A former iconic Belfast dance hall has been included in a list of the "most celebrated" historic music venues across the UK.
According to the Music Venues Trust, 35% of grassroots music venues have closed in the last 20 years.
With pubs now accounting for many grassroots music venues, data released in 2022 by Altus Group revealed that the number of pubs closing permanently had risen by 50% over the past three months as businesses struggle with the rising costs and bills.
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The Insurance Emporium compiled a list of 10 renowned venues to highlight some of the famous faces to step onto their stage and reveal what has become of these venues today.
The Floral Hall, located in the middle of the grounds at Belfast Zoo, has ranked 9th on their list of "The UK's Most Celebrated Music Venues".
The Insurance Emporium said: "Situated within the grounds of Belfast Zoo, the Floral Hall started out as a ballroom in 1936. It later added a café and roller skating to its list of facilities.
"In the 1960s, the hall was visited by musical artists such as Pink Floyd and Small Faces.
"The Floral Hall closed to the public on 2 April 1972 and has been left in a state of disrepair ever since. However, in the 1990s the Floral Hall was given Listed Building status.
"It is hoped by the local community that the building will be restored back to its former glory in the not-too-distant future."
The hall was last in use in 1973 as a count centre for the Northern Ireland referendum on a border poll and fell into disuse soon after.
However, of the plans brought forward in recent years, none have managed to stick. The last proposal was a £5million plan from Signature Living to develop the hall into an events and wedding venue.
But the Liverpool-based developer has since gone into administration, leaving plans in disarray once more.
What would you like to see done with Floral Hall? Let us know in the comments
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