FROM Bowie to Bollywood, Hallé to Houdini, a variety of acts have appeared at St George’s Hall since it opened in 1853.

Now Bradford Theatres are appealing for memorabilia for displays at the venue when it opens in January, 2019.

The first civic building of its type in the North, St George’s Hall has a rich history. Now, as its £9.2m refurbishment, funded by Bradford Council and a £1.5m Heritage Lottery Fund grant, nears completion, Bradford people are being asked to help to piece together its story, for displays along all four levels of the venue.

Adam Renton, Bradford Theatres General Manager, said: “We’re recording the wonderful story of St George’s Hall with many items in our archive but there are some gaps, and we hope the people of Bradford, and beyond, can help us fill them, whether it’s music gig poster or a classical concert programme.”

Memorabilia is particularly needed for bands, singers, speakers or personalities in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s, and for: David Bowie, who performed at the venue in 1972/73, Queen in 1973, The Stranglers in 1987 and 1990, New Model Army in the 1980s, Cleo Laine in 1953, and Shirley Bassey, Beverley Knight and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty more recently.

Also wanted are historic items relating to Charles Hallé, the Hallé Orchestra and early classical concerts beginning in the late 1850s; plus appearances by Clara Novello in 1855, Tasmin Little or James Galway in more recent classical seasons, illusionist Harry Houdini and children’s favourite, Sooty. There’s also a gap relating to political rallies by Winston Churchill, appearances by actor Henry Irving in 1878 and explorer Dr Livingstone in relation to his discoveries in Central Africa in 1857.

* Email marketing@bradford-theatres.co.uk or call (01274) 433634.