A KILBIRNIE dance hall, which once hosted top acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers and Bill Haley and his Comets, is set to be brought back to life as the hottest spot in town with a special live music event this week.

The Walker Hall on the town’s Main Street was the place to be in the 50s, 60s and 70s but later became underused and fell into a state of disrepair.

Now, after a £100,000 renovation funded by North Ayrshire Council, and a special ‘revival’ night planned, it is hoped that the old dance hall will bring revellers back to the town of Kilbirnie.

Kilbirnie Ladeside Football Club (KLFC), in conjunction with a young indie band called Dogtooth, have arranged a gig, ‘The Walker Hall Revival’ at the venue, on Saturday, February 25.

Bands set to play at the event include Dogtooth, DF118, and Esperanza. A DJ is also on the line-up.

Dogtooth are fronted by Kilbirnie teen John Hewitson, who is a supporter of KLFC.

John’s mum, Jennifer Hewitson, told the Herald that the gig was quickly a sell out.

She said: “I think it’s going to be really good for the town.

“The main street will be really busy again – it will take everybody back to the 60s. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I remember going to see Tiger Tim in the Walker Hall. It was one of the top dance halls in Scotland and lots of well known bands played there.

“I don’t think it was used, I think that was the main problem. It’s been renovated now and they’re hoping to make it a top venue once more. It looks fantastic.”

John Jeffrey, from KLFC, said that “the old place will be jumping on the night”.

He added: “This is not only a fundraiser for the club but an attempt at increasing community spirit in an area that has suffered much decline over the last 30 years or so.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said, that the authority had invested over £100,000 in the hall in recent months.

The spokesperson added: “These general maintenance works will ensure the facility remains available for the continued use of the community.”