Ware Arts Centre

Upcoming events at Ware Arts Centre

Live MusicFood & DrinkDance

Afternoon Tea Dance with Barry Sapsford’s Swing Orchestra Easter Special

Let the live sophisticated sound of Barry’s swing orchestra whisk you back in time, as you dance across the dance floor doing your favourite Jive, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, quicksteps etc! Enjoy delicious homemade tea and cake, or a Pop Up bar beverage, whilst listening to our live performance in the ground floor of Southern Maltings (we have a super wooden sprung floor for you to glide across). Come and share the nostalgia with contemporaries and new friends who appreciate the lasting appeal of these well-crafted songs. All ages and dancers of all abilities are welcome, if you don’t fancy dancing then come to listen to the music and grab yourself a homemade cake from our pop up bar. DOORS OPEN 2.30PM. MUSIC AND DANCING STARTS 3.00PM. THERE WILL BE INTERVALS. VENUE CLOSES 5.00PM. The event is on the ground  floor of the Southern Maltings building which is accessible for all. Tickets should be bought in advance but some availability should be possible on the door. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

Sun 12 Apr14:30Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

Wellness & Wellbeing

Gong Bath

Gong Bath. An evening with Stillness – Meditation & Gongs The Power of the Gong Bath What is it? Gongs have been used as a form of sound healing since around 4,000 B.C. Records of using gongs have surfaced from as early as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. A gong bath offers a deep form of relaxation, where you “bathe” in the soothing vibrations of sound. It can: • Quieten a busy mind, naturally relaxing brainwaves to a slower frequency. • Calm emotional upset, helping the body to come back into balance. • Create deep physical relaxation, reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. • Promote a sense of well-being by easing pain, stress, anxiety or depression. • Support deeper sleep, helping the brain to settle more easily. When sound waves travel through the body, they promote circulation, energy flow, and rejuvenation. The frequency of the sound synchronizes with the brainwaves and activates destress responses in the body. The result is you feeling calmer and more relaxed. What you have to do? You will be lying on the floor so you need to bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on (people use sun lounger covers/bean bags etc), a pillow to support your head and enough blankets to keep you warm (sometimes the body temperature drops as we relax). Bring whatever will keep you warm and comfortable for the evening. What happens? The gongs produce different tones, patterns and vibrations which then work on the mind-body connection.

Wed 15 Apr19:30Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

Live MusicCommunity

Southern Maltings Acoustic Sessions

Doors Open 7:30pm with music from 8pm. The ever-popular Southern Maltings Acoustic Sessions return for an evening of local talent. We are blessed with a community rich with amazing musical talent. Come along and support local musicians. There will be a variety of musical styles to suit everyone, from folk, country and Americana to blues and jazz. Our fabulous bar will be open too. This months performers are: Grace Chloe A piano-led singer-songwriter with strong vocals, fast-paced lyrics, and rising recognition after supporting Frank Turner. John Woods A reflective songwriter exploring nature and human behaviour through evolving and thoughtful compositions. Mike Excell A local singer-songwriter blending his own songs with well-chosen covers, delivering thoughtful lyrics on life, politics, and everyday moments with warmth and wit. Xavier Leret A dynamic performer combining intricate guitar, spoken word, and raw storytelling full of emotion and contrast. Mel Quinn A quirky solo act mixing folk, punk, and humour into sharp and memorable performances. Why Not A harmony-led acoustic duo celebrating original songs and local artists with their own interpretations and recordings.

Fri 17 Apr20:00Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes

Glass Cactus Tiffany Workshop

*New date added! Join us with Tutor Katie Lambert for another chance to create in her Cactus Tiffany Glass Workshop creating a cute Tiffany style glass cactus for your home or to gift. Using the Tiffany or copper foil technique you will create between one and three cacti, depending on shape and intricacy, in a selection of green glass of your choice. you will be able to follow templates or create your own design, using coloured glass to make flowers. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this session ensures hands-on guidance every step of the way. Create your own beautiful cactus to take home and display proudly (this is one plant that will not need watering!) or to give as a thoughtful gift to a loved one and experience the magic of this centuries-old craft! All equipment and materials are included in the cost of this workshop. Katie is crafty in many ways and has been running stained glass workshops at Southern Maltings over the last few months and her pupils are full of praise! “My son and I attended the stained glass workshop today and we are both so happy to of attended. Loved our day and the end results of our hard work.” Southern Maltings attendee, June 2025 Katie is at heart a Stained Glass Artist and has been practicing this traditional artform for over a decade and teaches all over the South East, London and East Anglia.

