STOURPORT Civic Hall has announced its plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
To honour this landmark occasion, The Civic is planning a year-long programme of celebratory events, featuring many of the much-loved acts, artists, and companies which have appeared on its stage over the past 15 years.
Stourport Civic Centre was the brainchild of the former Stourport Urban District Council after the Town Hall in Stourport proved to be inadequate, to the point that it collapsed in August 1973.
The Civic Hall first opened its doors in May 1966 and, just over a year later, unsigned rock group the N’Betweens gigged at the hall. The band later went on to rename itself SLADE and released one of the most iconic Christmas singles ever.
Noel Edmonds and the Radio One club visited in 1971, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page performed on the stage in the 1980s after Led Zeppelin had split, and the band’s drummer, John Bonham, played there before his death.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the venue began to see less usage and needed a great deal of renovation and maintenance.
Wyre Forest District Council decided to close the Civic Hall in February 2011.
A volunteer-run group fought to save the Civic Hall and secured the venue’s future in September 2013.
Since 2011, more than 65,000 people have taken part in events and activities at the venue.
The 60th anniversary celebrations will begin with a special launch night, showcasing local performers The Rubix, Katie Tranter and Andy Browning.
The launch event will also feature food, freshly baked treats, fundraising activities and plenty of nostalgia.
It will be held at 7.30pm on May 15.
A spokesperson for The Civic said: “For the past 16 years, The Civic Hall has been run by dedicated Civic Group volunteers as a registered charity, ensuring the building remains a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of the community.
“Their commitment has helped preserve the Hall not just as a venue, but as a place where creativity, connection and shared experiences thrive.
“Here at The Civic, we deeply value the ongoing support of the whole town and look forward to celebrating this remarkable building – and the joy it brings to so many – throughout our 60th anniversary year.
“Come along and help us get the party started with a bang.”
Visit thecivicstourport.co.uk for more information.
