The Westben Campus!
THE BARN
The Barn seats 400 and combines state-of-the-art acoustics with a rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. On sunny days from June to September massive walls and doors roll away allowing music to waft over the surrounding meadow. *
WILLOW HILL
The Willow Hill Amphitheatre is a natural amphitheater by the willow tree and pond, just north of The Barn. Bring your own lawn chair and picnic or order a Westben picnic to enjoy on this grassy, natural amphitheater.
THE CAMPFIRE
The Campfire is an intimate experience for 50 with a Westben performing artist. There will be s’mores, beverages, and time to chat with the artist. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the sunset evening of music in the outdoors.
THE SCHOOLHOUSE
The Schoolhouse was purchased by Westben in 2020 to become our new hub for all things administrative and educational. Meeting many of our immediate needs, we hope that West Schoolhouse will also accommodate and inspire many year-round programs such as Chalk Talks, House Concerts, and eventually, an untold number of services and programs including residencies, performances, life-long learning, and more!
THE DIGITAL VENUE
In the physical distancing restrictions of COVID-19, Westben decided to create a new venue that draws it's inspiration from the Westben grounds. But instead of trying to replicate the in person concert experience, this venue offers a whole other place for playing with the musical experience from wherever you may be…
You will find Digital Concerts, the work of the Performer-Composer Residency, food videos from chefs in the local Trent Hills area, and a few other surprises!!
MARY WEST NATURE RESERVE
Located right across the road from Westben is the Mary West Nature Reserve (38 hectares/95 acres)—home to towering white pines, spring peepers, a beautiful river, and the at-risk eastern wood pewee.
Donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) through the estate of Mary West in 1991 – a descendant of the Wests who originally owned the farm at Westben — the property protects wetlands and forests in the Trout Creek and Trent River watersheds.
* With thanks to Federal Economic Development Ontario funding in 2022, we were able to upgrade The Barn with new seating, as well as a state-of-the-art projector and screen.
