Victoria Hall, Hanley, is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s main entertainment venues. It’s a mid-sized venue located right in the heart of Hanley on Bagnall Street, in the city’s Cultural Quarter.
Its central location, size, and history attracts touring groups from all over. The venue hosted bands like Queen, the Jam, and the Smiths at their prime and the likes of Paul Weller and Johnny Marr still include the venue on their touring circuit today.
It’s a legendary venue steeped in history and one that you should definitely pay a visit to during your time in Stoke-on-Trent.
Victoria Hall history
The Grade II-listed Victoria Hall was built in 1888 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, hence its name. It was designed by local surveyor, Joseph Lobley, and built in terracotta and local red brick.
During the concert hall’s first few decades, it welcomed some of the country’s best-loved composers. This included Edward Elgar, who conducted the first-ever live performance of King Olaf at the venue.
The phenomenal acoustics of the venue became well-known. By the 1930s, it became the favoured venue of many conductors, including Sir Thomas Beecham.
As popular music developed throughout the 20th century, Victoria Hall started to host pop and rock acts but still made room for classical music performances.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, it became a popular venue amongst punk and alternative bands. The Smiths, the Sisters of Mercy, the Clash, and the Pixies all graced Victoria Hall’s stage.
In the mid-90s, the original interior, having been worn down by over a century’s worth of use, no longer met modern health and safety standards. The hall then underwent extensive renovation work as part of the wider Cultural Quarter regenerative project that was going on at the time.
To improve the comfort and accessibility of the venue, the original seat count of 2,800 was reduced to 1,467. Removable stalls were put in place to provide 1,600 standing spots whenever required. The refurbishment was completed in 1998 and, since then, the venue has resumed its role as a mixed-use concert hall, catering to a wide range of genres.
Getting to Victoria Hall
Victoria Hall is centrally located in Hanley’s Cultural Quarter and is easy to get to.
If travelling by car, you should exit the M6 via Junction 15. From there, you’ll be able to follow signs that’ll lead you both to Stoke’s city centre and also the Cultural Quarter. The best place to park would be John Street Multi Storey Car Park, which charges for parking.
The hall is just over a mile away from Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station. If travelling from the station, you could get the number 25 bus from the nearby Royal Mail Sorting Office to Hanley Bus Station. The bus station is right outside the music venue.
Facilities and accessibility
Besides the concert space itself, Victoria Hall also features a box office (which opens 90 minutes before each gig) as well as several bars positioned around the hall serving alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks.
Victoria Hall provides disabled access and disabled toilets – plus, the bars and cloakrooms all have low-level counters. Disabled seating is available on all three of the venue’s auditorium levels, which are accessible by lift.
Where to eat near Victoria Hall, Stoke
Hanley has several eateries near Victoria Hall. Portofino Restaurant, located on Marsh Street, is just a four-minute walk away. This Italian restaurant serves a range of Mediterranean classics, with a wide selection of pizza and pasta. With 195 seats, Portofino is a popular pre-gig option.
Keeping the Italian theme going, you also have the family-run Roberto’s Pizza House at 25 Pall Mall. This authentic restaurant comes with all you’d expect from an Italian restaurant, from an open kitchen to red chequered tablecloths. The pizza, pasta, and meat dishes are all delicious, too.
For something a little different, you have the Little Dumpling King at 50 Piccadilly, which has a good range of vegan options. Or, for something quick and easy, head to the Slamwich Club, also on Piccadilly.
If you’re looking for a meal or a drink as close to the venue as possible, head to the Victoria Lounge Bar, which is a mere seconds away from Victoria Hall. Here you can find everything from homemade pies to roasts of the day, as well as vegetarian options.
Accommodation near Victoria Hall
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the venue, several major chains have hotels positioned close to Victoria Hall. For example, the Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent is only a seven-minute walk away from the venue.
There’s also a nearby Premier Inn on Etruria Road that’ll only take you 12 minutes to walk to. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay above a traditional English pub, the Wheatsheaf Hotel at 33 Sheaf Street also only takes around 12 minutes to walk to from Victoria Hall.
Slightly further away you have the DoubleTree by Hilton which would either leave you with a 22-minute walk or a five-minute taxi ride.
Victoria Hall Stoke-on-Trent events
Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent has long been a popular music venue for all genres. Rock, pop, and alternative gigs still take place here, as well as classical music performances, comedy nights, musicals, and even wrestling matches.
To check the venue’s current listings and find out ticket information, click here.
FAQs
What’s on at Victoria Hall, Stoke?
Upcoming shows at Victoria Hall include performances from 10cc, Jools Holland, Wet Wet Wet, and Rick Wakeman. The venue draws in big names throughout the year and has famously hosted the likes of Morrissey and Slash.
How old is the Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent?
As of 2024, Victoria Hall in Hanley is 135 years old. It was originally opened back in the Victorian era in the year 1888. Throughout its 135-year history, the hall has only undergone one major renovation in the 1990s. Today, it is registered as a Grade II listed building and still has its original Conacher organ.
How many seats are in the Victoria Hall, Stoke?
Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent has 1,467 permanent seats in total. For most concerts, standing is available, with 1,600 standing spots available. The venue features removable stalls to provide seating or standing as required.
What time does the Victoria, Stoke-on-Trent, close?
The curfew for most concerts at Stoke-on-Trent’s Victoria Hall is 11.00pm. Before concerts, the venue and bars normally open at 6.30pm and concerts start at 8.00pm. However, these times can differ depending on the concert.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
