It is now a hotel.
I used to love visiting the Free Trade Hall. My old school choir used to perform there, the corridors backstage were legendary because it was so easy to get lost.
It was also the home of Manchester's Halle orchestra, another reason for regular visits.
The acoustics were wonderful in the Free Trade Hall, and it was an ambition of mine to perform there as a musician one day. Sadly, it wasn't to be, as the Halle moved out in 1996, to their new home, the splendid Bridgewater Hall. Part of the deal was that the FTH be converted to a hotel.
It was a great place to see a guitarist perform, as you could hear every note, even from the back of the balcony. All the greats performed there, and I witnessed brilliant recitals by Bream, Williams and Segovia.
Most top bands also enjoyed gigging at the hall, including Pink Floyd, Camel, Genesis, Sky, etc.
So, a sad loss, but life goes on I guess, and I wouldn't mind a gig at the Bridgewater, should the opportunity arise.
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