A NEW gallery, extra seating and rehearsal space will be unveiled at the re-opening of a theatre and arts centre after a major refit.

An indoor fireworks display and live music will help mark the transformation of the Hazlitt and the Exchange into the Hazlitt Arts Centre, Earl Street, Maidstone.

The centre, to be unveiled on Saturday, will offer four flexible venues for the arts.

They include a 350-seat theatre for traditional productions; a new 150 seater Exchange Studio for experimental pieces, music and comedy; a Fourth Wall rehearsal space and a new Graham Clarke Gallery for local artists.

There will also be a cafe, bar and lounge area, plus a new entrance and box office in Rose Yard.

The official re-opening ceremony will be carried out by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Ash, followed by musical performances from Perfect Pitch, the Graham Clarke Youth Orchestra, the Hazlitt Youth Theatre and Grant Olding in the Exchange Studio.

For details visit www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01622 758611.