As Chairman of Ledbury Town Council, I am pleased to inform you of an exciting update on our community engagement plans for the coming months.

In previous years, The Mayor’s focus has been on fundraising for one or two named charities. However, this year, I have decided to take a different approach. Instead of selecting specific charities to support through fundraising activities, we will be shining a spotlight on a wide variety of local organisations that are vital to our community. Our goal is to help these groups raise awareness of their own work, promote their upcoming events, and to use my role as Chairman to contribute to their efforts in giving back to Ledbury.

Over the next three months, our focus will be on the following organisations and initiatives:

June – Strong Community

Keeping in line with the theme of our well-known and loved Community Day, June’s spotlight will be on the strength of our community as a whole and specifically upon the work of The Community Hub, Community Action Ledbury and the Talk Community initiatives we have ongoing within the town. We look forward to supporting their endeavours and celebrating their role in fostering community spirit.

July – Theatre, Literature and Music

Recognising this is the month for our now Internationally acclaimed annual Poetry Festival, with its associated Celebration Day and follow-on Ledbury Fringe music events, July will be dedicated to the cultural heartbeat of our town. In addition to the events mentioned we will also be highlighting the activities of the Market Theatre and recognising the rich artistic talent in our community. We are looking forward to showcasing their success.

August – Families and Young People

During the school holidays our August focus will be on groups and activities engaging families and young people. Groups such as LEAF (Locally Encouraging all to Flourish) and the Youth Drop-In, the Children’s Centre and holiday clubs and activities. Particular attention will be given to supporting learning through play and youth engagement initiatives, emphasising the importance of providing activities for our young residents.

Throughout this period, I am offering my personal support to promote any fundraising initiatives or special events these organisations may have. Whether it’s helping to raise awareness, offering my name to encourage participation, or donating raffle prizes, I am committed to assisting in ways that the organisations find most helpful and would appreciate feedback in this regard.

Together, we can strengthen the fabric of our community by supporting those who give back and enrich our town. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply spreading the word about the wonderful work being done.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Ledbury.

Councillor Elizabeth Harvey
Chairman, Ledbury Town Council 2025/26

Work started on 30th March 1999, commencing with demolition of the much loved but decrepit ‘tin shed’ that had been our home for over 40 years.  That evening, a fire was started in the remains of old shell in ‘suspicious circumstances’, but it did not prove to be a set-back.  It was a sad end to the old building, but it could have been our old poltergeist refusing to be upstaged and insisting on going out in style!  The steelwork was put up in mid-May and the keys to The Market Theatre were handed to our then Patron, the late Richard Briers, on 10th November 1999.  From then until the opening, LADS members worked 25 hours a day fitting it out and decorating it in time to open for our first show – Cinderella, by John Sperinck.

The theatre building won Ledbury’s annual Design Awards competition (see article from 5th May 2000 in the Hereford Times) for the best contribution to the town’s built environment during 1999.

A substantial grant from the Malvern Millions was committed to the project, and LADS raised a further considerable sum by its own efforts.  Generous support has been given by local people, businesses and trusts, all of which has enabled us to achieve our goal.  Please help LADS to continue to provide for Ledbury a considerable asset that will enrich the lives of everyone.

Community Day is a brilliant example of what makes Ledbury such a special place, it offers a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration – a chance for local people and organisations to come together and celebrate what unites us.

The Council’s involvement reflects the Chairman’s theme for the year, “Big Up the Community” – a campaign to recognise and celebrate the people and initiatives that contribute to Ledbury’s vibrant local life.

Ledbury Town Council extends its thanks to all organisers, volunteers, and participants for their contributions to making the event such a success. Plans are already in motion to build on this momentum and continue growing the event in future years.

Follow this link to find out more about Ledbury Community Day:  Eleventh Ledbury Community Day

Ledbury Community Day Post Event Report