The Criterion Blue Town, The Criterion Music Hall and Community Cinema and Blue Town Heritage Centre, 69 High Street, Blue Town, Sheerness, Kent ME12 1RW

Details

Accessibility

Brief description

https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/tours-activities/heritage-centre-admission/  + https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/ "THE CRITERION BLUETOWN Community Cinema Every Friday. CINEMA, MUSIC HALL & MORE.  We welcome you all, young and old, to our little gem hidden in Blue Town, Sheerness. We are a community cinema, music hall, museum and show destination right here on the Isle of Sheppey. If you’re looking for a day/night out, then look no further.

The Criterion Bluetown encompasses Bluetown Heritage Centre, Criterion Music Hall and Criterion Community Cinema. It is entirely run by volunteers. The centre has a number of displays showing the vast historical significance of the area. We have connections to the Aviation museum at Eastchurch, the birthplace of Aviation.

The Criterion Music Hall and Community Cinema and have a vast array of shows and events to suit all tastes. We are open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/tours-activities/heritage-centre-admission/

"The present Heritage Centre is on the site of two earlier establishments. Originally the “New Inn,” in 1868 the site became “The Royal Oxford Music Hall”. The following year, the building became The Criterion public house, with a music hall called “The Palace of Varieties” situated immediately to its rear.

This offered “rational amusement for all classes” including, in April 1876, a one-armed juggler! In 1879, the earlier building was replaced with a brick one.

The above paragraph is just a sample of the history the Blue Town Heritage Centre and The Criterion Music Hall have waiting for you to discover for just £2.50 entry. Indeed, there is so much waiting for you to discover that you’re sure to be surprised.

The heritage centre itself is jam-packed with items, memorabilia and artifacts. Once you have absorbed all of the amazing feats of history our island was responsible for, why not relax in our comfortable cafe and enjoy our famous cream teas?

The main space in the centre and our pride and joy is The Criterion Music Hall. After being damaged and falling into disrepair following a German bombing raid in WWI, the room has been lovingly restored over the past few years to its newfound glory and continues its main purpose of entertaining the public once again." "https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/tours-activities/heritage-centre-admission/  criterionbluetown@outlook.com tel:01795 662981 We are open from Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and for events; Heritage Centre – Free Admission (Donations) Booking not necessary; Full-Day Tour of Sheppey (Coaches Only); Exclusive Use Packages. Parking is free and close to the venue. The centre is proud to be a part of the Wheels of Time scheme, where children can collect a badge from 40 museums across Kent. We are also members of the Historic Swale. To find out more, ask any of our volunteers."

Address

The Criterion Blue Town, 69 High Street, Blue Town, Sheerness, Kent ME12 1RW

Email

criterionbluetown@outlook.com 

criteriontheatre@outlook.com

Phone

01795 662981 "2025: We are open from Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and for events."

Website

https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/

https://www.visit-swale.co.uk/attractions/the-criterion-blue-town-2643/

https://www.visit-swale.co.uk/attractions/blue-town-heritage-centre-1883/

https://whichmuseum.co.uk/museum/criterion-blue-town-heritage-centre-sheerness-2825

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1076985-d3514291-Reviews-Blue_Town_Heritage_Centre-Sheerness_Isle_of_Sheppey_Kent_England.html

Directions

At the northern end of the High Street. Parking is free and close to the venue.

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

2025: "We are open from Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and for events"

Transport

For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info

Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)

Amenities

https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/tea-room/

"Enhance your visit by having a cream tea or light snack in our cosy tea room. We have a selection of cakes, sausage rolls and pasties.

The Tea room is open from 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday  & Saturdays 10am to 1pm, also for events. We cater for groups but please give us a ring so that we are ready for you.

We are Dog Friendly so bring along your pooches for a puppuccino."

https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/hall-hire/

"We host many events in this authentic music hall that seats a maximum of 90 people. We have a stage, bar and refreshment facilities, a cinema and private toilets.

We host many family reunions, corporate presentations, cinema showings for groups. This room is on the ground floor and is ideal for those with disabilities as the furniture can be moved to suit your needs.

Hourly rate is £50 and any extra hours will be charged at this rate. Community discounts are available. Ask for details.

Please allow time for setting up and clearing when booking."

+ https://www.thecriterionbluetown.co.uk/tours-activities/