BERWICK upon Tweed is the most northerly town of England. Medieval chroniclers claimed that it had suffered more sieges than any other place in Christendom, save Jerusalem. The town changed hands 23 times between England and Scotland and was the first English town to be entered by James I and VI on his way to claim the crown of England. Now it has a first rate entertainment complex in the Maltings Theatre and Arts Gallery

The Maltings offers the burgess of this ancient border town the best in all types of entertainment and art.

Car parking is adjacent to the Maltings with additional parking space available in Hide Hill, which is only 100 yards away from the complex.

The Maltings offers level and ramped disabled access with wheelchair spaces in the auditoriums. There are adapted toilets and an induction coil system.

Tickets can be booked between 10:00 and 5:30 on Mondays to Saturdays and until half a hour before the start of the last production on performance days. Late-comers will not be admitted to a performance until there is a suitable break.

The Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre opens the bar half an hour before performances and during any intervals.

All types of entertainments are staged at the complex which offers a cinema service to the people of Berwick, showing most of the latest films.

The Maltings has brought a number of major performers to Berwick along with some top shows.

Band Aid’s Midge Ure is a frequent guest as are Fairport Convention.

Being right on the border, the Maltings does tend to feature a great deal of Celtic music, song and dance. One favourite is the Magic of Ireland a spectacular evening of Irish dance which is enhanced by stunning costumes, magnificent lighting and the Sounds of Ireland.

Emily Smith, a firm favourite at the theatre, has a clear breathtaking voice the captures the essence of Scottish song and bridges the gap between the old and new traditions of Scottish folk music.

The Battlefield Band leads the Berwick Gathering under their banner of “Forward with Scotland’s Past.” They have performed on the international scene over the last 30 years and are inspired by the rich heritage of Celtic music.

Dick Gaughan accompanying  Celtic folk song, blues and rock on his guitar is a frequent event.

Dance is a mixture of contemporary with local groups, toe-tapping, hand clapping by dance schools and ballet by the Moscow Ballet. Regular afternoon tea dance are held in the Maltings.

Classical music is represented by such ensembles as the Doric String Quartet and other bands.

Various tribute acts are sated including Sinatra, Clapton and the Eagles.  There are also a large number of shows and events for the youngsters.

The Maltings stages many productions by local amateur groups who perform to the very highest standards. Berwick Emergency Services holds a year fund raising show.

One major attraction is the annual Battle of the Bands.

Art and photographic exhibitions are presented and Berwick Borough Museum stages a week long family fun dig when youngster can learn what it is like to be an archaeologist on a replica dig.

The Berwick Farmers Market is held there from 10:00 to 14:00 on the last Sunday of each month with free admittance.

Crema Too at the Maltings offers a great selection of tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits from 10:00 to 17:00 on Mondays to Saturdays and 10:00 to 14:00 when the Farmers Markets are on. It opens at 17:45 on selected evenings for pre -show suppers.

The Maltings Art Theatre and Arts Gallery is on Eastern Lane and more details can be obtained from 01289 330733.  The booking office is on 01289 330999