Welcome to All Saints
The All Saints Centre is a beautiful Grade 2* listed converted church that has been a much loved community, arts and youth centre for over 40 years.
The centre is used for both private and public hirers, for everything from intimate art classes and playgroups to weddings, festivals and theatre performances. There are two different halls to hire, both respecting the history of the church while providing a light and airy, flexible space.
We are licensed for live and record events and hold a premises license for the sale of alcohol. We offer very reasonable hire charges, and discounts for voluntary/community sector organisations and registered charities.
The building was a church from around 1148 AD (the earliest record that can be found of its existence) until 1980, when it decomissioned by the Dicoise of Chichester and given to Lewes Town Council. For twenty years the centre was run by the charity called All Saints Youth & Arts Trust, who were granted a lease of the building by Lewes Town Council.
The trust prioritised using the space “to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public in the appreciation and practice of the arts and to advance the education of children and young people by the provision of facilities for creative, educational activity in the arts”.
In 2001, the trust dissolved and handed the lease of the building back to Lewes Town Council. The Town Council has been directly managing the All Saints Centre since that time, with respect to its history as a community arts and youth centre.
Venue information
The All Saints Centre is only a five minute walk from the centre of Lewes, a number of car parks and very close to the train station.
Our two halls at the All Saints Centre can be hired for a diverse range of activities.
The Main Hall is a very flexible space and can cater for weddings, lectures, live music events, theatre, workshops, exercise classes, markets, dances, private parties, playgroups and films.
The Small Hall is perfect for small meetings, dance and exercise classes, life drawing and intimate rehearsals.
Our Main Hall is fully accessible on the ground floor. Access to the balcony seating is via stairs. To access the Small Hall there are three steps from the side entrance, however alternative level access can be made arranged in advance, depending on the building hire.
Rooms available for hire
Main Hall
The Main Hall used to be the central part of the church and provides an atmospheric, light and welcoming space. Enter through the front doors into the foyer with a bar area, small kitchen and toilets, which leads to the auditorium. The wooden floors provide a flexible space and cast iron poles add to the ambiance of the room.
The large stage allows for performances. Our retractable seating can be pulled out, providing 92 fixed tiered seating. There are a further 48 fixed seats on the balcony, accessible from the foyer. For other types of events we can provide folding seats which can be arranged in a number of ways. 5’ round tables and 6’ trestle tables are also available. We have a stage lighting rig and sound system, with basic P.A., as well as a piano and William Hill & Sons organ. Capacities are: standing 194; seated at tables and chairs 126; closely seated audience (using the retractable seats, balcony and extra loose chairs) 200
Small Hall
The Small Hall has a separate entrance to the Main Hall, making it ideal for more intimate groups and events. Its wooden floors, high ceilings and Clayton and Bell stained glass windows make it a lovely space to gather.
The mirrored wall and ballet barre mean it is well set for fitness classes, but can be used for rehersal space, playgroups, classes and meetings.
The capacity of the room is 30 and there is access to a toilet.
Get in touch
For bookings and enquiries please contact our team on the details below, they will be happy to help. Please note that team hours vary depending on when the venue is booked, and if the team are working with hirers it might not be possible to answer the phone at all times. Leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01273 486391
All Saints Centre,
Friar’s Walk,
Lewes,
East Sussex BN7 2LE