Plans for a huge open-air theatrical performance to be held in Burnham-On-Sea’s Manor Gardens to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 are under consideration.
The Town Council has been approached by an open-air theatre company which is keen to stage the event possibly a well-known Shakespeare play.
At a council meeting, Mike Murphy, Chairman of CADS, the Burnham and Highbridge Cultural Arts and Development Society, spoke in favour of the proposals.
He said that the Manor Gardens can accommodate around 350 people, but that temporary entrances would have to be created in order to control ticket sales and access.
He added that CADS, which organises a number of free events each year in Burnham and Highbridge for the benefit of people in both towns such as Jazz In Park and Picnic In the Park, is keen to branch out into other forms of entertainment.
While town councillors generally welcomed the proposals, they questioned whether the Manor Gardens are suitable for such an event.
“The Manor Gardens are more suited for relaxing family events, where people can wander about, mixing with friends or family. A drama performance might be better at a venue like the Princess,” said Cllr Eric Gill.
Councillors decided not to proceed with the event during 2011, but said they would re-consider the plans again as part of the events surrounding the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Our photo shows the large crowds in Burnham’s Manor Gardens earlier this year during Folk In The Park
