The Guildhall rooms are now open for hire after extensive refurbishment. The same team running the Abbey Cinema is managing the Guildhall rooms on behalf of the Town Council.

A new website www.guildhall.ac has images of the five historic rooms, the Roysse Room (formerly the Abingdon school room),

the Old Magistrates Court (with magistrates bench, dock and cells still intact),

the Abbey Room,

the Bear Room,

and the grand Council Chamber complete with impressive oil paintings and fireplaces.

In a Press Release Ian Wiper said, “We are delighted to be managing the Guildhall which seemed to make sense given our hospitality experience and the fact that we already have a whole team in situ running the cinema 7 days a week, from 9am until late”

Hire rates for local community groups and weddings have been set by the Town Council at £40 per 3 hour session for the larger Roysse Room and Council Chamber, and £24 for the other rooms.  Wedding ceremonies will be charged at £300 and £150 respectively.  The rooms are available for weddings, christenings, clubs and society meetings, banquets and social events.

The Guildhall restoration included refurbishing the kitchen and there are now two resident chefs to cater for everything from wedding receptions to food during films.

Kerry Harris, Guildhall Events Manager, said, “We look forward to meeting as many residents as possible over the Open Weekend.”