Former church transformed into arts & events space

A Grade II listed church has been transformed into an arts, culture and events space, nestled in the heart of Bacup.

Formerly St John The Evangelist Church, the iconic building, built in 1877 is now the home of The Circle, an exciting multi-use venue which is proving popular with locals and visitors from across the UK.

The Circle is a place where the community can meet to relax and enjoy breakfast, brunch, handmade artisan pizza, lunch, superfood latte’s, speciality coffees, daily desserts or even watch a film! Their diverse menu caters for all dietary requirements.

The venue is also a beautiful, inclusive, community event space that hosts a number of weekly events for all ages and genders. Frequented by musicians, comedians, artists, dancers, bargain hunters, moviegoers and even sportspeople – there really is something for everyone!

The Circle currently hosts beautiful wedding receptions and can provide a bespoke and memorable day to suit your budget. They are also in the process of applying to become a licensed wedding venue with Lancashire County Council and will then be able to host non-religious ceremonies within the stunning church setting and grounds.

The recent wedding fayre showcased The Circle as a fabulous wedding venue alongside fantastic local wedding suppliers and celebrants.

The project is the brainchild of valley resident and Church owner Fouad (Freddy) Khattab. He has brought together a team of like-minded people who live or work in the area in order to set up the new organisation and describes the church as:

"A building of great heritage, architecture and history, which I am honoured to have as my home. Since moving to Lancashire in 2015 I have been inspired by many stories from people who used to worship at St Johns. From this and the passion I have for the Church, I felt that it would be a rewarding and fantastic journey to once again open it up for the community and visitors to enjoy events and the wonderful new landscaped garden of the church, located in the heart of Bacup which I believe has a great future ahead."

The venue has created a buzz of excitement in the town and received glowing reviews on social media since it first opened its doors in May 2022.

Freddy commented: "I am so overwhelmed with all the positive comments and support. I was not expecting it to snowball like this and it makes me feel so proud and happy that the project is bringing people from all over the UK.

"If you haven’t already visited, you need to see the building in person. No matter how much I talk about it, you won’t believe how beautiful it is until you see it for yourself."

The Circle, St John the Evangelist, Fern Street, Bacup, OL13 8BD

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm

T: 07984 450 447 / E: info@thecirclebacup.co.uk