Released 06/03/2018
Canberra’s iconic Albert Hall is turning 90 and to mark the milestone it’s opening its doors to the public this Thursday evening for a community party featuring, live music, addresses by special guests, refreshments – and of course a birthday cake.
“This significant occasion is deserving of a celebration, and I look forward to marking this milestone with the Canberra community,” Minister for Environment and Heritage Mick Gentlemen said.
“Over the past 90 years Albert Hall has bought the Canberra community together to enjoy all sorts of events and activities, I look forward to seeing Canberrans who have enjoyed various celebrations over the years at Albert Hall at the celebrations.”
Albert Hall is a significant heritage site in Canberra, and is unique in that retains most of its original exterior and interior elements.
Located in Yarralumla, Albert Hall was officially opened on 10 March 1928 by then Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce, and has since remained one of Canberra’s most popular event venues.
Named after the famous Royal Albert Hall in London, in the early days the venue was often used for balls and notable events, including first Australian citizenship ceremony which was held on 3 February 1949.
Up until the Canberra Theatre opened in 1965, Albert Hall was the venue for ABC concerts, Canberra repertory and many school concerts.
In recent times it has been used primarily as ‘city hall’, hosting civic, cultural and community functions, with some commercial use, and is a popular choice for hosting private events and celebrations.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Thursday 8 March 2018, 6:30pm onwards
Where: Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla ACT 2601
What: The festivities will feature:
- 6.30pm -7.15pm: Rising Stars Take 2 – A special birthday concert featuring delightful and talented young musicians from the pre-tertiary music courses at the ANU Open School of Music.
- 7.15pm-8:00pm: Celebratory bubbles and nibbles and a birthday cake cutting led by Minister Mick Gentleman MLA.
- 8:00pm-9:00pm: Dr David Headon special guest speaker will deliver his talk Buried in Flowers, Lighting of Diya - Beyond the Griffin Gravesite - for and on behalf of the Walter Burley Griffin Society Canberra Chapter.
Tickets: This is a free event, however RSVPS are required. Register your place via Eventbrite.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases