Ashburton Event Centre "Fund our Future"

Our beloved Ashburton Event Centre needs our help!

They are looking to secure $900,000 for upgrading and improving the venue's ability to provide a modern fit-for-purpose performing arts venue. This would include upgrades, maintenance, and new programming initiatives that reflect the evolving needs of the community. 

You can support the Event Centre with coming events, including: The 3 Decibels "Watcha Gonna Swing Tonight" on FRI 24 APRIL, 2pm and 7:30pm. And Cabarnet #3 from 23-30 AUG. There will also be open days, open mic nights and a Great Gatsby Ball. 

Find more on how you and/or your business can support the campaign here: https://asheventcentre.co.nz/donations/

Some background:

23/09/1993 - The Ashburton Operatic Society was successful in purchasing the Pacer Kerridge-owned Regent Theatre, after Pacer Kerridge went into receivership. Paid $68,625. 

10/02/1994 - The President of the Ashburton Operatic Society, Noel Johnson, called a special meeting to discuss setting up a Trust and the formation of FORT - Friends of the Regent Theatre.

1994 - 2006 - The Regent Theatre continued to operate with Alister and Barbara MacIntosh running the movies and the AOS staging musicals. A report was commissioned by Powell Fenwick, who concluded that repairs would be impracticable and recommended a new build. As this would need to involve the community, it was decided a new entity needed to be formed for the project. 

23/07/1999 - With this in mind, the Ashburton Regent Charitable Trust Board was formed. Initially chaired by well-known locals Month Monteith, then followed by Russell Anstiss, the Trust had the drive, passion and vision to persue a greater goal of acquiring additional land and building a purpose-built performing arts venue for the town. AOS committed to raising $150,000. Project 101 was established to build two townhouses on Peter Street for auctioning. This was achieved with the help of local building contractors including Benchmark Homes, and Helmack ITM. 

07/09/2006 - The Regent Theatre is demolished by Frews Contracting. Rodger Bradford has come on the board as Project Manager, providing valuable experience and knowledge to the Trust. 

12/03/2007 - Construction of the new venue begins. 

May 2008 - The Ashburton Event Centre is opened as a multipurpose venue for community events, civic meetings, sporting and cultural activities and performing arts. The Event Centre has gone on to play a crucial role in the Ashburton community, serving as a hub for various local events, gatherings, recreational activities, performances and training.