SETTLE Victoria Hall, believed to be one of the oldest, still in operation, music halls in the country, will shortly celebrate its 165th anniversary.

A six weeklong exhibition, starting on Friday, September 7, will run alongside national Heritage Open Days, which runs throughout September, and will culminate in a 165th birthday party, on Thursday, October 11, which will also include a ‘bake-off’ competition.

The exhibition will give people a chance to look behind the scenes of the listed hall and learn about its history, from when it was built in 1853 to the present day; while the party will see performers from all over the area coming along to sing, dance and act the night away.

The exhibition will see a display of archive materials, guided tours, including parts of the building not normally open to the general public, and the chance to experience what it is like to be on the stage and behind the scenes at a working theatre and music venue.

From the music played at the opening night 165 years ago, to the community groups who use the hall today and its plans for the future, it will give visitors the opportunity to come and find out the story of this tiny but well-loved music hall.

Built in the early 1850s, Victoria Hall was funded by the philanthropist, the Rev. J Robinson, to provide a building that would ‘answer all the purposes of public instruction and entertainment, but also be an architectural ornament to his native town’. It was designed by architect Edward G. Paley, who also designed Lancaster Cathedral, among other buildings.

Today, it is owned by Craven District Council, but run by the Victoria Hall charity, and remains very much part of the community. 2000 saw the building extensively refurbished, followed by a number of restoration projects.It now hosts a wide programme of international and critically acclaimed theatre, comedy, film and live music performances, and is also used by schools and community groups, as well as being available for hire for private events, such as christenings and weddings. Settle Amateur Operatic Society, which has held its annual show at the hall since 1879, is also one of the UK’s longest running musical societies.

Ann Harding, hall manager, said: “2018 is an exciting year for the Victoria Hall. Not only have we been shortlisted for Arts and Culture award at the White Rose Awards but will also be celebrating in style 165 years as a thriving music hall venue, hosting vibrant, eclectic and world class entertainment. Whether it is our connections with the National Theatre or Rural Arts. John Newman performing to his home crowd, local jazz performer Claire Teal, the Folk Festival in late August or the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra on tour - the Victoria Hall has something for everyone.

“The 165th exhibition and birthday party event are a celebration of the past, present and future of Victoria Hall and its place in the community. It will also be a large thank you to the volunteers who keep the venue in operation on a day-to-day basis.

The exhibition at Settle Victoria Hall will run from September 7 to October 18. Anyone interested in either performing at the 165th birthday celebration on October 11 or joining in the ‘165th birthday bake off’, should email: info@settlevictoriahall.org.uk or on 01729 825718.