Phew, what a scorcher! We’ve seen a few days of searing heat but we made it through in true South Mill Arts style, with fans whirring, drinks flowing, and plenty of community spirit keeping things cool.

While we embraced the heat, it also got us thinking about the future – not just in terms of how we stay cool, but how we create more welcoming, usable spaces both inside and outside. You might have noticed a few new additions out front – tables and chairs popping up, even a blackboard or two. That’s because we’ve started developing the Maltings Garden, a relaxed space to enjoy the sunshine, an ice cream, a drink before a show, or just some time to unwind. It’s early days, but we’re excited to add more in the coming months.

Looking ahead, there’s a summer of sport just around the corner. We’ll be screening both the Women’s Euros and Wimbledon on our large screen in The Maltings Bar. Whether you’re into tennis, football, or just fancy a cool drink and a good atmosphere, come along, pull up a pew, and settle in for the action. Please note – it’ll only be open when we’re open, so check timings on our website!

Speaking of…we’re thrilled to have launched our brand-new website – which you’re probably exploring right now. It features an updated event calendar, simpler ticket booking, mobile-friendly browsing, and more information about our classes, exhibitions, and community projects. We’ve designed it to be clearer, quicker, and easier to use – and we’d love to hear what you think.

There’s lots more to come, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Thank you for being part of the South Mill Arts community.

Here’s to sunshine, shows, sport, and a fantastic summer ahead.