CHRISTMAS and New Year has been cancelled at the fire-damaged Pembroke Halls in Walkden.

But Salford's leisure services bosses are determined that the festivities will go on - once the popular venue has been refurbished.

As reported in last night's Bolton Evening News, a massive blaze swept through the first floor banqueting suite at Salford City Council's biggest hall on Sunday evening causing around £1m worth of damage.

Smoke and water damage has affected most of the building, forcing the cancellation of all Christmas and New Year events. Salford Council's arts and leisure manager, Royston Futter, said: "We will be pulling out all the stops to get the building back in shape as soon as we can, but it will be quite a job.

"There is no way the place will be back before the New Year, but we will re-stage Christmas next year, once the venue is back again.

"We are truly sorry for all those people who have made bookings, but we'll do our best to keep everyone in the picture."

He added that the council will be contacting everyone who actually booked Pembroke Hall and a hotline number has been set up. "We will of course make alternative arrangements for everyone affected, or offer them a full refund," Mr Futter said.

Twelve major events had been organised for the run-up to the festive season with private functions also scheduled.

The hotline for information about bookings is 0161 793 2435. PEOPLE anxious that their Christmas Eve celebrations went up in flames when the Pembroke Halls was damaged by fire have nothing to worry about.

The Mike Sweeney Show was booked for that night but ticket holders need not fear, because a new venue has been found.

The show will now take place at the Lancastrian Halls in Swinton, still on Christmas Eve. The line up remains the same and all tickets already sold will be valid on the night.

Further information on The Mike Sweeney Show is available from Bullet Management Ltd on 0161 236 9006.

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