The Birth and History of Tamworth Arts Centre

The Beatles and The Stones may have played the Assembly Rooms, Status Quo may have played the Foseco Sports and Social Club and Genesis may have played Wood End Youth Centre. But...if there's one venue in Tamworth that was to actually be an integral, vital part of the development of Tamworth's 'local' music into the vibrant scene it became, it was Tamworth Arts Centre.

• 1968-1970 - Tom Kennedy champions the arts in Tamworth
• 1972 - A suitable building is chosen
• 1973 - Conversion work begins?
• 1974 - Conversion work begins - again! Costs attacked
• 1975 - Dave Armour appointed Manager
• 21/11/75 - Opening Night and Opening Programme
• 1976 - The First Year
• 1977 - Times are tough - then Dave has a brainwave!
• 1978 - Bands are a regular thing - including a crowd record - The Reliants
• 1979 - Tamworth's First Rock Festival
• 1980 - The End of an Era
• 1981 - A New Beginning?
• 1982 - A Sad Loss
• 1983 - All Change
• 1984 - Change of Hands Again!
• 1985 - Cash Crisis!
• 1986 - Keeping afloat!
• 1987 - In, Out, In, Out - shake it all about....
• 1988 - Come on Dave - clear up those ashes mate, cheers...
• 1989 - Who the F**K do you think you are?
• 1990 - Where has the spirit gone?

The Arts Centre finally opened on November 21st 1975 - click on the links above to read how this momentous day finally came about: the costs, the plans, the protests and the fantastically successful first year of operation. Then read on for the full history.