THE Citadel will close its doors after more than 30 years this Sunday following a farewell gig from the town’s own Johnny Vegas...but before that happens we wanted to look back at the venue that has been an integral part of St Helens’ arts scene.

The Waterloo Street venue was once the town’s original Theatre Royal, before becoming a Salvation Army meeting place for nearly a century. However it opened in its current form in 1988 and has welcomed hundreds of acts and kick started the career of Thatto Heath actor, comedian and director Johnny Vegas.

Chief Executive Fay Lamb said: “On June 30 the Citadel Arts Centre will close the doors to the venue for the final time which is an incredibly sad loss for the town. The Citadel charity however is moving into an exciting new phase of development and will continue as the newly named ‘Citadel Arts’ a children and families agency operating exclusively in the public realm. This means that from July onwards Citadel Arts will be presenting a programme of performances for children and family audiences in the public realm, we will be popping up in unexpected and non-traditional arts spaces across St Helens Town Centre including empty shops, in the street, the market and others.

“We will continue our weekly workshops for disadvantaged young people, disabled, vulnerable and elderly people with the St Helens Youth Theatre and Citi-Dis-Arts. All of which improve the wellbeing of some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the borough.”

n For more go to citadel.org.uk.