Much to Victor Pasmore’s dismay, after completion the Apollo Pavilion was never officially ‘opened’ and there was no civic reception or recognition of the structure.
Durham County Council and the Community Association responsible for progressing the restoration of the Apollo Pavilion wished to rectify this anomaly and to celebrate the reopening of the Pavilion.
So, on the afternoon of Sunday 12 July 2009, Councillor Eunice Huntington, Durham County Council’s executive member for Healthier Communities, welcomed local residents, friends, enthusiasts and V.I.P’s to an official re-opening ceremony. John Pasmore the son of the artist officially declared the Pavilion open.
Guests enjoyed an informal buffet and guided tours of the structure, followed by a free concert by Beat ‘n’ Blow, a wonderfully entertaining German brass ensemble who were visiting the region as part of Brass: Durham International Festival 2009. The band played on a specially constructed stage in front of the Pavilion, straddling the lake.
View Gallery: Launch