Phoenix Cultural Centre Rises Again!
Pic of sound engineer trainee Isla, sound engineer alumni Emily and incredible photographer Anna, whose creative business is going from strength to strength!!
Phoenix Cultural Centre Rises Again
In the true tradition of its namesake mythical bird, Phoenix Cultural Centre in Woking has had a last-minute reprieve as building owners EcoWorld stepped in to support them until the end of their lease in July 2026.
In August, the organisation had to announce the closure of its Goldsworth Road premises that incorporate the Cultural Centre and Fiery Bird Live Music Venue. Issues with business rates at the beginning of the lease and numerous break-ins meant their limited resources in time and money were spent dealing with circumstances outside their control. This impacted heavily on their ability to trade and raise funds.
Despite this, they have continued to programme a variety of gigs, events, and exhibitions, and have supported community groups and charities to increase the impact of their work. They have also enabled individuals to gain work experience in creative industries and build confidence in their creative practice, while showcasing local talent and emerging artists from across the UK and internationally to multi-generational and culturally diverse audiences.
The organisation launched a crowdfund appeal to allow them to continue until the end of 2025, supporting the community groups using the space to find new premises and honour all bookings. The work going on in the venue has attracted recognition for its impact with the venue winning a number of awards for their community-led regeneration advocacy, use of the spaces, resilience and dedication. They have been shortlisted for a Kings Award for Volunteering this year.
A spokesperson for Phoenix said:
“This support has opened up the road ahead we thought we finally met the challenge impossible to navigate. This support from our landlord will underpin our operation, enabling focus on essential income to support our core aims and see a time when Woking gets the permanent venue it deserves and we committed to securing for our community 15 years ago.
We believe the way to celebrate the heritage of music and writing Woking is famous for is by giving opportunities for everyone to have a creative life whether for fun or access to the many careers available in the creative industries that are so embedded in Surrey.
The generosity of those who shared and donated to the crowdfunder and outside of that, brought us to this point. Despite knowing that they were contributing to closure and what others would think of as a lost cause they had faith to support the community groups who use us through their generosity. Without them and their belief we would have closed in August. We cannot thank them enough.”
About Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC & Fiery Bird Live Music Venue
Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation based in Woking, dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for live music, creative development, and community engagement. The organisation runs the Fiery Bird Live Music Venue, offering accessible opportunities for people of all backgrounds to participate in, perform, and experience live music and the arts.
For over 15 years, Phoenix Cultural Centre has worked to make Woking a town where culture and creativity thrive, supporting grassroots artists, volunteers, trainees, and community groups.
For further information, interviews, or images, please contact:
Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC
📧 info@phoenixculturalcentre.org.uk
🌐 www.phoenixculturalcentre.org.uk
🌐 www.fierybirdvenue.org.uk
📱 @FieryBirdVenue | @PhoenixCulturalCentre