WILTSHIRE Music Centre in Bradford on Avon hopes to re-open its auditorium by Friday, September 27 following work on a structural issue which has forced its temporary closure.

The centre was forced to close the auditorium earlier this month because of an issue relating to the fixtures for its retractable acoustic panels.

In a statement, centre spokesman Scott O’Hara said: “We are delighted to announce that following the temporary closure of the Wiltshire Music Centre auditorium all remedial work is scheduled to be completed by Thursday 26th September.

“The work being carried out deals with the replacement of the fixtures that support our retractable acoustic panels, which will be restored to full working order.

“Our first priority has been to guarantee the safety of the auditorium but we have also worked hard to ensure that disruption has been kept to a minimum in terms of the delivery of our concert programme.

“Alternative venues have been secured for our opening concerts next weekend and we are in the process of contacting all ticket-holders.

“Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused and are extremely grateful to our audience members, partners and artists for all the support, patience and understanding we have received during the temporary closure.

“We look forward to re-opening the auditorium and returning to normal operations by Friday 27th September in time for the performance by the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and for I Fagiolini on Saturday 28th September.”

The closure has affected a jazz workshop on Saturday, September 14 with Mike Daniels of the Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra; two sold out concerts by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concert on Friday, September 20 and Irish folk icons Dervish on Saturday, September 21; and a Cory Band brass band concert on Sunday, September 22.