Party like it’s 1859 — Victorian Trades Hall turns 150
A street party is being held on May 24 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Melbourne Trades Hall.
The first Trades Hall building - a four-roomed timber, iron-roofed structure - was opened in 1859 to much celebration and fanfare.
The permanent present-day Trades Hall is situated on the same site at the corner of Victoria and Lygon Streets, Carlton.
Its construction started in 1874 and took 50 years to complete.
A banner has been strung across the heritage building's Lygon Street entrance to celebrate Trades Hall's role in serving Victoria's working women and men for 150 years.
The street party will be an important historical event, with activities including food, drinks, music, song and the obligatory speech or two between 5.30 pm - 9.00 pm. on Sunday 24 May 2009.