Music venue Stoke Newington Town Hall to reopen after £8m refurbishment

A popular east London music venue is set to reopen for the first time in more than a decade after an £8 million refurbishment.

Stoke Newington Town Hall, which hosted acts such as Eartha Kitt, George Melly and Barbara Windsor, was closed in 1999 after it fell into a state of disrepair.

However, the art deco building is now set to reopen with three days of events starting on Wednesday.

The Grade II listed building was designed by British architect J Reginald Truelove and was opened in 1937.

The refurbished hall, which was funded by Hackney council, has two rooms which will be available for community use and private hire.

The council chamber retains many of its original features such as walnut timber panelling.

The assembly hall has a mirror ball and a sprung Canadian maple dance floor.

The three-day celebration, called Reveal, will open with a free talk on the hall's restoration, followed by live performances from local and guest musicians on Thursday and Friday.

Deputy Mayor of Hackney Karen Alcock said: "We look forward to welcoming local residents, community groups and visitors to this wonderful venue to enjoy a range of events."