The Gather in Ennerdale have welcomed a new patron for their 'Great artists, small venue' programme. 

Baroness Sue Hayman of Ullock has agreed to become Patron of the Ennerdale Promotions Community Interest Company (CIC) live music programme.

She is a keen chorister who has performed in local choirs and the Parliamentary Choir where she was its Chairman.

Sue and her husband Ross regularly walk the fells, love the Ennerdale Valley and are long time supporters of the performing arts in West Cumbria. 

READ MORE: The Gather at Ennerdale bag award from Countryside Alliance

Mrs Hayman said: "The Gather is a wonderful venue and the beating heart of Ennerdale and the local community.

"Music and the arts should be a shared experience for all and I want to support the team in developing opportunities for more people of all ages to get involved and enjoy everything the arts and The Gather have to offer."

Over recent years Upstairs at The Gather has seen performances by many artists, the intention now is to engage more community organisations and especially schools with these high quality performers.

All income from this programme is dedicated to support & sustain The Gather as a key community hub.

Co founder of Ennerdale Promotions, Emma Shepherd who has responsibility for community use of The Gather, Ennerdale said: "We are so delighted to have Sue as our Patron, she has been such a supporter of the arts & the welfare of local communities, it’s a great match of common interests.

"We have been staging live music since March 2020 and it’s increasingly serving a national and international audience; we have people watching our live stream from all across the world.

"We hope that our team, now with Sue’s support will see our reputation at The Gather grow still further and attract more top performers under our banner 'Great Artists, Small Venue'.

"We know that like us Sue has the success of communities like ours at the heart of all she does."