Excitement is mounting in Tunbridge Wells as the long-awaited Amelia Scott cultural centre is set to open today. The new centre will be home to a range of arts, heritage, culture and well-being services for the community to enjoy. Throughout the bank holiday weekend, the inaugural Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival will create a real buzz throughout the town to help celebrate.    

What is The Amelia Scott?

Named after Amelia Scott, a social reformer and campaigner for women’s suffrage, the £20.6 million building houses both The Amelia services and Kent Adult Education services, offering a unique and innovative experience for its visitors.

Situated in the former museum and library at the top of the town, this redevelopment has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, The Garfield Weston Foundation and South East Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as Kent County Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The Amelia Scott offers visitors the chance to explore temporary exhibitions, discover the history of Tunbridge Wells, access library services and feed their creativity through various arts experiences. You can take a look at what’s on here.

The History behind The Amelia Scott

Amelia Scott, also known as Millie, was a social reformer and campaigner for women’s suffrage in Tunbridge Wells. Much of her social activism focused on the needs of young working class women and mothers. In 1919, Amelia Scott and Susan Power became the first women elected to the Borough Council of Tunbridge Wells. Amelia campaigned for the recruitment of female police officers and for better housing, while also appealing for the provision of services such as a museum and library.

The first Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

The Tunbridge Wells Literacy Festival, created to commemorate the opening of The Amelia Scott, is set to bring together some of the nation's most well-known authors, as well as some exciting new voices and some of the best children's literature. David Baddiel and Jo Brand are set to headline, so expect to see some familiar faces!

Taking place across the full bank holiday weekend, Friday 29 April to Monday 2 May, the festival will happen in various Tunbridge Wells locations, including The Amelia Scott, Assembly Hall Theatre, The Forum, The Trinity and The Tunbridge Wells Hotel.

We are grateful to be a part of such a lively and engaged community here in Tunbridge Wells, and we can’t wait to visit The Amelia Scott and experience everything it has to offer.