Why Riverbank

Why Riverbank?

Marlborough is a small historical town in the centre of the Kennet and Pewsey Vale areas. As a modern community it is alive with many exclusive shops and a variety of restaurants and bars.

The artistic and cultural life of the town and surrounding villages is vibrant. The International Jazz Festival attracts over 12,000 visitors and Marlborough College Summer School welcomes people from all over the world.

Yet there is no professional venue for the arts in the area and Marlborough has been without a cinema for over twenty years.

Riverbank will provide an exciting cultural and social hub for the area with a varied programme of drama, music, dance, cinema, exhibitions and community activities.

Professional Research

The planning process has been meticulous. Recognised industry experts were commissioned in the early stages of the project to research and validate Riverbank's financial viability. The same experts were asked to ensure that the venue's facilities could accommodate many different kinds of events and performances to ensure Riverbank is a multi-functional venue.

Riverbank's Artistic Goals

The main auditorium will seat audiences of up to 300 people who will enjoy a range of 'lively arts' and entertainment. By lively arts we mean:
- Touring theatre
- Cinema (current and art house)
- Live classical music
- Live popular music
- Amateur productions
- Dance
- Master classes and recitals
- Exhibitions
- Education projects
- Outreach activities

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does demonstrate Riverbank's artistic goals, which are to provide different kinds of entertainment, programmes and presentations to meet the changing tastes of its varied audiences.