Visitors to Hitchin town centre may have been intrigued by what was going on behind closed doors at the site of the former Poundland on the High Street - on Thursday all was finally revealed.

As you can see by our gallery, the space is host to a brilliant creative community concept, called The Shooting Gallery, in proud association with Hitchin Creative. 

The Shooting Gallery has been organised by local artists Phil Bruce, Josh Levitas, and Ryan Moore, and is bursting with outstanding local creative talent including Sarah Graham, while Mr Meana was in attendance, among a plethora of other hugely renowned Hitchin and North Herts artists. The space is now open to the public with the pop-up event running until Monday, September 24.

Thursday's opening night provided people a chance to meet the artists behind the exciting concept along with a live DJ and drinks.

The opening night was extremely busy from 6pm till late into the night with creatives able to catch up, swap stories and enjoy the new community space. Many pieces were sold on the night but there is still plenty left for people to purchase over the next few days. 

Danny Pearson, local children's book author and Beano writer, said about the opening night, "The Shooting Gallery, Hitchin - Wow! That's how you do an opening night!

"So much love for the team behind The Shooting Gallery and all the creatives involved. We're so lucky to have such a fantastic beast living and breathing in the heart of our town. 

"The question on everyone's lips was why has Hitchin not had a dedicated space for creatives before? There is a hunger for more and people were already insisting on 'Shooting gallery Part II'. More of the same... please."

Hitchin's Shooting Gallery opening night is big hit. CREDITS: Lucid Dream

The Shooting Gallery

Organisers say the shooting gallery revolves around the 'concept of opportunity.'

With the support of Hitchin Creative, artists seized the chance to utilize a vast space located directly on the High Street.

To fully maximize this space, the opportunity was extended to a multitude of community creatives, inviting them to exhibit and contribute to the creation of something extraordinary. 

The ultimate outcome is an unparalleled art event of grand proportions, featuring renowned artists alongside talented individuals who are experiencing their first opportunity to showcase their work.

One of the main artists on display in the pop-up gallery, Phil Bruce, said: "We have done smaller shows before in different spaces, but this is by far the biggest we've put together, and we're so grateful of all the help and support the local community has offered us so far.

"It's been a long journey to get to this point and put something on for our fellow artists."

So, will this be the first of many exhibitions for our town? asks Danny. We hope so, he says. Do go in and check out this fantastic one-of-a-kind art exhibition in the heart of Hitchin. 

See Hitchin Nub News for more on this exciting event in our town

Hitchin's Shooting Gallery opening night is big hit. CREDIT: Lucid Dream