The foundation stone for the building which now houses this venue is recorded as being laid by Prince Christian in August 1905. Originally a complex, civic building housing Windsor’s police station, magistrates’ court and fire station, construction was completed in 1907 with the combined facility remaining in operation until 1966. The building lay empty for several years once decommissioned (making it the perfect place to film a few episodes of the crime-action-drama ‘The Professionals’).

The Old Court then became the home of Windsor Community Arts Centre (WAC) in 1981, following five years’ campaigning. Diverse local groups – Windsor Folk Club, Windsor Fringe, Windsor Theatre Guild, amongst others – and many individuals joined forces to achieve this goal. They built a wide membership, lobbied the council and won Arts Council support, all whilst producing an innovative arts magazine and running a programme of events in every conceivable venue in the town.

Finally, an innovative deal was accomplished between WAC, the Council and Speyhawk property company. WAC hosted an extensive range of the arts – from exhibitions to community plays, from classical concerts to Rock Nights – promoting local talent and enthusiasms as well as bringing big names to Windsor like George Melly, Alan Price, Sidney Nolan, Roger McGough, Wendy Cope, Lenny Henry, Yevtushenko and Allen Ginsberg.

WAC’s success was due to its belief in arts in the community and involvement of volunteers in all areas of the organisation. A financial crisis closed it in 2007 but popular pressure demanded its revival, and in 2008 the Council awarded the franchise to Firestation Arts.

In 2017 the franchise was awarded to Martin Denny Management Ltd who now run The Old Court, returning to the original name, and continue to provide Windsor with a community arts centre.

The Festival holds many events at The Old Court which has become home to the Literary Series within the programme.