The Assembly Hall turns 90 in 2024 and over the decades it has remained a well-loved space, playing host to big names and big bands.
The Assembly Hall is iconic, but we are well aware that some of its facilities are in desperate need of updating. That’s why we’ve started our Fit for The Future fundraiser – to ensure the Assembly Hall can keep functioning for another 90 years!
What will the money do?
The Fit for the Future campaign aims to update and improve the Assembly Hall’s facilities for everyone. We will do this by:
- Updating the seating in the Assembly Hall
- Improving our audiences’ experience in the space
- Ensuring the venue is fit for purpose and can be enjoyed by future generations.
Accessibility and comfort are priorities across our venues; we have already started improving accessibility in the Connaught and the Pavillion. Here, hearing assistance induction loops are available, or infrared over-ear headphones can be used by those who need audio descriptions in the cinema.
The Assembly Hall through the decades
At 90 years old, Assembly Hall is actually one of the youngest venues run by WTM! Built in 1934 in contemporary modernist and art deco styles, Assembly Hall is our largest venue, and has played an important role in Worthing’s cultural offer for nearly a century.
Assembly Hall is renowned as one of the best acoustically equipped concert halls in the UK. It has hosted incredible musical acts, such as David Bowie, The Who, ELO, Status Quo, Black Sabbath, Genesis, and Motörhead. Now, you’ll find a wide range of music and big-name comedy events on its stage.
It is also home to Worthing Symphony Orchestra, West Sussex’s only professional orchestra who rehearse in the space weekly.
Thanks to its acoustic prowess, Assembly Hall also houses the largest Wurlitzer organ in Europe, which lives beneath the stage and is played during regular concerts by leading organists. Information about upcoming performances from WSO and the Wurlitzer can be found here.
How you can help
You can donate to our Fit for the Future campaign online, following the button below. If you would like to donate another way, please call the box office on 01903 206206.
If you would like to speak to us further about our plans for Assembly Hall, please contact our Development Team. We are committed to improving our venues across the charity, and we thank you for supporting us in this way.
Coming soon: Watch this space to find out more about our collaboration with The Sand Project on redecorating the main Assembly Hall dressing room!