Once popular among city dwellers for its free performances, Panggung Anniversary in Taman Botani Perdana here will be regaining its past glory following its reopening to the public yesterday.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said that he hoped that with the reopening of the theatre, it would revive the nostalgia of being the only theatre that provided free entertainment in the 70s and 80s era.

"This theatre was a 'must-go' for city folks during weekends and also produced many entertainment stars," he said at the reopening ceremony of the theatre Saturday night.

Visitors last night took the opportunity to watch the
Tengku Adnan said the effort to bring back Panggung Anniversary was also a responsibility of Kuala Lumpur City Hall to provide opportunities for art enthusiasts to showcase their works to local and tourists alike.

Tengku Adnan said the theatre would also be turned into 'DBKL Orchestra House' with popular local artistes performing monthly to entertain city folks for free.

Established in 1967, Panggung Anniversary, which can accommodate 2,000 people at any one time, was closed for renovation in 2007 and 2010.

Earlier, several local artistes such as Datuk A.Rahman Hassan, Ibnor Reza and Datuk DJ Dave performed at the 'Konsert Dari Panggung Anniversary' in conjunction with the reopening. -- Bernama