Excitement builds for reopening of Telford Town Park Amphitheatre
A popular amphitheatre is being restored to its former glory in Telford Town Park - creating a new outdoor events space for vibrant shows, performances and family events.
Telford & Wrekin Council is funding the project, with support from additional grants, so Telford Town Park Amphitheatre can be enjoyed by visitors and the community for generations to come.
In its heyday, during the 1980s, the amphitheatre located by Randlay Pool in the park off Silkin Way, was a vibrant cultural hub which hosted regular live gigs and performances, before later closing in the 1990s.
Now works to bring the venue back to life are about to become a reality with local contractor Pave Aways starting the main restoration works in June which are expected to be completed in July.
To mark the opening an action-packed weekend of free family fun is planned at the amphitheatre for 18 and 19 July, which is the start of the school summer holidays, and more details will be announced shortly.
Several shows are also planned for the amphitheatre this summer as part of the Telford Theatre On Tour programme, with tickets now on sale.
They include ‘Out of the Box’ on Saturday 25 July (2pm) which is a multi-award-winning family show featuring joyful chaos, jaw-dropping skill and irresistible fun and ‘The Tale Of Peter Rabbit and Banjamin Bunny’ on Wednesday 19 August (2pm) which is an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales.
Plans for the rejuvenation of this popular performance space were proposed last year and this is all part of a wider Investing in Telford and Wrekin programme to transform areas of the Borough including Telford Town Centre, Wellington and Oakengates and make Telford and Wrekin a better place to live, work, learn and socialise.
Initial works have been taking place over the last few months to clear and prepare the amphitheatre site ready for the main works starting.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council Leader, said: “In 2024 local residents approached me with the idea of restoring the Amphitheatre in the Town Park.
“The suggestion made complete sense given how popular it used to be and the fact we’re committed to providing as many free or low-cost events for residents so that they don’t have to travel outside of our area and can spend their money here with local businesses in Telford rather than elsewhere.
“It’s also an opportunity to provide a unique facility and encourage people to visit Telford and Wrekin too.
“I’m therefore delighted that our budget was approved earlier this year which provided the funding to restore the site to its former glory and can’t wait for the works to begin and to see it re-open this summer.”
Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture & the Arts, said: “In the past, the amphitheatre has always been a popular attraction for residents and visitors and this project which will create a dynamic, cultural landmark to benefit the community for years to come.
“There’s already a fun family event planned to mark the opening as well as other shows which will be staged at the amphitheatre as part of our action-packed Telford Theatre On Tour programme.”
