CELEBRATIONS for the 121st birthday of Victoria Hall will take place in style - making up for the hold-ups caused by the pandemic.

The celebrations will commence this Saturday with a lunch-time concert from the Rumava Trio, three young professional musicians who have been together since their days at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Matthew Chadbond is ‘Bolton born and bred’ and will be playing the violin, which he has played from the age of nine. He has regularly performed in the hall for church services and concerts. He will be joined by Rebecca Stubbs on the viola, and Abigail Davies on the cello.

David Tomlinson, managing trustee and property steward of the hall, said: “The main purpose is to try and maintain the building and keep the place going. The hall has been affected by the pandemic and rising utility and waste costs.

“We celebrate every year, but now we can have a big celebration.”

Charities have been hit hard financially during the pandemic, but have been keen to help put on a special show through donations. Those involved include the Destitution Project, the Bolton Symphony Orchestra, the Simeon Centre, Dawn Dawson’s Theatre School, Bolton Music Service, and a number of other businesses and smaller charities.

David added: “The fact that charities have had their own financial problems and are still helping, means these events are even more important. This event is primarily to do with raising funds for Victoria Hall to ensure we will be here in another 120 years.”

The concert is from noon to 2 pm, with a buffet lunch being served first in the Walker Building. The concert is then in the main hall from 1pm until 2pm. Tickets are £10 for lunch and the concert, and £6 for the concert alone, and are available from the box office in Knowsley Street, via phone on 01204 522569, or online at www.victoriahallbolton.co.uk.

There are also a wide range of events coming up in November including the Sleeping Beauty family panto and BSO Tradition & Redemption.