THE HISTORIC Citadel Theatre is preparing for a re-launch this week to reinforce St Helens as a premier destination for live performances.

Originally constructed as a music hall in 1861, the Waterloo Street building has stood tall for generations in St Helens; from serving the community as a Salvation Army hub to its transformation into a widely respected music, theatre, and comedy venue.

It has been a rocky road for the venue in recent years, with the venue temporarily closing due to financial pressures and departing tenants, but a new partnership with a national concert promoter is hoped to breathe new life into the historic venue.

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St Helens Star: The Citadel has been a celebrated feature of the town since 1861The Citadel has been a celebrated feature of the town since 1861 (Image: St Helens Star)

With Liverpool-based Glasswerk renowned for its wide section of curated events across the country, the company is primed to bring a variety of acts to St Helens and provide a huge boost to the local music scene.

Bands such as The Stone Roses, The La’s, and The Verve have graced the Citadel's stage in times gone by, so the partnership aims to place the Citadel firmly back on the map as a respected live music venue, as well as a hub that promotes local and upcoming talent.

A huge new programme of events has been planned for the venue's relaunch, with acts such as Ian Prowse, Sunbirds (from the Beautiful South's Dave Hemingway), premium cover band Definitely Oasis, and Mock the Week comedian Gary Delaney confirmed on the Citadel's event list so far.

St Helens Star: The Citadel reopened as an arts centre in the 1980sThe Citadel reopened as an arts centre in the 1980s (Image: The Citadel Theatre)

A spokesperson for Glasswerk Concerts said: "The collaboration between Glasswerk Concerts and Citadel St. Helens is a testament to the shared passion for live music and the desire to create memorable experiences for music lovers in the region.

"By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of both entities, this partnership aims to attract a wider audience and put St. Helens firmly on the map as a premier destination for exceptional live performances."

With a full relaunch of the website set to go live on Friday, July 7, a presale link for upcoming Citadel performances can be found here.