Sat 18 Apr14:00Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

Live MusicDance

Motown Night with Big Mama Funk & the Funkstars

Doors 7pm | Performance from 8pm. £25 per ticket or £28 on the door if available. Get ready to move, groove, and lose yourself in the magic of Motown. Big Mama Funk and the Funkstars are bringing their powerhouse vocals, irresistible rhythm, and full‑throttle soul to the stage for one unforgettable night. Expect iconic hits, big harmonies, and a dance floor that never quits. If you’re craving feel‑good energy and classic Motown flair, this is the night that delivers it in style.

Sat 18 Apr20:00Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

CommunityMarkets & Fairs

Tudor Square Monthly Farmers and Produce Market

Working in partnership with Ware Town Council, we have been asked to take our fabulous Produce and Craft Markets outside to Tudor Square, providing a monthly market with a twist. The Tudor Square Markets will be on the 3rd Sunday of the Month. It will feature many of our regular stalls from our inside markets at Southern Maltings, together with some new stalls and street food too. Expect gorgeous locally made artisan food, drink and crafts from our best local makers and small independent producers and businesses, right on your doorstep in Ware. Please follow us on our social media platforms to find out more. Facebook X-twitter Instagram Tiktok This month’s performer is: Eliza Hogermeer An acoustic mixture of pop songs, jazz and folk music. Mostly upbeat covers to get people singing along and dancing. Instagram This month’s traders are: AC Woodcrafts Hand-carved wooden pieces shaped by decades of experience. Instagram AmberBees Local honey and bee products focused on sustainability and quality. Instagram barkers’ bits ‘n’ bobs Handmade healthy, preservative free dog treats and a range of accessories for you and your poochy pals. Instagram Better Way Bakery Allergen-free bakes made without gluten, dairy or eggs. Instagram Café Olé Mustangs Serving freshly brewed coffee, cakes and savoury bites from their popular market café setup. Instagram Created by Crossley Cute & quirky earrings for making a statement.

Sun 19 Apr10:00Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes

Djembe Drum Circle

If you are a regular African Djembe drum circle attendee or simply keen to try it out and explore the rhythms of West Africa, this session might be just up your street! Our drum circle is run by the fabulous Seneke Sillah from Mbilla Arts, who has over 20 years’ experience leading African drumming workshops. ALL LEVELS WELCOME! Our drum circle sessions are always a lot of fun and provide a great opportunity to learn new things. We have a limited spaces, so purchase your tickets now! This workshop is in the Main Studio on the first floor of Southern Maltings, which has a lift for easy wheelchair access. £10 person (you need to have your own drum) or with drum hire £15 per person. Entrance to our building is through a metal gate at the far right hand end of Kibes Lane car park. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community. *Tickets are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances.

Wed 22 Apr19:45Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

CommunityWorkshops & Classes

Maltings Stitch Café

Maltings Stitch Café is a fortnightly drop-in group for those seeking to stitch, make new friends and share ideas, as well as learn from resident local textile artist Mary Stokes. Whether your style is embroidery or machine stitching, felting or tapestry, everyone is welcome to this friendly group. All levels are welcome too, whether you are a novice with a needle or an expert seamstress. You can bring your own projects to work on, whilst socialising in our Café, with a cuppa and watch Mary demonstrate her free stitching skills. You can also have a go at free machine embroidery on our machines which will be set up for you to have a go or as many of our regular’s do, you are welcome to bring in your own sewing machine. Mary Stokes is a local artist and textile worker. Her specialisation is free machine embroidery and she will happily give demonstrations throughout the session. She has been sewing since she was at school and would like to share her passion and enthusiasm for this wonderful textile art. She is inspired by nature, tree, the seas and skies and brings all these elements into her work. This is a drop in session open to all, with no need to book, so just pop by and say hello. Please note this is a free social event and not a taught class. Please note that we are now running this session on Thursdays (previously Wednesdays) on the 2nd and 4th Thursday in the month from 10am – 1pm in our downstairs function space.

Thu 23 Apr10:00Ware Arts Centre

via Ware Arts Centre

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