Liverpool's "civic heart" to celebrate milestone with special events programme

LIVERPOOL'S iconic St George's Hall is to host a series of special events to celebrates its 170th Anniversary this summer.

Under the banner; It's Yours! the Grade I listed building, which has provided the backdrop for many of the City's biggest moments, is hosting a programme of cultural events echoing famous eras of the past 2 centuries.

'SGH170' brings together the old and new, blending the rich heritage of 1 of the City's cultural crown jewels with an exciting programme of music, comedy and more including new commissions and performances in new spaces.

St George Hall was opened in 1854, after 16 years of construction. Its design was a result of 2 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 2 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 McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool, said:- "How lucky are we in Liverpool to have St George's Hall? It's one of Britian's most beautiful buildings and it deserves to be celebrated in a special way. It's also been at the heart of many of Liverpool's lowest and highest points. Its history is the people's; it's where we have come for almost two centuries to protest, to mourn and to celebrate as one. That's why we want the 170th Anniversary celebrations to reflect that history and give everyone a cultural journey through the ages with a series of shows that will showcase its magnificence and its significance. St George's Hall belong to us all. It's yours. and I'm thrilled the programme is going to cater for so many different genres to celebrate that fact."

Ni Maxine, Jazz Singer and Curator, said:- "As a Black British neo jazz artist based in Liverpool, I noticed that jazz happenings celebrating the African (American) roots of jazz and the legacy of jazz were missing in the City. Celebrating 170 years of a building which holds so much significance in the transatlantic slave trade, I wanted to acknowledge the roots of jazz and how it has become what it is today and so, The Wombat Jazz Festival was born. It's a welcome for the Black community to come and enjoy live music together, a celebration of the culture and the best jazz coming out of the North West and hopefully, back out into the world!"

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 can book online at:- VisitLiverpool.Com.

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