Town hall hosts first live bands after £13m refurb

Worcestershire band Big Image performed at the revamped venue on 17 October

A historic town hall has hosted its first live bands since undergoing a £13m redevelopment.

Works at Kidderminster Town Hall have been under way since January, with the Grade II-listed building set to see a refurbishment of the cafe area along with other improvements, including new dressing rooms.

Worcestershire act Big Image was the first band to perform at the newly revamped venue, on 17 October, ahead of launch day on 8 November.

The venue, which dates back 170 years, has previously hosted artists including The Rolling Stones, U2 and Tom Jones.

Curtis Fudge, the venue's business manager, said he was "really proud" that the room was now set up for live music, comedy shows and pantomimes.

He said the it was now "geared up" to compete with other mid-sized venues in areas such as Worcester, Malvern, Reddich and Bromsgrove.

Curtis Fudge, business manager, said he was "really proud"

"Feels really good, I think we're getting through obviously the teething problems from opening and this is officially our first live music in nearly two and a half years," he added.

"Being a local band as well, we're really proud to have had the boys in. It's good to have the venue open."

The venue has previously hosted bands such as The Rolling Stones and U2

The transformation of the building was delivered by Kidderminster Town Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

Renovation works included the installation of a new lift, improved disabled entrances and refurbishment of ground floor toilet areas.

Big Image frontman, George Johnson who is from Kidderminster, remembers going to the town hall as a kid for school concerts.

"It's been an honour to play at the newly refurbished town hall," he said.

"Last time I was here, I think I was about four-years-old singing choir songs on the stage, so it's a bit of a difference."