Salisbury Readers Recall City Hall’s Heyday Back to Picture House

The Salisbury Journal writes about City Hall’s reopening. They asked people to share their memories. Pictures go back to 1973. It was called ‘Picture House’ then, and it was also a cinema.

The venue closed in 2020. MECA, based in Swindon will take it over. They can’t share plans yet because contracts are still getting signed.

Darren Kidd remembers Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, and he liked roller discos. He hopes for dance music events again. Maria La Femina mentioned Darren Brown, Alison Moyet, and Joan Armatrading.

“Strictly” stars were favorites. Emma Porter liked Aljaz & Janette’s show, while Sandra Ellis enjoyed “Strictly” dancers. She also liked 80s bands, noting she saved on travel costs.

People joked about it being open, and some mentioned COVID jabs. Readers also loved discos and wrestling.

BJ Matthews-keel saw Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 1964. She was part of a roadshow, and he got her autograph backstage, but he lost it later.

People complimented local groups, specifically Salisbury Area Young Musicians. Musical Theatre Salisbury also performed there.

Karen Cannings saw Led Zeppelin, and she also saw The Illegal Eagles. Dave Todd enjoyed Julian Cope, as well as Super Furry Animals and Stranglers. His first gig, XTC, was there.