Beacon Arts Centre up for Inverclyde Chamber award

The venue is a finalist in the tourism category of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce’s ICON Business Awards.

The Beacon has helped to put the area on the map for arts provision and is the largest venue in the west of Scotland outside Glasgow for national touring productions.

Its year-round programme of theatre, comedy, arts, music, and exhibitions is curated to ensure it appeals to audiences from both the local community and further afield.

Last summer, 7,000 people attended its two-day Meliora Festival with almost 85 per cent coming from outside Inverclyde, and its Christmas pantomime saw a record-breaking year with over 17,000 tickets sold.

National Theatre of Scotland regularly previews its productions at the Beacon ahead of Scottish and UK tours, and this year the Beacon was one of only two Scottish host venues for the National Theatre’s Connections Festival, which aims to showcase and celebrate young and emerging talent.

The centre, which is currently celebrating the tenth year of its iconic waterfront venue, has also been used for TV filming opportunities and runs an extensive community outreach programme.

Winners of the ICON Awards will be announced at Greenock Town Hall on September 15.

The ceremony will be hosted by broadcaster Gerry McDade and the headline sponsor for the event is locally-based firm Diodes.

Karen Townsend, acting joint director of the centre, said: “Everyone at Beacon Arts Centre is thrilled that we are nominated at this year’s ICON Awards.

“We are proud to play our part in raising the profile of Inverclyde and attracting visitors to the area through our carefully curated programme and events.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication shown by our staff and visiting companies to make the Beacon a great place to visit all year round.

“We are delighted to have been nominated alongside the amazing Inverclyde Tourist Group, who we know are passionate about the local area.”