After closing its doors back in 2022, music fans were sad at the loss of the famous Dome at Grand Central Hall on Renshaw Street in Liverpool city centre. However, a group of regional hospitality experts were determined to act in order to bring life back to the building, which is not only rich in architectural and cultural history, the updated refinements make it the ultimate in larger-scale, contemporary music venues.
The Dome at Grand Central Hall is a unique, Grade II listed Art Nouveau designed building, which originally opened in 1905 as a Methodist church, and was then redeveloped as a cinema, as well as playing host to the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra while the Philharmonic Hall was rebuilt following a fire. It is simply a vital part of the city’s rich heritage.
Now in 2023, the new team in place have their own extensive experience in entertainment and hospitality over eleven current venues operating in the pub, bar and club sector in the city. The Dome at Grand Central Hall has now been relaunched as a multi-event space which has already hosted some leading events featuring world-class talent.
The team have recently celebrated their exclusive event featuring PAWSA, which sold out in under thirty minutes: the London-based DJ whose sets are renowned around the globe, including at Coachella, Brazil, Ibiza, Los Angeles, and Miami. A huge name on the festival circuit, including closer to home for locals of the region, at Creamfields, this remarkable talent praised his opening night at The Dome as a ‘‘sick, sold-out show at a brand new venue – thank you to everyone involved!’’
No Art also visited The Dome for an unbelievable, sold-out night last month featuring Alci, Anotr, Loa Szala, Mateo Dufour and Toman. The independent label and event curator seek out unique locations and their reveal-on-the-night line-ups bring an element of musical and artistic surprise. In their own words: ‘‘the energy you brought to our Liverpool debut was exactly what we had in mind, and can’t wait to meet you on the dance floor again.’’
The Dome is now preparing itself for a busy summer season including playing host to outstanding talent Roger Sanchez, industry legend Paul Oakenfold, and Oasish, leading tribute band to iconic British band, Oasis.
A spokesperson for The Dome at Grand Central Hall explains: ‘Taking on this legendary building was really important to us as a team – it is far too beautiful a space to not be available to music and entertainment fans.
However, as a really experienced group of experts who put quality and standards at the heart of everything we do, it was absolutely vital that we put in place some major investment before reopening. This has included a state-of-the-art sound system, updated lighting, venue amenities and a new air-conditioning system, as well as improved stage facilities. We have also brought the number of bars in the site to four, which are much-needed in a venue of this size, and increased the number of toilets significantly. All of these are important in order to attract the very best in the business. Our venue now has a capacity of 3,576 and so is a major player.
Liverpool has a unique standing on the world music stage. The city has just attracted over 500.000 fans for Eurovision 2023, which was five times the amount of visitors expected. We hosted our own live event here at The Dome, and we know that from speaking to guests they visited to also feel a part of the city’s musical history, and of course, because of the warmth of the welcome.
Hosting artists like PAWSA, Paul Oakenfold and Roger Sanchez is a real coup for us. Again, the city has its own distinct timeline in terms of its contribution to all forms of dance music, and so artists on a world-class stage are aware of the city’s importance and its hugely energetic atmosphere. As a venue we are here to provide them with the very best stage to play on, and we welcome guests not just from around the city region, but from throughout the UK and far further afield.
We also reach a broader audience in terms of the highest quality tribute bands we attract including Oasish, and Absolutely Britney. We are also looking forward to our Cafe Mambo Classics event – we want The Dome at Grand Central to have a wide appeal. We have a whole host of upcoming events over the summer, and our track record so far suggests that tickets won’t be around for too long before being snapped up.
As a team we are also really pleased that we are in a position to give back to the community. On 28th May 2023 we will be hosting our Ibiza Calling Free Party, in aid of the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. It’s the perfect opportunity on the next Bank Holiday Sunday to enjoy noted past and present DJ’s past and present deliver Ibiza anthems, whilst contributing to a cause close to all of our hearts.
Everyone here is really proud of what we have achieved so far. In a building that is now nearly 120 years old, it now plays host to the most contemporary and thrilling live music and DJ events. It is the mix of traditional and up-to-date vibe which our city is globally renowned for.’
The Dome at Grand Central Hall is based at 35-45 Renshaw Street Liverpool L1 2SF.
For tickets and further information see here