Global events leader AEG Presents announces opening of new The Halls Wolverhampton

Formerly the Wolverhampton Civic Halls, AEG Presents’ and City of Wolverhampton’s Council investment sees the restoration of an iconic local institution, economic and cultural regeneration and a home for live music in the West Midlands.  

As live music continues to thrive across the UK and around the world, AEG Presents, a division of AEG Europe’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator family has today announced the upcoming opening of the newly named The Halls Wolverhampton, in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council. With the first shows taking place in June 2023, the new 3,404 capacity ‘The Civic at The Halls Wolverhampton’ and 1,289 ‘The Wulfrun at The Halls Wolverhampton’ will open its doors to music fans bringing worldclass artists back into a Grade II listed space, with a rich and varied musical history.

Wolverhampton local and AEG Presents CEO Steve Homer, says: “Having hosted artists from The Clash, Bowie and Nirvana to the Manic Street Preachers and Morrissey who debuted his first solo performance post The Smiths at ‘The Halls,’ it’s incredible to be able to bring an iconic venue back to life and as a local lad, this is all the more special. I saw The Clash perform here in 1978 and it was an event that forever cemented my love of music. We can’t wait to open the doors of The Halls Wolverhampton and bring the world’s best artists to the West Midlands stage.”

City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield said:  ”A beloved part of our city for multiple generations, it was vital for us to bring on the right partner – a partner that understands and respects the role The Halls play in the hearts of Wolverhampton citizens. We’re thrilled to be working with AEG Presents on this, who understand the venue’s rich heritage and share our vision of reimagining an iconic institution that will continue to bring joy to the lives of locals for years to come, helping shape our city centre, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.”

The Council is handing over the keys to the restored and improved venue to AEG Presents on 21 November and The Halls Wolverhampton will open in June 2023 following a major multi-million-pound refurbishment programme. With final construction work now complete, AEG Presents will lead on internal renovations to the front of house bars, kitchen, sound and lights systems, creating a venue that offers both the very best facilities, as well as first-rate acoustics and musical line-ups.

Sustainability and accessibility are at the heart of AEG Present’s plans and The Halls Wolverhamptonwill use new mechanical and engineering services resulting in the venue running to the utmost efficiency.

Overall, visitors will enjoy more comfortable seats, a greater number of bars and enhanced space to socialise, expanded and revamped toilet facilities, lift access for those viewing from the new balcony level, better access arrangements for disabled visitors (including enhanced wheelchair access), a greater number of accessible viewing points and improved room temperatures through the installation of a new air handling system.

Once open, the iconic venue will play a key part in the city’s economic recovery hosting leading music and entertainment performers, as well as business events and conferences. It will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, boosting the local economy by £10+ million per annum. Plans will also benefit local businesses, as well as create new employment opportunities, raising the city’s national and international profile.  

As part of AEG Europe,  AEG Presents own and operate over 40 venues across the world. In the UK these include the Eventim Apollo London, indigo at the awardwinning The O2 arena in London and the recently announced new live music venue at Olympia London.

The official ticketing partner for the venue will be AXS, AEG’s award-winning global ticketing platform, which brings its patented ticketing system, AXS Mobile ID, ensuring ethical, secure resale and ticket transfer.

AEG Presents will be supported by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue operator to deliver a first-class customer experience in the venue including sales, marketing, food and beverage, as well as other services.

The Halls Wolverhampton opens to the public in June 2023, with an exclusive preview being held by the City of Wolverhampton Council in December 2022 and test events due to take place in Spring 2023.

Welcome to issue 7 of Audio Media International