Our history
The original Albert Hall served as the heart of the Town’s cultural life for over 100 years, hosting hundreds of concerts, shows, bazaars, exhibitions, and other events, playing host to figures as diverse as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Lancashire contralto, Kathleen Ferrier.
1873 - The beginning
The original Albert Hall served as the heart of the Town’s cultural life for over 100 years, hosting hundreds of concerts, shows, bazaars, exhibitions, and other events, playing host to figures as diverse as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Lancashire contralto, Kathleen Ferrier.
1981 - The early years
On 14 November 1981 a devastating fire took hold of the Albert Hall. The Fire Service fought a long battle to contain the blaze, saving the rest of the Town Hall from total disaster. The walls of the Albert Hall retained their structural integrity but the roof collapsed and almost all of the plasterwork and fittings, including the Grand Organ, were completely destroyed.
2017 - The present
On 26 January 2017 the Grade II renovation specialists handed over the restored Bolton Albert Halls with improved bar, conference and wedding facilities.
The multi-million pound Albert Halls renovations became the first recipients of the Living Heritage award from Welsh Slate, this recognises projects using Welsh Slate on buildings that are important architecturally, historically or locally to a community.