Calderdale's Year of Culture is officially underway, after hundreds of local performers showcased their talent and creativity in an opening celebration to remember!
Visitors to Halifax town centre on Saturday 13 April 2024 were treated to over 25 free events, activities and performances that we held from 10am to 8pm.
Crowds gathered in The Piece Hall to take part in ballroom dancing. They watched, danced and sung along with uplifting performances by the Halifax Panthers dancers, Roger Davies and his band, the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band (one of the oldest brass bands in the country), the Parkinson Lane Community Primary School dancers, the All Together Now Choir, The Signing Choir performing songs in British Sign Language, and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
A variety of Calderdale-based singers, songwriters and performers brought music to the Albany Arcade in Halifax Borough Market, showcasing the historic venue’s developing role as a place to be entertained as well as to shop, trade, eat and gather.
Successfully, we made the streets of Halifax come alive with sights and sounds throughout the day. With activities including: a makers’ market, skateboarding, a flash mob, creative workshops and more. Dean Clough, the vibrant historic mill complex, hosted art and sculpture workshops and gave people the chance to get active on a climbing wall. We are thrilled to say all these events listed brought so many people together in joy and celebration and that's what CultureDale is about!
Our key commissions delivering big projects and events as part of the Year of Culture are:
Mr Wilson’s
Hebden Bridge Arts
Northern Rascals
Arvon
Everybody Arts
Curious Motion
IOU
Happy Valley Pride
Hebden Bridge Film Festival
Handmade Parade
Northern Broadsides
There will be many other creative and community organisations across Calderdale holding events and celebrations with us!
Events will include a community festival at People’s Park in Halifax, a children’s and families’ creative roadshow, a Youth Music Takeover, community-led performances – even on a canal boat – a creative writing festival, an arts and health festival, a film competition, and lots more to be announced. We cannot wait for you to see everything we've got in store and to continue the celebrations alongside us!
The launch events marked the start of our packed 12-month programme of events and activities for our Year of Culture, a celebration of the borough’s landmark 50th birthday on 1 April 2024! As our year begins, we have so much for you to get involved in. Head to our website to find our events page with every last detail you need on there.
To the people of Calderdale, thank you for celebrating this very special launch with us, but this is only the beginning!
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