• Gong Bath

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Gong Bath. An evening with Stillness – Meditation & Gongs The Power of the Gong Bath What is it? Gongs have been used as a form of sound healing since around 4,000 B.C. Records of using gongs have surfaced from as early as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. A gong bath offers a deep form of relaxation, where you “bathe” in the soothing vibrations of sound. It can: • Quieten a busy mind, naturally relaxing brainwaves to a slower frequency. • Calm emotional upset, helping the body to come back into balance. • Create deep physical relaxation, reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure. • Promote a sense of well-being by easing pain, stress, anxiety or depression. • Support deeper sleep, helping the brain to settle more easily. When sound waves travel through the body, they promote circulation, energy flow, and rejuvenation. The frequency of the sound synchronizes with the brainwaves and activates destress responses in the body. The result is you feeling calmer and more relaxed. What you have to do? You will be lying on the floor so you need to bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on (people use sun lounger covers/bean bags etc), a pillow to support your head and enough blankets to keep you warm (sometimes the body temperature drops as we relax). Bring whatever will keep you warm and comfortable for the evening. What happens? The gongs produce different tones, patterns and vibrations which then work on the mind-body connection. The sound can put you in a deeply relaxed and meditative theta state and it does not take long. What do you have to do? It is referred to as a ‘bath’ because you immerse in the vibrations of sound. During a gong bath, participants typically sit or lie down, getting comfortable with blankets and pillows. You will be invited to passively soak up the benefits of the sound. How long will it last? The typical length of time is between 60 and 90 minutes. People say that in a gong experience they lose all track of time and space, so it is likely to pass quite quickly for you. How does it work? 1. The gong bypasses the intellectual part of the brain and creates space for the mind to become less busy. This leads to a clear and quiet mind. 2. Gong vibrations relax the nervous system allowing tension to reduce and circulation to improve. Some people experience a sense of letting go as the gong sound opens the natural energy flow in the body. 3. The reverberation of sound reorganises emotional energy to a more balanced state. 4. Ultimately the gong sound creates deep relaxation, helping our body to repair and heal itself. What next? If this is something you want to experience, then click and book yourself a place. The price is £14.00 per person and is limited to 15 people per session. Session will be held in the Main Studio in the east end of the building and is open to anyone over the age of 18. We will not be issuing paper tickets; for those without e-tickets, your email confirmation of purchase will suffice. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

  • Maltings Stitch Café

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Maltings Stitch Café is a fortnightly drop-in group for those seeking to stitch, make new friends and share ideas, as well as learn from resident local textile artist Mary Stokes. Whether your style is embroidery or machine stitching, felting or tapestry, everyone is welcome to this friendly group. All levels are welcome too, whether you are a novice with a needle or an expert seamstress. You can bring your own projects to work on, whilst socialising in our Café, with a cuppa and watch Mary demonstrate her free stitching skills. You can also have a go at free machine embroidery on our machines which will be set up for you to have a go or as many of our regular's do, you are welcome to bring in your own sewing machine. Mary Stokes is a local artist and textile worker. Her specialisation is free machine embroidery and she will happily give demonstrations throughout the session. She has been sewing since she was at school and would like to share her passion and enthusiasm for this wonderful textile art. She is inspired by nature, tree, the seas and skies and brings all these elements into her work. This is a drop in session open to all, with no need to book, so just pop by and say hello. Please note this is a free social event and not a taught class. Please note that we are now running this session on Thursdays (previously Wednesdays) on the 2nd and 4th Thursday in the month from 10am - 1pm in our downstairs function space.

  • Southern Maltings Acoustic Sessions

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    The ever-popular Southern Maltings Acoustic Sessions return for an evening of local talent.We are blessed with a community rich with amazing musical talent. Come along and support local musicians. There will be a variety of musical styles to suit everyone, from folk, country and Americana to blues and jazz.Our fabulous bar will be open too.Doors Open 7:30pm with music from 8pm.Tickets £5 per person.This month's acts are: Pop-up Acoustic A long-running group delivering melodic original pop with rich acoustic grooves. Their sound blends tight musicianship with catchy songwriting built over years of performing together. The Ancient Sound of Apathy An acoustic duo combining guitar and harp textures with original rock and selected covers. Their sound brings depth and contrast, shaped by decades of playing together. Abbie Gathard A Hertfordshire singer-songwriter creating honest pop with strong storytelling. Her music reflects personal experiences and growth, delivered with clarity and emotion. South of Polaris A duo blending folk storytelling with flamenco influence, driven by violin and Spanish guitar. Their sound moves between intimate moments and bold, expressive passages. Colin Frid A seasoned performer known for reworking classics alongside his own original material. He brings a confident stage presence and a distinctive take on every song he plays. Vince “Too Tall” Taylor A solo acoustic performer known for original songs with a sharp sense of humour. His sets mix strong songwriting with personality that connects quickly with the audience. The event is being held on the first floor of the Southern Maltings building. Please check with the event organisers if using stairs is problematic. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

