THE Bellingen Memorial Hall officially reopened last week, providing five nights of free entertainment which included theatre, comedy, music and film, showcasing talent from around the Bellingen Shire and further field.

On the final night, a jazz trio led by local pianist Pablo Blitzer got people dancing with their original tunes, before Funkatu ramped up the vibe playing funky tunes with Louey Howell on vibrant didgeridoo.

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First Beige from Brisbane amped up the dance floor to close the night with their textural synth layers and groovy bass.

Event producer Phil Nicholas of Events Delivered promoted the Hall’s grand re-opening events series.

“It’s been busy but sparkling, full of wonderful moments where members of this community have come in and seen the Hall which means so much to them,” Phil told News Of The Area.

“There’s also people who have been trepidacious about coming in because they don’t know what to expect and when things change, it can be challenging.

“(Then) there’s been people who come in with great expectations and are very pleased with what they’ve seen and heard,” Phil said.

Some obvious features of the Hall have been retained, such as the marble steps reused as bench seating in the foyer and the pressed metal ceilings.

Even the colour of the white paint was carefully considered due to heritage guidelines.

Raked seating provides people at the back a better view, in particular for the film screenings which happen with a drop down screen midway between the stage and the front row.

The wheelchair access is impressive; as is the size of the car park.

All of the tickets were allocated, however Phil said, “Audiences need to realise that free doesn’t mean no value.

“Free means you’ve been given a space/seat for free, but if you don’t turn up, someone misses out.

“It’s important to cancel as a sign of respect to the performers and as a means for someone else to use the ticket.”

By Mary KEILY