St George’s Hall, one of Liverpool’s iconic buildings, is to host a series of special events to celebrate its 170thanniversary this summer.Â
The Grade I listed building, which has served as the stage for numerous significant events in the city, will be hosting a series of cultural events that echo the most famed eras of the past two centuries under the banner “It’s Yours!”
‘SGH170’ brings together the old and new, blending the rich heritage of one of the city’s cultural crown jewels with an exciting programme of music, comedy and more including new commissions and performances in new spaces.
Key events include:
EONARIUM Enlightenment: The Great Hall, 6th July – 29th September
Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 3pm – 8.30pm. Sundays 10am – 3.30pm.
Explore the four seasons through a breathtaking visual and auditory experience, and immerse yourself in a unique perspective of spring, summer, autumn and winter. During this 30-minute spectacle, let yourself be enchanted by the iconic melodies of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” accompanied by spectacular visuals.
The Jacaranda’s Rock N’ Roll Circus: The Concert Room,Thursday 1st August
The Jacaranda’s Rock N Roll Circus is a band of local musicians, with guests from many local bands, who play music mainly from the 60s ‘Rock N Roll Era’ every Saturday night in the Jac basement. This August, the Rock N’ Roll Circus will roll into St George’s Hall to celebrate the 170th anniversary with Paul Nazole, Bobby West, Rob Johnson, John Ellwand, Nick East plus very special guests.
Comedy in the Concert Room: The Concert Room, Friday 2nd August
Join us for an evening of laughter in the iconic concert room of St George’s Hall as we celebrate the venues 170th anniversary! Featuring Liverpool’s own Adam Rowe plus Live at the Apollo favourites Josh Pugh and Laura Lexx and hosted by award-winnning comedian Sam Avery.
The Narrative: The Concert Room, Tuesday 6th August
The Narrative is a songwriter showcase and networking event featuring 3 incredible songwriters telling the stories behind their songs and performing ‘in the round’. This August, the spotlight will be on local musicians, ZUZU, KOF and MT Jones.
The Wombat Jazz Festival: The Concert Room, Sunday 1st September
The Wombat Jazz Festival, the first of its kind in Liverpool, brings together a selection of the best jazz in the city and will debut at the iconic St George’s Hall. The all-day event will see performances from Andrew Ibi, David Kayode, plus a headline set from The Grapes Band with Ni Maxine. More local legends to be announced.
DID YOU KNOW?
St George Hall was opened in 1854, after 16 years of construction. Its design was a result of two sperate competitions to create a court and concert space. The winning architect, Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, was aged just 25 years old.
Charles Dickens performed on several occasions in the Hall, giving readings of A Christmas Carol. The venue also recently witnessed popstar Will I Am give an impromptu performance on its Henry Willis Organ.
The building has been at the city’s civic heart hosting victory parades for the city’s two football clubs, acting as the vigil site in the wake of John Lennon’s murder and for the Hillsborough Inquest announcement in 2016.
St George’s Hall has also provided a stunning platform for celebrations such as the opening night of the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008 and for the launch of Eurovision last May, as well as Hollywood blockbuster films like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Batman.
Reopened on St George’s Day in 2007 by the then Prince Charles, after a £23m makeover, the neo-classical building is now a key events space and regularly hosts weddings.
Claire Dove CBE DL, Chair of St George’s Hall Charitable Trust said:
“This outstanding Hall is ours, it is the beating heart of Liverpool. St George’s Hall Charitable Trust exists to make sure that this incredible jewel in our City’s crown will always be preserved for our future generations. It is wonderful to see this vibrant programme welcome new voices and sounds in this magnificent place to usher in the next 170 years.”
Ticket for all shows go on sale on Friday 21st June at 9am and people can book online here.
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