Our Heritage
Kidderminster Town Hall has played a central role in the civic and cultural life of the town for more than 150 years.
A Civic Landmark at the Heart of the Town Since 1855
Kidderminster Town Hall grew from a vision shared at a public meeting in March 1853, where local leaders proposed creating a civic building open to everyone in the town. With support from figures including Reverend T. L. Claughton and Mayor Joseph Kitley, funding was raised through public subscription.
The Corn Exchange and Music Room opened in 1855, providing spaces for meetings, concerts and community events. The Music Room later became home to a magnificent pipe organ built by renowned Victorian organ builder William Hill.
The present Town Hall building was completed in 1877 to designs by architect J. T. Meredith. Built from Hollington stone and brick, it brought together civic offices, the Council Chamber, Mayor’s Parlour and Law Courts, establishing the building as the centre of public life in Kidderminster.
Moments In Time Through the Years
Throughout its history, Kidderminster Town Hall has witnessed key moments in the town’s civic, cultural and social development.
The Vision for Public Rooms
Opening of the Corn Exchange and Music Hall
Completion of the Town Hall
A Stage for National Figures
Continued Civic Use
Legendary Past Performers & Cultural Icons
Kidderminster Town Hall has welcomed an extraordinary range of talent to its stage over the decades, hosting celebrated musicians, comedians, speakers, and touring productions from across the UK and beyond. From chart-topping bands and household-name entertainers to influential tribute acts and rising stars early in their careers, the venue has long been a cornerstone of the region’s live entertainment scene.
This archive celebrates some of the unforgettable nights that have helped shape the Town Hall’s reputation as one of Worcestershire’s most cherished live venues. Over the years the stage has hosted legendary names including The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Tom Jones and U2. Today, that legacy continues, with a new generation of headline acts such as Ruby Wax, Ant Middleton, Amy Dowden, Tom Meighan, Steve Cradock and John Cooper Clarke adding their names to the story.
Batman & Robin
Male Voice Choir
1908
The Preacheers
The Rolling Stones
The Hollies
The Kinks
The Who
Tom Jones
Town Hall Transformation & Restoration Project
New & Improved Community Spaces
Improvements carried out as part of the Government Funding, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund projects can be seen throughout the venue, with the Music Room standing out as a particular highlight. Careful restoration, combined with enhanced acoustics, has elevated the space into a high-quality venue suitable for a wide range of performances and events.
A striking new bar and café, The Courtyard, has been created within a previously underused part of the building. The space—formerly a car park—was originally set across multiple levels. By raising the floor within the courtyard, the area now provides improved, level access between the Music Room and café, effectively unifying the spaces into one cohesive and accessible environment. The courtyard is covered by a contemporary roof formed from ETFE plastic cushions, blending modern design with the building’s historic character.
Improved Accessibility & Infrastructure
Accessibility has been significantly improved across the building. Three additional lifts have been installed, providing access to areas that were previously inaccessible to visitors with mobility needs. The new podium entrance further enhances access, incorporating ramps, handrails, and automatic doors to ensure a more welcoming and inclusive arrival experience.
For performances and events, a limited number of wheelchair and step-free accessible seats are available and must be booked in advance. Carer tickets are available at a 50% discount and can be booked online, with seating allocated adjacent wherever possible.
Additional enhancements include new dressing rooms and a redesigned main entrance, further improving both functionality and the overall visitor experience.
Improved Accessibility & Infrastructure
Accessibility has been significantly improved across the building. Three additional lifts have been installed, providing access to areas that were previously inaccessible to visitors with mobility needs. The new podium entrance further enhances access, incorporating ramps, handrails, and automatic doors to ensure a more welcoming and inclusive arrival experience.
For performances and events, a limited number of wheelchair and step-free accessible seats are available and must be booked in advance. Carer tickets are available at a 50% discount and can be booked online, with seating allocated adjacent wherever possible.
Additional enhancements include new dressing rooms and a redesigned main entrance, further improving both functionality and the overall visitor experience.
Have You Visited Kidderminster Town Hall?
Step inside one of Kidderminster’s most historical venues and experience its vibrant atmosphere for yourself. Whether it’s to enjoy live music, a delicious meal in The Courtyard, or explore our versatile event spaces, there’s always something to see and do. Plan your visit today and discover all that the Town Hall has to offer.
Explore Kidderminster Town Hall in 360°
Take a virtual tour of Kidderminster Town Hall and explore every corner of this historic and versatile venue. From our grand event spaces to The Courtyard and private meeting rooms, our interactive 360° experience lets you see the layout, design, and atmosphere in detail. Perfect for planning your next event or simply discovering the Town Hall from the comfort of your home.
Follow Us on Instagram
See the latest photos, events, and behind-the-scenes moments from Kidderminster Town Hall.
Volunteering Opportunities
We have a team of volunteer stewards who support our Front of House staff at live events as well as civic events. We also have volunteers who host our weekly Happy to Chat table in the Courtyard Café.
From time to time we recruit new volunteers to join the team so if you are looking to fill some spare time, be this a little or a lot, we would be delighted to hear from you!
For further information on current volunteering opportunities please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator: Jackie Murrall
T: 07818 506 779