High Wycombe Arts Centre on how it helps the community

The Wycombe Arts Centre, on Desborough Road, officially opened in 2010 after St John’s Church became available for sale.

Over the last 15 years, it has hosted numerous events from theatre productions to art shows, and now staff have said they hope their good work over the last decade and a half will continue.

It used to be St John's Church until 2010 (Image: NQ) This comes off the back of the fourth annual jazz festival, organised by Catch 22, which was held at the premises.

Hundreds of people were in attendance, with many coming from out of High Wycombe.

Fran Pospisill, who is the centre’s manager, told the Free Press: “We have been here for a while, but people still come in and say they didn’t know it was here, or they still think the building is a church.

“They don’t know what to expect.

“We have two venues, both are which are quite big, so we can easily run and organise exhibitions and gigs for whatever event.

On the recent jazz event, which occurred on June 7, she added: “It was incredible to see so many people come and support local musicians as well as us.

Many events are hosted at the arts centre (Image: NQ) “It was a real mixture of people, and it was packed.

“The atmosphere was brilliant and the whole night was incredible.

“We can’t wait for next year.”

Away from entertainment, the Wycombe Arts Centre work in collaboration with numerous businesses and groups, where they host their events for local people.

There are many art workshops which focus on an array of different topics, as well as a martial class which takes place in a former church space.

The area is also very child-focused, with youngsters being able to attend after-school classes.

An after-school arts class in session (Image: Wycombe Arts Centre) However, Darrell Carter, who is the centre’s marketing manager, expressed the need for the public to know their location due to them not being directly in the centre of High Wycombe.

He said: “We are a hidden gem in the town.

“We are a creative hub in High Wycombe, and we’re well connected.

“We all have the same goal – we want to support the local community, and we want them to participate and learn new things.

Hundreds of people attended the recent jazz festival (The Useless Eaters) (Image: The Useless Eaters) “We are all striving for the same goal, and everything clicks in the same place.

“It’s all about the relationships with the other groups and those who visit us, as we want to help people in the area.”