Christmas carols for charity at former town hall
BBCA carol concert has been held outside Stoke-on-Trent's former town hall.
Hanley Town Hall was illuminated for the concert which raised funds for Egret Homes CIC. It was attended by members of the public as well as councillors and MP Gareth Snell.
"It's good that Stoke-on-Trent have managed to do something like this and it's positive," said Millie Davis, who was among those gathered at the front of Hanley Town Hall.
The event was billed as the first to be held as part of the building's relaunch, although full access to the building was not yet possible for the public. It closed in 2020 but was recently bought by developers.
Her mum, Carolyn Davis, remembers getting married there and the building had looked lovely when it was lit up.
"I got married there 25 years ago. It was a lovely wedding, it was a lovely wedding venue. Fond memories."
She said she was looking forward to seeing it reopened.
The front of the building was illuminated as crowds sang outside accompanied by a brass band.
Songs included Silent Night, See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw and O Come All Ye Faithful.
It was one of the final events forming part of the city's centenary celebrations.
The event was also used to help raise funds for Egret Homes CIC, a non-profit organisation which provides accommodation for young people to help them towards living independently.
Raffle tickets were sold on the night.
Organiser Simon Edwards, of owners Heronceau Properties, said the event involved the work of a team of people, and that plans for the building were being drawn up ahead of it being transformed into a hotel.
"I haven't spoken to a person yet in Stoke-on-Trent who doesn't have a story about this building," he said.
The building started life as the Queen's Hotel in 1869 and was most recently a wedding venue until it closed in October 2020.
New proposals include a tea room, space for weddings and events as well as hotel accommodation.
"We want to bring a building that's sat empty for many years and actually bring it back to life," he said.
He said the free-of-charge event was also a chance to speak to people and hear what their hopes were for the former town hall's future.
"We don't want to go blindly down this road, and doing this building.
"We do think it's important people share their heart and hopefully it lines up to what we think we should be doing with it."
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