Royal Albert Hall seat holders lose damages bid

The Royal Albert Hall seat holders, Arthur George and the Stockler brothers, have lost a High Court bid for damages after alleging unlawful exclusion from performances. They sought £500,000 in interim damages, arguing their rights were violated. Judge Sir Anthony Mann dismissed the request, asserting that a trial is necessary to explore the relevant history and defenses fully. He emphasized that the declaration sought could be unhelpful without a trial. The Royal Albert Hall Act governs the rights of seat holders, who are allowed access to two-thirds of performances annually.

Some 1,268 seats remain privately owned, with rights established since the venue's opening in 1871. The case reflects ongoing disputes between the seat holders and the hall's management, particularly regarding financial matters. The trial's outcome will be crucial in determining the resolution of these conflicts.