The route for Halifax’s all-new Christmas Parade has been announced by event organisers, with the town’s magnificent Piece Hall chosen as the final destination.
Involving up to 200 costumed characters and expected to attract thousands, the eagerly awaited walking parade on November 18th will follow a simple route through the heart of Halifax, launching the town’s Christmas festivities in the process. Businesses right across the town centre are hoping the parade will bring extra trade to their premises, with thousands of locals and day trippers expected to make a special visit for the event.
The Parade has been organised and part-funded by Discover Halifax; the non-profit team behind most of the town’s busy Christmas programme of public events, activities and street entertainment. Project Manager, Chloe McNeill, explained, “We’re really excited about this event being more dynamic and inclusive than previous Christmas launches, with many more people getting a close-up view of the action thanks to the parade format. We had to balance the need for public access and a festive atmosphere with other considerations too, like minimal disruption to traffic and parking. We also had to stay within budget and avoid any risk to participants carrying heavy puppets, and we’ve achieved these by keeping the route short. All in all, we’re certain this is going to be an unforgettable Christmas launch like nothing the town’s ever seen before!”
With its iconic pedestrianised square, beautiful Christmas decorations and wide variety of independent shops, boutiques and eateries, Halifax’s Piece Hall was an obvious place to end the Parade. CEO of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL said,
“The Christmas parade is the most wonderful idea! It’s the perfect way to bring the whole town together to celebrate the start of the festive season. I’m so pleased that it will be ending here at The Piece Hall and will make our newly extended Christmas market even more special. I can’t wait to see the puppets and the procession with children carrying lanterns, bringing a real joyous piece of Christmas magic to Halifax.”
The family-friendly Christmas Parade begins at Woolshops and has been choreographed by Calderdale’s very own Handmade Productions: the same team responsible for Hebden Bridge’s now legendary annual Handmade Parade. Along with delightful costumed characters and spectacular moving puppets, crafting workshops and live music and drumming will all add to the town’s magical festive atmosphere on the day.
For more information about the Parade and Halifax’s wider Christmas programme, visit discoverhalifax.co.uk and follow its social media accounts, or visit the websites and accounts of individual venues.