Royal Hall, Harrogate facts for kids
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Kursaal 1903–1914
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| Address | Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
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| Coordinates | 53°59′44″N 1°32′38″W / 53.9955°N 1.5439°W |
| Designation | Grade II* listed |
| Type | Kursaal/theatre |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1903 |
| Rebuilt | 2006-2008 |
| Architect | Robert Beale/Frank Matcham |
The Royal Hall is a very important and beautiful building in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. It is a special place where people can watch performances and shows. It is known as a Grade II* listed building, which means it is a historic place that needs to be protected.
Contents
A Look Back: The Royal Hall's Story
The Royal Hall first opened its doors in 1903. It was originally called the Kursaal. This name comes from a German word that means "Cure Hall." These types of buildings were popular in European towns where people went for spa treatments. They were grand places for parties and special events.
From Kursaal to Royal Hall
The building was designed by Robert Beale and Frank Matcham. Frank Matcham was a very famous architect who designed many theatres. The Kursaal was inspired by a similar building in Belgium. However, the idea of "Kursaal" buildings did not become popular in the United Kingdom.
When World War I started in 1914, the building's name was changed. It became the "Royal Hall" to sound more patriotic.
Saving a Special Building
Over the years, the Royal Hall became an important place for conferences and exhibitions in Harrogate. By 1997, the building needed a lot of repair work. In 2001, a group called English Heritage added it to a list of "buildings at risk." This meant it was in danger and needed help.
The Harrogate Borough Council created the Royal Hall Restoration Trust. This group worked hard to raise money to fix the building. They needed over £10 million! Many people helped, including Edward Fox, whose great-grandfather, Samson Fox, helped build the original Kursaal.
With help from the Council, the Harrogate International Centre, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, they raised enough money. The trust itself raised £2.7 million from local people. This allowed them to carefully restore the inside of the building. Prince Charles officially reopened the Royal Hall on January 22, 2008.
Fun Events at the Royal Hall
The Royal Hall is a busy place that hosts many exciting events.
Harrogate International Festivals
Since 1966, the Royal Hall has been a main venue for the Harrogate International Festivals. These festivals bring many different kinds of performances and artists to the town.
In 2014, the famous author J.K. Rowling even made a special appearance there. She was using the pen name Robert Galbraith at the time.
Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Since 2014, the Royal Hall has been home to The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. This is a three-week theatre festival that happens every year from late July to August. It celebrates the funny and clever operas by Gilbert and Sullivan.
During the festival, different amateur groups compete, and professional performers also put on shows. There are also many smaller events happening around Harrogate during this time.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in North Yorkshire (district)
- Listed buildings in Harrogate (Low Harrogate Ward)
