Ulster Hall 'to host month of festivities'

6 March 2009 -

A varied month-long programme of celebrations has been lined up to mark the opening of Belfast's historic Ulster Hall.

The venue reopens today following the completion of a major two-year refurbishment scheme.

A gala concert by the Ulster Orchestra will kick off the festivities and will be followed by a percussion performance by the acclaimed Noise Ensemble on March 8th,

On March 15th, a family fun day will offer a chance to go behind the scenes of the establishment, and a concert by Stiff Little Fingers will be held on the Ulster Hall stage the following day.

Rosemary Kelly, chairman of the Arts Council, commented that the Ulster Hall has long been an artistic and cultural landmark in Belfast, notable for its fine acoustics, unique atmosphere and rich cultural history.

"Over the years it has brought us art, entertainment and spectacle and there is no doubt that the marvellous new facilities offer visitors and performers a greatly enriched artistic future," she added.

The hall is one of the oldest buildings owned by Belfast City Council, having been opened in 1859 and was designed by William J Barre.