The White Light AV Production Team have been reflecting on past events we have worked together on in this historical venue.
We were delighted when Central Hall Westminster most deservedly won ‘Best Historic Venue – over 400’ at the recent London Venue Awards. This Grade II* listed building opened in 1912 and is famed for its fascinating history of hosting world first occasions and prolific global leaders. As Central Hall’s in-house production partner, we are privileged to deliver technical solutions for the iconic events held there and in recent years have seen some fascinating history come full circle…
Central Hall has played host to numerous historical events supporting women’s rights over the years. Going back over a century to 1914, the Six Point Group, a British feminist campaign movement staged an event to demand amendment of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act.
Between 1921 and 1980, pioneering organisations including the Suffragettes, the London Society for Women’s Service, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes and the Fawcett Society have rallied their cause on the Great Hall’s imposing stage.
This synergy with women’s rights made Central Hall the choice venue for Care International’s flagship March4Women event, held on Sunday 3rd March 2019 to coincide with International Women’s Day. Like the Suffragettes 100 years before, over 1600 supporters attended this rally-style event for the first time in its seven-year history that it took place at an indoor venue. We were very proud to show our support and acknowledge the significance of this event, through the provision of our AV services. This helped to bring the programme of inspirational speeches, debates, discussions and live performances from high-profile advocates including Annie Lennox, David Tennant and Beverly Knight, to life.
Other notable moments in Central Hall’s history:
- In 1946, the inaugural meeting of the United Nations took place at Central Hall. Many years later, in 2015, we joined forces with them to participate in a worldwide initiative, by lighting the venue’s grand exterior in UN blue. This was to mark the 70-year anniversary of the UN’s formation.
- More recently, in 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Royal Armouries’ 100 Days to Peace gala, marking the centenary since the end of the First World War. This glittering evening of live music and reflection, saw revered composer Sir Karl Jenkins conduct his internationally acclaimed The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace. Lesley Garrett, who hosted the event, also sang two songs. For this, our expert team were on-hand to ensure that the audio solution in the Great Hall befitted the specific requirements of such iconic performances.
- The Charity Film Awards, which celebrate the success of fundraising and awareness video campaigns for the UK’s registered charities and social enterprises, was also held at Central Hall in 2018. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and her father Ziauddin were among those in attendance.
Winston Churchill, Winnie Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and Mikhail Gorbachev have also been through Central Hall’s doors for past historical moments throughout history. So, however you choose to utilise this award-winning venue for your next event, you will be sharing a stage with some of the most influential world figures and leaders of all time. We look forward to working with you!
