St George’s Hall stands as a beacon of Liverpool’s rich history, bearing witness to moments of joy, sorrow, triumph, and resilience. As we celebrate its 170th anniversary, we reflect on the defining events that have shaped not just the Hall, but the heart and soul of Liverpool. This is a journey through time, revisiting the grandeur and the spirit that make St George’s Hall an iconic part of our collective memory.
Queen Victoria Opens Assize Court
1851
Even before its official grand opening, St George’s Hall gained early prominence when Queen Victoria opened the Assize Court in 1851. This event highlighted the Hall’s importance as a centre of justice and governance in Liverpool.
Grand Opening of St George’s Hall
1854
The grand opening of St George’s Hall in 1854 marked the beginning of its journey as a civic and cultural centrepiece. This architectural masterpiece, designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, became a symbol of Liverpool’s ambition and progress.
Father Willis Organ Inaugurated
1855
Just a year after its opening, the Father Willis organ was inaugurated in 1855. This magnificent instrument, the largest organ in the world at the time of its construction, (now the third largest in the UK), is renowned for its rich and powerful sound.
To date it has only undergone two major restorations, without regular repair and maintenance, Liverpool risks losing a significant part of its historical identity and musical legacy. Please donate if you can towards our fundraising campaign ‘It’s not just a pipe dream.’
Fun facts: The Willis organ has 7,737 pipes!
Charles Dickens’ visits “the most perfect hall in the world.”
1866
In 1866, the world-renowned author Charles Dickens returned to St George’s Hall’s Concert Room, which he had last visited in 1862. Although he didn’t read ‘A Christmas Carol’ during this visit, he had previously presented it at the Philharmonic Hall in August 1858. Dickens later praised the Concert Room in 1868, calling it “my favourite room” and, according to his tour manager George Dolby, famously described it as “the most perfect hall in the world.” Today, annual performances of ‘A Christmas Carol’ are held in this historic room during the Christmas season, honouring Dickens’ legacy.
This year’s Christmas Carol performance.
The Trial of Florence Maybrick
1889
The trial of Florence Maybrick in 1889 captivated the nation and put St George’s Hall in the spotlight as a place of justice and legal drama. The sensational case remains one of the most talked-about trials in Liverpool’s history.
Police Strike
1919
In 1919, St George’s Hall witnessed the police strike, a significant event in the history of labour movements. This moment underscored the Hall’s role as a stage for social and political change.
Unveiling of the Liverpool Cenotaph 1930
On 31 August 1914, a month after World War One broke out, the plateau outside St George’s Hall was packed with thousands of men, from accountants to gas fitters, volunteering to fight. Years later, in 1930, the unveiling of the Liverpool Cenotaph brought the community together again in a solemn tribute to those who had fallen in the Great War. Since then, it has been a gathering place of remembrance and collective mourning and in 2013 it became the third World War One memorial in England to have been given Grade 1 listed status by Historic England.
Damage in the Christmas Air Raids 1940
The Christmas air raids of 1940 brought devastation to Liverpool, and St George’s Hall was not spared. The damage it sustained symbolized the city’s wartime hardships and the resilience of its people.
Everton FC FA Cup Win
1966
Celebrations filled the air in 1966 as Everton FC celebrated their FA Cup win. St George’s Hall became the embodiment of the city’s passion for football.
Vigil for John Lennon
1980
The vigil for John Lennon in 1980 saw thousands gather at St George’s Hall to mourn the loss of a musical legend. It was a moment of collective grief and remembrance for a son of Liverpool who touched the world.
Echo and the Bunnymen Perform
1984
In 1984, Echo and the Bunnymen performed at St George’s Hall, marking a high point in the Hall’s musical heritage. This event celebrated the local band’s success and the city’s vibrant music scene.
St George’s Hall Charitable Trust Established
1995
Following a period of economic decline, St George’s Hall closed in 1984 but reopened in 1987. The establishment of the St George’s Hall Charitable Trust in 1995, with the help of the WMF, aimed to protect, preserve, and enhance the building.
Through the Trust, St George’s Hall was able to apply for, raise, and access funds to complete its restoration.
