It has played host to concerts featuring some of the world’s greatest music stars but it’s possible that Wolverhampton Civic Hall could soon be making a record of its own.
The venue celebrates its 70th anniversary next year – and what a year it promises to be. The North Street building was opened in May 1938, and entertainment chiefs aim to celebrate in style throughout 2008.
The past 70 years have seen stars including the Rolling Stones, Slade, Gracie Fields, Nat King Cole, George Best and Take That appear at the venue.
Many Black Country couples first met at the Civic Hall, while others have been attending weekly tea dances ever since the first was held to celebrate its opening.
Mark Blackstock, who has been manager of the Civic and Wulfrun Halls for 18 years, said: “It’s not just about rock and pop concerts and stuff.
“We’ve been chatting to people who attend our weekly bingo afternoons, and they can remember the place being built.
“There are people who met here and married because they met at concerts. We genuinely believe we are the longest-running rock and pop venue in Europe, and that’s got to be something to shout about.” The hall was built, adjacent to the town hall, in 1938 and opened with a ball featuring Jack Hylton and his band. Over the years, many luminaries have visited the venue, including Prime Minister Harold Wilson, Princess Margaret and Ozzy Osbourne.
The “mighty Compton organ” – unique in that it is built into the fabric of the building – still exists from the day it opened. City organist Steve Tovey still plays every week.
In 2001, the hall underwent a £4million refurbishment, which included giving the organ a refit, and creating new dressing rooms and a production area.
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