The music returns this month to the Mary Webb Centre in Highgate.
The former century-old church will once again host a diverse set of performances for its fall/winter lineup.
Royal Wood opens the season on Sept. 21, while a comedy festival closes it on May 9 and 10, 2025.
The church closed in 2009 as congregation numbers dwindled, but a group of local citizens came together and transformed Highgate United Church into a cultural and community centre.
The building itself is a gem. Built in 1918 after the original church burned a year earlier, the heritage brick building accommodates an audience of 250, boasts excellent sight lines, an inclined floor, state of the art light and sound systems, and fabulous acoustics.
An art gallery which exhibits the work of local visual artists is located on the lower floor.
Over the past 14 years, the building has been upgraded and improved to include air conditioning, restored stained glass, a new roof, carpets and stage floor, as well as a recent addition which expanded the space and ensured accessibility for everyone.
Most recently, the centre’s beautiful stained glass centre dome has been removed to be refurbished by Magnolia Stained Glass Works in Blenheim.
All of this has been accomplished through grants, donations, and ticket sales, and through the persistence and hard work of volunteers.
The MWC is operated solely by volunteer efforts.
Today, the MWC holds 10-15 performances a year that cover all musical genres, as well as comedians and magicians. Past acts include Canadian stars such as Jim Cuddy, Steven Page, Murray McLachlan, Ian Thomas, Jimmy and Heather Rankin, Sarah Harmer, and Glass Tiger.
2024-25 performers
Sept. 21 – Royal Wood
Oct. 26 – Rowdymen
Nov. 30 – Joel Plaskett SOLD OUT
Dec. 14 – Natalie Macmaster and Donnell Leahy and Family
Jan. 18 – Bedouin Soundclash
Feb. 8 – Jeremy and Jazzy (children’s entertainers)
Feb. 22 – The Laws
Mar. 22 – Jimmy Rankin and Friends – East Coast Kitchen Party
April 26 – Alan Frew
May 9 and 10 – Comedy Festival with Steve Patterson
