By Haley Neville

New dates have been confirmed in May, June and July for the tours around Manchester Town Hall, after such high demands for tickets.

The series of tours are led by New Manchester Walks and Manchester Guided Tours in an attempt to showcase parts of the town hall. Significant areas that are rarely seen by the general public and offer insight into the buildings history are what has attracted people.

This initiative is part of the ‘Our Town Hall Project’ which will see the Grade-I listed building being refurbished in order to keep up to date with modern health and safety requirements. The building is over 140 years old and is deemed one of the UK’s “most important examples of Victorian architecture”.

The deputy leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Bernard Priest commented “The initial run of Manchester Town Hall behind-the-scenes tours was incredibly popular, so we’re very pleased to add a series of extra dates, to meet the significant public demand.”

He then went on to say “Looking behind the scenes will also help the people of the city to understand the nature and scope of the work required to safeguard this symbol of Manchester for future generations.”

Highlights of the tour will include a look round the 19th century cobbled courtyard featuring lead windows; a popular location for film-makers. Furthermore, there will be a unique opportunity to see the ‘Porter’s Cubby Hole’.

There might even be the sound of the grand Cavaille-Coll organ playing in the great hall for those fortunate enough.  The tours last for 75 minutes and looking at the initial popularity, will continue to be hugely popular with the general public. This is something that is mutually beneficial for both the council and the public.

Tickets are £3.25 including booking fee and are subsidised by the City Council.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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