SALISBURY City Hall finally reopened to the public at the weekend following its closure five years ago.

The popular venue, which previously hosted famous faces such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie following its opening in 1963, has undergone a £300,000 refurbishment to help retain Salisbury as a top destination for acts.

This includes a longer bar, new lighting, an updated foyer and refurbished toilets – as well as a lick of new paint.

On the bill so far are big names such as Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Katie Hopkins and Harry Redknapp.

The hall, which reopened temporarily from December 2020 to January 2023 as a Covid vaccination centre, held its first warm up event on September 4, before its grand opening on Sunday (August 7).

The reopening of the hall to public use was something the former leader of Wiltshire Council, councillor Richard Clewer, was keen to see through in his tenure.

Back in January, before the Wiltshire Council elections which saw the Conservatives swapped out with the Liberal Democrats, cllr Clewer said it had “always been a priority to open City Hall as a live entertainment venue in a long-term sustainable way without subsidy.”

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The council announced in April that the venue would reopen after operators MECA – who run the venue in Swindon – were awarded a 25-year lease.

Stars are set to descend on Salisbury later this year Pictures: Salisbury City Hall

This comes after City Hall had historically relied on Wiltshire Council funding which faced financial pressures from increasing adult social care.

The council said it was clear that the venue had to viable on a commercial basis in the long-term.

Cllr Clewer, Conservative group leader said “Many of us have fond memories of attending events at City Hall – personally I thought the Wurzels were great!

“It will be wonderful to see live music and events in City Hall again and for years to come.”

John Glen MP said: “Great to catch up with Justin, the new operator of City Hall, which was opened today thanks to councillor Richard Clewer who, as Wiltshire Council leader made sure this day happened!

“Please use this excellent Salisbury cultural asset – it is a great venue for a special night out.”

Visit the City Hall website for the full list of upcoming acts and to secure tickets.