St James about to dive into new venue ‘The Pit’
STAFF at St James are putting the final touches to a brand new venue which is set to host its first event early next month.
Known as ‘The Pit’, the venue is situated where the Millennium Tapestry was previously located, next to the music studio used by the young musician charity Sound.
It will have capacity for 90 people, many of whom will be able to sit in unconventional airline-style seats, which have been acquired for free.
The area also features a fully integrated PA and lighting system, new ventilation and heating, as well as a bar.
It will hold its first gig during St James’ Decibel Tower event on 5 April, with a mix of UK and local bands playing in The Pit and the main concert hall.
St James director John Bisson said the main structural work for the new venue, including an elevated stage, would be installed shortly ahead of the first event.
‘It will be a unique venue to the island,’ he said.
‘We’re really excited about it.’
He added the venue would also be used as an educational resource and under-18s venue as part of Sound’s expanded offering.
From 30 April the St James-based charity – which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – will open its studio doors three days a week to the island’s 11-17 year olds between 3pm and 6pm, offering a free facility for those interested in music, digital arts and the industries that surround them.
An open day for 11-17 year olds and their parents to find out more about the plans will be held between 11am and 4pm next Sunday.
‘There are lots of possibilities in terms of a curriculum, the kids need to tell us what they want to learn about and we will make it happen,’ Mr Bisson said.
He emphasised the new venue would not simply be a hang-out space for young islanders to take advantage of.
‘It’s a place for people who love music and who will contribute to that.’
He also insisted the space was not for parents, adding the time to find out more about what security measures would be in place to safeguard their children was the upcoming open day.
‘We will be using breathalysers for under-18s events, among other things. We just want to keep this place exclusively for the kids as much as we can.’
