Guildhall Arts Centre

Opened in 1988 in the old Guildhall when the City Council moved to a converted warehouse in the Docks. The Victorian civic ballroom with its sprung floor became a performance space, the council chamber was converted into a cinema and people now come to learn samba drumming, belly dancing and middle eastern singing in the mayor's old parlour.

The International Blues Festival and the Cajun Festival started here, the Banana Club showcased young indie bands. EMF made their first video, Adventures in Motion Pictures dance company ran legendary residencies. Radiohead, Supergrass, Catatonia, Muse, Ian Brown, Primal Scream and Ash called in on their way to superstardom. Sean Hughes, Jo Brand and Jeremy Hardy have stood up on comedy nights.