PRESS RELEASE: Save Our Stag

Published: 11 June 2020

The Town Council’s original aims were set out in its 2008 Business Plan:

i) Assisting the sustainability of the local economy of the town, particularly the night-time economy and tourism economy

ii) Retaining the valuable social and leisure facility for both performers and audiences.

iii) Enabling the development of youth services both in performing arts and youth outreach services

iv) Retaining an iconic building in the town and preserving the street scene

An independent charity was created to operate the Stag and Sevenoaks Town Council supported the facility annually with a £27,000 grant. Town Councillors, Trustees, Staff, Volunteers, customers, and local businesses invested considerable time and effort to make the Stag the success it had become. A vibrant local leisure facility underwriting the local economy.

Unfortunately, the Stag as per many leisure facilities finances are now critical due to the impact of COVID 19 and social distancing restrictions. Without financial support the Stag will not survive this crisis and the town will lose a valuable community asset. 

Sevenoaks Town Councillors will be considering on Monday 29th June 2020 whether it can grant aid the Stag to provide funding to see it through its current financial difficulties and once again become successful. The Town Council is once again also calling on local support and other Councils to also assist with this gap in financial funding needed.

Cllr Nicholas Busvine, Mayor of Sevenoaks said: The Stag Theatre is the cultural heart of Sevenoaks. It also has a vital part to play in supporting the town centre's night-time economy. Sevenoaks Town Council saved the Stag in 2008 - and we are determined to do so again. But for this to happen we will need the support of the local community. This is an SOS call to all of you: 'Save our Stag'!

Linda Larter MBE

Chief Executive / Town Clerk

9 th June 2020