LIVE MUSIC VENUE TOPS ¼ MILLION FANS!!

LIVE MUSIC VENUE TOPS ¼ MILLION FANS!! The Midland’s hottest music and comedy venue, The Assembly in Leamington Spa is riding high on a wave of success. Not only was the venue recently awarded the coveted Godiva Award for best live performance venue, it is fast becoming one of the most visited and popular venues in the UK after receiving in excess of 250,000 live music and comedy fans over the last year. The Assembly is spearheading the live music and comedy scene across the Midlands with many of the top London bands, promoters, agents and managers making the Leamington Spa venue their ultimate choice over many of the Midlands more established venues. The stunning 1920’s art-deco venue is the brainchild of music industry entrepreneur Nigel Dally who invested £3.2 million pounds to renovate and restore the venue to its former glory by renowned designer Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen. Since opening, the one thousand capacity venue has earned itself the coveted title of best live performance venue for its accommodating, yet intimate atmosphere along with its technologically advanced light and sound systems and stunning interior design. The split-level, venue features four bars and a stunning balcony area. The Assembly is a particular hit with the bands and artists themselves because of its unique setting, great acoustics and spectacular interior. Moreover it’s the Assembly’s quirky and kitsch artist’s greenroom and unique backstage area which along with three changing rooms, an artist bar, a World War II Gatling Gun and pool tables also plays host to the original pink gypsy caravan belonging to none other than Country music sensation Tammy Wynette. The multi-functional space available has made it the first choice venue for big private functions including events for the BBC and Freestyle Games. In its debut year the Assembly has played host to prestigious music acts such as Razorlight, The Kooks, Pendulum, Steve Winwood, Peter Doherty, Spiritualized, The Cribs, , The Buzzcocks, Gang Of Four, Hayseed Dixie and De La Soul. The venue has also developed good relationships with key promoters including SJM Concerts and Metropolis Music. In addition, the weekly Joy Comedy Club at The Assembly run in conjunction with comedy promoters Avalon has been a tremendous success with a “who’s who” of British comedy luminaries performing at the venue including Russell Howard, Dave Gorman, Alun Cochrane and Richard Herring. Russell Kane loves the venue so much he has become the club MC. The Assembly’s weekly club night Cortina Nights has also wildly exceeded expectations. The over 30s night transports clubbers back the halcyon days of the true nightclub experience with style and glamour making its entrance to a hedonistic soundtrack of the best pop music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The night has been a phenomenal success every week with the venue SOLD OUT and full to capacity with many people being turned away. Such has been the success of the night, that a forthcoming Cortina Nights album is also planned for release early next year. The Assembly continues to grow in stature and demand with upcoming shows from such diverse artists as The Enemy, The Stranglers, Lee Mack, Reverend And The Makers, N-Dubz, New York Dolls, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Nanci Griffith, Gong, Steve Hackett, The Fall and local lads Akeal. Nigel Dalley, MD of the Assembly commented; “We’ve been blown away by the success of the venue. Bands and artists seem to love the Assembly because it is so unique and offers a more intimate and exciting performing experience. We’re very lucky in that the bands tend to approach us to play after hearing about the venue from other artists. What makes the Assembly different is that we really try to listen to what our customers want and provide them with top quality entertainment. It’s all about doing something unique, something different and catering for your target audience. For example, there are no other venue’s hosting an over 30s night in the Midlands and we’ve had people traveling hundreds of miles to attend Cortina nights which is just phenomenal.” -Ends- For further information or press enquiries please contact Margaret Murray or Gerard Franklin @ FMG 0121 224 7353 or email: margaret@fmguk.com 0121 224 7452 or email: gerard@fmguk.com NOTES TO EDITORS The Assembly History The Assembly opened in 1926 and was originally called the "Bath Assembly Hall", the building is typical of the 1920s Art Deco style. It was funded by Birmingham entrepreneur Elsie Dowding and designed by Birmingham architect Horace Bradley. It became renamed the "Palais de Danse" in keeping with many similar purpose built venues around the country. In the 1920s the waltz, foxtrot and quickstep were all popular and each 'Palais' had its own particular group dance called the 'Palais Glide'. Music at Leamington's Palais was provided by the Jack Southern Band and a local dancer - Robert Creelman - was the master of ceremonies.
 The Palais also held competitions, demonstrations, theme nights and old time dances - catering for a varied audience. Dancing continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s and there were special reduced rates for members of the armed forces - including American servicemen. In 1952 it was renamed the Embassy Ballroom and continued to hold dances and corporate events - including Christmas Balls for local regiments and barracks. 

After a period of closure it was taken over by Gala Bingo, but closed down some years later following the introduction of new EU regulations. 

 The vision to reopen the building came in 2006 by music industry entrepreneur Nigel Dalley and after a short period of renovation and design by Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen to recreate its Art Deco origins with a contemporary look and practicality of purpose - it is once more operating as it was originally intended. The Assembly Now The Assembly opened its doors on the 30th of August 2008 as a brand new music venue in Leamington Spa, with a capacity of one thousand standing and five hundred people seated.
 The Assembly is fully equipped with top specification sound and light system which is also purposely rigged to accommodate large-scale film crews. There are two main bars within the venue, with a balcony bar and overflow bar in the main hall. The balcony will accommodate 100 people standing and is the ideal vantage point to view the main stage. The Assembly boasts a purpose built backstage area and green room complete with three changing rooms, artist bar, shower facilities and pool tables. The backstage area, a favourite with bands and artists is renowned for its kitsch memorabilia which includes a 1930’s Gatling Gun and a full size pink gypsy caravan that belonged to country music sensation Tammy Wynette.