Village halls across Cheshire will open their doors next week as part of Village Halls Week 2026. A nationwide celebration, highlighting the enormous positive impact that community buildings have on rural life. 

The seven-day celebration will unite local communities across Cheshire and beyond, bringing residents together for a week of socialising, fundraising, and raising awareness of the vital role village halls play.  

Now in its eighth year, Village Halls Week is the flagship campaign of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the only national charity that works to enhance the lives of people living and working outside of big towns and cities. 

Running from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March, the 2026 campaign will focus on health and wellbeing, highlighting how community buildings—like those in Cheshire—help rural residents connect with essential services and each other. 

Cheshire Community Action, which has supported local community spaces for over 95 years, is coordinating this year’s celebrations in Cheshire and showcasing some of the county’s most vibrant village halls. 

Deborah Clarke, Rural Evidence and Village Halls Manager at ACRE, said:  

“Village Halls Week has been a permanent fixture on our country’s rural calendar for eight years now, and we’re certain that 2026 is going to be the biggest and best celebration yet.  

“Village Halls Week is all about bringing rural communities together, and it’s this sense of connection and togetherness that we aim to celebrate across the seven days, as we know that spending time with others, even just for 10 minutes over a cup of tea, can have significant benefits to a person’s overall physical and mental health.”  

At the Heart of Our Community  
New Images Youth and Community Centre in Winsford is a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of the community. Through coffee mornings, social groups, and inclusive activities, they help reduce isolation, build friendships, and promote health and wellbeing. Volunteers play a key role, generously giving their time to strengthen community spirit. 

📷Chatter Box Cafe  

Faith in community  
St Matthew’s Community Hall has been a hub of activity in Haslington for over 50 years, offering a space that brings the whole community together. Regular activities include a monthly lunch club, coffee mornings, and social events such as beetle drives, bingo, and quiz nights. 

Scouts and Guides meet at the hall, and a range of other groups use it regularly, including Pilates and toddler dance.  

📷Table top sale 

Stay active, stay social 
From Pilates and Yoga to new Chair Yoga classes (a hit with older residents!), there’s something for everyone at Delamere Community Centre. They also have a thriving Golden Club that meets fortnightly with guest speakers, activities and classes (photo), and many of the members enjoy attending the monthly coffee mornings, held to coincide with one of the twice-weekly openings of the Outreach Post Office.   

📷Golden Club  

Farndon Rocks! 
The fantastic facilities at Farndon Community Centre are run by the community for the community. The building is home to exercise and leisure facilities for all ages. The team of volunteers not only looks after the space for others to hire but also puts on larger events like Farndon Rocks! and the annual fireworks display attracts visitors from the wider community. Come to the Farndon Rocks Festival in June (12th & 13th) – and join the community in action! 

📷 Farndon Rocks volunteers 

Neston Community and Youth Centre (NCYC) 
NCYC is a thriving hub in the old market town of Neston. It offers affordable space for local organisations and hosts vital services including Jobcentre Plus, a children’s centre, foodbank, and Citizens Advice. The centre also delivers a wide range of community-based support, from hospital discharge assistance and befriending to activities for older people, social prescribing, youth programs, and community gardening. NCYC’s mission is to ensure everyone in the community can live healthy, fulfilled, and connected lives. 

Becky Whitmore of Cheshire Community Action said:  

“We are delighted to celebrate Village Halls Week once again. 

“This annual event is eagerly anticipated throughout Cheshire and has the power to unite our communities. When people are connected, they feel happier, healthier, and more engaged. 

“While some may see village halls as simple buildings, we recognise them as vital community spaces that enrich lives at every stage.” 

Further details about Community Buildings in Cheshire can be found in our Community Building Directory https://cheshireaction.org.uk/building-directory/, while more information on ACRE is available at www.acre.org.uk.