Flooding cancels shows as Philharmonic closes

Sep 22 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S Philharmonic Hall has been forced to cancel all weekend events due to severe flooding.

The Hope Street venue suffered during bad weather yesterday when rain water poured in through the roof and several other points in the building.

It caused damage to upholstery and fittings, which it is understood could be repaired in a relatively short space of time.

But the water also seeped into the Hall’s electric system and safety concerns meant there was no other option but to close.

There is not believed to have been any major structural damage to the building. Water had to be pumped clear from the building, including the main auditorium and entrance lobby.

The worst affected areas have been isolated so technicians can assess the damage properly.

Several events have had to be postponed including a Clapperboard Youth Project Awards Ceremony which 1,000 children were due to attend tonight , a performance by the the RLPO scheduled for tomorrow and the League of Welldoers Autumn Variety Concert scheduled for Monday.

A screening of Becoming Jane scheduled for Monday has had to be cancelled altogether.

Staff hope the venue should be back open as usual by Thursday.

The Phil’s head of communications Jane Garrity said there were unlikely to be any further cancellations as staff are confident the situation will be quickly resolved.

“The areas affected are not safe for public use as they will all need to be thoroughly cleaned.”

Despite yesterday's heavy rain the problems experienced at the Philharmonic Hall were the only reported flooding incidents in the city centre.

The Phil’s box office is currently closed to personal callers but will be reopened as soon as possible. All original tickets will still be valid.