Grand Reopening by Prince Charles after £23 Million Restoration
2007
After a £23 million restoration, St George’s Hall was grandly reopened by Prince Charles in 2007. Charles recalled, “I was shown around [St George’s Hall] some 14 years ago on a private visit and was told it was due to be demolished. I remember encouraging those I met to do all they could to save it” (Liverpool Echo, 24 April 2007).
He had previously described the hall as “one of the greatest public buildings o
Picture by Gareth Jones
f the last 200 years sitting in the centre of one of Europe’s finest cities” (The Times, 8 November 1990) and noted its need for a return to its “lost spirit,” as it awaited the opportunity to host great concerts and exhibitions (Liverpool Echo, 8 November 1990).
The restoration returned the hall to its former glory, reaffirming its status as a venue for fit for iconic concerts and festivals.
The European Capital of Culture Opening Ceremony 2008
The same year, Liverpool’s designation as the European Capital of Culture was inaugurated at St George’s Hall.
Former Beatle Ringo Starr helped get the party under way by performing on the roof!
The ceremony included 800 performers including Starr, former Eurythmics frontman Dave Stewart and The Wombats.
The show’s design was created by director Nigel Jamieson, responsible for the opening ceremony for the Sydney Olympic Games.
Catherine ‘Kitty’ Wilkinson Statue Installed
2012
In 2012, St George’s Hall unveiled the statue of Catherine ‘Kitty’ Wilkinson, commemorating a local heroine renowned for her pivotal role in public health during cholera epidemics.
Kitty’s statue is the first in 100 years and notably the first depicting a woman among the 12 marble statues of Victorian and Edwardian men in the Great Hall. Her legacy now stands proudly alongside those of her male contemporaries, honouring her lasting impact on Liverpool’s history.
St George’s Hall Charitable Trust is on a mission to create and install a statue of health pioneer, Mary Jane Seacole (1805-1881). Mary was voted the greatest black Briton in 2004. You can read more and donate here.
Giants Spectacular, Sleeping Grandmother
2014
The Giants Spectacular in 2014 brought thousands to St George’s Hall to see the Sleeping Grandmother ahead of the World War One centenary event.
Fun fact: During her visit the Giant Grandmother broke wind, lifting her skirt with the scent of vanilla!
The Weeping Window Sculpture
2015 to 2016
The Weeping Window sculpture from 2015 until 2016, part of the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation, brought a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I, creating a powerful visual tribute at St George’s Hall.
To commemorate the fallen of World War I
Vigil Following the Inquest into the Hillsborough Tragedy 2016
A vigil held in 2016 following the inquest into the Hillsborough tragedy saw the community come together in solidarity and mourning, reaffirming St George’s Hall as a place of shared grief and resilience.
Filming of ‘The Batman’
2020
In 2020, 75% of the production of ‘The Batman,’ starring Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz, took place in Liverpool and St George’s Hall provided the backdrop for Gotham City.
Fun fact: A Merseytravel bus stop was spotted in ‘Gotham’ by local @IanSkelly1!
Insignia Handover and National Lottery Big Eurovision Welcome
2023
In 2023, St George’s Hall hosted the Insignia Handover and Allocation Draw, marking the start of the Eurovision season. The UK hosted Eurovision on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, with Liverpool selected as the host city. Rylan Clark and Sunetra Sarker led the Handover ceremony, while Joel Dommett and AJ Odudu presented the Turquoise Carpet Opening Ceremony and National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome on 7th May.
The event featured music and stunning performances, kicking off Liverpool’s Eurovision week with a spectacular outdoor show, including a breathtaking display of 624 drones and aerial performers suspended from 200-foot cranes! Highlight performances included Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Lightning Seeds, Atomic Kitten, The Real Thing, Jamala, Conchita Wurst, Shirley Ballas, Ricky Tomlinson, The Vivienne, Zara Larsson, Birdy, Jamie Webster, Cream Classical, and more.
Fun fact: ‘United by Music’ used for 2023’s contest in Liverpool has been chosen as the permanent Eurovision slogan!
As we commemorate 170 years of St George’s Hall, we celebrate not just the building, but the countless memories, stories, and events that have unfolded within its walls.
This is your history.
This is yours.