Your reaction to the Acorn closure:

"The Acorn closing its doors is a sad day for Penzance and west Cornwall. Unfortunately it is reflection of the hard financial times we are living in.

I have many happy memories of the Acorn over the years and seeing some wonderful musicians and performers on stage - many have since become my friends. I was privileged to play at the Acorn in June for the first night of Golowan Festival sitting in on guitar with Gypsy Jazz group Djazz Celtica. It was a wonderful evening but I got the feeling everyone knew the writing was on the wall.

Let's hope someone will come along and re-open a venue that is a huge part of local culture."

Larry Douglas

"I just wanted to say the Acorn closing is a tragedy. I, like so many people, have great memories because of this place.

I have seen musicians, comedians and actors at the beginning of their journeys and well-known ones come to somewhere they realise is as magical for them as it is the rest of us. It is a loss for employment and as a tourist attraction.

What an absolute shame on the council etc for not continuing support."

Deb Davidson

"The best gig I have ever been to was The Magic Band at the Acorn in 2005, who reformed and toured without Captain Beefheart for the first time in twenty-odd years.

I was so overjoyed to hear such fantastic music again that I emailed the band who replied that it was the best gig of their European tour. Looking at their website a few months later, they said the same thing and said what a great theatre it was and how they loved the feel of Penzance.

Money doesn't buy that: the Acorn is loved because it is a real centre for the arts and the community. Mighty oaks from little acorns grow."

Steve Ryman

"The closure of the Acorn Arts Centre is a devastating loss to Penzance. To permanently lose this great cultural facility within the town would be huge blow for Penzance. While the Trust appreciates that the decision has been taken with enormous regret and has become unavoidable given the deep grant cuts faced by the charity who own the theatre, it will leave an enormous gap in local cultural provision. The Acorn is a unique venue in Penzance and is one of only a few traditional theatres remaining in Cornwall, with many others having been demolished or converted for more profitable uses over the years. Planning and Heritage Adviser Mark Price on behalf of The Theatres Trust

Like many people I've enjoyed some amazing evenings at the Acorn: off the top of my head, from Blowzabella in 1987 to Bragatanga for Golowan 2010 via Skolvan, Nos Lowen, Cyber Nos Lowen, Dalla CD launch party, Bagas Degol, Chris Wood/Andy Cutting, Any Old Time, Lost Your Tongue poetry festival, Anna Murphy.... I'm also lucky enough to have played and worked at the Acorn myself a few times over the years... I'll miss it.

Frances Bennett