Village Halls Week 2026 returns in March – get involved!

The popular national campaign provides an opportunity for rural community buildings in the West of England region to celebrate the difference they make to local communities.

West of England Rural Network (WERN) is encouraging village hall groups to sign up and get involved with awareness raising activities taking place 16-22 March.

The campaign is organised by ACRE each year with the aim of raising an awareness of village halls and the contribution they make to rural communities. In its 10th iteration, and now extended to Wales and Scotland, this year’s theme is about how these community spaces help to keep people healthy, active and connected. Arguably, such spaces enrich people lives as well as reducing pressure on the NHS.

A number of halls in the local area have already registered to get involved by sharing stories on social media and holding local events during the week including Cromhill, Wickwar, Bishop Sutton, Dundry, Backwell, Freshford, Claverham and Long Ashton.

ACRE is offering free bunting and badges to village hall groups who sign up by Monday 12 January to help them demonstrate their involvement in the week.  

Dick Whittington, WERN’s Rural Projects Manager who provides support and advice to village hall management committees said: “We’re pleased to see a good number of halls in our area are already looking to take part in Village Halls Week 2026. It’s a great opportunity for the volunteers who run these buildings to engage the wider community and let people know about the good work that’s being done. During the week, we’d love to attend any local events that are happening so please let us know if you’d like us to drop by and help celebrate what you do”.

For halls that miss the deadline for signing up with ACRE nationally, WERN has a few reserve packs of bunting and badges that can be sent out. These can be requested by emailing alison@wern.org.uk.