During the high winds on Saturday 15 July 2023 a branch from the iconic tulip tree on the theatre lawn broke off, fell on the Festival Theatre, and has damaged the theatre roof beyond repair.
Theatre Director Ailsa Molyneux says “We are heartbroken as you can imagine, and opening again for the summer in the theatre on Saturday 22 July 2023 the timing is pretty bad too, but we are not giving up”.
This weekend (22 & 23 July) they are moving their two performances from Charles Court Opera and The Guildhall Strings to other space on the Hever Castle estate and on Monday 24 July they will begin to build a temporary home on Anne Boleyn’s Walk. They intend to have this stage established, next week ready for their press night on Thursday 27 July with ELO Again
How this will affect the festival season?
Shows will go on, the sun is going to shine (with just enough rain to keep the grass green). The size of the stage will rival the damaged Two Sisters’ stage but without the extended roof. This will mean that there will be no weather cover for audiences for any performances that take place there and the audience will need to bring their own seating. But the theatre is closer to the car park and if they can get back into the theatre this season, they will do so.
They are looking forward to setting down new roots next week and to welcoming everyone to the temporary theatre over the next few weeks.
The Festival Theatre have a Just Giving page and you can donate via the website here.
However, the way you can truly support them, is by joining them for a performance 2023 is still their 40th Birthday after all!
Box Office 07379 488477 (Mon-Fri 10am – 2pm) heverfestival.co.uk
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
