Built in 1922, the Alhambra has been a theatre and a bingo hall over the years – and has now returned as a performance venue run by a charitable foundation. It claims to have the fourth largest stage in Scotland and certainly holds the largest audience in the town, at over 1,200 seats.
The colourful royal crest above the door is explained by a visit to the Alhambra in 1928, when the Freedom of Dunfermline was granted to the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
The formidable building was designed by local architect John Fraser, who also designed another popular gig venue, the Glen Pavilion in Pittencrieff Park.
The venue’s reputedly biggest gig held to date was by Snow Patrol in November 2019. Previous headline performers here include; Kasabian, Nazareth, The Stranglers, Morrisey, Biffy Clyro, Primal Scream, The Specials and Belle & Sebastian.
It also plays host to a thriving comedy circuit with visits from John Bishop, Jimmy Carr and Daniel Sloss. Many tribute bands play here too and, of course, there’s the ever-popular annual pantomime run.
Our Spotify playlist features some of the international artists and local talent who have appeared at the Alhambra including; Runrig with original band member Pete Wishart from Dunfermline, and local bands Nazareth, the Skids and Big Country.
Weblinks:
Alhambra Website