Revealed: Major plans to mark 120th anniversary of Harrogate's most iconic building

Built in 1903, the Royal Hall was the creation of Britain's greatest theatre designer, Frank Matcham and renowned architect Robert Beale.

This golden palace with a capacity of 900 has seen and done it all since then, adapting to the changing times from the days of horse and carriages to air travel and e-scooters.

It’s now England’s last surviving original Kursaal theatre.

More than simply a Grade II listed building of significant architectural and historical importance, the Royal Hall is a living, breathing, working venue for touring shows, major conferences and local community shows.

The Royal Hall has hosted thousands of events and conferences in the last 120 years and welcomed many of the most famous names in culture and entertainment through its doors, from Lily Langtry to The Beatles.

Today, the building is owned by North Yorkshire Council and operated by Harrogate Convention Centre.

Its interests are keenly represented by the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, whose patron is King Charles III.

Keenly recognising its role as a vital part in the cultural life of North Yorkshire, members of the Trust first came together in 2001 to raise funds towards a major restoration of this Grade II listed building.

It contributed more than £2.7 million which ensured the success of the major project undertaken between 2006 and 2008 to restore the glorious venue to its former glory.

But the Trust’s work has not ended there.

On a normal week, its a team of stewards and volunteers would be running open days and guided tours or fundraising for further improvements to the building.

But the coming days and weeks will be different.

Right now its volunteer members are gearing up for a day of celebrations on Saturday, May 27 to mark the Royal Hall’s 120th anniversary.

The day’s special events will see a return to an era of elegance and the days of the Edwardian era.

Saturday, May 27: Royal Hall’s 120th anniversary celebration

What to look forward to…

The Royal Hall will be open for free to the public and visitors will be welcome to sit for a while in the Grand Circle or Dress Circle and let their imagination take them back to the 1900s.

The Grand Hall’s sprung dance floor will be cleared for dancing apart from tables for afternoon tea and the stage will be open to provide visitors with a unique view of the auditorium.

The morning entertainment starting at 10am is given over to music and singing ranging through classical music, choral favourites, Gilbert and Sullivan and Harrogate Spa Town Ukes playing rock and pop.

From 2pm the Darren Busby Duo will provide music for line dancing while, from 3pm, the Harrogate Symphony String Quartet will offer the perfect accompaniment to waltz and foxtrot until 4pm.

Afternoon Tea will be available from noon until 3pm but must be pre-booked at a cost of £17.50 paid in advance.

Bookings can be made via the Royal Hall Restoration Trust website: www.royalhallrestorationtrust.org.uk/

Alternatively, call 01423 500500 or email [email protected]

The Royal Hall’s former trustees include three important figures who have passed away: Dame Fanny Waterman DBE, Lilian Mina MBE and Mike Hine.

They, too, will be remembered on May 27.