We’ve reached a new milestone– thanks to Heritage Open Days and Castlegate Festival we were able to open the doors to the general public for the first time in nearly 15 years!
During 8 days in September we hosted the LiveWorks Urban Room with the School of Architecture and Landscape at the University of Sheffield, exploring the past, present and future of Castlegate through six themes of Sounds, Nature, Buildings, Culture, Pasts and Futures. The ground floor of the building was open for people to interact with the displays and exhibits and learn more about Canada House and the future of Harmony Works.
There were free tours and talks, all at capacity, where volunteers showed visitors the domed main hall, the Chinese buffet’s pot wash and the Sheffield United Gas Light Company offices and board room.
For many this was the first time in the building and for others their visit was stirring up memories of hazy nights at Turn Ups hanging out on the dancefloor, childhood trips to pay the gas bill with parents and of first dates at the No. 1 Oriental Buffet.
Alongside our friends at SADACCA, we were able to host the fantastic Concerteenies Beat Box Rave with musician James Lyons.
Three groups of young musicians from Sheffield Music Service braved the elements to showcase their talents on the Exchange Street stage alongside RiteTrax for the Castlegate Festival Street Party. Looking forward to this being a regular fixture!