First acts announced for reopening of Salisbury City Hall
THE NEW tenant of Salisbury City Hall is ‘thrilled’ to have launched its new website ahead of the reopening.
In what has been a long-awaited event in Salisbury, the City Hall seems set to open within months as Justin Britchford, owner of Meca in Swindon and new tenant of the City Hall, has launched the website to share the first of “many more acts” to be announced soon.
The website, which can be viewed here, shares that the team are “committed to entertainment” in Salisbury, with an “ever evolving programme” of events, adding: “from live music and comedy to club nights and interactive experiences, we are here to keep Salisbury buzzing.
“With a rich history as a cultural hub, we continue to evolve, offering fresh events and a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”
The first event are both family and over 18’s roller disco sessions on August 15, with general admission is £7.70 and skate hire at £2.75.
Among other acts already announced are Bongo’s Bingo on August 25, James Phelan: The Dreamer on October 9 and Rhod Gilbert and the Giant Grapefruit on November 16.
Family roller discos and over 18s discos will occur on the second Friday of every month.
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The website says: “Experience the excitement of Bongo’s Bingo, roll with the tunes at our family roller disco and adults-only roller disco, or enjoy a night of laughter at Chuckles Comedy Club. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”
Picture House Cafe, named in tribute of the fact the City Hall was once a cinema, shows as “coming soon” while it undergoes refurbishment.
The website adds: “The Picture House Café at City Hall will be a welcoming spot for everyone, celebrating City Hall’s roots as a cinema.
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“Whether you’re after a morning coffee, a hearty breakfast, or a satisfying lunch, you’ll soon be able to enjoy great food in a relaxed setting. Perfect for a catch-up, a quick bite, or a leisurely break in the heart of the city’s arts district.”
Speaking to the Journal of the launch, owner Justin Britchford said: “We are thrilled and excited to announce the launch of our new website and have many more acts to announce in the near future.
“Please like and share our Facebook page to stay updated on what’s coming next.”
The news comes as the City Hall has remained closed as an entertainment venue since 2020, when it closed due to the Covid pandemic.
It opened as an NHS vaccination centre in 2021, closing once more in 2023 as it has remained since, while Wiltshire Council looked for a new tenant to ensure it could reopen as an entertainment venue.
In January 2025, the preferred operator, Justin Britchford from Meca in Swindon, was approved by the Wiltshire Council Cabinet to be taking on the vacant entertainment venue, and the council approved around £300,000 of funding to make improvements to the external fabric of the building.
