Our Progress...

The Musicians Centre Music Shop

The Musicians Centre has come a long way since 1969, having taught 1000s of pupils how to play an instrument, hosted numerous live music events, being winners of The Arts Council's Retailer of the Year 2011 and planting 1000 trees, this year is set to be one of the biggest ever.

After 20 years of being based at The Railway Station in Keighley, the Musicians Centre have taken the decision to move and expand into another landmark building taking over Keighley's original Employment Exchange on Russell Street more than tripling their current floor space. Not only will the new 1500+ square foot showroom be one of the biggest in the UK their expansion will also include some exciting new additions. A newly wooden clad acoustic room using recycled wood intended for Bailey Bridges for the army from 1958 will back onto the small corner stage for in-store performances, workshops or even for customers trialing a guitar. Opposite this room will be the electric guitar section and amps along side a seating area for those wanting to enjoy a performance or just a latte from the integrated coffee bar.

There are also plans to use the new Arts centre to run last years successful events including Rock Band Camp / Glee concert and the pupil showcase as well as relaunching the much sought after Battle of the Bands.

Musicans Centre Academy

The MC academy will still offer the same quality tuition but will be better and with more choice. MC academy not only teach private tuition on a wide range of instruments they now teach in Primary schools in the area and run some exciting clubs within the Musicians Centre such as MC voices adult choir and MC young voices choir for children along side the ukulele club. They hope to expand more into class lessons and technique classes.

The Exchange Arts Centre

The Exchange Arts Centre aims to be a venue and a focus for arts in Keighley and the surrounding area. The mission statement states that the objective of the centre will be "To provide entertainment and education of the public in the arts of music, drama, comedy, dance, literature and visual arts". We aim to do this by running community arts projects, regular classes in a variety of arts, hosting touring theatre groups and bands, children's arts projects as well as opportunities for local experienced and aspiring artists to develop their skills.

We will have a capacity of around 200 (or 100 seated) and will be available to hire for all sorts of events, we will also have special rates for charities and arts groups. We aim to be a venue that many people in the area can visit and feel at ease with the facilities and entertainment on offer. We plan to offer award winning coffees / teas whilst also using local sourced beers and food products where ever possible, the Exchange Arts Centre will be the venue of choice in the Aire Valley Region.