What We Do
Linlithgow Arts Guild is a voluntary organisation. Its aim is to “Bring Excellence in the Live Arts to Linlithgow”, and since 1969 we have had the privilege of promoting many fine performances by artists, ensembles and orchestras of world renown. The vast majority of performers are professional musicians who perform internationally.
The concerts are open to everyone. Our programmes are varied and we hope to attract as many people as possible to spread the substantial costs of our events.
Tickets for individual concerts are on sale to the general public for all of our events. Prior to the pandemic, we normally had around 200 season-ticket holders who comprise the membership but current numbers are about 2/3 of this. We are currently seeking to recover attendance to previous levels through attractive programming. Our audience numbers averaged around 200 in recent years, with nearly 400 for major events pre-pandemic. We have sold tickets throughout Central Scotland, and sometimes further afield.
Each year we submit our proposed programme for the subsequent year to Chamber Music Scotland and so far they have always supported us with funds coming from Creative Scotland. A number of local businesses have also been generous with their sponsorship usually for a specific individual event. It is important for us to have a healthy core membership to enable us to plan confidently for the year ahead. The best artists command high fees and must be booked at least a year in advance. When possible we normally encourage members to buy season tickets which provide a useful discount to the purchase of single tickets. Concession and family membership rates are available.
We usually stage about eight events in our season which normally runs from September or October through to the end of April. We use a variety of locations in the town trying to match venue to performance as best we can. Linlithgow doesn’t have a concert hall as such but all the halls we use are well heated and have plenty of parking nearby. We find Saturdays best partly because we have the afternoon to set things up, tune pianos etc. The Guild is run by an enthusiastic, hard working and entirely unpaid committee who do everything from programme planning to putting out chairs and washing dishes. There is a list of the current committee on the website and of course there is often scope for additional help.
What do we have to offer?
- Beautiful music performed live by professional artists of the highest standard
- Intimate concerts here in Linlithgow
- Nights out with a chance to meet friends over an interval drink
- Low ticket prices, free parking and accessible venues.