BUNGAY'S historic Fisher Theatre, re-opened two years ago and a popular venue for a variety of art, entertainment and cultural events, now has another string to its bow - as a venue for weddings.

BUNGAY'S historic Fisher Theatre, re-opened two years ago and a popular venue for a variety of art, entertainment and cultural events, now has another string to its bow - as a venue for weddings.

The Broad Street theatre, built in 1828 and the fourth oldest working provincial theatre in the country, has been granted a licence as a public venue for marriages, civil partnerships, child naming and renewal of vows, making it the first theatre in East Anglia to take on such a role.

The Bungay Arts and Theatre Society, which runs the Fisher, saw the opportunity to extend its wide ranging role, and a way of making further use of its space - it can offer booking rates which will be highly competitive, and three totally different spaces within the building - the main auditorium, the cellar bar and the gallery.

Theatre manager Chris Moore is excited by the idea.

“The Fisher was restored for the people of Bungay and surrounding towns. Its very existence relies on local support so whether it be for civil ceremonies, meetings, training seminars or for use by local activity groups our rates will be as competitive as possible. We are certainly worth contacting,” he said.

The auditorium can seat up to 130 people at round tables and has amazing flexibility, with 60 separate floor panels that may be raised or lowered to create a personalised setting and over 50 theatre lights offering special lighting effects.

A radio sound system will ensure the best man's speech will be heard by everyone and the cinema screen can also be used at a wedding reception, to make sure all those old photographs bride and groom thought were long forgotten will be seen by everyone.

The Gallery, with original open beams making this a light and airy space, is ideal for more intimate ceremonies for up to 60 people, and the cellar bar oozes character with it's low ceiling, original brick floor and pillars. It can hold up to 50 people it is a fantastic space for a truly informal Ceremony, and the caf� bar is an ideal place for welcoming guests.

Mr Moore added: “When David Fisher conceived and built The Fisher Theatre at Bungay in 1828 he could not have imagined that in 2009 his theatre would be licensed fro weddings, civil partnerships and related ceremonies, but we can imagine that he would be proud to think of his theatre being used for such occasions as it was in that very spirit he built it, a place for the people to enjoy happy times.”

Today, the aims of The Fisher remain true to the original concept as it is a building for everyone to take pleasure from, with entertainment for every taste and prices that are kept as low as possible.

The Fisher is steeped in history, and during the restoration many of the original features were retained. Some of the changes made over the years were kept, such as the glass sided roof tower, adding to the uniqueness of the building.

For more information on the theatre and its wedding possibilities contact Chris Moore on 01986 896367 or fishertheatre@aol.com or events manager Les Hoare on 07770 944218 or fisherevents@btinternet.com