AUDIENCES at Settle Victoria Hall this winter will be much warmer thanks to duvets donated by the community.

The duvets will be used in the roof cavities of the world's oldest music hall to help improve its insulation as the days start to get colder, and it is hoped the ingenious scheme will also help reduce energy costs.

Ann Harding, chief executive of Settle Victoria Hall, said they had been overwhelmed with donations of duvets after thinking about what they could do to help with rising energy bills.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have delivered duvets to us over the last few weeks. People and organisations from all over have really got behind the appeal and we’ve been inundated with large bundles of duvets. Special thanks must also be made to Giggleswick School for their contribution.

"A lot of venues like our own are facing unprecedented times as we head into winter. After contending with Covid-19, we are now facing increasing running costs in a Victorian building with a Victorian heating system which needs ongoing maintenance. We are fortunate that the hall is brilliantly supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. And, if anyone fancies helping us to get all the duvets into the attic space, that will be our next challenge.

"It’s great that the community continues to get behind the hall with donations in this way, be it in the form of duvets, items for our Settle charity shop ‘Miss Victoria’s Emporium’ or simply by attending the many events taking place."

Established in 1853, Settle Victoria Hall is the oldest music hall in the world. It is now an award-winning independent community-lead venue that brings a varied programme of music, theatre and cinema to the Dales.

Ann added: "We’re really excited to launch our autumn and winter programme this month, which includes everything from National Theatre Live cinema screenings, tribute acts, nationally acclaimed bands, comedy nights, as well as local and national touring theatre productions. One of the best ways people can support the hall is to join us at an event and enjoy a drink or two from our bar - what’s not to like."

For more details about what is going on at the hall, including signing up to the newsletter and being in with a chance to win tickets to a show and dinner and drinks at the Talbot Arms in Settle, visit the website: https://www.settlevictoriahall.org.uk/yourvictoriahall