Local CIC Music Box Wealden (MBW) is celebrating a major cultural milestone as it hosts its 50th live concert, Baroque Alchemy. The achievement marks three successful years of bringing high-quality classical performance directly to rural communities across East Sussex.
Since its incorporation in February 2022, MBW has built a sustainable local music ecosystem by moving performances out of distant concert halls and into intimate “doorstep” venues—including Windmill Hill Windmill, Michelham Priory, Pevensey Castle, village halls, churches and local pubs. To date, MBW has filled over 3,000 seats and provided paid performance opportunities for over 100 local professional and emerging musicians.
Reflecting on the milestone, the team at Music Box Wealden stated:
“Music Box Wealden celebrates its 50th concert today! A huge thank you to our loyal audiences, who have tirelessly supported local musicians and local venues over the last three years and proved without a doubt that there’s genuine enthusiasm for home-grown music. We’re looking forward to the next 50 concerts!”
MBW’s innovative approach centres around a subscription model, allowing local residents to pay a monthly fee, currently just £8, for unlimited access to concerts (£14 for joint membership). This provides MBW with predictable revenue to guarantee realistic fees for freelance artists while keeping attendance affordable. To foster the next generation of music lovers, all concerts are completely free for under-18s. By focusing on local performers and spaces, MBW also drastically cuts “culture miles,” reducing the carbon footprint of live music while supporting the local circular economy.
Following this 50th concert milestone, MBW is preparing a vibrant autumn and winter lineup, including a family-friendly Winnie-the-Pooh concert and a festive Christmas Concert (full details and tickets can be found on the Music Box Wealden website).
Looking ahead, MBW plans to expand its community outreach further by bringing interactive concerts and workshops directly into local schools, colleges, and care homes across the Wealden area.
1. Baroque Alchemy at Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham BN27 3QS
3rd October at 5pm, tickets from https://musicboxwealden.co.uk/concert/c052-baroque-alchemy/
2. About Music Box Wealden CIC: Founded in 2022 by local international pianist William Hancox, Music Box Wealden is a social enterprise and Community Interest Company limited by guarantee. It exists to enrich rural community life and support local artists.
3. Website: www.musicboxwealden.co.uk