Christmas is on its way to The Piece Hall, as the unique heritage site welcomes Emmerdale star Dominic Brunt to turn on its iconic festive lights!
The world’s only surviving Georgian cloth hall is transforming into the perfect festive destination over the next week as it gets ready to host magical markets, a terrific trail, kids arts and crafts, community celebrations, Christmas parties, plus a pantomime!
The season starts on Friday 13 November, when local actor and Piece Hall superfan Dominic, who plays vet Paddy Kirk in the legendary Yorkshire soap switches on the Christmas sign and illuminates the 30-foot tree at 4.30pm on day one of the markets. He’ll be joined by local basketball team Yorkshire Dragons and The Sing Space Choir will be performing Christmas classics and creating a wonderful festive mood!
The grand finale of the pre-Christmas events is a community celebration on Christmas Eve that everyone is invited to.
The much-loved Halifax Minster Choir will perform at midday followed by the Queensbury Brass Band at 2pm and finally at 4pm we will welcome vintage soloist Francesca Rosado.
CEO of The Piece Hall Trust Nicky Chance Thompson MBE DL FRSA said:
“We are incredibly proud to be attracting so many visitors to Calderdale this Christmas while also bringing our local community together in this magnificent, historic setting at the most magical time of the year!
“Our traditional festive experience, complete with beautiful tree, vintage carousel, and live music, alongside the showcasing of our incredible independent shops and local market traders, creates a truly unique festive destination.
“A visit to The Piece Hall is a chance for everyone to make wonderful winter memories while discovering truly special gifts you won’t find on the high street, supporting small businesses and knowing your present choices are helping to preserve the past by supporting this unique heritage site.”
Thousands of visitors are expected to explore the Courtyard ahead of the big day, after last year’s markets welcomed around 276,000 people.
The highly anticipated free to enter markets run from every Friday – Sunday until 20 December with 50 carefully selected Yorkshire-focused traders showcasing artisan gifts, jewellery, homeware, seasonal food and so much more!
As well as the beautiful tree, the open-air piazza will also feature, a traditional Victorian carousel, market bar, and a bandstand sponsored by Heart hosting local talent, including singers community choirs and brass bands, providing entertainment for all ages.
There will also be appearances from some of the new Piece Hall Academy Artist Development Programme bands as the latest cohort showcase their talents.
Market sponsor Pure Pet Foods will be hosting a stall every week giving away freebies and treats with a naughty or nice photo board for fun Christmas pictures with visiting pooches.
With The Piece Hall’s brilliant collection of independent stores and boutiques open seven days a week, the venue really does offer an unrivalled local shopping experience in the run up to Christmas.
The Piece Hall’s own food and drink outlets will be serving up a delicious selection of festive favourites and seasonal treats this Christmas.
Festive Baileys hot chocolate with all the trimmings, homemade Christmas cake served with Wensleydale cheese, and Festive Turkey, Brie and Cranberry toasties are all available at The Deli.
Over at The Astronomer Diner, there will be warming mulled wine, gingerbread lattes, pigs in blankets and delicious turkey and stuffing sandwiches served with gravy.
And this year The Piece Hall is also welcoming an interactive and comedic pantomime for the little ones in The Caygill Rooms on Wednesday 23 December. SD Theatre are known for making a brilliant small three hander pantomime, that leaves audiences full of Christmas joy and wonder.
Expect songs, jokes, quick costume changes and lots of laughter as you join Goldilocks on an adventure with the 3 bears.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
4.30pm Friday 13 November
CHRISTMAS MARKETS OPENING TIMES
Friday – Sunday 13 November – 20 December
Fri & Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
CAROUSEL OPENING TIMES
Friday – Sunday from 13 November, plus Christmas Eve
CHILDRENS CRAFTS AND CHRISTMAS TRAIL
Every Saturday and Sunday in December before Christmas
PANTOMINE TIMES
Wednesday 23 December
- Matinee: 2pm – 3.15pm
- Evening: 5pm – 6.15pm
Suitable for ages 3+
CHRISTMAS EVE
12 noon – Halifax Minster Choir – 1 hour
2pm – Queensbury Brass Band – 1.45 hour
4pm – Francesco Rosado – 1 hour