As the Princess Pavilion’s new Events and Programme Manager, Hayley May is planning well ahead.
With a busy schedule of events already fixed for this year, her aim is to get bigger, even more well-known names booked for 2019. Nor is her plan just about paid gigs, she’s also very keen to build on the ongoing success of the Pavilion’s weekly choir, jazz and band nights – all of them free – because, she says, the local community loves them.
Hayley grew up in Penryn and can remember visiting the venue from a very early age. Following a business studies course at Truro & Penwith College, she went on to study for a creative events degree at Falmouth University. Now, having honed her skills as a freelance marketing and events coordinator at some very big festivals, she has joined the Princess Pavilion team.
“It’s a dream job as far as I’m concerned because there’s so much potential here,” said Hayley. “I’m planning acoustic sessions on a Wednesday evening in the restaurant and a monthly comedy night. The aim is to try and keep adding to our programme so that there’s always something going on.
“The flooring in our theatre is being replaced in the next couple of months and we’ve got some good acts lined up until the end of the year – including singer-songwriter Scott Matthews, band Gentleman’s Dub Club, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and folk-singer Seth Lakeman. I’m hoping next year’s line-up will be even more spectacular, especially with the Hall for Cornwall temporarily closed.
“As someone who has known and loved the Princess Pavilion for most of my life, I’m very aware of the very special place it has in local people’s hearts. It’s one of Falmouth’s treasures and I’m delighted to be involved in shaping its continuing, very bright future.”
GLL, operating under the brand name Better, manages the Princess Pavilion on behalf of Cornwall Council. As a charitable social enterprise provider, the organisation has no shareholders and all surpluses are re-invested to benefit local communities.