Apart from sounding, as my good friend Jane put it, like a venue for ‘adult fun’, Captain Coconut’s is a very run down children’s soft play area. It’s seen many good times, in fact I would say it echoes with the ghostly sounds and childish screams of Saturday afternoons past.
This was the hook that really got us interested. It’s about the size of a small village hall, on the ground floor, with a separate entrance. Initially, we thought we’d re-work it as a more rootsy children’s space. Then we hit on the idea of making it into a multi-purpose events space with facilities for performance, children’s events, and anything else that might be looking for a venue. We’ll be programming series of events, and have had loads of positive feedback from people like CETH at UCLAN, arts organisations, creative industries folk, artists, theatre groups, and the like. Let us know what you’d like to see there.
I’ve sent out a message to local filmmakers. We’re opening the doors to see if people want to use it for some spooky, run-down play area filming. We’d love a short experimental film to be set there – perfect! I wonder what we’ll get back? If you’re interested, then get in touch!
We’ll be using the scaffolding to set up the lighting rig for the space. I think we’ll be giving the rest of the equipment to a good cause, if anyone has any ideas then let us know.
We'll also be changing the name!
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5 comments:
I'm following this with much interest. It looks like you've loads of good ideas and I really hope it all comes together.
Last time I went to The Conti was when that nice French lady was running the place.
This is the best news for Broadgate since the Ribble Barrage idea was scrapped!
I really hope this idea works - I'd love to visit the Conti to watch drama, listen to bands and generally do fun things that contribute to the life of our community.
You have my best wishes!
This place has not been a 'popular' pub for quite a number of years...the last people to make a go of it were a French lady and her family who revived the place for a short while mainly due to her cooking and her very friendly attitude.
The last 'landlord', however brought the place to its knees with his downright rudeness to customers and delivered the final blow by erecting signs in the carpark advising people that they must get a 'permit' from the bar before they were allowed to park or face a fine of £35 !
We used to come into Preston and park the car in the pub carpark then walk into town through Miller/Avenham park and do our shopping. When we got back to the pub we would have a drink and eat some lunch before driving home...all-in-all a very pleasant morning excursion.
The carpark is now blocked-off and we must park somewhere else so no more lunches for the immediate future.
Hooray!!!! THANK YOU Ruth and Jeremy for not only bringing back the Conti but your ideas for the place are absolutely fantastic! For the last few years, even before it closed, it was very run-down and not as welcoming as it used to be, and since it closed we've been worried that it would be lost altogether with the pub pulled down and more apartments put there instead, so as soon as we found out about your ideas, we were thrilled.
We can't wait for the doors to open at the New Conti!!
Best wishes,
Jane and Chris, Ribblesiders
Hi all and thanks for your comments. It's Ruth here. As you can see all is going well. It would be great if you could spread the blog word - we'd love more comments on here!
thanks
Ruth
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