Woking’s Phoenix Cultural Centre Celebrates New Lease to 2028 with Free Urban Festival & Open Day
Saturday 18 July 2-6pm Daytime All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult) 7-10pm Gig 14+ with adult
Phoenix Cultural Centre 32 Goldsworth Road Woking GU21 6JT
Woking, Surrey – Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is inviting the community to celebrate an exciting new chapter with a FREE Urban Festival & Open Day, marking both the signing of a new lease that will keep the organisation at the Fiery Bird venue until July 2028 and the launch of Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live., a new programme funded through Arts Council England’s Supporting Grassroots Music Fund.
The Urban Festival is an opportunity for people of all ages to experience everything Phoenix Cultural Centre can offer with space for live music, creative workshops, wellbeing activities, writing, performance and opportunities to meet the people working for creativity and wellbeing as part of Woking’s rich heritage.
The new lease provides Phoenix with the stability to continue delivering live music, arts, training, with space for wellbeing and community programmes while working towards its long-term vision of securing a permanent community-owned cultural centre for Woking.
The launch of Woking Roots: Ground Up. Live. marks the beginning of a new programme celebrating the diversity, creativity and grassroots culture that make Woking unique. Through music, storytelling and shared cultural experiences, the project will support local artists, develop new audiences and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to come together.
Elaine McGinty, CEO of Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC, said:
“This is a wonderful moment for Phoenix. Securing our lease until July 2028 gives us the stability to build on everything we’ve achieved with our community while continuing to work towards our long-term ambition of securing a permanent community-owned cultural centre for Woking.
“After 15 years work in Woking, we are starting a new chapter in our final meanwhile home, which will see us through to 2028, alongside an Arts Council England Supporting Grassroots Music-funded programme. Together, they give us the opportunity to demonstrate what Phoenix can achieve when a community has the space and support to flourish.
“Our venue is now fully equipped to showcase what a permanent Phoenix Cultural Centre could mean for Woking. Alongside today’s programme of free activities, visitors can discover the wider work we do through supported volunteering, industry training, cultural programmes, community advocacy and pathways into careers in the creative industries. The skills people gain here are transferable far beyond the arts, creating confidence, opportunity and stronger communities.
“This Urban Festival is a celebration of our future and the skills and community spirit people have to make something special in our Town Centre and also of everyone who has helped us reach this point. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are visiting for the first time, we’d love to welcome you.”
Admission is free. Everyone is welcome.
Phoenix Cultural Centre Open Day Programme*
Times are subject to change.
2:00pm – Doors Open
Open Throughout the Afternoon (2:00pm–6:00pm)
Scriptorium & A Room of Our Own
A welcoming space for writing, reading, creative inspiration and quiet reflection.
Foyer
Browse our vintage and retro clothing stall.
Discover books by local authors and CDs for sale.
Find out about our support services, volunteering opportunities, workshops, training and upcoming events.
Outdoor Area
Family-friendly busking performances throughout the afternoon.
Interested in performing? Contact:info@phoenixculturalcentre.org.uk
Workshops & Activities
2:00pm–4:00pm
Poetry Open Mic – Public Living Room
Community Open Mic – Fiery Bird Music Venue
Full backline provided. Singers, musicians, spoken word artists, comedians and magicians of all ages are welcome.
2:30pm
Circus Skills with Patches the Clown
Free family workshop suitable for children aged 4+.
3:00pm–4:00pm
Djembe Drumming Workshop with Positive Inspirations
Booking & enquiries: davidfuidge@gmail.com
4:00pm–6:00pm
DJ Set with Atmosphere the DJ
4:30pm
Circus Skills with Patches the Clown
Free family workshop suitable for children aged 4+.
Evening Live Music (7:00pm–10:00pm)
Entry by Donation(14+ accompanied by an adult)
Featuring original live music from:
Soundation – Reggae
Argonaut – Post-punk (album launch)
More artists to be announced
Throughout the Day
Free admission (evening live music by donation)
Free on-site parking
Licensed bar and refreshments
Information about volunteering, workshops, training and upcoming events
A warm community welcome