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About Hulme Hall

Hulme Hall is situated in Port Sunlight on the Wirral. It is a conference, banqueting, exhibition and wedding centre. The building was designed by William Owen and his son, Segar. Built in 1901 at the cost of £18,000 to build, an awful lot of money in those days, as a women's dining hall, it seated 1500 girls. It became an art gallery from 1911, housing some of the collection of William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme, prior to its removal to the Lady Lever Art Gallery around 1922.

During World War I, the artworks were packed away and the building housed refugees from Belgium. In total 111 refugees stayed at Hulme Hall from the 24th October until the end of November. The east wing accommodated 42 men and the west wing provided dormitory for 31 women and 38 children with the central hall served as a dining room and place for recreation.

The Beatles played at Hulme Hall back in the 1960s. It will be remembered for Ringo Star's first gig with the band as part of their Wirral tour and rise to fame.

After the refugees were gone the hall was converted to a military hospital for the remainder of the war. Hulme hall was again used as a hostel for Dutch and Belgium refugees at the beginning of the Second World War, before later taking on a military role sheltering US and Canadian troops. The 86th chemical motar battalion were stationed at apologies from late April until 25th June The Beatles gave four performances at Hulme Hall, the first on 7 July 1962..

On 18 August 1962, Hulme Hall served as the venue for Ringo Starr's first official performance as a Beatle, following the sacking of Pete Best playing at the Port sunlight horticultural society’s after show dance the band's first performance as the Fab Four. Other shows followed on 6 and 27 October 1962 Today Hulme Hall is used for various private and public events ranging from weddings, parties, tea dances exhibitions and many events. Featuring historical and original features but with a modern twist the hall prides itself with being the chosen venue for many events.

Historic images taken at Hulme Hall.