Leicester Guildhall marks 100 years since its 1926 reopening as a museum on Monday, May 4. The May Day Bank Holiday event features maypole dancing, hammered dulcimer music by Damien Clark, and period artillery displays from the Redcoats & Revolutionaries.
Survival of a medieval masterpiece
Constructed in 1390 for a powerful medieval guild, the timber-framed structure served as the city’s first town hall until 1876. It faced significant threats of demolition in the early 20th century before the Leicester Archaeological & Historical Society spearheaded a restoration program in 1922. The building’s survival is a testament to the community’s dedication, much like when Leicester families joined previous medieval festivals at the site.
| Key Milestone | Date/Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Construction | 1390 |
| Reopened as Museum | 19 May 1926 |
| Grade I Listing | 1950 |
| Annual Visitors (2025) | 66,000 |
| Centenary Event Time | 11am – 3pm |
Evening ceilidh and guided history
A free guided tour at 1pm will detail the building’s renaissance, though pre-booking is required via the museum’s website. The day concludes with a £5 ticketed ceilidh at 4pm featuring the band 3Around3, continuing the tradition of the Guildhall as a performance space.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster noted the building attracted 66,000 visitors last year, highlighting its status as one of the best-preserved medieval halls in the country. The site also served as the headquarters for the Leicester Borough Police starting in 1836 before its transition to a cultural venue.
Source: Leicester City Council
