Village Halls Week 2026: A Call for Scotland’s Community Hubs to Join the Celebration

Village Halls Week 2026 is set to shine a national spotlight on the vital role community buildings play in rural life, and Scottish village halls are being warmly encouraged to take part in this major celebration.

Village Halls Week 2026 will take place from 16 to 22 March 2026, and this year’s campaign places a strong emphasis on the essential role community buildings play in supporting health and wellbeing across rural areas. Organised by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and supported in Scotland by Scottish Rural Action (SRA), the week-long celebration invites village halls across the country to showcase their contribution to community life.

The theme for 2026, “Connecting Communities to Health and Wellbeing,” highlights the many ways village halls act as anchors for local resilience. From fitness classes and social groups to mental health support, warm spaces, and cultural activities, these buildings provide vital services that help reduce isolation and strengthen community ties. ACRE notes that more than 10,000 village halls across the UK play a central role in improving quality of life for rural residents, and Scottish halls are a key part of that story.

This follows the success of the 2025 event that focused on “Thriving Village Halls: Inspiring Income Ideas” that shone  a light on how rural community spaces can thrive financially while delivering meaningful social and economic benefits.

Encouraging Participation Across Scotland

SRA is encouraging village hall committees, volunteers, and community organisations throughout Scotland to take part in the national campaign. SRA emphasises that Scottish halls have a unique opportunity to highlight their impact, share their stories, and connect with a wider network of rural community buildings across the UK.

Participating halls can register to receive a free resource pack, including posters, bunting, badges, and digital materials, made possible through sponsorship from Utility Aid. These resources are designed to help halls promote their activities, celebrate their volunteers, and engage local residents.

Why Village Halls Should Get Involved

Village Halls Week offers several benefits for Scottish community buildings:

• It provides a platform to demonstrate how halls support local health and wellbeing.
• It raises awareness of the hall’s value among residents, partners, and potential funders.
• It helps attract new users, volunteers, and community groups.
• It encourages halls to share their achievements and inspire others.
• It strengthens connections between halls across Scotland and the wider UK.

By taking part, halls can highlight the essential role they play in sustaining rural life, particularly at a time when community cohesion and access to local services are more important than ever.

How to Participate

Scottish halls can get involved in a variety of ways:

• Register online to receive campaign updates and promotional materials.
• Host an open day, exhibition, or community event during the week.
• Share stories, photographs, and local initiatives on social media using #VillageHallsWeek2026.
• Partner with local health organisations, schools, or community groups to showcase wellbeing-focused activities.
• Celebrate volunteers and acknowledge their contribution to the hall’s success.

A Celebration of Rural Strength and Community Spirit

Village Halls Week 2026 is designed to shine a light on the people and places that keep rural communities connected. By joining the campaign, Scottish village halls can amplify their voice, celebrate their achievements, and demonstrate the vital role they play in supporting healthier, more resilient communities.

With preparations already underway, now is the ideal time for Scottish hall committees to register, gather their volunteers, and begin planning how they will mark this national celebration. Village Halls Week 2026 promises to be an inspiring showcase of community spirit, and Scotland’s halls are warmly invited to be part of it.

If your group would like to participate, please register your interest to receive the free campaign merchandise.

Let’s come together to recognise the resilience, dedication, and passion of our village hall volunteers!