It was built as a fishermen's mission in 1899, was a naval base during the Second World War and is now Britain’s most easterly theatre.

And as part of Lowestoft's award-winning Heritage Open Days Festival that returns this month, the Players Theatre will open its doors to the public this month.

Lowestoft Journal: The Players Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft PlayersThe Players Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Players (Image: Archant)

With dozens of events and activities being held as part of the hugely popular celebration of the town’s heritage, this year's festival opens on Friday, September 8.

Ahead of the 125th anniversary next year of the historic Bethel, people will be able to tour this iconic building which the Lowestoft Players - an award winning community theatre group and registered charity - have owned and sympathetically transformed into the Players Theatre since 2008.

Lowestoft Journal: Vintage vehicles parked outside The Bethel. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft PlayersVintage vehicles parked outside The Bethel. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Players (Image: Courtesy of Lowestoft Players)

Situated on Battery Green Road in Lowestoft, the Players Theatre provides a welcoming and intimate atmosphere for an audience of 200 in the main auditorium, with a rehearsal space and bar.

As well as its modern use the building still retains memorial plaques and many original features.

Lowestoft Journal: The Poor Children’s Tea, 1931 at The Bethel. Over 400 children from The Beach Village enjoying their treat. Credit: Courtesy of the Lowestoft PlayersThe Poor Children’s Tea, 1931 at The Bethel. Over 400 children from The Beach Village enjoying their treat. Credit: Courtesy of the Lowestoft Players (Image: Courtesy of the Lowestoft Players)

People will be able to find out more about the Lowestoft Players’ vision to preserve the building and their plans to develop it even further.

Visit the Players Theatre for free on Saturday, September 16 between 10am and 4pm.

For a small donation towards the further development of the theatre, light refreshments will be served at the front of the auditorium.

Martin Wilson - who is responsible for maintenance and development of the theatre - said: "We were very much looking forward to hosting this event in 2022, but it was cancelled at the last minute following the very sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away.

"It’s a real honour to be part of the team who are responsible for the upkeep of this iconic building and its future development.

"I’m very much looking forward to our Open Heritage Day on September 16.

"I hope that many will visit to share their own stories of the building with us."