Forres Area Community Trust is a development trust with long term plans to make the Forres Area a better place to live, work and visit. We run Forres Town Hall and support local groups.
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Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) own and run Forres Town Hall for the community and to support local groups who use the building.
Background re. Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) and Forres Town Hall
FACT took over the running of Forres Town Hall in 2018 after Moray Council closed the building in 2017 due to council budget cuts. In 2021, FACT bought the building via a Community Asset Transfer thanks to a grant from the Scottish Land Fund so that the building could remain a focal point for the community in the Forres Area. Since then we have developed a number of strategies to raise funds for the Forres Town Hall Redevelopment Project.
Forres Town Hall - through the ages
Originally the Hall was built in 1791 by the Freemasons of Lodge St Lawrence. It has been a focal point for the whole community since the building was rebuilt on the same site between 1827 - 1829.
In 1855 Mechanics Institute bought the Hall from the Lodge of St Lawrence and in 1881 further extensions were added and in 1901 the Hall was refronted with the addition of classical columns topped by the balustrade as well as the fan windows.
Following plans of Alexander Macdonald, the Hall was improved in 1936 and his experience in designing cinemas is evident in the Main Hall. The Gallery that ran around the Main Hall, which was supported by iron pillars, was replaced by the sloping Balcony that can be seen today.
Through the years Forres Town Hall has been an Auxiliary Hospital during the First World War and it became Forres Town Hall between the 2 World Wars.
The Gallery and the iron pillars can also be seen in these photos.
It has served as a meeting space and venue for local dances as well as concerts.
The Silver Beatles, which included George Harrison, John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the line up, played on the stage in support of Johnny Gently in May 1960.
Since FACT took over the running of Forres Town Hall in 2018 we have been complimented with how much busier and more welcoming the space has become.
A great place to hire for a birthday party or concert or both!
FACT have organised a variety of Courses and Classes for all age ranges within the Community:
Storytelling for the Under 5s and Singing for Enjoyment for age 18 - 80 years.
Cooking Demonstrations for the Family Social Club, Gentle Seated Exercise plus Digital Support from Forres Online.
We want to continue to provide a hall that is available for a wide variety of community groups and organisations and want to redevelop the building to suit the needs of everyone.