Image: Chelsey Gillard, Interim CEO and Artistic Director at the Torch Theatre with the Mayor of Milford Haven Town Council, Cllr William Elliott.

Pembrokeshire’s leading arts venue has this year been awarded a grant of £7500 by Milford Haven Town Council, continuing a long history of support for the community arts activity at the iconic venue. Established in 1977, with considerable support from Milford Haven Town Council, the Torch Theatre is one of only three building-based professional producing theatres in Wales and is well-known for its in-house productions and extensive youth and community activity.

With charitable status, the Torch Theatre is publicly funded and is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, and the county council. It’s also generously supported by local businesses and organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority. Described as an important organisation in the creative community of Wales, the Torch relies on funding to continue offering a range of events and activities for all and is delighted to have been awarded this Town Council grant.

Chelsey Gillard, Torch Theatre’s Interim CEO and Artistic Director said:

“Being awarded grants such as this one from the Town Council helps us to deliver quality arts to the people of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and further afield. We are very grateful for this continued support and appreciate the work of the Town Council to ensure important provision is supported across Milford.”

Across the year the Torch hosts more than 2,000 events and activities seeing over 100,000 visitors. The main community space is The Junction which serves as a home for the Torch Youth Theatre and as a rehearsal room for in-house professional shows. The Main Auditorium seats 300 people and its Studio Theatre, 102. The Joanna Field art gallery showcases local art exhibitions and Café Torch serves delicious three course meals throughout the year. 

“We do so much more than what our audiences see on stage. Just to name a few of our regular activities; we run a very popular Youth Theatre for ages 7-18, facilitate relaxed environment screenings and shows, host a Welsh learner’s group, Coffi Cymraeg, and hold regular Clothes Swaps. The Torch is also home to Welsh National Opera’s critically acclaimed Cradle Choir for people living with dementia and lots of high-quality classes for adults with disabilities run by Arts Care. All this activity relies on our team of brilliant volunteers and support from grant, trusts and donations. This grant will go towards ensuring these activities can continue, thank you!” concluded Chelsey.