From Bob Dylan to Eric Cantona - it's been quite a year for The Halls in Wolverhampton

Bob Dylan, Nile Rodgers and Eric Cantona - what do they have in common? Although two of them are bona-fide legendary singers and the other is a renowned footballer turned musician, the common thread is they are just three of the acts that appeared at iconic Wolverhampton venue the Civic Hall or The Wulfrun Hall in 2024.

Now called The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls after a £200,000 sponsorship with owners AEG was signed this year, the venue continues to attract a massive variety of acts, not just music superstars but other artists from country to top cover bands, spoken word and comedy such as Jack Whitehall who appeared only last week with his family for a sold out show.

UB40, Liam Gallagher, Status Quo, John Bishop, David Essex, Frank Skinner, Ward Thomas, Will Young, Paul Weller, the list goes on to make a total of 150 events put on at the venue equating to over 220,000 people being admitted into the venue.

Many of the events have been sold out at the 3,400 North Street venue and the 1,200 Wulfrun Hall right next door,.

There have been hometown heroes such as Beverley Knight who produced a power packed show of soul and pop and wowed a sell out crowd in September in what was billed as a 'Homecoming gig.'

There was plenty for 80s fans this year, with Nik Kershaw, ABC and OMD amongst the acts appearing, and Rick Astley doing a Christmas themed show earlier in December. For 70s fans, 10cc did a sold out show.

And it wasn't just shows the Civic was used for - in September The University of Wolverhampton teamed up with the venue whose name is on the door to hold it's annual graduation ceremony .

A number of the acts made headlines nationally including Bob Dylan, who issued a telephone ban at all his concerts this year - a move which would have been welcomed by many others who might not have been so bold as to make it official.

Eric Cantona was of course better known as a footballer for France and Manchester United - as well as for his Kung Fu kick on a fan who abused him at a game in 1996.Coming on stage at The Wulfrun Hall with just a solo pianist for support, he put on an entertaining show of music and a bit of poetry for the healthy crowd, some of whom would have seen him play football many years ago.

Modfather Paul Weller caused a stir when he was allegedly seen before his sold out gig at The Civic at a Wolverhampton curry house - although of course it wasn't actually him. It was a lookalike. The story went viral!

And Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to former bandmate Liam Payne when he appeared on stage at The Civic in the weeks following the One Direction singer's death.

But if someone is being talked about it is good for business and The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls has proved a winner for the city's economy since it re-opened in June 2023, bringing in a reported £1.6m in the first six months, and millions more since.

 Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “As expected, the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls is proving to be the cornerstone of a resurgent night-time economy in the city centre - and we know businesses are planning use of their resources around its events.

 “It has retained its status as an iconic entertainment venue that people from across the country and beyond love to visit. “It is also playing a key part in shaping our city centre and is fostering growing confidence in Wolverhampton through more private sector investment such as the new 4-screen Chubb cinema that will open in late spring and a new leisure hub, anchored by Superbowl UK, opening at the Mander Centre early next year.”