STRANGE SHEEP! (Belfast Waterfront Hall in general)

Name: jingles

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Belfast Waterfront Hall in general
Date:	12/10/01 (391 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Views, facilities, disabled access etc

Disadvantages: Carparking not free

Belfast Waterfront Hall can be found at 2 Layon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH. The contact telephone number is 028 90 334400. It is owns and run by Belfast City Council so ratepayers basically have funded its building and upkeep. Not only is it a concert hall it also acts as a conference and exhibition centre too.

It has been open for around 6 years or so now – purpose built with modern facilities to suit the needs of both business and entertainment. Prior to this in Belfast there was a huge void. I have lived in the city for 8 years now and it was not until April this year (2001) that l visited the Waterfront Hall.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It looks huge from the outside. Built on the banks of the river Lagan, it overlooks the weir. It is a massive glass fronted building with 4 floors. The views are spectacular to say the least – you can see all the regeneration work going on around the Lagan. Outside has been landscaped – although l do not understand the metal sculptures of sheep! These poor sheep regularly get harassed at weekends especially when drunk louts hit the streets! In fact l have a photo of a friend in a lewd position with one of the afore mentioned sheep – no names shall be mentioned but you know who you are! Poor poor sheep!

There is ample carparking - outside the Waterfront is a large car parking area and next door at the Hilton there is a multi-storey. Unfortunately the parking is not free and expect to pay a minimum of £3.

INSIDE

A very impressive and large foyer greets you as you enter. There are sweeping staircases as you enter and to the left and right. It is all very contemporary in design. On the ground floor you will find various refreshment points these are also located at sporadic points through out the establishment. On each floor you will also find toilet facilities and mother and baby rooms. There are bars on every floor – although smoking is on
ly permitted on the top floor.

THE AUDITORIUM

I was very impressed with the size but yet the intimacy of the main theatre. It does rise to quite a height. On my first visit back in April, we were seated in section S that can be found up in the Gods. Now lm not the greatest with heights but l was soon at ease! My view of the show was excellent – it was the Shaolin Monks (pity about the content though!). Acoustics were excellent also. The main theatre seats approximately 2000 people at full capacity.

DISABLED ACCESS

The Waterfront is extremely disabled friendly and for this they should be commended. In the design of the building it was ensured that is would be accessible to all. Elevators are available, specialised seating, disabled toilet facilities, telephone access for those with hearing difficulties, stairways with special tread for blind or partially sighted patrons, Braille programmes are available on request and guide dogs are welcome. A hotline number even exists on 028 90 334400.

OVERALL

The Waterfront is emerging as an excellent and world-class venue and lm proud to say it is in Belfast. I was there again in September (see my Billy Connolly opinion!) and shall be visiting again in November to see Jack Dee!

For further information and pictures of the venue and facilities available go to http://www.waterfront.co.uk.

Heather

Summary: