In the run-up to Village Hall Week 2026, our Village Halls Advisor, Lisa Chambers, blogs about celebrating Cambridgeshire’s community buildings.

 

Village Halls Week is one of my favourite moments of the year because it gives us the chance to put a spotlight on something I care deeply about: the way village halls bring people together and support their health and wellbeing in so many different ways. From 16 to 22 March 2026, we’ll be joining the national ACRE Network campaign -which this year is focusing on the important role that village and community halls play in the health and wellbeing of their communities- and here in Cambridgeshire it feels especially relevant to the work I see every day.

Our halls, their volunteers and the community groups they host champion wellbeing not through one big initiative, but through thousands of small, everyday actions. It’s the coffee mornings, the art clubs, the fitness sessions, the toddler groups, the community hubs, the conversations in the kitchen while making tea. These small moments bring comfort, connection and a sense of belonging – and it’s a privilege for me to support the people who make them happen.

Why Village Halls Week matters

The national theme is an important reminder to policy makers and funders that village halls are not optional extras, they are essential community assets that hold communities together. They need long‑term investment, fair funding and practical, accessible guidance to stay open and safe.

Here in Cambridgeshire, I see every week how vital these buildings are. The wellbeing offer is huge: fitness classes, social clubs, peer support groups, community hubs, gardening groups, children’s activities and more. Raising the profile of village halls nationally helps strengthen the argument for sustained support, which is exactly what rural communities deserve.

Our focus in Cambridgeshire

Village Halls Week gives us the chance to celebrate the innovation, dedication and community spirit shown by our trustees and volunteers. They are at the heart of everything. Throughout the week, we’ll be showcasing their stories and shining a light on the many ways halls support health and wellbeing – whether that’s a quiet moment of connection at a coffee morning or life‑changing support through a community hub.

This year our programme aims to:

• give trustees practical tools and learning opportunities
• share local stories that show the real impact of our halls
• strengthen connections between halls across the county
• encourage more residents to volunteer and get involved
• promote healthy, inclusive, welcoming community buildings

One of the best ways to get involved is by joining us at our Annual Community Buildings Conference on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at Burgess Hall, St Ives.

The conference: the heart of Village Halls Week in Cambridgeshire

Our annual conference is always a highlight for me. It brings trustees, volunteers, partners and support organisations together for a day of learning and connection –  all tied closely to the national health and wellbeing theme, but grounded in the real challenges and opportunities facing Cambridgeshire’s halls.

This year’s event includes:

• speakers with real‑world experience of running community buildings
• workshops focused on volunteer support, inclusion and building resilience
• case studies from local halls
• a busy marketplace of national and local support organisations
• lots of opportunities for networking, sharing ideas and gathering practical tips

Every year, people leave feeling energised, reassured and more confident — and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve.

Be part of Village Halls Week

If you’d like to join in, there are great resources available on the ACRE website:

👉 https://acre.org.uk/village-halls-week-2026-connecting-communities-to-health-and-wellbeing/

And don’t forget to book your place at our conference:

👉 https://cambsacre.org.uk/community-buildings-2026/

Village Halls Week is ultimately a celebration of community and I’m proud to play a small part in supporting the people who keep these treasured spaces thriving.