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 |
| Website | |
| www.royalhall.co.uk | |
The Royal Hall is a special performance hall and theatre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. It is a very important building, officially known as a Grade II* listed site. This means it has a lot of historical and architectural value.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Royal Hall Began
The Royal Hall first opened in 1903. Back then, it was called the Kursaal. It was built with help from local supporters, especially a clever inventor named Samson Fox.
From Spa to Stage
The building stands where the old Cheltenham Pump Room used to be. People used to visit Harrogate for its famous spa water. But by the late 1800s, fewer people were coming for the water. So, the town decided to build something new and exciting.
The Original Design
The Kursaal was designed by Robert Beale and Frank Matcham. Frank Matcham was a very famous theatre architect of his time. The design was a bit like the Kursaal in Ostend, Belgium.
The word Kursaal comes from German. It means "Cure Hall." These buildings were popular in European spa towns in the late 1800s. They were used for big parties and special events. However, this idea did not become popular in the United Kingdom.
A New Name for a New Time
When World War I started, the theatre changed its name. It became the "Royal Hall." This new name sounded more patriotic and fitting for the times.
The Royal Hall Today
In the 1950s, many theatres became cinemas or found new uses. The Royal Hall helped Harrogate become a big place for conferences and exhibitions. Today, the Royal Hall is still a key national heritage building. Harrogate is known as a top UK city for events.
Saving a Special Building
By 1997, the Royal Hall needed a lot of repair work. In 2001, English Heritage added it to a list of "buildings at risk." This meant it was in danger of falling apart.
The Harrogate Borough Council created the Royal Hall Restoration Trust. Their goal was to raise £10.7 million to fix the building. Many people helped, including Edward Fox, who is a great-grandson of Samson Fox. Money came from the Council, the Harrogate International Centre, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The trust itself raised £2.7 million from local people.
This money allowed them to beautifully redecorate the inside. They also restored the dress circle, which is a special seating area. Prince Charles (who is now King Charles III) is a supporter of the trust. He officially reopened the Hall on January 22, 2008.
A Home for Festivals
The Royal Hall has been a main venue for the Harrogate International Festivals since 1966. These festivals bring many exciting events to the town.
In 2014, the Royal Hall hosted J.K. Rowling's only UK appearance. She was there under her pen name, Robert Galbraith.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Festival
Since 2014, The International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival has been held in Harrogate. This is a three-week theatre festival that takes place from late July to most of August. Before 2014, it was held in Buxton.
The festival includes a competition for amateur Gilbert & Sullivan theatre groups. Professional performances are also given on weekends in the Royal Hall. Many other smaller events happen at the Harrogate Theatre and other places around town.
