New Crewe events and performance space set to launch this week in ‘big boost’ to town | Local News | News

A new Crewe events and performance space is set to launch in the town centre this weekend – being described as a ‘big boost’ to the area.

Crewe’s Lyceum Square has been transformed into an events and performance space, ‘LY2,’ with the site ready to host a range of activities in the summer season.

This mixed-use space to host events, festivals, performances, and activities throughout the year officially opens to the public on Saturday 24 June.

There will be a launch ceremony from national dance circus company, Motionhouse (Cheshire East Council).

There will be a launch ceremony from national dance circus company, Motionhouse, fresh from featuring at the National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome event in Liverpool.

You can catch performances of Motionhouse’s daring outdoor show, ‘Wild’ at 2:00pm and 4.45pm on the day.

Both performances are free to attend and are not ticketed. The shows are suitable for all audiences.

As well as a new raised events stage with an integrated digital screen, the new Ly2 scheme includes colourful and multi-functional street furniture and improvements to key gateways into the square.

The improvements have included the installation of an eagle mural which has been applied to the southern market shed known as ‘Crewe Central’ operated by the Crewe Market Hall team.

The improvements have included the installation of an eagle mural which has been applied to the southern market shed known as ‘Crewe Central’ (Ryan Parker).

The eagle sits next to floor art on the Northern market shed designs, which has also recently been completed.

Vice chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: “It is really exciting to see this project come to fruition.

“This space lends itself so well to a really broad range and diversity of arts events.

“Being able to open now is another big boost to Crewe.

“It keeps up the positive momentum built by the revamped Market Hall and also dovetails nicely with a fantastic programme of events that is already being provided by the Lyceum Theatre.

Vice chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, Cllr Nick Mannion, is delighted with Crewe’s LY2 project (Cheshire East Council).

“It’s also important to add that this isn’t just about the here and now though.

“As we’re approaching high summer, we are of course focusing our attention on an events and activity programme that takes us right through to September, but our commitment to Ly2 will extend well beyond that.”

The vision for Ly2 was developed by the Crewe Cultural Forum – a collaboration of more than 100 residents, organisations and businesses in Crewe.

It aims to enhance the setting of the Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Market Hall and create a cultural heart for the town centre.

Highways works are continuing as part of the programmed multi-phased approach, which includes Hill Street and part of Heath Street.

You can catch performances of Motionhouse’s daring outdoor show, ‘Wild’ at 2:00pm and 4.45pm on Saturday 24 June (Cheshire East Council).

This will involve installation of final materials and imprinting of the junction and will be completed later this summer.

Later this summer there will also be a more formal launch of the scheme.

Chair of Crewe Town Board, Doug Kinsman, added: “Ly2 is here to stay, and I’m thrilled to see how this space will really connect our communities and provide opportunities to step up our arts scene in Crewe another notch.

“I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating – this is a transformative project for Crewe’s town centre.”

Crewe Town Board was allocated £750,000 from the government’s Accelerated Towns Fund for an improvement scheme for the Lyceum Square and adjacent areas.