Albert Halls Bolton

1873 - The Beginning

The original Albert Hall served as the heart of the Town’s cultural life for over 100 years, hosting hundreds of concerts, shows, bazaars, exhibitions, and other events, playing host to figures as diverse as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Lancashire contralto, Kathleen Ferrier.

1981 - The Early Years

On 14 November 1981 a devastating fire took hold of the Albert Hall. The Fire Service fought a long battle to contain the blaze, saving the rest of the Town Hall from total disaster. The walls of the Albert Hall retained their structural integrity but the roof collapsed and almost all of the plasterwork and fittings, including the Grand Organ, were completely destroyed.

Traumatic though it was, the damage to the building could have been a great deal worse and in some ways proved to be a blessing in disguise. Given the shortcomings of the old Hall it was decided not to restore it to its earlier state, but to create two new, complementary venues in the old space – the smaller, intimate Festival Hall on the lower level and a new, more adaptable (and acoustically pleasing) Albert Hall above.

2017 - The Present

On 26 January 2017 the Grade II renovation specialists handed over the restored Bolton Albert Hall with improved bar, conference and wedding facilities.

The multi million pounds Albert Halls rennovations became the first recipients of the Living Heritage award from Welsh Slate, this recognises projects using Welsh Slate on buildings that are important architecturally, historically or locally to a community.

Awarded ‘Best Customer Care’ for Bolton’s Best

"This team comprises members of Security and Response, Building Support, and the Albert Halls who have come together and made events possible in the Albert Halls such as the elections, council meetings, the Vision Conference, gala dinners and many, many more."