Ballarat’s Civic Hall was first opened on 20 August 1956. The Mayor of the day, Nathaniel Callow, locked the doors of the soon-to-be demolished Alfred Hall and then led a large crowd up the hill to the newly built Civic Hall. After a stirring speech by Mayor Callow, two days of celebratory concerts were held.

On Saturday 20 August this year we invite you to join us at Ballarat’s Town Hall at 2pm to follow Beaufort Brass Band to the Civic Hall. “Mayor Callow” will deliver his speech again, with a response by current Mayor Des Hudson. As the Hall will be closed for renovations, the celebrations then continue at The Trades Hall in Camp Street, for entertainment by Ballarat Ukulele Kollective, Boat Chorus and Funky Turtles.

Historian Anne Sunter Beggs and Trades Hall Secretary, Brett Edgington will tell us a little of the building and local trades involved in its construction.

The afternoon ends with cutting and consumption of a special cake, with appropriate beverages! It’s a few celebration, so come along for the fun.