The Corn Exchange’s new roof is almost complete and the management team now face the serious challenge to fully re-open the facility. Initially it was expected that the upstairs rooms and the Riverport Café would re-open in October but now following the delays it looks likely to be in January.
The Corn Exchange’s landlords are the St Ives Town Council and they have organised and paid for the extensive works which included the removal of hazardous waste.
Undeterred the team are now busy getting the entertainment programme ready for 2024 and are hoping for a fun packed year starting with the Tribute Band Don’t Stop Queen Now on 27th January which sees the return of a money off deal with Da Rita’s as part of the ticket price.
All the favourite Corn Exchange sessions will start again including: Quiz Nights- 2nd Thursday of each month. Open Mic Nights- 3rd Friday of each month. It’s still free, come and sing/play among friends. Comedy Nights- 3rd Saturday of each month. And of course, the Chapel Arts music events on the 4th Friday every month and the regular film nights with Screen St Ives will restart.
Other 2024 planned events include:
Burn’s Night Supper – Thursday 25th January 2024 with a 4- course meal, Scottish Piper and Ceilidh Band.
Soul & Motown Night Saturday 2nd March 2024 with music from Madison Avenue.
The Corn Exchange is a true community facility and is run by the CIC, a team of volunteers. It was saved from closure over 12 years ago by the efforts and support of the Town’s people when it was refurbished. It has become one of the best venues around for entertainment and caters for local groups. Following the Pandemic, which caused similar places to close, The Corn Exchange survived and succeeded in transforming itself into the comfortable facility it is today.
However; the financial crisis and Ukraine war, followed by the forced closure of some activities, due to the roof repairs, have resulted in substantial cost increases and loss of revenue, and once again the Corn Exchange needs your support to survive. If you enjoy our Corn Exchange, please give them your support by attending functions.
You can check them out and buy tickets online at … www.ticketsource.co.uk/cexevents. Or go to the website at: www.thecornexchange.org.uk.
Can you spare some time to help out? As the Corn Exchange team get back into action, they are looking for volunteer helpers across a multitude of tasks and for those who fancy a challenge. They are looking for Members and possibly new Directors too.
This article is published by kind permission of The Riverporter newspaper and the St Ives Corn Exchange Management Team.