St. George's Hall

**Kev** · 04-05-2007

^^Thanks Ged^^

**Kev** · 04-07-2007

Today, looking nice and clean.......

**Kev** · 04-10-2007

PRINCE Charles will officially reopen St George’s Hall it was announced today.

He will also give a guest lecture and receive an honorary degree from John Moores University during his visit to Liverpool on April 23 - St George’s Day.

The heir to the throne will meet representatives from different community organisations and faith groups before watching a special performance by schoolchildren at Toxteth Town Hall.

He will also attend a special civic Thanksgiving Service at Liverpool Cathedral to mark the city’s 800th birthday.

Lord Mayor Joan Lang said today: “We’re delighted to welcome Prince Charles on St George’s Day for what is one of the highlights of our 800th birthday celebrations. continues....

Gnomie · 04-10-2007

Im away...bloomin eck

will it open any other time this year?

**billo** · 04-10-2007

Our 'in house' magazine said that lots of church and city bells(including the uni's Victoria Building's bells) will ring out on that day to mark the opening of the hall.

**phredd** · 04-11-2007

and if you can - Fly The Flag
at home. I will.

**Kev** · 04-14-2007

WORK is under way to ensure the rarely-seen mosaic floor of St George’s Hall is fit for a future king. more

**snappel** · 04-17-2007

From Kev's link above...

DON’T MISS THE DAILY POST’S SPECIAL PULL-OUT SUPPLEMENT TO CELEBRATE THE ST GEORGE’S HALL RESTORATION ON TUESDAY.

Worth looking out for. Interesting photos and history in the 8-page special.

**Ged** · 04-17-2007

Cheers Kev and Snappel, i'll get that.

**Kev** · 04-21-2007

FINAL preparations were under way last night for a spectacular week of celebrations to mark the completion of St George’s Hall’s £23m refurbishment. more

**matt** · 04-30-2007

On Saturday I got a text from Kev saying that they had just been waving at us in our Mini as we were driving behind them....sorry, Kev mate, we were in St George's Hall! Taxi for Keegan etc LOL!!

I would really recommend a visit. it's an amazing building both inside and out and those involved must really be commended on the fantastic renovation work carried out. The best part is that it's FREE!!

All they need to do now is get rid of the goths from St John's Gardens and we're laughing!!

The grand re-opening of one of Europe's finest civic buildings will be marked by the UK's largest, outdoor sound and light show this year.
Liverpool will celebrate the £23m restoration of its neo-classical masterpiece - St George's Hall - by hosting twice-nightly Son et Lumiere displays recounting the city's past 800 years.
Devised by the Liverpool Culture Company and Ross Ashton, who lit up Buckingham Palace for the Queen's 80th birthday, the 30-minute showcase will project on to the rear of the Grade I-listed building. Audiences can see it from a special 500-seater, tiered grandstand in St John's Gardens.
After a massive, five-year makeover to a leaking roof, crumbling walls and rotten fittings as well as the installation of several new features, the re-opening on St George's Day - April 23 - is one of the highlights of Liverpool's 800th birthday celebrations. It will be marked by a series of other spectacular events, including:

The rarely seen, 30,000-piece hand-crafted Minton tiled floor in the Great Hall will be on display for the first time this century. Last unveiled in 1997, it will be on show from 10am to 8.30pm every day until Sunday, April 29.
A series of concerts by Liverpool musicians, such as the 2006 BBC Young Musician and Composer of the Year Mark Simpson, in St George's Concert Room.
A new work of art interpreting the city's coat of arms by the acclaimed Singh Twins.
A new sculpture of St George slaying the dragon with a Liver Bird rising as a phoenix.

First opened in 1854, St George's Hall was the result of two design competitions for a civic and court venue, both won by architect Harvey Lonsdale Elmes for his 'Acropolis-like' vision. Queen Victoria described it as 'worthy of ancient Athens'. Fitted with the world's first modern-air conditioning system and largest piped organ at the time, it hosted famous cultural events such as Charles Dickens' world premiere reading of The Christmas Carol.
The courts closed in 1984 and only the Great Hall has been in use since. The building, however, has become a symbol for the city, as a focal point for everything from remembrance services to football cup parades and rallies to vigils - most notably the death of John Lennon in 1980.
From April 23 the building, which lies at the heart of Liverpool's Cultural Quarter and World Heritage site, will feature:

New Heritage Centre with innovative public tours called Truth and Justice; Power and Glory.
New street level access at South Entrance from St John's Lane.
Upgraded courts, Judge's robing room and prison cells - on show for the first time.
New community exhibition centre - available for hire to societies and groups.
St George's Concert Room restored to original finishes and new 450-seat capacity.

The Heritage Centre tours will be self-guided, powered by hand-held digital devices, and tell the story of the building, its role as a cultural venue and as a Crown Court - having held famous trials such as the Cameo murder case, 'the man the from the Pru' and Florence Maybrick, wife of chief Jack the Ripper suspect James Maybrick.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ''The restoration of St George's Hall has provided Liverpool with its greatest 800th birthday present. It has been our sleeping giant - and its potential is finally being fulfilled. It now looks as good as the day it first opened and this new lease of life is a potent symbol of Liverpool's renaissance. The re-opening signals an exciting new chapter in the building and city's history.''
Councillor Joe Anderson, Leader of the Opposition, said: ''Working in education, one of the great memories I have of St George's Hall is the look of awe on the kids' faces when they went inside. I'm delighted it is going to be more accessible - and with our 800th birthday and 2008 on the horizon the timing could not be better. The visitor and exhibition centre will make it a building for the people - and I've no doubt they too will be in awe when they see how much beauty and history can be in one place.''
Graham Boxer, Head of Heritage at the Liverpool Culture Company, said: ''Liverpool is very lucky to have a stunning concert venue, a heritage centre and community exhibition centre all rolled into one magnificent building. St George's Hall is a show-stopper, worthy of a Capital of Culture, and its re-opening deserves nothing less than a week of stunning celebrations. Events like the Son et Lumiere displays give new life to this unique visitor attraction.''