Prince Charles reopened Harrogate’s Royal Hall, in North Yorkshire, yesterday (22.01.08), following a UKP10.7 million restoration.
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The prince – who is patron of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust which was set up to raise funds for the restoration – said the historic theatre was like an “elegant and lovely old lady” after he officially turned on the building’s lights accompanied by the Harrogate Brass Band.
He said: “I cannot possibly tell you how thrilled I am to be here to see for myself the complete transformation that has been brought about in this magnificent building.
“I came here in July and although there was a lot of activity all over the place, it was little more than a shell. I likened the Royal Hall to an elegant and lovely old lady who had fallen on somewhat hard times.
“I see she has being taken back in time to the beauty and splendour of her youth. The result is simply quite breathtaking.”
The 59-year-old royal was then treated to performances from over 80 musicians, the Tewit Youth Band, St Aidan’s School Choir and two young solo singers – William Dutton and Emma Whiteley.
Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said: “Prince Charles’ visit is the icing on the cake. The fact that this is a building restored to its Victorian glory in the 20th Century is just fantastic.”
The grade II listed hall was forced to close in 2002 due to structural problems, but will be open for its first public performance in April.