  • Oil Pastel Spring Flowers with Kiki Wren Designs

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Join Local artist Keeda to draw oil pastel spring flowers.In this workshop, you’ll dive into the expressive world of oil pastels as we capture the bold colours of spring’s first blooms.We’ll experiment with professional techniques like blending, stippling, sgraffito and impasto, to capture the delicate tones and details of Tulips, Daffodils and Crocuses.To finish your masterpiece, you’ll follow a simple step-by-step guide to create a velvety, smooth background that makes your bright spring blooms truly pop.No experience is needed - just a willingness to get messy hands and enjoy the process of creating with oil pastels.This workshop has recently been run as part of our Easter Holiday workshops for older children and teens. We often have adults express an interest in our workshops for our younger audiences, and so Keeda has adapted this workshop to make it suitable for adults too, so they can join in all the floral fun with oil pastels!Keeda says “Nature plays a big part in my personal artwork and spring ignites a sense of renewed passion and inspiration. I absolutely love my garden and nothing brings me quite the same joy and sense of wonder, as watching all the beautiful flowers that I have planted, magically begin to awaken in spring.I wanted to bring a fresh and vibrant workshop to the Southern Maltings, after a very long and dark winter.And what better way to express the vibrancy of spring flowers, than using rich colourful oil pastels!Oil pastels allow for great artistic experimentation and expression, and In this workshop we will experience a multitude of techniques, to fully utilise this beautiful medium”.Keeda is a popular tutor to Southern Maltings, running some delightful workshops in 2025. She is also a local artist and sells her prints and original works in our new SMart Café, as well as on Etsy under her brand of Kiki Wren Designs.She says "I grew up in an exceptionally creative family. Full of architects, artists, landscape designers and art teachers, so naturally I have loved art and creating from a young age.I was always encouraged artistically as a child, which is where my passion for teaching art to children, in a fun and informative way, stems from. I have a foundation degree in Fine Art and have several years of experience working with children. Formerly an Art and design technician and teaching assistant, I now teach after school art clubs in a couple of the local schools. I have always had lists of my own ideas I've wanted to teach, so finally I decided to branch out and start teaching my own holiday art workshops, in the hope that my ideas will inspire the same passion I feel, with the children". This workshop is designed for adults and anyone over the age of 14+ and all materials will be provided. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm, and we'll take care of the rest!The workshop will run from 2pm - 4pm on Saturday 16th May and is costed at £25.The workshop will take place in our Downstairs Function Space with access via Kibes Lane Car Park.We have recently undergone and exciting development of our new SMart Cafe. Why not combine the workshop with a slice of cake and drink or lunch?Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

  • Eurovision 2026 Live

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Doors 7 pm. Show starts 8 pm. Join us for the ultimate Eurovision experience! IT'S BACK!£40 per table (up to 4 people per table)Join us at Southern Maltings for a dazzling night of music, mayhem and Eurovision magic as we stream the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final live on the big screen!Dress to impress, bring your friends, and soak up the atmosphere with glitter, glamour, and all the drama you’d expect from Europe’s biggest music party.There will be 37 tables (up to 4 people per table), all named after the semi finalist and finalist countries. We will randomly allocate a country to each table a month before the event. Will your table get to the final?!On your own? Email bookings@southernmaltings.co.uk to reserve your place. Compère Hosted by the fabulous Electric Blue, our dazzling drag queen compere bringing sparkle, sass, and non-stop Eurovision energy all night long! VIP area Each of the tables at Southern Maltings will be themed with a Eurovision country. Whilst that country is singing its song live, and the country is the same as your table, you’ll be entitled to use the VIP area! Dress up Feel free to dress up as a country or even past winners, like Bucks Fizz or Lordi. Bottle of Prosecco for the the best dressed! Bingo! Take part in our free Eurovision bingo – stamp your card for such things like a very revealing dress, smoke machine, lady in red, Greece/Cyprus give each other 12 points, someone in bare feet, Graham Norton comments on someone’s strange outfit. You get the drift. Sweepstake Players put £1 in the kitty before the countries are picked. Whoever has chosen the country that wins then wins a bottle of Prosecco. Snacks and drinks Indulge in themed snacks and drinks from our pop-up bar.NOTE: This year, you can bring your own snacks or takeaways. However, you are not permitted to bring your own drinks. The event is being held on the first floor of the Southern Maltings building. Please check with the event organisers if using stairs is problematic.Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998).All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

