Campus West celebrates its 50th birthday!
Welwyn Hatfield Mayor, Cllr Pankit Shah led the 50th birthday celebrations for Campus West at a special ceremony on Friday 8 December.
The much loved family entertainment complex is owned and run by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Cllr Shah was joined by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Frank Marsh, Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Deputy Leader, Cllr Lynn Chesterman OBE, WHBC Chief Executive Ka Ng, Cabinet Members and Councillors from across the borough.
Mark O’Sullivan, the creator of the hit ITV show Tell Me Everything, also joined the celebrations. Mark is originally from Welwyn Garden City and has fond memories of working at Campus West, crediting the venue as being one of the places where he found his love of drama.
Campus West was opened on 8 December 1973 by the distinguished actress and local resident, Dame Flora Robson to a fanfare from the Band of Scots Guards. Guests on Friday night were able to view a special display that has been mounted throughout the Campus West building, taking visitors on a nostalgic journey of Campus West through the years.
A 50th birthday cake was cut by the Mayor to mark the occasion before guests watched this year’s pantomime, ‘Robin Hood’, a nod to the very first pantomime staged by Campus West.
Cllr Max Holloway, Executive Member for Community and Leisure, said:
"I felt very proud to be part of the celebrations marking this important milestone in Campus West’s history. Looking through the special display of old photographs, autographed promotional posters, newspaper cuttings, marketing materials and props from past shows, we have a lot to celebrate! A huge thank you to everyone that has worked at, visited or supported Campus West over the years. It is great that live on stage performances have returned to Campus West, with some performances selling out. This year’s pantomime ‘Robin Hood’ is wonderful and filled with laughs for all of the family. Tickets are selling fast so get them while you can!"
To book your tickets for ‘Robin Hood’ or for more information on other live performances, showtimes, cinema screenings, skating and soft play sessions, please visit the Campus West website.