Worcester Theatres Celebrates Success of Swan Theatre 60th Anniversary Fundraiser

3 July 2026

Worcester Theatres is delighted to announce that the Swan Theatre 60th Anniversary Fundraiser has raised £26,150 during its year-long campaign, supporting accessibility improvements and creating more opportunities for young people across Worcester to access the arts.

The Swan Theatre first opened in 1965 and was designed by architect Henry Gorst, who was responsible for designing and altering many notable buildings in Worcester. In 1961, Gorst was awarded the commission to design the theatre, and the £53,180 cost of construction was raised through the generosity and support of the Worcester community. Sixty years later, the anniversary fundraiser has continued that tradition, bringing together supporters to help secure the future of the theatre for generations to come.

Funds raised through the campaign have enabled Worcester Theatres to provide fully funded places in Swan Youth Theatre for children from families receiving benefits, make plans to deliver drama-based workshops in schools across Worcester, and support important venue improvements including the installation of a new accessible platform lift.

Throughout the year, Worcester Theatres held a range of fundraising events, including a Quiz Night hosted by Chairman Jon Fraser, a Northanger Abbey raffle competition in partnership with Bank House Hotel, and The Summer of ’65 a production in partnership with local community groups. Additional income was generated through donations from Friends of the Swan, the Worcester Ambassadors, bucket collections and online donations. In addition to the funds raised through the campaign, Worcester Theatres secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), awarded through Worcester City Council.

Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at Worcester Theatres said, “I am absolutely delighted with the success of the Swan Theatre's 60th Anniversary Fundraiser Campaign. The support we have received from the local community, partners, and patrons continues to reveal the love that so many have for the venue. I am excited about how the Swan Theatre continues to evolve, becoming more purposeful and better placed to serve our users. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. The Swan Theatre has always been a venue which succeeds because of the people who support it, and 60 years later we remain at the heart of our community. We are proud to be looking towards the future with such significant support from our city.”

Catherine Norris, Fundraising Manager at Worcester Theatres said, “I am hugely grateful for the support that our community and audiences have shown for the Swan Theatre. As Worcester Theatres is a registered charity, ticket sales represent only a portion of the income needed to run both the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall and keep them as public assets. The Swan Theatre’s 60th Anniversary year has been a wonderful celebration, however, it marks the beginning of a much longer fundraising journey. I couldn't be more delighted to be working alongside our dedicated staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters to achieve our charitable aims and ensure that the arts are truly for everyone.”