Packed programme of different activities every day. Including explosive science shows, outdoor activities, special guest performers, tech tinkering and lots more.

Please follow the link to plan your visit.

Do you love to dance?
Do you love to perform?
If so come along to our open auditions to find young dancers for our spectacular family pantomime Beauty and the Beast.
Auditions are being held on Sunday 1 September.
For more information and to download an application form visit https://bit.ly/2Tvnj9K

Director: Bryan Singer Year: 2018 Cast: Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Rami Malek Certification: 12A

Bohemian Rhapsody, the chronicles of the life of one of the world’s greatest rock legends, promises to be a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and the legendary Freddie Mercury, who defied all stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet.

TICKET PRICES

General Courtyard – Pick your own space within our General Courtyard area. Picnic chairs and blankets welcome.

Adult: £12.50

Child: £10

Family: (2 Adult + 2 Children) £40

Member: £11

Premium – Reserved deckchairs in prime position of the screen

All tickets: £18

Details: Gates 7.30pm – Show starts at sundown. HX1 1RE. Age restriction 12.

The next talk in the series ‘The Making of Calderdale’ will be on Wednesday 11th September at 7.30pm, in the Industrial Museum, an illustrated talk by Michael & Kath Airey, Trouble a’t Mill.

Create an original handwoven scarf at this beginners weaving worksop at Calderdale Industrial Museum.

On Thursday 12th September from 10am – 4.30pm, the cost is £55 including yarn, you will be weaving on Ashford looms and tutored by Central Saint Martins trained weaver Anne Crowther. Only 6 places per workshop.

To book please ring 07964 416699

Halifax’s hidden gems are set to be revealed in all their historic glory thanks to a special tour.; either on foot or by bus.

The tour has been organised by Halifax Minster with the support of businesses and heritage sites across Halifax.

Take part to delve into the fascinating history of the town and perhaps uncover some surprises along the way.

£5 per person (plus 28p booking fee) Booking ESSENTIAL by either the Halifax Minster website .

Walking Tours (approx 2  hours Starting at the Town Hall & finishing at Halifax Minster)

Thursday 12th: 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm

Friday 13th: 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm

Saturday 14th: 10am, 11am, 1.30pm & 3pm

Sunday 15th: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3pm                     

24 places per tour.

Bus Tours (Start & finish at Halifax Minster)

Saturday 14th: 2pm

Sunday 15th:  2pm

45 places on the bus

The courtyard becomes the stage for a spectacular evening featuring a fairytale herd of glowing white horses. These giant luminous puppets are the handiwork of French outdoor theatre specialists Compagnie des Quidams. The magnificent dancing horses are the centrepiece of a dreamlike, playful night time show suitable for all the family, accompanied by beautiful music and lights.

TICKET PRICES

General Courtyard

Adults £14.50*

Children £8*

Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £40*

Balcony (Premium)

Adults £20*

Children £10*

Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £55*

Details: Gates 7.30pm – Show starts at sundown. HX1 1RE. No age restriction – family friendly.

The local watercolour artist Jane Austin is holding a third solo exhibition of paintings, this year reflecting the rich heritage of the church, the Akroydon model village and Halifax itself, rooted firmly in the Industrial Revolution.

The drawings from several workshops during the year will inspire to take a closer look. Meet the artist and see how she develops her work, as seen on BBC 1 series ‘Home Is Where The Art Is’.

Once a thriving church it fell into disrepair and was no longer used for regular worship by 1989. However many people still have fond memories of family celebrations and connections with the church which are being gathered into a community project of stories and images, ‘People of All Souls’.

A rare chance to peek behind the scenes of this beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian building. Home to many illustrious residents over the centuries, including Anne Lister’s coal rival, local luminary Christopher Rawson, and Sir Henry Edwards MP.

There is always something new to discover year on year. Come and visit this extraordinary Grade 1 listed Gothic church commissioned by the local industrialist Edward Akroyd 160 years ago. It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and considered to be his finest church with exceptional stained glass.

Scott also designed the model village Akroydon for Edward Akroyd’s mill workers and the old manor house was later donated to become Bankfield Museum.

As part of the anniversary celebrations of The Churches Conservation Trust and the building itself the dedicated volunteer team are working to bring this generally unused building back into the community, to be an exceptional venue for events and exploring the history of the area.

“We are extremely proud to be celebrating our priceless volunteers, so this year’s heritage theme is all about ‘People Power’.”

Join us in celebrating Heritage Open Days 25th Anniversary! Over the course of the weekend, feel free to look around our Resident Artist Studios and explore our Drawing Matters Exhibition – a post card exhibition exploring the idea of ‘What Matters to You?’ with Prize Winners announced on Sunday 15th at 12.30pm.

