St. George’s Hall To Reopen Amid Fanfare

St George’s Hall, one of the world’s finest examples of neo-classical architecture, will reopen April 23 after a £23 million redevelopment, with Prince Charles in attendance. As part of Liverpool’s 800th birthday, the reopening will feature half-hour and twice-nightly Son et Lumiere displays from April 23-29. There will run at 8.30pm and 9.30pm, and cost £3 for adults and £1.50 for OAPs and under-12s. Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are £7, all from 08 Place in Whitechapel or call 0151 233 2008. Other highlights include the 30,000-tile Minton Tile Floor, on show 10am to 7pm daily until April 29; India’s Milapfest dancers on the steps of the hall, from 1pm on April 23; the reopening of the Small Concert Room for the first time since WWII and performances by the Royal Liverpool Phil Orchestra and BBC Young Musician of the Year on 26 and 27 April.  St George’s Hall was designed by Harvey Londsdale Elmes, who was just 25 years old when he won the competition to design it, and reputedly housed the world’s first air-conditioning system. The main hall is 169×74 feet and houses the second-largest organ in the U.K. after the Royal Albert Hall. My strongest memory of St George’s Hall was the Echo and the Bunnymen concert held there as part of the Liverpool band’s ‘Crysal Day’ experience on May 12, 1984. The History of St George’s Hall.