About Us

Since September 2000, Norden Farm has offered the people of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and beyond, the best in entertainment and the performing arts.

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The Centre's history begins in the 1970s, when a strong demand for an arts centre for Maidenhead began to emerge. It was focused by the establishment of Maidenhead Arts in 1978, set up as an umbrella organisation of local arts groups committed to establishing an appropriate centre for both amateur and professional work.

In 1992 an opportunity arose to consider part of the Norden Farm site, sought for redevelopment. The site offered listed buildings with a quality ambience suited to creative activity, an opportunity to preserve part of Maidenhead's heritage, and a proximity to the heart of the community which would enable use of the facility to be maximised.

A Trust with Registered Charity status, Norden Farm Centre Trust, was established to manage the project. Work commenced on building Norden Farm arts centre in early 1994. In autumn 1994 the National Lottery commenced operation and Norden Farm Centre Trust applied to the Arts Council for lottery funding to complete Norden Farm.

Following an intensive and detailed design and public consultation phase, planning approval was granted in September 1997. The Arts Council carried out a full assessment during autumn 1997, prior to an announcement of support and approval for the finished scheme with a Lottery award of £5,295,000 in January 1998. The final design stage of the project was completed in late 1998 and Norden Farm Centre for the Arts finally opened its doors to the public on the 17 September 2000.

Up to 2,500 people a week visit the Centre for a variety of live shows, films, classes and workshops or to eat in the Cafe Bar.

We look forward to welcoming you to Norden Farm on many occasions over the coming months.

*Jane Corry * Chief Executive and Artistic Director