Savoy in Cork Set to Reopen as Cultural Venue This February

After a decade-long closure, the Savoy in Cork is set to reopen as a vibrant live music venue and cultural space on February 14, 2024. Local promoters, The Good Room, are collaborating with building owners Clarendon Properties to relaunch this historic site just in time for Valentine’s Weekend.

The revitalized venue will feature a new entrance on Drawbridge Street, shifting from the traditional access point on Patrick’s Street. The renovation marks a significant transformation, as the remainder of the building has been developed for retail and residential use.

Joe Kelly, one of the principals at The Good Room, expressed enthusiasm about the reopening. “We are delighted to get the Savoy open again,” he said. “For decades, the Savoy was a huge part of Cork’s nightlife, and we hope to continue that legacy of quality music acts and other cultural events.”

Design and Capacity Enhancements

The revamped venue will encompass two areas: a main section and a smaller upstairs lounge, accommodating just under 600 people. This layout aims to enhance the audience experience with improved sound quality and sightlines. Kelly noted that while they will continue to host events at Live at St Luke’s, the Savoy will provide a space for stand-up gigs and other performances in the city center.

“Some acts are just ideal for the sit-down concerts in the old church, but it’ll be great to put on stand-up gigs and other events in the city centre,” Kelly remarked. His deep roots in Cork’s cultural scene include involvement with well-known locales such as Sir Henrys, Bodega, and The Pav, as well as festivals like the Cork Midsummer Festival and the annual literary event on Garinish Island.

The reopening celebration will feature local acts, including the brass collective BoolaBoom, Spanish guitar duo Zurito, and soul band The Leon Stax Equation. Further programming announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

A Legacy of Entertainment

Originally opened in 1932 as a cinema, the Savoy played a crucial role in the early years of the Cork Film Festival, hosting international stars on the red carpet. Over the years, it has transitioned into a prominent music venue, featuring a diverse array of major artists, including Count John McCormack, The Rolling Stones, Damon Albarn, and Run DMC.

With its reopening, the Savoy aims to revive the cultural heartbeat of Cork, contributing to the city’s rich musical heritage and vibrant nightlife. The Good Room’s commitment to delivering quality events signals an exciting new chapter for this historic venue.