Today (3 November 2016) we launch our new website. Incorporating improvements to navigation and content. It’s easier to use and takes advantage of the latest technology. But it’s not perfect. Yet.




The site is in ‘Beta’ stage, which means we are live testing it, making sure it works well and fixing any bugs. But we need your feedback too! Tell us what you think of the changes we’ve made so far.

Why we’ve changed

Last year we celebrated our 80th anniversary and launched a new brand identity designed to re-connect the Pavilion with its roots as a pioneering modern building and a truly democratic space for people to enjoy the arts, culture and entertainment.

Part of that change has been to revisit all our communications to make sure we speak to our audiences, members and visitors in a way that is right for now. Our most important communication channel is our website. We want it to express our pioneering spirit as well as tell you what’s on and enable you to book tickets for events easily. Because of the changing funding landscape we also need to promote our new fundraising programme and our commercial enterprises.

Since we first introduced the current website online technology has moved on by leaps and bounds. We need to keep up, or better still, be ahead of the game. So, we’ve designed the new site to operate seamlessly across laptop, tablet and mobile formats. What’s more, it introduces a totally new ticketing and database system to streamline the booking process.

 

What we’ve changed

We have added a ‘Whats On’ tab so that you can go straight to what you want to find out and then directly to book.

We have added our opening times (a frequently asked question) and an indication of the weather so that you can plan your visit to the seaside.

We still wanted to highlight our key exhibitions and events but have also added easy to click buttons as gateways to other information that will help you plan your visit.

We are keen for all our visitors – online and offline – to become part of our story so we have created a button for you to join us as Member in one easy step. Take a look to what we have to offer.

The menu at the top right of our home page will take you to a drop-down menu where you will be able to see so much more of what we do. Just click to explore!

In the top right hand corner you will also see a log-in. Our new ticketing system will ask you to log-in the first time you book a ticket and will either create a new record for you or update your existing record on our database. This will help streamline your future bookings but will also allow us to get to know you a bit more and – in time – communicate with you more efficiently.

Further down the page you will see links to our social media channels – join in the conversation!

Our new site is linked to our new ticketing and database system, powered by Spektrix. Their state of the art system will give our audiences a more streamlined, mobile and easier way of booking and accessing tickets.

 

Work in progress

We know the job’s not yet done. For example, we’ve still to update the Archive section – that’s over 15,000 events from the last 12 years. But we would like to hear what you think of the changes we have made, so that we can continue to improve the website. We want it to be the best it can be, and that’s why we need your comments. Please use the feedback form below. Thanks.