Royal Hall Harrogate 120th Anniversary Celebration

The Royal Hall Restoration Trust is hosting a celebration of 120th anniversary of the opening of the unique iconic building that is the Royal Hall. A diverse range of musical entertainment is planned throughout the day to showcase the versatility of the venue.

The Royal Hall, Listed Grade II* and designed by Robert Beale and Frank Matcham, is a rare example of a 'Kursaal', a multifunctional entertainment venue normally associated with spa or seaside towns with beginnings in the early nineteenth century but which never completely established itself in England. Burrell Foley Fischer led the design team for a major restoration completed in 2008.

We approached this sensitive conservation and restoration project by focussing on the authenticity of historic details through careful research. For example, through the analysis of paint scrapes it was rewarding to discover that the original interior was largely gilt and gold leaf with a dark blue vaulted ceiling representing the night sky. The project was completed on time and on budget and now hosts a wide variety of events including live music, comedy, tea dances and festivals.

“I was delighted to open officially the Royal Hall and to see this remarkably beautiful theatre revealed in all its breath-taking glory. It surely is once again the "palace of glittering gold" that it was back in 1903, and I can only think that Frank Matcham will be looking down on this theatre tonight with the greatest possible satisfaction.

Not only has an invaluable part of our nation's architectural and historical heritage been saved but, of equal importance, this wonderful old building has been returned to the heart of the social, economic and cultural life of Harrogate.”

The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, following the restoration

The Anniversary Celebration day will provide opportunities to sit for a while in the Grand Circle or Dress Circle and let your imagination take you back to the Hall’s Edwardian heyday when visitors would stroll around the building listening to the entertainment on offer. The Grand Hall’s sprung dance floor will be cleared for dancing. The stage will be open to provide visitors with a unique view of the Hall and the dressing rooms will also be open to explore.

Entertainment will include music and singing ranging through classical music, choral favourites, Gilbert and Sullivan and Harrogate Spa Town Ukes playing rock and pop standards. The Darren Busby Duo will provide music for line dancing and for those who prefer to waltz and foxtrot, the Harrogate Symphony String Quartet will play.