Historic re-opening enlightens Liverpool
April 5 2007
The grand re-opening of one of Europe's finest civic buildings will be marked by the UK's largest, outdoor sound and light show this year.
Liverpool will celebrate the £23m restoration of its neo-classical masterpiece - St George's Hall - by hosting twice-nightly Son et Lumiere displays recounting the city's past 800 years.
Devised by the Liverpool Culture Company and Ross Ashton, who lit up Buckingham Palace for the Queen's 80th birthday, the 30-minute showcase will project on to the rear of the Grade I-listed building. Audiences can see it from a special 500-seater, tiered grandstand in St John's Gardens.
Tickets for the unique audio-visual spectacle, which runs from 23 to 29 April, go on sale today from 3pm, Thursday 5 April.
After a massive, five-year makeover to a leaking roof, crumbling walls and rotten fittings as well as the installation of several new features, the re-opening on St George's Day - 23 April - is one of the highlights of Liverpool's 800th birthday celebrations. It will be marked by a series of other spectacular events, including:
The rarely seen, 30,000-piece hand-crafted Minton tiled floor in the Great Hall will be on display for the first time this century. Last unveiled in 1997, it will be on show from 10am to 7pm every day until Sunday 29 April. Please note on 23 April viewing is restricted to 4pm to 7pm
A series of concerts by Liverpool musicians, such as the 2006 BBC Young Musician and Composer of the Year Mark Simpson, in St George's Concert Room
A new work of art interpreting the city's coat of arms by the acclaimed Singh Twins
A new sculpture of St George slaying the dragon with a Liver Bird rising as a phoenix
First opened in 1854, St George's Hall was the result of two design competitions for a civic and court venue, both won by architect Harvey Lonsdale Elmes for his 'Acropolis-like' vision. Queen Victoria described it as 'worthy of ancient Athens'. Fitted with the world's first modern-air conditioning system and largest piped organ at the time, it hosted famous cultural events such as Charles Dickens' world premiere reading of The Christmas Carol.
The courts closed in 1984 and only the Great Hall has been in use since. The building, however, has become a symbol for the city, as a focal point for everything from remembrance services to football cup parades and rallies to vigils - most notably the death of John Lennon in 1980.
From 23 April the building, which lies at the heart of Liverpool's Cultural Quarter and World Heritage site, will feature:
New Heritage Centre with innovative public tours called Truth and Justice; Power and Glory
New street level access at South Entrance from St John's Lane
Upgraded courts, Judge's robing room and prison cells - on show for the first time
New community exhibition centre - available for hire to societies and groups
St George's Concert Room restored to original finishes and new 450-seat capacity
The Heritage Centre tours will be self-guided, powered by hand-held digital devices, and tell the story of the building, its role as a cultural venue and as a Crown Court - having held famous trials such as the Cameo murder case, 'the man the from the Pru' and Florence Maybrick, wife of chief Jack the Ripper suspect James Maybrick.
Cllr Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "The restoration of St George's Hall has provided Liverpool with its greatest 800th birthday present. It has been our sleeping giant - and its potential is finally being fulfilled. It now looks as good as the day it first opened and this new lease of life is a potent symbol of Liverpool's renaissance. The re-opening signals an exciting new chapter in the building and city's history."
Cllr Joe Anderson, Leader of the Opposition, said: "Working in education, one of the great memories I have of St George's Hall is the look of awe on the kids' faces when they went inside. I'm delighted it is going to be more accessible - and with our 800th birthday and 2008 on the horizon the timing could not be better. The visitor and exhibition centre will make it a building for the people - and I've no doubt they too will be in awe when they see how much beauty and history can be in one place.''
Graham Boxer, Head of Heritage at the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "Liverpool is very lucky to have a stunning concert venue, a heritage centre and community exhibition centre all rolled into one magnificent building. St George's Hall is a show-stopper, worthy of a Capital of Culture, and its re-opening deserves nothing less than a week of stunning celebrations. Events like the Son et Lumiere displays give new life to this unique visitor attraction.''
The Liverpool 800 Son et Lumiere will take place at 8.30pm and 9.30pm from Monday to Sunday, 23 to 29 April. Tickets cost £3 for adults and concessions are £1.50. A family ticket for two adults and two under-12s costs £7. Tickets are on sale from Thursday 5 April at the 08 Place in Whitechapel or by calling 0151 233 2008. A box office will be on site from 6pm each evening. It is recommended that tickets are bought in advance to avoid disappointment.
Liverpool celebrates the 800th anniversary of the granting of its first royal charter by King John on Tuesday 28 August.
