms. Both are long gone.
A decade ago, Brian Davis and Cllr Adrian Inker led plans for a new theatre and community space at Broadlands School, but the 2008 financial crash ended that dream.
Today, Keynsham’s arts groups are doing their best in cramped, makeshift spaces. When using the community space, changing facilities for young members are non-existent, with groups having to change in the library.
Some, like the Keynsham Light Opera Group (KLOG), manage to pull off spectacular shows despite limited staging.
As the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) noted in a recent review: “The stage was quite small for such a large cast, but the Director and Choreographers had managed to fit everyone in with good planning and a thoughtful use of space.”
But good planning can only go so far. Many dance schools are outgrowing the spaces available. Local orchestras seek help to make ticket prices affordable. And perhaps most tellingly, there are now no drama groups based in Keynsham itself – residents electing to take part in Saltford’s groups instead.
This isn’t just about the arts. A dedicated community hall would serve as a space for everyone – young people, older residents, charities, schools, and community events. Other towns our size often have multiple venues. Isn’t it time Keynsham had one?
In 2022, a promising opportunity arose when the Masonic Hall explored a partnership with the community to redevelop their large site. But the project didn’t move forward, largely due to the scale of commitment required from the town council. While understandable, it highlighted just how rare these chances are – and how vital it is that we act when they come.
This project is about vision. Keynsham is growing. Our arts, our young people, our sense of place – they all deserve a hall that matches our ambition.
If you agree, I invite you to make your voice heard. Speak with your councillors. Join the conversation. Get involved with the Hall for Keynsham campaign. Together, we can build a space where our community doesn’t just gather—but truly shines.
Councillor Dave Biddleston, on behalf of:
Keynsham Light Opera Group
Keynsham Concerts
Keynsham Orchestra
Keynsham Music Festival Association
Phoenix Keynsham Youth Theatre
Heidi Marie Dance Academy
Lucy Ratnett Dance School
Keyford Dancing School
Scamp Theatre Productions
Keynsham’s Good Afternoon Choir
Merriman Theatre Group
Hall campaign supporters pictured above – back row: Jo Meredith of Keynsham Light Opera Group and Phoenix Youth Theatre, (third from left), Mike May, chair of Keynsham Music Festival Association (fourth from left), Cllr Dave Biddleston (fifth from right), Jenny Abson of Keynsham Light Opera Group (fourth from right), Alderman Adrian Inker (third from right) and Keith Warhurst of Scamp Theatre Productions (second from right). Also pictured are members of Phoenix Youth Theatre and the Heidi Marie Dance Academy