Memories of The Muni
by Colne Life magazine
The Muni remains a stage for Colne’s collective memory.
For many, the Muni was their introduction to live music. “Went to my very first concert here, probably in 1991,” recalled Kaye Wilkinson. “The House of Love played that night.” Nicola Walsh remembered seeing Trextasy: “An absolutely amazing tribute band!”
Childhood memories also run deep. Carole Ann McCarthy recalled the “Bannisters work Christmas parties for children. I went to two in the sixties with my brother Brian. She also fondly remembered “performing at the Muni as part of the Lord Street School play. I was in the choir.”
“I have happy memories of exploring downstairs, which was a bit scary because he told us stories about ghosts.”
Others remember the thrill of pantomime and performance. “Waiting between matinee and evening performance when I was a pantomime junior in the 80s and sliding down the ramp they used to shift the chairs,” said Helen Green. “Long before health and safety was even a thing.” Dorothy Lord cherished taking all her grandchildren to the panto and hoped “the Mayor’s Ball will come back to the theatre.”
For some, it was wrestling that made the biggest impression. “Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks,” said William Driver, echoed by Jim Howard’s memories of wrestling nights in the ‘70s.
Emma Ibbetson shared a more behind-the-scenes perspective: “My grandad was the hall keeper when I was little. I used to
go with him and help. I have happy memories of exploring downstairs, which was a bit scary because he told us stories about ghosts.”
From rock bands to school plays, the Muni remains a stage for Colne’s collective memory.
ColneLife May/June/July 24
