Shining a Light on Derry's People’s Hall

Visitors to Derry's iconic St Columb's Hall will soon have the opportunity to experience the Hall’s heritage and architecture in a never been done before way.

Running from January 25 to 27, a new light exhibition "380-700" will shine a light on this magnificent space. 

The immersive art exhibition will bring a very 21st century perspective to a 135-year-old former temperance Hall.

The exhibition has been created by immersive artists Visual Spectrum Studio and is the culmination of a year-long project led by St Columb’s Hall Trust.

This work aimed to reconnect the community to the cherished venue through a heritage activity programme and schedule of essential repairs made possible by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Situated in the heart of Derry next to the 400-year-old Derry Walls, St Columb's Hall is an architectural marvel. It is a mix of Italianate and Gothic. Building began in 1886, lead by the Catholic Church, with the aim to create a temperance hall to combat the evils of drunkenness. Since then, it has been a backdrop to the political and cultural history of the City.

Often referred to as ‘the People’s Hall’, the space was immensely popular in its heyday, attracting some of the world’s most iconic thinkers and performers, including: Eleanor Marx-Aveling, daughter of Karl Marx, who spoke at the Hall in 1889 to recruit local workers to join their local union and Emmeline Pankhurst, who campaigned for women’s right to vote in a keynote speech at St Columb’s Hall in 1910.

Éamon De Valera rallied supporters there to the cause of independence in 1924 and Derry tenors Josef Locke and John McCormack performed to sell out audiences.

Leading international performers Roy Orbison; Chubby Checker, Ruby Murray and Val Doonican all performed at the venue.

In addition, renowned contemporary artists showcased their work at the acclaimed Orchard Gallery, while hit TV series, “Derry Girls” filmed some of the shows most famous scenes from Season Three at St Columb’s Hall.

That is not to mention: Derry Féis, Little Theatre drama group, Derry Pantomime, St Columb’s TA Brass and Reed band, and generations of local performers made their performance debuts in this iconic space.

Conal McFeely, Chairperson of St Columb’s Hall Trust, said: “Since its opening in 1888, St Columb’s Hall has played a significant role in the lives of the community here and it is imperative that this architecturally and socially important building is protected and is able to thrive.

"This new exhibition is reflective of the innovative approach we see as being the hallmark of a new future for St Columb’s Hall.”

 Admission to the exhibition is free of charge but pre-booking is essential at: https://www.saintcolumbshall. com/380-700/