Topping-out ceremony marks next step in exciting redevelopment of Watford Colosseum

An important milestone in the refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum was reached on Monday 16 May when a ‘topping-out’ ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the highest part of the building.
This is a traditional ceremony dating back over many centuries, and one of a number of customs and ceremonies observed amongst builders to have survived into modern times.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, said: “I’m thrilled to do this today. This is about investing in the future of the town. The improvements are being delivered in budget and on time. It’s so exciting to think that in a few months time, the Colosseum will be restored to its former glory with better, modern customer facilities providing a first class entertainment venue for everyone.”
Norman Elliott, Operations Director for the construction company Kier London said: “Work has been progressing really well and we are excited to have reached this milestone. As a locally-based regional construction business we are proud to be playing our part in reviving one of the area’s best-known entertainment venues.”
Top of the bill is a dazzling two-storey glass-fronted foyer housing a new café bar, a stylish new restaurant called the Forum, and customer lift; a refurbished auditorium with new retractable, loose and fixed seating for up to 1,400, plus new sound and lighting systems.
The stunning refurbishment of the celebrated concert hall will boost the live entertainment scene in Watford, with a programme of top international and UK comedy, rock, pop, classic music and family shows lined up to perform at the venue.
Brochures have been delivered to every house in the borough and surrounding area listing the shows and performers in the opening autumn/ winter season. Highlights include John Barrowman, Jools Holland, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia and the Watford Colosseum Grand Opening Classical Gala on Saturday 1 October. For families, there is Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt and the Russian Ice Stars Christmas production of Cinderella on Ice.
Nick Thomas, Chairman of Qdos Entertainment plc who manage and operate the Colosseum for Watford Borough Council, said: “We are here to bring the best in music and entertainment along with extensive, high-quality celebration, conferencing and banqueting services. To ensure customers receive top quality service, we’ve introduced a new state-of-the-art ticketing system and website where customers can book everything for the perfect night out. To see the amazing changes that have taken place at the Colosseum we are inviting everyone to our Open Day on Saturday 20 August. Our new Café Bar will be open, so customers can check out the venue, book a ticket, pick up a brochure or just relax with a coffee and a snack.” Visit: www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk for more information and to book online 24 hours a day. Tickets are also available from The Ticket Shop in John Lewis, Harlequin Centre, Watford. The ticket office team can also be contacted on 0845 075 3993, Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.