NOSTALGIC memories of bygone days are being sought to celebrate the Regent Centre’s 30th anniversary.

The arts centre, theatre and cinema in the heart of historic Christchurch has launched its celebrations early, calling on local residents and former performers and visitors to share their happy memories of the centre, which was bought by the council in 1982.

All the recollections will then be compiled into a memory book and memory blog to celebrate during the weekend of June 14 to 16.

Co-ordinating the Regent Centre’s anniversary festivities are artists Lorna Rees and Sarah Leithead from Gobbledogook Theatre.

Theatre star, Lorna, who grew up in Christchurch and took her first leading role in a Regent Centre production said: “I did drama club and things at the Regent, so it’s where my career began.

“Christchurch is so lucky to have this building in the heart of the community.”

As well as the book and blog, Lorna and Sarah will be running a special project to create memory bunting to decorate the Regent for its big birthday weekend.

Anyone can get involved, from making their own bunting from the special template provided or by putting their palm print on a bunting triangle.

The celebration weekend, which will include recorded National Theatre showings of The Audience with Helen Mirren, guided tours, a tea party and the film Noises Off, will culminate in An Evening with Aled Jones on Sunday, June 16. Last year the centre sold 110,000 tickets – 20,000 more than the previous year.