Event organisers in Leeds looking for an original setting that goes beyond bland corporate spaces now have the opportunity to hire one of Leeds’ most attractive cultural venues. Steeped in history but offering a fresh and contemporary feel, the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds is now available for commercial hire. The stunning fully refurbished Victorian music hall, which reopened to the public in January 2009, is available from Spring 2011 for the first time as a venue for conferences, banquets, weddings and corporate events*.

The Howard Assembly Room, which is run by Opera North, is already home to an eclectic cultural programme including an art house cinema, a major art installation for Yorkshire, free public workshops and showcases international artists from classical, jazz and contemporary pianist Joanna MacGregor to American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, who take to the stage at this intimate venue in the cool northern edge of the city. Much of the building has been restored to its original Grade II* listed Victorian splendour, including a barrel vaulted ceiling, gothic motifs and arched windows, providing a dramatic setting for every type of event.

Located in the heart of the city within fifteen minutes’ walk of Leeds train station and close to the city centre ring road, which offers great access to the main motorways including M1 and M62, the Howard Assembly Room is a flexible space which can cater for a range of events, offering secure high-speed wireless internet access and video conferencing facilities, including two cinema screens, as well as the added feature of a specialist lighting rig. Event organisers can draw on Opera North’s extensive contact list of top performers and musicians in addition to their vast experience, to add a theatrical twist to their events.

The flexibility of the venue means it is suitable for events of every size, from 30 to 300 people. It can host up to 180 people banquet-style and up to 300 people conference style, with space for 200 seats in the main hall and a balcony which provides seating for an additional 105 people. The magnificent period setting features a stage area which can be configured according to any specifications. In addition, for more flexible events which require breakout spaces or reception areas, the Howard Assembly Room has access to the adjacent Emerald Grand Hall and Music Room.

Clients can choose from a range of bespoke caterers from the Howard Assembly Room’s preferred partners, who will design a dining package to meet the event requirements, whether it’s a three course fine dining menu, a buffet or simply drinks and canapés.

Comments Richard Ashton, general manager of the Howard Assembly Room: “Leeds is renowned as being a culturally significant city with a range of stunning historical buildings which have their own story to tell – but often these venues are off limits for corporate hire. The Howard Assembly Room, which benefits from being renovated in a way that is sympathetic to the original vision of Victorian craftsmen, is a venue that is both classical and contemporary; an inspirational setting for any event and a quirky addition to the conference and event spaces in Leeds. The venue is unquestionably a stunning backdrop and we can offer our company of artists and musicians which adds an extra show-stopping edge, making this a very unique experience indeed.”

The 302 sq ft venue has an unusual history, as it was originally established to set it apart from popular pub-based music halls and provided a variety of entertainment, from magic and minstrel shows to musical concerts. It opened as part of Leeds Grand Theatre in 1879 but became a cinema in 1911, and despite the venue’s aspirations to showcase ‘respectable’ entertainment, by the 1970s it is believed to have become an adult cinema, showing only soft-porn films for a few years.

Following a two year renovation project by Opera North and the city of Leeds, the Howard Assembly Room is now home to the Orchestra of Opera North and is a vibrant arts and performance space.

*The venue is available for hire only on selected dates throughout the year – please check with the website or general manager for availability.

For more information and to discuss event requirements, email contact@HARhire.co.uk, tel: 0113 243 9999 or visit the website at www.HARhire.co.uk

ENDS
We have a range of high-res images of the space set-up banquet and conference style on request.

For further information and images please contact Debbie Pett or Anys Williams at Anita Morris Associates on 01943 603311 or email Debbie@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk ; anys@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk

Editors’ Notes
1. The Howard Assembly Room is a fully flexible, multi-functional venue with adjustable seating and staging. It has premise license from Leeds City Council authorised for dance, film, live music, recorded music, plays, late night refreshment, sale by retail of alcohol. Permitted hours of opening are 8.00am – 1.30am.

2. Access: The Howard Assembly Room is located within 15 minute walk of Leeds train station. There two 24 hour car parks close-by – St John Centre, 31 Merrion Street, Leeds, LS2 8LQ and the NCP. Templar Street, Leeds, LS2 7UK. The venue also has disabled access.

3. The Howard Assembly Room is situated close to Leeds’ main shopping district, and in short walking distance from Leeds City Art Gallery, The Victorian Quarter, Leeds Museum, The Radisson SAS Hotel and Leeds City Station.

4. The northern edge of the city boasts a selection of independent cafes, restaurants and bars, including the award winning Hansa’s Restaurant, North Bar and The Reliance.

6. The Assembly Rooms were designed by Leeds-architects George Corson and James Watson in 1879. It is thought that the inspiration for the venue was taken from a remark by Prince Albert who, while visiting Leeds to open the Town Hall, made a passing comment to the mayor that Leeds was in need of a good theatre as ‘nothing was more calculated to promote culture and raise the tone of the people.’

7. The 300-seat Howard Assembly Room is used as a rehearsal venue for the award-winning Orchestra of Opera North by day. The Howard Assembly Room at Opera North takes its name from Doctor Keith Howard, generous benefactor of the Opera North Transformation project.

8. The Howard Assembly Room reopened in January 2009, the culmination of Transformation, a £31.2m renovation of Leeds Grand Theatre, the former Assembly Rooms and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North. It has been led by Opera North in partnership with Leeds City Council, Leeds Grand Theatre, lottery money from Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire Forward and the Opera North and Leeds Grand Theatre Development Trust.

9. Established in 1978, Opera North is England’s national award-winning opera company based in Leeds, Yorkshire and is one of the leading arts companies in Europe.