POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

The Royal Albert Hall, fondly known to some as the “Nation’s Village Hall” celebrates 150 years since opening its doors this March and what a spectacle the event is said to have been. After travelling the route from Buckingham Palace, lined with what Queen Victoria described as “immense and loyal crowds”, in nine state carriages, she arrived to an audience of 8,000 lucky ticket holders. No expense was spared. There was a gilt and crimson damask royal chair for her to sit on and the Hall was even scented with Eau-de-Cologne pumped through its heating and ventilation system! So overcome with emotion (or was it Cologne?) the Queen left the Prince of Wales to officially declare the Hall open, an announcement met with cheers, trumpets and the 1,200-voice choir who launched into God Save the Queen.

DAVID CLARKE

We’re marking the Hall’s birthday with a feature in our summer issue (out in May) covering everything from its history to the truth about those acoustic mushrooms!