Northumberland Theatre Volunteers Win Prestigious King’s Award

A theater group in Northumberland won a big award. Volunteers run this community theater called Seaton Delaval Arts Centre. They received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Dr. Caroline Pryer, the Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, visited them. She gave them the award, which is like getting an MBE. This award is only for volunteer groups.

Volunteers and locals celebrated together with coffee and cake. The theater opened in 2007 and has 160 seats for people.

The theater wants to unite people and lets them join in arts activities. Local groups also use the center each week, and volunteers fully run and take care of it.

The theater holds shows and events, including a Christmas play. The award started in 2002 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee, and King Charles III continues it now.

Stu Bennett, who directs the theater, said they felt great receiving the award. He explained that it showed their hard work was valued and that it was a happy event with cake.

The volunteers got a crystal award and a certificate, which Dr. Pryer gave to them. The group will go to a palace garden party later.