Your full guide to the opening season at Wolverhampton's revamped Civic Hall ahead of its official opening

After a series of major setbacks, including the discovery of asbestos inside the building and the original contractor going bust, the reopening was pushed back and back, leading to spiralling costs and public disbelief.

The long-awaited reopening even made the butt of a joke at the Wolverhampton Grand pantomime last Christmas.

Now, eight years and more than £40 million later, the venue is finally back in action. The deputy leader of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said this was what the "blood, sweat and tears" had all been for.

He also claimed that The Halls would attract 300,000 visitors to Wolverhampton and add more than £10 million to the local economy every year.

Councillor Simkins, who is also the cabinet member for city economy, commented: "These are exciting times for this much-loved venue in our city.

"AEG Presents’ passion for The Halls and ambition for the future matches our own and the fantastic opening season of shows will ensure the new-look venue bursts back into life in style after our multi-million-pound transformation works.

"We’re thrilled to be working with AEG Presents on The Halls Wolverhampton. They understand the venue’s rich heritage and share our vision of reimagining an iconic institution that will continue to bring joy to the lives of locals for years to come, helping shape our city centre, creating jobs and boosting businesses by attracting 300,000 visitors a year and adding more than £10 million annually to the local economy."

Stourbridge-born Steve Homer, the CEO of AEG Presents who are the operators of the venue, added: “Having hosted artists from The Clash, Bowie and Nirvana to the Manic Street Preachers and Morrissey, it’s incredible to be able to bring an iconic venue back to life and as a local lad, this is all the more special.

“We can’t wait to open the doors of The Halls Wolverhampton and bring the world’s best artists to the West Midlands stage.”

Ahead of its official opening next week, The Halls is opening its doors tonight with a special preview event for audiences: Louder at The Halls.

The event is hosted by Wolves Records, the innovative record label backed by Wolverhampton Wanderers, featuring six of its artists: Split The Dealer, Ben Kidson, Reepa, Sophia Saffarian, ES, and Roux.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Wolves Foundation, the club's official charity network, which aims to educate and inspire local people and communities.

The following week, The Halls officially opens with a bang as Britpop sensation Blur take to the stage and christen the venue with their sold-out show.

There are plenty of exciting acts heading to The Halls over the next month and a half, including McFly and the Sugababes, with more acts set to be announced throughout the year.

The Script will take to the stage on June 5 despite tragically losing their co-founder and guitarist Mark Sheehan last month. Sheehan was only 46 and died following a brief illness.

However, the concert is still going ahead and tickets are available, albeit selling fast.

With an eclectic array of artists visiting the city over the coming months, here's your rundown of the acts coming to The Halls throughout May, June, and July.

The opening season:

• Blur - Friday, May 26 (SOLD OUT)
• Penn & Teller - Thursday, June 1
• Leftfield - Saturday, June 3

• The Script - Monday, June 5

• James Bay - Wednesday, June 7
• The Vamps - Saturday, June 10
• Ranjit Bawa - Sunday, June 11
• Lukas Nelson & POTR - Wednesday, June 14

• Amon Amarth - Wednesday, June 14

• Tommyinit - Thursday, June 15

• McFly - Friday, June 16

• The Shires - Friday June 16

• James - Tuesday, June 20

• Siouxsie - Wednesday, June 21 (SOLD OUT)

• Sparks- Thursday, June 22

• Richard Thompson - Friday, June 23

• Gary Powndland - Friday, June 23

• Tash Sultana - Tuesday, June 27

• Sugababes - Thursday, June 29

• Chris Isaak - Friday, June 30

• Two Door Cinema Club - Thursday, July 6
• Generation Sex - Monday, July 10

For more information, go to thehallswolverhampton.co.uk.