Gregson Community & Arts Centre Open Day

Community and creativity are thriving in Lancaster! Did you know Lancaster is home to one of the oldest community centres still in use today? Just on the edge of the city centre, the Gregson is a hub of community and creative activity, and you’re invited to get involved. There are over 70 regular creative and community groups that call the centre home. We challenge you to try something new and check out what happens here – you never know, you might just find something you love.

We know that getting involved in community and creative activity is good for our well being. Taking part helps everyone make new connections, develop skills and have new experiences.

Come and discover the Gregson.

Part of the Bay Health Festivals 2025

The Day’s Programme:

· 11am-11pm – Food served all day

· 11-11.30am – Pilates Taster A movement flow designed to help strengthen your core, improve your mobility and increase your body awareness. Please bring your own mat.

· 11am-12pm – Pokemon Club Friendly Pokémon group open to all ages. All things Pokemon, come and trade, craft or just learn about Pokemon.

· 11am-12pm – Tour of Miss Whalley’s Field Come and have a walk around the Gresgon’s garden – Miss Whalley’s Field. Find out how it has developed into a wonderful green space over the last 10 years and how you can join in and help

· 11am-3pm – Cinema Open Come and peek at Lancaster’s worst kept secret – The Gregson’s Secret Cinema. See all of the work we’ve done 11.30am-12pm – Improvisation Taster Join us in improvised fun! Make it up as you go along. There’s no right – there’s no wrong!!

· 12-12.30pm – Lindy Hop Taster

· 12.30-1.15 – Capoeira Angola Taster

· 1-2pm – Brew and Banter & Craft and Chat Two of our volunteer-run social groups are joining forces for an informal session in the Cafe Bar. Grab a brew, have a chat and give some crafting a go if you like.

· 2-3pm – Make a Felted Bookmark

· 2.30-4pm – Gregson Choirs Join two of Gregson’s resident choirs, Ridge Choir and Queer Choir, for an hour and a half of fun, all-abilities singing.

· 4-6pm – Language Cafe Find out about the Gregson’s monthly language club, and hone your European language skills through conversation – first session free!

· 4-6pm – Repair Cafe Come together as a community to repair items, share skills and tools and to enable future generation to repair their own wares encourage a more sustainable future

· 4.50-5.30 – Tai Chi Taster Join a gentle Tai Chi partner exercise, pushing hands, and find out more about the group along with a short demo

· 6-9pm – Queer Craft Club