Town hall opening joy
"Rejoice" sang the gospel choir. And we did. The audience leapt to its feet at the end of an emotional and rousing performance last night, marking the first concert to be heard at at Birmingham Town Hall in 11 years, writes Sally Walmsley.
"Rejoice" sang the gospel choir. And we did. The audience leapt to its feet at the end of an emotional and rousing performance last night, marking the first concert to be heard at at Birmingham Town Hall in 11 years, writes Sally Walmsley.
The performance, featuring the very cream of local, national and international talent, was the first at the newly refurbished venue and was hailed a resounding success. A red carpet snaked through Victoria Square, leading from the Birmingham City Council buildings to the dazzling white hall, bathed in spotlights.
And as I took my seat, between a regional director of English Heritage and a Times columnist, I realised that this was not just a momentous day for Birmingham, but for the whole country. Lord Mayor, Councillor Randal Brew, shook with emotion as he gave a speech, formally opening the venue.
He reminisced over the rich history of the iconic building, built in 1834, including the fact that the mayoress had visited to see Roy Orbison several years ago when The Beatles were bottom of the bill. Among the guests were The Move's Roy Wood, who graced the stage during its 60s heyday, as well as descendants of the hall's designer, Joseph Hansom.
Around a thousand people made their way from the reception within the council buildings to the concert and new town hall manager Simon Wales said he was delighted and proud to be a part of the night.
He said: "This is the culmination of years of preparation and months of rehearsals.
"People ask me if I'm nervous, but I'm not. I am so confident of what we are doing here and I can't wait to welcome audiences back to their hall. Historian and Express & Star columnist Dr Carl Chinn said: "After 11 years, to be able to walk through the doors, not just to see it being refurbished, but to see it filled with people is what makes it such an exciting night for me."
Audience member Tony Evans was part of the Birmingham Town Hall Millennium group, set up in 1998 to promote the then defunct town hall. The group canvassed support for the building, met with English Heritage and gave over 60 talks.
He said: "I couldn't think of a better way of showing the newly renovated building off. The town hall is set to become the Rolls Royce of Entertainment in Birmingham."
Last night's concert marked the start of a two week festival marking the hall's reopening. For a full programme of events log onto www.thsh.co.uk
