AN intimate venue has re-opened its doors following a major refurbishment - just in time for a resort’s famous arts festival.

The Aldeburgh Pumphouse has undergone a raft of improvements to its facilities.

The Park Road venue, which has been closed since November, now has toilets, a dressing room and a foyer.

Members from music group El Ultimo Tango, who are returning to the Pumphouse for a performance on Saturday, June 25, were on hand yesterday to celebrate the re-opening.

The venue has opened its doors just in time for the Aldeburgh Festival, which also started yesterday.

A number of performances are planned at the venue throughout the event.

The revamp is part of a �16m capital spending programme by Aldeburgh Music, which runs the festival from its headquarters at Snape Maltings.

A spokesman for Aldeburgh Music said: “The improvements are quite a step forward.

“We are now properly equipped and it allows us to have a permanent base in Aldeburgh, as well as a second home in Snape.”

The Pumphouse, a former sewage company building, originally opened as a festival venue in 2000.

It was bought by a neighbouring householder in 1993 and after they carried out some refurbishment work it was donated to Aldeburgh Music.

The Aldeburgh Festival, founded by Benjamin Britten, is now in its 64th year and runs until Sunday, June 26.

For programme details visit www.aldeburgh.co.uk.