Whenever we head up the steps to the City Hall we're always wowed by its grandeur. Designed and built in the late 1920s by architect E. Vincent Harris (the same chap behind Manchester's look-alike Central Library) this architectural gem is one Sheffield's finest buildings. Head inside this neoclassical treat to discover the splendid features that lie behind its impressive stone facade.
Like the decorative circle of glass and the huge geometric light at the ceiling of the glorious 2,000 seater Oval Hall. And the wood-panelled foyer in the smaller but just as lovely Memorial Hall. And the sprung dance floor between the stone pillars and arches of the enormous art deco ballroom.
The Oval Hall is where the big names come to play – we've seen Morrissey, Richard Hawley and Rufus Wainwright in recent years, and it's where Doc/Fest hosts big premieres like the Pulp doc and the archival Queerama film. The Memorial Hall plays host to a weekly comedy club, the Last Laugh, as well as other, more intimate concerts. And the ballroom continues to keep couples waltzing at its tea dances, as well as hosting the occasional soul night and live band.
Keep an eye out for any decent reason to get inside one of the many halls of this incredible concert venue. Particularly if it means a chance to try out your latest moves on the light-up squares in the ballroom's dance floor.
The City Hall features in a short film we made with Sheffield Hallam Uni, alongside a bunch of other fine Sheffield music establishments – watch below.
- Words by
- Claire Thornley
