Parr Hall in Warrington looks ahead to April and May

Wow, where did the first quarter of the year go? It doesn’t seem all that long since Christmas but that’s always the way when you’re busy isn’t it?

That’s certainly been the case here at Pyramid and Parr Hall. The weeks have just rolled by as we’ve gone about planning and putting on a dedicated programme of shows and events for 2023.

There is little pause when you’re doing that, so it’s good to be able to take stock with a column like this.

In that spirit, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to support what we do right here in the heart of Warrington.

Despite the challenging times we find ourselves in, our venues continue to be packed out for shows on a weekly basis.

And I don’t think we’ll ever grow tired of experiencing the atmosphere that creates. The joy, laughter and energy filling the room.

With the pressures of the cost of living crisis looming large, we really appreciate all the tickets you buy for our performances.

As a charity and as part of the community, we’ll never take that for granted – but it is particularly heartening at the moment that so many of you choose to visit us time and again.

With that in mind, below we look ahead to some of our Pyramid and Parr Hall highlights over the next couple of months.

During that time, we’ll be welcoming the stars like Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, Westlife’s Brian McFadden and The Jam’s Bruce Foxton for live performances while icons Lulu and Status Quo’s Francis Rossi will be sharing their stories from their decades at the centre of the music industry.

But we’re also very pleased to support emerging talent here at Parr Hall with Leigh’s Lottery Winners travelling down the A49 to headline our venue.

It’s looking set to be an amazing year for the band with a new album just around the corner and a lot of excitement about their incredible roster of guest artists including Shaun Ryder, Frank Turner and even Boy George!

Parr Hall’s younger visitors are always on our radar too and, in terms of our family programming, we’re really looking forward to a 30th anniversary screening of Wallace and Gromit.

So please find below our April and May highlights and we can’t wait to welcome you.

From The Jam, April 20

Now that's entertainment! The incredible legacy of The Jam lives on thanks to original bassist Bruce Foxton and his band. This time they’re saluting The Jam's 1982 farewell tour, Beat Surrender, named after their final chart-topping single. It gets better because joining From The Jam will be very special guests and punk rock icons, Buzzcocks.

Francis Rossi, April 21

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

He's been rockin' all over the world but now Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is ready to show fans his quieter side in 'Tunes and Chat'. Expect tales, anecdotes and amazing encounters from more than 50 years in the music biz.

The Lottery Winners, April 22

These homegrown indie stars are hotly-tipped to make it big with their new album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, which comes out this month. The chart bothering four-piece already have four acclaimed records under their belts and were once described by music mogul Seymour Stein as ‘the best band since The Smiths’. Catch them in Warrington before they take over the world.

The Wrong Trousers Live, April 23

It’s the 30th anniversary of Wallace and Gromit – The Wrong Trousers in 2023 and, to celebrate, the much treasured animated classic and Academy Award winner is coming to the big screen alongside a live brass band! Stockport’s acclaimed The Fairey Band have teamed up with Aardman Animations to present this very special family concert.

Boyzlife, May 7

Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden are once again teaming up for an evening of chart-topping hits and 90s and 00s nostalgia. The singers and long-time friends perform under the name of ‘Boyzlife’ to bring back to life their classic hits such as No Matter What, Love Me for a Reason, Flying Without Wings and My Love.

Ben Fogle, May 18

Ben Fogle

From the wilderness of Northern Sweden and the jungles of Honduras to the hostile extreme environments of Chernobyl and the treacherous mountains of Nepal, Ben has many stories to tell from his extraordinary expeditions all over the world. You can learn how the experiences have shaped him as a man when the adventurer, broadcaster and writer visits Warrington for an uplifting show full of hope and possibility.

For more information visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org or call the box office on 442345.