Cost of living crisis to bypass Titchfield Festival Theatre - 'Europe's only fully sustainable theatre'

Pictured right, is Kevin Fraser, TFT's artistic director saying goodbye to the need for blankets with their 200kw biomass boiler which helps make the venue fully sustainable

As businesses across the UK struggle to come to terms with the soaring increase in the energy costs, many are already concerned about whether they can afford to continue. Unlike for households, there is no cap on gas and electricity bills for businesses.

But bills at the venue, which describes itself as ‘Europe's only fully sustainable theatre’ will not be rising, thanks to the fully renewable energy they generate from a solar panel array on their roof and heat from a 200kw biomass boiler, as well as a water recycling system.

During 2018 TFT, in St Margarets Lane, Titchfield, installed renewable energy systems to enable it to become self-sufficient and to reduce its impact on the environment. This work is now paying off significantly, allowing the charity to plan its programme of plays, musicals, young people’s programmes and other events without worrying about huge energy bills.

Solar panels on the roof of Titchfield Festival Theatre

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Kevin Fraser, TFT’s chair of trustees and artistic director said: ‘Four years ago, we decided to bite the bullet by investing a large amount of our funds into energy efficient heating and water systems. It is something we passionately believe in, as we want to do our bit to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and improve the environment for future generations.

‘Our electricity is generated from the solar panels and the heating is provided by the biomass boiler, and what is more, there is no gas in the building.

‘The situation facing many of our patrons and local businesses is incredibly stark at the moment; and we are all hoping that the situation will improve and not be as difficult as is currently predicted. However, what we can say is that whatever the position will be in terms of energy costs in the future, the lights at TFT will continue to burn brightly.’

Forthcoming shows include Man of La Mancha, La Cage Aux Folles and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

For more information including booking tickets, go to titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com or contact their box office on 0333 666 3366.