In this issue, Heartbeat starts a series of articles describing the wonders of the many local halls in the Bangalow-2479 area. The idea is to advise readers of the array of halls, their specific beauties (and rental prices), making it easier to select the right one when an event is planned.
We begin with the very top of the range: the A&I Hall in Station Street, in the heart of the village.
Built in 1911 as the Agriculture and Industry Hall, originally it was intended to be the ‘Pavilion’ where produce was exhibited for the Bangalow Show. These days it’s only called the ‘Pavilion’ for the duration of the annual show, a quaint reminder of its past but, for the rest of the year, it’s known as the A&I Hall.
Threatened with demolition in the early 1990s, locals rallied, convincing Byron Council of the potential merit of the hall to the local community, staying its proposed execution. Excellent job that this was done, considering the hall is “probably the most heavily used community venue in Byron Shire,” according to venue manager, Michael Malloy. In 2009 it was used on 280 days of the year – must be a record for any small town.
The hall can be rented by the day for $500, or half day for $250. This amount is halved when hired by community or charitable groups. It’s not rented by the hour.
The A&I is licensed by Byron Shire Council as a ‘Place of Public Entertainment’ and can seat a maximum of 600, including the mezzanine level. It takes 320 seated in the main hall of the auditorium. All seats have “a good view of the stage”, Michael says. (If a large concert calls for 600 seats, extra chairs need to be brought in as the hall itself owns only 370 seats.) Seating in the mezzanine level is currently being upgraded. By the end of this month (March), it will have 70 new padded and comfortable seats.
Facilities include a commercial standard kitchen. There are no projectors or sound equipment – these can be brought in for any event. A large backstage area has change rooms and bathroom facilities for performers.
The hall caters for a vast range of events each year. Held here are cooking classes for 12-14 people; weddings for between 100-180 people; school musicals; the monthly ADFAS lecture; private functions; film festivals and art shows; conferences, community forums and debates; the ‘Wrapped in Bangalow’ fashion show; last year’s opening of the North Coast Writers Festival, and this year’s Byron Shire Australia Day events and the Big Joke Comedy Festival. The annual Cabaret Da Desh display of local amateur talent is always sold out in minutes, while Michael Malloy’s particular favourite is the annual Bangalow Music Festival, a classical music festival attracting world-class international talent, held each August. (After attending the 2004 Music Festival, Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe said it was: “the most exciting festival outside a capital city that I have ever attended.”)
Amplified music must cease at 12pm, though concert-goers can stay on beyond that time.
Day-to-day operations of the hall are organised by a voluntary committee, under S355 of the Local Government Act. The committee is headed by Sue Holm.
Next year is the hall’s centenary year. Planning is underway to hold a year-round program of special events each month.
Venue manager, Michael Malloy 6687 1081, is happy to discuss the needs and requirements for any event. If your event would be better suited to another location, he’s happy to advise on other local options. For details, and to request a booking online, see the hall’s website: www.bangalowhall.com
Christobel Munson
Site by Websmiths