Over the weekend we will also be hosting a series of workshops to celebrate our Heritage Weekend, Monoprinting with Susan Wright, Watercolour for Beginners with Jane Pugh and Jewellery Making with Ami Hallgarth.

Summer Draw Exhibition Prize Awards will be presented on Sunday 15 September 2019 at 12.30pm.

This year is the 90th Anniversary of the installation of the ‘King of Instruments’, the magnificent Harrison and Harrison Organ. The heritage theme for the Minster will focus on the organ and its role in the life of the Minster and will also feature the 18th Century Snetzler Chamber Organ.

Prof. David Baker, Head of the Halifax Organ Academy and expert on the Minster’s first organist, William Herschel will lead workshop for adults and children.

Further details will be on the Minster website www.halifaxminster.org.uk

This year is the 90th Anniversary of the installation of the ‘King of Instruments’, the magnificent Harrison and Harrison Organ. The heritage theme for the Minster will focus on the organ and its role in the life of the Minster and will also feature the 18th Century Snetzler Chamber Organ.

Prof. David Baker, Head of the Halifax Organ Academy and expert on the Minster’s first organist, William Herschel will lead workshop for adults and children.

Further details will be on the Minster website www.halifaxminster.org.uk

FierS à Cheval – a spectacular showstopper to finish summer at The Piece Hall

 A troop of 12 white inflatable horses, each 3.5 metres high, will canter through The Piece Hall courtyard on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September in what promises to be an unforgettable, magical and luminous performance.

 FierS à Cheval, created by international artists Compagnie Des Quidams, is set to make its debut in the North of England, creating a stunning finale to a successful summer of large scale events, concerts, family activities and screenings at the iconic former cloth hall.  For the first time in the UK, an additional character of Pegasus, the mythical flying horse, will join the otherworldly herd.

 A team of twenty experienced puppeteers will transform into a dozen giant glowing horses as well as Pegasus, led by a ‘ringmaster’, before the dreamlike ensemble moves among the crowd, accompanied by an original score and ending in a fantastical choreographed performance complete with smoke and lights.

 Nicky Chance-Thompson, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust, commented: “When I first saw pictures of this show a few years ago, I was blown away.  It’s taken  a couple of years for us to bring this beautiful show here and for us, it’s a nod to the Victorian era of the building when it was used for amazing and spectacular events. This summer has been packed with outstanding occasions and now, bringing an internationally renowned company like Compagnie Des Quidams to Halifax, we are really confirming The Piece Hall as a world class stage. Our Grade I Listed colonnades and striking piazza are perfect for these high calibre, memorable events that all the family can enjoy.”

 Originally created in 2013 by Company Quidams Artistic Director Jean- Baptiste Duperray and writer Hal Collomb the show has been performed to great acclaim all over the world. Tickets are available from £8 at: https://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/events/fiers-a-cheval

TICKET PRICES

General Courtyard

Adults £14.50*

Children £8*

Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £40*

Balcony (Premium)

Adults £20*

Children £10*

Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £55*

Details: Gates 7.30pm – Show starts at sundown. HX1 1RE. No age restriction – family friendly.

Along with the usual tour of our Grade II Listed Building and Theatre. There will be live music and refreshments during the day.

Macramé Plant Pot Holder Workshop

15th September – 11am – 1pm – Location: The Hive – £25

“Join Aliss Oxley of Workshop Leeds for a beginners macramé workshop. Aliss will show you some basic knots and teach you how to make a macramé plant holder.

All materials are provided including a range of coloured cords to choose from, and includes a new plant to sit in your pot holder once it’s complete!”

The only guided tour of the Halifax Music Heritage Trail this year. Lead solo by Michael Ainsworth you’ll hear about the fascinating and surprising history of Halifax from the mid 1950s onwards.

Expect to hear tales of Shirley Bassey, Dusty, Donovan, The Kinks, Pulp, The Jacksons, John Grant and many more as we visit many of the venues of yesteryear. Starting at the UK’s smallest music venue and taking a tour around the site of many old venues and going inside some too.

Get your tickets for £5 from
The Grayston Unity or pay on the day.

The only guided tour of the Halifax Music Heritage Trail this year. Lead solo by Michael Ainsworth you’ll hear about the fascinating and surprising history of Halifax from the mid 1950s onwards. Expect to hear tales of Shirley Bassey, Dusty, Donovan, The Kinks, Pulp, The Jacksons, John Grant and many more as we visit many of the venues of yesteryear. Get your tickets for £5 from The Grayston Unity…or pay on the day.
www.musictrailuk.com.

Starting at the UK’s smallest music venue and taking a tour around the site of many old venues and going inside some too.

As usual, visits to the bell tower will be available and Choral Evensong will be sung by the Minster Choir, in the magnificent All Soul’s, Haley Hill.

