Hemel Hempstead, The Pavilion 1967
Photo ref: H255150
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Photo ref: H255150
Photo of Hemel Hempstead, The Pavilion 1967

More about this scene

The foundation stone of the new Odeon Cinema was laid in 1959 by the actress Lauren Bacall. When the work was completed, the opening ceremony was carried out by the British character actor Leslie Phillips. The Pavilion (centre) offered 'Dancing every Saturday', and local teenagers were entertained by popular music groups such as The Kinks and their lead singer, Ray Davies. In the last few years, the cost of running the Pavilion has been prohibitive, and this once-proud venue has now been demolished.

Memories of Hemel Hempstead, the Pavilion 1967

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. These memories are of Hemel Hempstead, The Pavilion 1967

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My name is WILFRIED and I live in Germany. In 1968 I was on school exchange in Hemel Hempstead for four weeks. I was there with a group of 40 boys and girls all at the age of 16 or 17 supported by two teachers. We were all living in different families in Hemel Hempstead. At that time I was very interested in popular music, especially the classic rock stuff and psychedelic music. One day I read a review about a ...see more
Like Steve, I've only just found your site - another year later - and would also like to know how the book is going. I haven't lived in the area since 1980 but have happy memories of my teen years. I used to go to the Pavilion often during the mid 70s and to St Albans' City Hall (as it was called then) with my school mates. I recall seeing: Thin Lizzy, Van der Graaf Generator, Richard Hell & the ...see more
Oh the memories of many, many brilliant gigs back in the 70s & 80s. In fact, so many I am in the process of putting together a book entitled The Pavilion Rock Years. I am keen to hear from anyone with memories of gigs/concerts they attended there between 1966 and 2002 (I certainly wasn't at every one!). If you have any anecdotes, good, bad, funny stories to tell, please don't hesitate to contact me at perpar75@btinternet.com Many thanks, Neil.
Dance Hall and Cinema