Portsmouth Guildhall looks forward to being busier than ever following roadmap announcement
After nearly a year of lockdowns and restrictions, The Guildhall Trust, the charity behind the operation of Portsmouth Guildhall, has welcomed the Government’s latest announcement that gives a roadmap toward the full reopening of the Concert Hall and its Conferencing, Weddings and Event activities.
Under the new roadmap, the venue is set to reopen from 17th May with a range of Covid safety measures in place with some of the first shows including comedy from Daniel Sloss, Carl Hutchinson, Larry Dean and Paul Smith, a tex-mex music party with Paul Young’s Los Pacaminos, a night of dance in Here Come the Boys with Strictly’s Aljaz, Pasha and Graziano and the Guildhall’s new Cabaret Club evenings of music and dining.
Looking beyond 21st June, when it is hoped that legal limits on social contact can be removed, the venue is set to experience its busiest year ever with a packed calendar of rescheduled events and new artists eager to get on the road after a year of being unable to perform.
A very small selection of what is on offer includes Sarah Millican, Mo Gilligan, Katherine Ryan, Jimmy Carr, Chris Ramsey, Rob Brydon, John Bishop, Jason Manford, Milton Jones, Deacon Blue, UB40, Wet Wet Wet, Belinda Carlisle, Jools Holland, Jason Donovan, Shalamar, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Queen Extravaganza, The Stranglers, Soul II Soul, Fisherman’s Friends, the mighty Riverdance, and award-winning cricketing podcast; Tailenders.
And with many more shows set to go on sale now that the way forward has been outlined, this would be the perfect time to grab a Guildhall Membership which gives priority booking and early notification on all shows going on sale, for just £35! Proceeds of which also go to support the venue and charitable work of the Trust.
Chief Executive Officer of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said, “It is wonderful to finally have a light at the end of the tunnel with a roadmap that we can now work toward reopening our iconic venue and we are very excited for what is going to be our busiest period ever! Of course, the continued safety of our customers and team remains our priority and we will follow all Government guidance with our extensive range of Covid safety measures, and any new measures required, for as long as necessary”.
The Trust is also extending its ‘Book with Confidence’ guarantee scheme to cover all shows that go ahead before 21st June in case Covid-19 gets in the way of customer’s plans. Under the scheme anybody who tests positive, has symptoms, is required to self-isolate or if the show is cancelled or postponed, is guaranteed a refund or ticket exchange if they prefer.
With its main income streams severely affected over the last year, The Guildhall Trust is now urging the city to support the venue’s recovery whilst giving themselves something to look forward to after lockdown by buying tickets for a future show.
The full programme along with details of the venue’s Covid safety measures can be found online at www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk