A temporary stage is in the process of being built to host events as part of the Bridport Town of Culture 2024 initiative.

The town was selected as Dorset's first town of culture for the final six months of the year in a brand new initiative created by The Arts Development Company. 

Events will be held celebrating the rich artistic ecology of the town, in an initiative that brings together the community, artists, festivals, venues and cultural jewels of Bridport.

Work has now started apace on building a stage structure in Asker Meadows.

The structure is a temporary pavilion constructed by young people for young people, using locally sourced and reclaimed materials under the creative guidance of Common Practice, a Bridport-based architectural design practice focused on empowering communities to build using local materials.

Until the end of September the stage will be available as a gathering space, both informally and as a bookable event space.

After that the seating will remain but the higher structure will be removed and reused.

The base has been made using rammed earth, seating planks from the felled trees from the Foundry Lea and Vearse Farm development and a frame from local Douglas Fir.

This was funded by a grant from Dorset National Landscape.

READ MORE: Bridport locals get involved with Town of Culture 2024

The building of the stage is a recognition of the rich craft history of the town.

It will give local performers and groups a space to use as part of events until the end of September.

A programme of events for the stage, including talks and music, will be announced in the coming days. 

Michael Armstrong, co-producer of Bridport 2024, said: "This will give the community groups somewhere to host events and give a platform for lesser-heard voices.

"We also hope it can be used by the Bridport Youth Centre."

The Town of Culture Initiative for Young Adults (TOCIYA) has now been established as a group for young people to get involved with Bridport 24.

A host of events has already been held, including a sold-out night with esteemed reggae record label Greensleeves Records performing at the arts centre and a portrait challenge.

To hold an event on the stage email enquiries@bridport-tc.gov.uk