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    29

    Jun 2021

    Last Updated: 30/06/2021
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    Harrogate's Royal Hall to reopen to the public next week

    by John Plummer

    | 29 Jun, 2021
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    Visitors will be able to look around the Grade II listed Edwardian building for the first time this year on Wednesday next week. Live entertainment is due to restart on July 31.

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    The Royal Hall in Harrogate is to reopen to the public next week after being closed for more than a year.

    The hall will hold an open day on Wednesday, July 7, which will allow visitors to look around the Grade II listed Edwardian building.

    The hall, which was built in 1903 and reopened in 2008 following a £10.8 million restoration, held regular guided tours pre-covid. Because social distance rules have not been lifted, tours won't be available next week but visitors will be able to make their own way round.

    One-hour guided tours are due to recommence at 11am and 2pm on August 21.

    But Gay Steel, open day coordinator for the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, said the situation would be reviewed after the government decides whether to lift all lockdown measures on July 21, and there was still a chance tours might be available on the second open day on July 27.

    Ms Steel said:

    "We are looking forward to the prospect of welcoming our visitors back to Harrogate’s glittering palace of gold and hope that you have an enjoyable experience.
    "We are just being cautious in our approach as the safety of our visitors and volunteers is paramount."


    Live entertainment is due to return to the Royal Hall on July 31 with a performance from students at Knaresborough's Freedom Performing Arts.

    The 11-day Gilbert and Sullivan festival and a Fleetwood Mac tribute act are scheduled for August, as things gradually return to normal.




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