The Armstrong

The Armstrong

Chapel Street, Thornbury, BS35 2BJ

Website: www.thearmstrong.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thearmstrongthornbury
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thearmstrongthornbury
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thearmstrong

Email:

Armstrong Hall Trust website: armstronghalltrust.co.uk

Autumn update from The Armstrong

September brings a sense of fresh beginnings. As the seasons change, so does The Armstrong’s story. With our 2026 reopening on the horizon, we’re excited to share the journey with you.

Renovation progress

The renovation crew have been busy throughout the summer transforming The Armstrong into a flexible, community space for performances, events and gatherings.

Structural reinforcements are now complete, with work starting on the restoration of the historic Cossham Hall, breathing new life into the building while preserving its character. Inside, contractors are preparing the Foyer, the Bar, toilets and kitchen - foundations of a bright future taking shape!

Our new banner is proudly on display outside, inviting passersby to discover what’s happening inside The Armstrong.

Name of the Main Hall

We’ve decided to call the Main Hall ‘The Lansdown Hall’ in honour of our generous donor Maggie Lansdown, who has made this project possible.

The Bar

We're delighted to announce that St Austell Brewery has been appointed as our drinks supplier. And, whilst the bar menu is still being finalised, The Armstong will offer a fantastic selection of draught lagers, ales, bottles, spirits (including our local gin producer, 6 O’Clock!). The bar area will be an informal and casual space for relaxed events, with a piano available for evening singalongs.

Garden design

As part of the renovation work, the front courtyard is being redesigned to create a welcoming space, with greenery, seating, and space for outdoor events. To bring this vision to life, we’re pulling together a volunteer Ground Force Team to help with planting, landscaping, and ongoing care. If you’ve got green fingers, or just enthusiasm to get stuck in, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at hello@thearmstrong.co.uk!

Fundraising

We’re thrilled with the progress so far, but to move forward with Phase Two (transforming the Main Hall, dressing rooms, and stage) we need to raise £1.2 million. This next fundraising step is vital to unlocking The Armstrong’s potential as a vibrant community hub. Every donation brings us closer to opening our doors, and we’ll be launching new fundraising events and campaigns in the months ahead. Together, we can make this vision a reality.

How it benefits YOU:

When fully reopened you will have a superb community facility for a host of shows, events and space for community use.

Donate:

Any amount makes a difference. Whether it’s £10, £50 or £500+. Your kind gift will go directly to the refurbishment of the main hall. Gift Aid allows another 25% recovery on your donation. We are so grateful to our local people - YOU are the why behind this whole project! CLICK HERE TO DONATE

How can I help now?

• Share your stories: Do you have memories of The Armstrong from years gone by? We’re collecting these along with any photos, to celebrate its past, so please email them over.
• Spread the word: Encourage friends and family to sign up for this newsletter so they can follow along too. The more the merrier!
• Our donation page is live, and every contribution counts.
• We’re on the hunt for artists to create pieces that we can hang in the newly renovated spaces. If you’re interested in helping us out, we’d love to hear from you - apply here.

Love Thornbury events

We have a stall booked at the Love Thornbury event on 18th October (a vintage motor show on the High Street), as well as at the Thornbury Christmas Lights Switch On, on 15th November. Come and say hello, and enter our competition to win a fabulous hamper of local goodies. More on this next month!