  • Tudor Square Monthly Farmers and Produce Market

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Working in partnership with Ware Town Council, we have been asked to take our fabulous Produce and Craft Markets outside to Tudor Square, providing a monthly market with a twist. The Tudor Square Markets will be on the 3rd Sunday of the Month. It will feature many of our regular stalls from our inside markets at Southern Maltings, together with some new stalls and street food too. Expect gorgeous locally made artisan food, drink and crafts from our best local makers and small independent producers and businesses, right on your doorstep in Ware. Please follow us on our social media platforms to find out more. Facebook X-twitter Instagram Tiktok Trader details will appear here soon. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community.

  • Weekly Life Drawing at the Southern Maltings

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Weekly Life Drawing at the Southern Maltings is a Class for all levels (from beginner to more advanced). Come along to our life drawing, creative pursuit classes where NO ONE is ‘doing it wrong’. This is for any ability artist or ‘would be artist’. You can be a seasoned painter, sketcher or never drawn a naked human before. NEVER think that you can't draw or sketch. You can learn how to enjoy this art form. Our classes provide informality, humour and conversation as we all work and encourage each other along. AND….. there’s a tea/coffee (and on occasion wine) break. We even partake in wide genre range of music to accompany our etchings! These classes will be run by the lovely Joanne K Hallam "WARE LIFE DRAWING". Joanne has exhibited locally for HERTS ART SOCIETY and private shows, also teaches SEN students. Dabbled in published poetry, acting, singing and radio. Joanne says "That’s creative folk!! Want a go at everything! I'm looking forward very much to making new acquaintances " Artists should bring their own materials. Any chosen 2d medium that you love to work with, such as charcoal, pencils, oil pastels, paints are fine. Mondays 7-9pm @ Southern Maltings on Kibes Lane in Ware. *Due to the nature of having to source models for these sessions we are asking people to commit to 4 sessions payable in advance. £60 for the 4 weeks (£15 per session). However, from after Half Term, for anyone who has not been to our Life Drawing Class before and would like to try before committing to the 4 week block, then we have a taster session ticket. For this ticket, basic materials will be provided and you can just turn up and draw. Sessions are: 18th May 25th May - No Class 1st June 8th June 15th June Please note: East Herts carpark on Kibes Lane have recently changed their charging structure and the car parks are now chargeable until 8pm. Southern Maltings is a beautiful historic building that volunteers are developing into an amazing not-for-profit arts and performance centre.

    Get Tickets £15.00 – £60.00
  • Djembe Drum Circle

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    If you are a regular African Djembe drum circle attendee or simply keen to try it out and explore the rhythms of West Africa, this session might be just up your street! Our drum circle is run by the fabulous Seneke Sillah from Mbilla Arts, who has over 20 years' experience leading African drumming workshops. ALL LEVELS WELCOME! Our drum circle sessions are always a lot of fun and provide a great opportunity to learn new things. We have a limited spaces, so purchase your tickets now! This workshop is in the Main Studio on the first floor of Southern Maltings, which has a lift for easy wheelchair access. £10 person (you need to have your own drum) or with drum hire £15 per person. Entrance to our building is through a metal gate at the far right hand end of Kibes Lane car park. Southern Maltings is the trading name of Ware Arts Centre Limited and is a registered charity (Registered charity no. 276998). All events are run by volunteers and proceeds go towards developing the Southern Maltings into an amazing creative arts centre which will enable us to put on a wider and more frequent range of events and activities for the whole community. *Tickets are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances.

    Get Tickets £10.00 – £15.00
  • Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

    Southern Maltings Kibes Lane, Ware, England, United Kingdom

    Doors 7.00pm, performance 7.30pm. How can one show possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear! The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse before it strikes again? Or are they barking up the wrong tree? Find out in this delightfully inventive show that will have you yelping with excitement and howling with laugher. Features live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it! A two-hour production of ingenuity, verve and wit celebrating the great detective’s adventures… But despite their cheekiness this remains a genuine homage to the stories… The company also has the best audience participation skills I have ever witnessed The Oxford Mail Tickets £15 adult £10 child in advance (£18/£12 on the door).

    Get Tickets £10.00 – £15.00