Since its birth in 1915, Festival Hall – formerly West Melbourne Stadium – has been an iconic Melbourne institution, hosting major events such as boxing, music concerts and professional wrestling.

After being destroyed by fire in 1955, it was purchased by John Wren and reopened as Festival Hall in time to provide the venue for several Olympic Games events, including gymnastics and wrestling, the following year.

The venue quickly became the venue of choice for big-name acts looking to thrill their Melbourne based fans. Over the years, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and Shirley Bassey all graced the stage at Festival Hall.

For over 60+ years St John Ambulance Victoria has had the pleasure of providing first aid services at Festival Hall, providing medical assistance to hundreds of thousands of patrons during this time.

St John Ambulance Victoria CEO Gordon Botwright says Festival Hall is deeply ingrained into the history of St John Victoria’s Event Health Services Department.

“For over 60 years our people have provided essential first aid services at countless events at the venue, aiding those in sickness, distress and suffering. Throughout this time, Festival Hall’s owner John Wren and his family have been one of our greatest and loyal supporters. We’re so grateful to John and his family for continuing to have us on board for all these years to provide our services at some of Melbourne’s most historical events.”

A timeline of some of the major Festival Hall events St John Ambulance Victoria has provided its services at:

1960s

The Beatles, Pat Boone, Johnny Farnham, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Bob Dylan, Bill Haley

1970s

Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull, Status Quo, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, John McLaughlin, Bee Gees, Frank Sinatra, Skyhooks, Deep Purple, The Boys Next Door, Cold Chisel, Black Sabbath, Procol Harum, Nana Mouskouri, Russell Morris, Johnny Cash, Lee Gordon “Big Shows”

1980s

The Clash, Split Enz, The Police, Billy Idol, Dire Straits, Midnight Oil, Neil Young, Sherbet, Liberace, Shirley Bassey

1990s and beyond

Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Powderfinger, Lily Allen, Lorde

The enduring joint history between St John Ambulance Victoria and Festival Hall is all thanks to owner, John Wren. 

As the partnership with Festival Hall comes to an end after 60+ years, due to the venue recently being purchased by Hillsong, it will remain a large part of St John Ambulance Victoria’s history. A very warm thank you is extended to John Wren and his family for continuing to have trust in the organisation for six decades.