Jennie Forrester will give an illustrated talk about her involvement in the ‘My Generation’: Brighouse Baby Boomers project, an Arts for Brighouse and Brighouse Arts Festival heritage project which drew on anecdotes, photos and objects from people growing up in the 1950s-70s.

Find out about the project and consider how the ideas could be applied to other localities or generations. This session will get you talking about all sorts of things you thought you had forgotten too!

‘My Generation’ was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Awards for All. It was an Arts For Brighouse and Brighouse Arts Festival project.

Entry by free ticket, available online from TicketSource (Calderdale Libraries) or in person from Local Studies in Central Library
Queries – contact: reference. library@calderdale.gov.uk; 01422 392631

Businesses and organisations from Halifax’s thriving digital scene have come together to organise the town’s first digital festival, taking place from 18^th – 21^st September 2019.

The Halifax Digital Festival aims to raise awareness about the exciting digital movement in Halifax, showcasing the expertise of organisations in the area and celebrating digital opportunities in Halifax through a programme of self-hosted events, aimed at youngsters and tech professionals alike. 

Read the full story here.

In this hands-on workshop, Local Studies librarians will introduce you to the range of historical newspapers available in and through the Library Service and show you how you can make use of them. The session will cover both microfilmed and Internet-based resources and there will be plenty of time to ask questions.

Entry by free ticket, available online from TicketSource (Calderdale Libraries) or in person from Local Studies in Central Library
Queries – contact: reference. library@calderdale.gov.uk; 01422 392631

Sir Henry Edwards of Pye Nest, The Man who feuded with Wainhouse

An illustrated local heritage talk by David Glover.

The Edwards family had great influence in the development of Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge.

Born in 1812, Henry Edwards became the senior Conservative politician in Halifax, and a Borough MP. A complex and controversial character, his bitter quarrel with John Edward Wainhouse marred the later years of his life.

Book through Square Chapel box office 01422 349422

£6, or £5 for concessions.

A series of entertaining Historical Talks by local historian David Glover.

2 p.m.  Wednesday 18^th September

SIR HENRY EDWARDS OF PYE NEST, THE MAN WHO FEUDED WITH WAINHOUSE

David explains how the Edwards family were influential in the development of Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge. Born in 1812, as a young man Henry Edwards became the senior Conservative politician in Halifax, and a Borough MP. A complex and controversial character, his quarrel with J E Wainhouse marred the latter part of his life.

The world of retail has changed forever.

Online businesses are growing quicker than ever before and many business owners are now looking to ecommerce for their future growth.

But how do you grow an online business from nothing to a serious venture?

For our first event, Venture Forge is bringing together some of the best experts in the area to share with you how they built their ecommerce businesses from nothing to highly successful ventures today.

Come along to hear inspirational stories from those who have gone from an idea, to start-up, to scale-up – and see what worked for them, what didn’t and what they’d do differently next time. Plus, an open Q&A session to ask any of our experts any of your burning questions.

We can’t wait to see you and share these amazing stories, hints and tips. Places are free but limited, so book today.

Agenda

• Networking, coffee and snacks – 9:00 – 9:15
• Introductions / Welcome – Andy Banks, Venture Forge – 9:15-9:25
• The Pure Pet Food story – From the kitchen table to the Dragon’s Den and beyond – Mat Cockroft, Pure Pet Food – 9:25 – 9:40
• Second Speaker TBC – 9:40 – 9:55
• Q&A Panel – Your chance to ask our guests anything and everything – 9:55 – 10:15. Mat Cockroft (Pure Pet Food), Second Speaker TBC, Catherine Bonner (Ambient Tribe).
• Final comments, wrap-up and networking – 10:15 – 10:30

The Venue

We’re hosting our event in the Amphitheatre at the amazing Croft Myl, Halifax. Not only is Croft Myl an excellent venue for such an event but we’re also proud to call it our home.

Or as some of our clients call it – the Google of Halifax – complete with roof top garden, coffee shop and, of course, a slide.

Lauren’s illustrated talk will give an overview of the railway history of Calderdale, looking at how railways went hand in hand with the industrial development of the area. It will look at some of the more obvious features of the local rail network as well as some lesser known lines and structures which have all but disappeared.

Lauren has recently completed a Masters in Railway Studies at the University of York, with a dissertation focussing on green spaces at stations and how communities are transforming them into places.

Entry by ticket, £3 each, available online from TicketSource (Calderdale Libraries) or in person from Local Studies in Central Library
For queries, contact: reference.library@calderdale.gov.uk 01422 392631

Join David Glover on the Saturday 21st September at 11am at Halifax Minster for a graveyard tour with stories of the people buried and insight into the surrounding area.