A FUN-filled community open day concluded a packed opening weekend for the newly refurbished Neeld Community and Arts Centre in Chippenham on Sunday.

Over 120 tickets were sold in advance for Friday night’s West End improv musical Showstopper! before Dublin-based musicians Grainne Hunt and Mark Geary entertained the crowds on Saturday night.

Sunday saw the town council open the doors to the Neeld, which now includes a new bar and 158 retractable tiered seats, to a wider range of local musical talents as well as residents.

Chippenham solo musicians Luke Gittins and Amie Kitainik performed as well as comedian Tony Cowards, The Original Sax Quartet, Dancing Back to 1914 and Dancezone.

Council leader, Councillor Desna Allen, said: “I think the weekend as a whole was absolutely brilliant. Friday night was special and I am sorry to those who missed it, it was hilarious.

“Today we had a variety, I was amazed by the first dancers who have never performed on stage before. Amie was also very good.

"We would have always liked more people, I think a success for me will be when someone tries to buy a ticket and can’t.”

As well as the live performances, the town council also laid on a free creative children’s workshop in their town hall foyer as well as providing free cupcakes.

Sunday’s MC, Brian Reid, said: “The whole point of the line-up was to celebrate local talent, it’s got a huge stage and the sound is amazing.

“It’s really about making people aware of the space being here and the people backing it.

“We are pretty pleased with the turn-out. I think it’s a great space and I am looking forward to some of the shows that are going to be coming here.”

Comedian Jody Kamali will be the next up on stage at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre which cost the town council £705,000 to refurbish.

Sue Wilthew, the town council’s chief executive, said: “I am quite prepared for the fact we will have some shows where there’s one man and his dog but we are building a following."

She added that she was keen to hear from them anyone wishing to contact the town council with acts they would like to see in the future.

To find out more about the Neeld visit www.neeld.co.uk