The Digby Hall, nestled next to the library on Hound Street, has a multitude of opportunities waiting for you. With events running seven days a week, you might be surprised at the range of activities on offer. There is everything from martial arts and mahjong to history and horticulture. Over recent years, the Digby Hall has soared in popularity and become a thriving hub for community events in the heart of Sherborne.
The hall dates back to 1972, and due to recent modernisation, it has evolved it into a light and airy space, comprised of four uniquely different rooms. The venue is fully equipped with an excellent range of facilities including a sound and lighting system, digital projector, licenced bar, private kitchen/kitchenette facilities for each room, cloakroom, toilets, tables and chairs and a fantastic stage for some truly memorable performances! There is also an on-site car park.
Hirers love it as a destination, and as well as community groups the hall attracts hirers from far and wide such as Artisan Route who travel from Scotland to showcase their clothing lines, and Stitch Fabrics from London who use the hall to sell their fabric to their South West customers.
The large Main Hall and kitchen is the best-known space, playing host to many fantastic events over the years, and now regularly used for lectures and band nights. Three smaller rooms circle around the Main Hall and have proved the perfect space for hobby groups, classes and meetings.
The Studio is incredibly bright with floor to ceiling windows and doubles up as dressing rooms, if needed, for the Main Hall.
The Wingfield Room is the closest to the Main Hall and works brilliantly as a breakout space, or as a separate room itself, as it has its own private toilets.
The Small Hall sits adjacent to the Digby Hall entrance and is light, spacious and has a great little kitchen.
During the pandemic, the Digby Hall became a lifeline for the town as the COVID vaccination clinics took centre stage, and so it continues with the two medical centres now hosting boosters and flu jabs.
Shortly, we are planning to recommence weddings at the Manor House on Newland and the Digby Hall is perfect for a reception gathering. With some flowers and other decorations, it can be transformed into a personalised venue for you.
New partnerships have been introduced to the Digby Hall, a wonderful array of courses and clubs for the community. Rock Choir is fast becoming a popular group, and participants enjoy an uplifting and inclusive dynamic. Dance Wessex say they enjoy all the fun and health benefits associated with dance “in the amazing ambience of the Digby Hall”.
There are art groups, Pilates, gardening club, historical, and art societies meeting with wonderful speakers. There is a martial arts group “which aims to build confidence and improve life skills in a safe and friendly environment” and Dorset Adult Education which offers courses including psychology, maths and creative writing.
The hall hosts local traders for the monthly market on the first Saturday of the month, and Symonds & Sampson hold their property auctions in the hall and say “it is a great venue. Lots of parking, a large room – which has accommodated the BBC crew for Homes Under the Hammer – and a good lawn at the back for celebrating when the lots are sold!”
The Sherborne Art Exhibition is an annual must see. “It is regarded as one of the best open art exhibitions in the South West”, and the hall is the perfect place to showcase it.
There is a fantastic caretaking team who are available to helps groups with setting up, clearing away and connecting audio and visual equipment. They keep the space clean, tidy and are always on hand to help.
Come and see what the Digby Hall has to offer for you…find a new hobby…meet new people…get involved with your local community. We look forward to welcoming you soon and invite you to follow our Facebook group @Digby Hall, Hound Street for up-to-date event information, including our monthly ‘Digby Hall Calendar’ of events, which can also be found on the council noticeboards around the town.
The hall is run by Sherborne Town Council. If you are considering setting up a club or class, or holding an event, the Digby Hall could be just the venue. Prices start from as little as £6 per hour and daily rates are available.
Booking the hall is easier than ever, you can check availability and hire a room online via the Digby Hall page of the website www.sherborne-tc.gov.uk. You can also telephone 01935 812807, or call in and see us at the town council offices and we will be more than happy to help.