Publicview

5View art location  

The Victoria Hall was a large concert hall facing onto Mowbray Park. In June 1883, a childrens variety show was presented for the families of mine and shipyard workers. However, a tragic accident left 183 children dead whilst rushing for the exits. Newspaper reports triggered a mood of national outrage and the resulting enquiry established the safety standard that public venues should be fitted with a minimum number of outward opening emergency exits. A public subscription raised funds for a memorial statue that was restored and relocated to Mowbray Park in 2002.