THE HISTORIC Drapers’ Hall will open its doors next month after a £5million restoration project led by the Historic Coventry Trust and the city council.
Tom Robinson will be the first to take to the stage on Thursday, November 11 at 8pm, with his solo show.
The Grade II listed hall was built in 1832 by the Drapers Guild as a place to entertain Coventry’s high society.
It is seen by many as the finest Regency building in the city.
The major restoration project has been supported by the Prince’s Foundation as one of seven projects for the Prince of Wales’s 70th birthday.
Funding was provided by the council through its Cultural Capital programme for UK City of Culture with substantial support and funding from Arts Council England and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Government’s Local Growth Fund and the Getting Building Fund.
Dr Geoff Willcocks, vice-chair of Historic Coventry Trust, said Drapers Hall was a perfect example of how the organisation restored the city’s heritage to its former glory.
Darren Henley, chief executive, Arts Council England, said: “Drapers’ Hall will host performances from musicians from around the world, as well as providing a rehearsal and learning space for the incredible local talent in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“It’ll be one of the many exciting legacies of Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.”
Coun David Welsh, cabinet member with responsibilities for heritage in the city, said: “Draper’s Hall has been carefully restored to recognise the great history of the building and it will be a wonderful occasion to see it completed.”
At 2pm on November 21, Swedish violinist Johan Dalene will perform and at 8pm on November 25, award-winning saxophonist and finalist in the 2016 BBC Young Musician of the Year Jess Gillam will take to the stage.
Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan, and Coventry University’s Orchestra in Residence, will grace the venue at 8pm on November 26 and internationally-known harpist Catrin Finch is there at 8pm on November 28.
Tuba player and composer Theon Cross will perform on Saturday, December 4 at 8pm.
Visit www.drapershallcoventry.org.uk for more information and tickets.
