WORKERS involved in the restoration of Bradford’s St George’s Hall have revealed the details of some “fascinating” finds as the multi-million project continues.

Staff carrying out the revamp of the Grade II-listed building, which has been costed in the region of £8.5m to £8.9m, unearthed the items while removing old seats from the theatre’s dress circle.

The oldest find so far has been a handbill from 1871 promoting a programme of Saturday Night Entertainment, printed by J Clegg Printer by Steam Power, Infirmary Street, Bradford.

The programme for the evening included Madam Tonnelier performing songs in character from the Grand Duchess, as well as a line-up of music and sketches including Irish and Scottish songs and stories by Mr and Mrs Forster O’Neill, accompanied on the piano by their daughter Flora.

Workers also found the front page of the Daily Express newspaper from January 10, 1928, containing an article about plans to build a barrage in the wake of the Great Flood of London, and two concert tickets, one for a Bradford Subscription Concert, and one for the 31st Annual Speech Night for The Priestman School held at the venue on March 14, 1956.

Other items found among the old seats included a wrapper from a Cadbury’s Flake when they cost just 6d, an old Galaxy Milk Chocolate wrapper, and several cigarette packets, including a Black Cat Cigarettes tin lid thought to be from the 1930’s, a Wild Woodbine packet, an Ogden’s Robin packet, and a Craven A packet.

Bradford Council has said that the refurbishment of St George’s Hall, one of the oldest remaining concert halls in the UK, will ensure that the heritage building is maintained and brought up to standard as a top class venue, adding to the “fantastic cultural offer” in the city.

The items found during the work will form part of the permanent archive display held by Bradford Theatres.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the Council’s executive member for environment, sport, and culture, said: “These are fascinating finds that give us a glimpse into the history of this wonderful venue and the types of entertainment that was popular at the time.

“It’s amazing to think that the theatre was only 18 years old when the handbill was dropped between the seats in the rear gallery.

“Work on St George’s Hall is progressing well and I’m sure once complete will secure the building for future generations of audiences.”

Work on the hall has included replacing the roof and windows, refurbishing auditorium seats, installing a new stage and new lighting, and revamping the front-of-house area.

The venue is said to be on-track for to re-open with a “soft” launch towards the end of the year.