MUSIC gigs could make a regular return to Winchester Guildhall, civic chiefs heard.

The idea is one of several being considered by Winchester City Council to increase the use of the venue in The Broadway.

It had a £3.3m refit last year and improvements included opening a new café in the former Saxon Suite.

But while it has more visitors than the guildhall’s former Courtyard Café, civic chiefs believe that it could do better.

The matter came before the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on Monday (October 17).

Cllr Lucille Thompson asked if the café – named Eighteen71 after the guildhall’s foundation date – had seen a recent drop in visitors.

Head of estates Kevin Warren said the venue suffered while the nearby Abbey Gardens were closed in June and July while new turf was laid.

Cllr Ian Tait asked if the council had thought about finding a private firm to run the café.

“I’ve got a feeling that Eighteen71 as a brand name doesn’t work,” he said.

Mr Warren said several things would boost the café including the Christmas charity card stall at the venue, which arrives next month (November).

He added that the café might receive extra visitors if music concerts were held at the guildhall.

He said former offices were being converted into changing rooms to make it easier to attract bands to Winchester.

The venue has hosted some ‘battle of the bands’ contests in the last five years and a handful of concerts, including a homecoming gig by Frank Turner.

However, it has not been a regular venue for touring bands in the UK for some time.

Mr Warren added that bookings at the guildhall for all events had increased since last year.