Village Halls Week 2025 starts on Monday 17 March – join in the celebration

Now in its eighth year, Village Halls Week 2025 – led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) – highlights the invaluable role that these venues play in connecting people. This year’s focus is on the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to maintain and manage these cherished community hubs.

Celebrations for the week include the launch of ‘Halls for All: A History of Village Halls’ – a book written by Louise Beaton and David Clark (sponsored by Carnegie UK). You can also expect the premiere of hall volunteers from across the country reading a bespoke poem – captured on video, guest blogs and a podcast from Durham Community Action. ACRE is also inviting hall committee members to recognise individual volunteers in their Volunteer Gallery.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive at ACRE, said, “Village Halls Week takes place every year to mark the vital role that community buildings play at the heart of our communities. This year we’re celebrating the essential contribution from thousands of dedicated volunteers of all ages in looking after them, so they can be used to bring people together and provide services for local communities.

“We hope even more people will join us this year to celebrate, encourage and support the volunteers who give the gift of their time so generously to make these community buildings such unique and special places.”

The campaign has gathered interest over the eight years it has been running, with halls planning events across England and Scotland, and many more looking to get involved on social media.

Thanks to this year’s sponsors Utility Aid for the lovely bunting and badges and to Hallmaster for their blog.  We are grateful to both for actively participating in the week.

Overview of the Week

Contact your local ACRE network member to find out what is happening in your County

• Monday 17 March – Day One ‘Halls for All’. The week kicks off with the launch of the ‘Halls for All’ book written by Louise Beaton and David Clark. Hear from Louise in a new blog available on the ACRE website and an interview recorded by Durham Community Action.
• Tuesday 18 March – Day Two ‘A life in the day of a village hall volunteer’. Join us in celebrating Village Hall volunteers across the country as they bring a specially commissioned poem to life. Co-ordinated by Community First Yorkshire, this joyful video shines a spotlight on the dedication of hall volunteers and the diverse roles they fill.
• Wednesday 19 March – Day Three Encouraging Volunteers. Discover the importance of succession planning for village halls with a new blog from Hallmaster
• Thursday 20 March – Day Four Supporting Volunteers. Discover information from ACRE about the advice and support that’s available to village halls such as publications and resources and contributions from ACRE members.
• Friday 21 March – Day Five. The week will wrap up with highlights from ACRE partners and communities.

“ACRE is excited about all the activity taking place across England and Scotland. We would like to thank the Village Halls Week sponsors and ACRE members for their commitment to supporting village hall committees all year round not just during Village Halls Week.”

Deborah Clarke
ACRE’s Village Hall Manager