South Down MP Enoch Powell who attended the opening night of the Grand Opera House in September described the night as “a great occasion – an act of defiance or perhaps I would rather say an act of triumph”. Picture: News Letter archivesSouth Down MP Enoch Powell who attended the opening night of the Grand Opera House in September described the night as “a great occasion – an act of defiance or perhaps I would rather say an act of triumph”. Picture: News Letter archives
South Down MP Enoch Powell who attended the opening night of the Grand Opera House in September described the night as “a great occasion – an act of defiance or perhaps I would rather say an act of triumph”. Picture: News Letter archives

IN PICTURES: Through The Archives – looking back at the re-opening of the Grand Opera House in September 1980

Today’s helping from the News Letter’s photo archive is a special one, we get to look back at the glittering gala night which marked the re-opening of the Grand Opera House in September 1980.

The Grand Opera House had been restored to its former glory at a cost of £3 million, and the opening night’s celebrity show signalled the start of a bumper first season.

South Down MP Enoch Powell who attended the opening night of the Grand Opera House in September described the night as “a great occasion – an act of defiance or perhaps I would rather say an act of triumph”.

Other political dignitaries on the night included MP Gerry Fitt and Euro MP John Taylor.

See who you might see from days gone by.

Do you have an old photograph that you would like to share? Email: [email protected].

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