Black Country civic hall sees rise in bookings

The increase in commercial bookings at Brierley Hill Civic Hall has helped Dudley Council for Voluntary Service open up the venue to local community groups to put on their own events at discounted rates.

So far they only have 10 free Friday and Saturday evenings left for bookings this year. Now, a weekly cheesy music Friday night out is in the planning to start from April.

Andy Gray, Dudley CVS chief officer, said: "We are a not-for-profit charity which supports local voluntary and community groups throughout Dudley borough. The revenue from commercial events at Brierley Hill Civic Hall is being reinvested into the voluntary sector. This enables us to offer the Civic Hall for community users.

"Our aim is to see Brierley Hill Civic Hall as a vibrant and accessible venue for all sorts of community activities, subsidised by income from commercial events. Local voluntary organisation events including The Dudley Youth Council Awards, Whitehouse Cancer Support Band Night and Synergy Group have all enjoyed subsidised rates for their events at the Civic Hall."

Since it's hey days, when it played host to bands and performers from around the world, Brierley Hill Civic Hall has been largely under-used and has struggled to be financially viable. The Big Cheesy Nights are part of a new era for the building. They will showcase the sounds of Abba, Wham, Metallica and recent hits along with sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Boxing and wrestling nights have also been drawing in the crowds together with comedy club nights and plans for Christmas and New Year's Eve parties. A new website will also be launched in the coming weeks, with details of a special event taking place in October to be released soon.

Dudley CVS took over running the building from Dudley Council in February last year. To find out more visit here.