The Duke of Edinburgh visited two attractions in Cornwall on Friday to see their new developments.

Prince Edward was given a tour of the new Cornwall Playhouse auditorium at the Hall for Cornwall and attended the official opening of Kay’s Cyderhouse at Healeys in Penhallow.

His Royal Highness, who is Royal Patron of the Truro theatre, viewed the impressive new setup of the 1,300-seat theatre which has welcomed more than 400,000 audiences through the doors since reopening in 2021.

As well as meeting members from all corners of the theatre’s diverse 150-strong workforce, The Duke also enjoyed a specially-commissioned performance by young performers from Hall for Cornwall’s Get Creative programme and met with theatre sponsors DHL, who provide key investment to support the theatre’s mission to reach 10,000 young people each year. 

During the 90-minute visit, The Duke observed preparations for that evening’s performance, the smash hit dance show Emerald Storm, before visiting the new café, bar and workspaces. A Cornish lunch was provided, hosted by Hall for Cornwall Chair Lord John Hutton, Cherilyn MacCrory MP and representatives from Cornwall Council, Truro City Council, LEP, Arts Council England and the theatre’s headline sponsors DHL.

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - September 15th 2023 : Visit to the HFC by Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Patron to Hall for Cornwall. Photographed by HFC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.
Prince Edward during his visit to the Hall for Cornwall (Hugh Hastings / Hall For Cornwall 2023)

The Duke of Edinburgh also visited award-winning Cornish Cyder producer and visitor attraction, Healeys.

The visit marked the official opening of Kay’s Cyderhouse, a transformational investment by the business into its production infrastructure and onsite visitor experience.   

As part of the £5m investment, the business has doubled its processing capacity, with the introduction of new apple bays, an innovative water transportation system, and an additional press. This new infrastructure also ensures a higher quality of juice thanks to less bruising and better cleaning of the apples.

The Duke of Edinburgh was invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening and was presented with a bottle of 18-year-old Healeys Cornish Cyder Brandy, which was distilled when the Duke last visited the farm.

Read more about Prince Edward's visit in this Wednesday's Voice Newspaper.