Theatr Clwyd bury community time capsule full of memories

Theatr Clwyd buried a time capsule full of memories at the event, which also saw more than 200 guests enjoy a range of performances.

Ysgol Maes Garmon's school choir who performed for guests at the time capsule burial at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

Community groups from the Mold theatre performed an ensemble theatre show, students and teachers from Theatr Clwyd Music, who teach music throughout Flintshire's schools, played music old and new, and Ysgol Maes Garmon's school choir headlined the event.

The date stamped seal of the Theatr Clwyd time capsule. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

The time capsule burial marks an important step in launching the public fundraising for Theatr Clwyd's major redevelopment. The capsule contained a range of heartfelt memories from the 47 years it has been a home for its community, including letters, poems and photographs, as well as contributions on the day from those present at the event. It was buried in what will be Theatr Clwyd's new sensory and therapeutic garden, date-stamped to be opened in 2075.

Music performance at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

The major capital redevelopment will transform the 47-year-old building, which is no longer fit for purpose, into a green, sustainable, and welcoming home for its communities. It will become a destination for North Wales and beyond.

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The organisation's ability to serve its local community will increase, with specialist young people's hubs, indoor and outdoor play areas, health and wellbeing suites, and communal spaces for everyone to use and enjoy.

Executive director Liam Evans-Ford, as well as newly appointed artistic director Kate Wasserberg, were amongst those in attendance.

Members of the ensemble performance at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

Liam said: "What a special day. A moment to mark the major construction work on-site, to announce our public funding campaign, but most of all to acknowledge our communities and how we work with, and for, so many in North Wales.

"This project is a huge undertaking and has attracted significant private investment into the area, but we must always remember why we are delivering this project - it is for our communities - past, present, and future."

The 'play your part' tree at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

The project has received substantial financial support from a range of trusts, foundations, and private funders. The organisation is now asking the community if they too can 'play their part', by naming a seat, mirror, or tile, organising a fundraising activity, or donating at the new 'play your part' tree in the theatre's temporary foyer.

Chair of Flintshire County Council, Cllr Gladys Healey and artistic director Kate Wasserberg watch on as executive director Liam Evans-Ford buries the time capsule at Theatr Clwyd. Photo: Andrew AB Photography

Chair of Flintshire County Council, Cllr Gladys Healey, who helped with the burial, said" "I was delighted to attend this momentous occasion at Theatr Clwyd in what is, my first official engagement as chair of Flintshire County Council. The redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd is an exciting opportunity which will significantly benefit the local community and I look forward to seeing its completion."

Investing in Theatr Clwyd delivers on a key commitment within the Welsh Government's Programme for Government and represents a significant investment in the arts in Wales. The Welsh Government has awarded £23.5m over three years to support the project, in addition to the £3m awarded in 21-22.

• To find out more about Theatr Clwyd's re-development visit www.theatrclwyd.com/play-your-part