The 100 year history of Edinburgh’s Usher Hall includes sell-out shows by the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash and Ella Fitzgerald, but the real stars can be found off stage.
Staff at Edinburgh’s flagship music venue are celebrating a five star review for the sixth year in a row from Scotland’s national tourism body, VisitScotland.
The grading cements the Usher Hall’s status as the only five-star concert hall in Scotland.
Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, who recently hosted a lecture about life in space as part of the Usher Hall’s Unique Lives lecture series, helped staff celebrate.
The prestigious review follows anonymous visits from VisitScotland inspectors who praised the council-owned venue’s exceptional facilities, acoustics and the customer service provided.
The Usher Hall sells 220,000 tickets a year and has another packed line up for 2017 featuring Kraftwerk, Nicola Benedetti, Seasick Steve, Anastacia, Elbow and Emeli Sandé.
It will be a key venue for the Edinburgh International Festival’s celebrations this summer for the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh, The Festival City.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener, said: “Yet again, the Usher Hall is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading arts venues.
“As the proud home of the first Edinburgh International Festival concert in 1947, we are gearing up for a sensational year marking the 70th anniversary of the Festival city this summer.
“With several sell-out events for the year ahead it is no surprise the venue continues to exceed expectations. This stellar achievement is well deserved and is testament to the dedication of the entire culture team. They are the real stars of our Usher Hall stage.”
Karl Chapman, General Manager of the Usher Hall, added: “This glowing review proves we’re still giving our audiences a five-stgar experience. I am proud of the hard work put in by everyone backstage and front-of-house.”
Manuela Calchini, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said: “The Usher Hall’s retention of its five-star status is a fantastic achievement and not only a sign for visitors of an exceptional venue but an endorsement for staff of the high quality experience they deliver to customers.”
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