Update on Stag petition: Sevenoaks Town Council launches fundraiser to purchase freehold of The Stag
Sevenoaks Town Council have voted to acquire the freehold of The Stag Theatre and Cinema, as a prudent means of securing this important community asset for current and future generations.
To make the purchase possible, the Town Council is seeking to raise £100,000 in community donations towards the cost, and is calling on residents, businesses and Stag supporters to contribute to help safeguard the venue’s future.
Sevenoaks Town Council is asking anyone interested in pledging a community donation to support the freehold purchase of The Stag to complete the pledge form, available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/stagfreeholdpledge and at the Sevenoaks Town Council office, by 1 October 2026.
Community donations are an essential part of making the freehold purchase possible. Every donation will help protect The Stag as an important cultural asset in Sevenoaks and ensure it remains a thriving community venue for generations to come.
Leader of Sevenoaks Town Council, Cllr Claire Shea, commented, “The Town Council remains firmly of the view that the public should not be charged for the transfer of a public asset between local authorities, and we know that there is no requirement for there to be any charge. But, whilst Sevenoaks District Council insists that it will charge a commercial price, we must now act prudently and consider the long-term interests of the town. Securing the freehold should protect the Stag, support future investment and give this valued venue greater certainty for generations to come.”
Chief Executive of The Stag, Tony McEwen, said, “I am overjoyed at the Town Council’s decision to proceed with the purchase of the freehold. We cannot view this victory in a vacuum, of course, as the path ahead will be difficult. I have confidence in the people of the Sevenoaks community and beyond that we can all come together for the upcoming fundraising effort to be able to secure the Stag Theatre for future generations.”
To read Sevenoaks Town Council’s full press release, visit www.sevenoakstown.gov.uk/stag-freehold-fundraiser-launches
If anyone would like more information about the Town Council’s fundraising appeal, please contact Sevenoaks Town Council at council@sevenoakstown.gov.uk