It is often said – If walls could talk, think of the stories they could tell!
Since 1878 the Port Albert Mechanics Institute Hall has been part of the life-blood of the town, one that was a bustling port after settlement in the 1840’s, however, it has seen huge changes over the years with the advent of the railway in the early days and the demise of the fishing industry. The Hall has been a constant during the decades with dances, concerts, ‘local cinema’ and even the venue for a roller skating competition in the 1890’s. It has undergone major refurbishment following King Tides with the floor under inches of water and periods when there was difficulty raising funds for repair.
There is great enthusiasm for the arrival of the Scottish The Paul McKenna Band as it was at Port Albert the Chiefton of the Glengarry Clan, Aenes Ranaldson Macdonell landed with servants, a dairy herd and two prefabricated houses to settle in Gippsland.
Festival of Small Halls rolls into Port Albert on Sunday, 29 March 2020 with critically-acclaimed Scottish ensemble The Paul McKenna Band and emerging Australian singer-songwriter Alana Wilkinson.
Port Albert Mechanics Institute stands on land traditionally owned by the Gunaikurnai people.
Doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets available online here