The Storytelling Bus at Square Chapel

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
The Storytelling Bus at Square Chapel
© JMA Photography

The Storytelling Bus at Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax 25 May — 7 July 2019 Tickets from £5 — Book now

Step on board The Storytelling Bus for an alternative sightseeing tour which uses the real-life streets of Halifax as its backdrop.

Wearing headphones, take an extraordinary 30-minute journey on a special custom-built double-decker bus to hear poignant, funny and surprising personal stories written and read by the people who experienced them, with music composed by Katie English.

Aged from 8 to 80, experience the landmarks of this historic town through the filter of their real-life stories.


IOU’s 2018 live show Rear View used the same bus, captured in 360° video.


IOU is a thriving, international creative organisation based in Halifax with over 40 years experience of producing highly original live performance and contemporary art installations. Combining different art forms with innovative technology, IOU present brand new work in unconventional indoor and outdoor spaces as well as established touring venues and galleries.

Check out their current Patternarium exhibition at Eureka! too.

The Storytelling Bus is presented in partnership with Square Chapel and The Piece Hall. The bus was conceived, designed and made by IOU in Halifax and is the only one of its kind in the world.

The Storytelling Bus will run every weekend until Sun 7th July with tickets bookable for hourly slots between 11am and 4.30pm. It’s suitable for age eight and above. They are prepared for any weather too with a canopy and ponchos for even the rainiest of days.

The Storytelling Bus at Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax 25 May — 7 July 2019 Tickets from £5 Book now

Where to go near The Storytelling Bus at Square Chapel

The Piece Hall
Halifax
Tourist Attraction
The Piece Hall

Think Somerset House meets one of the great historic squares of Europe for the North. The Piece Hall is the beating heart of Halifax.

Meandering Bear
Halifax
Restaurant
Meandering Bear

Owned by the folks who run the award-winning Grayston Unity, the Meandering Bear is a great little independent bar and eatery in Halifax.

Revo Records, Halifax
Halifax
Shop
Revo Records

Trading for over 30 years, the iconic shop prides itself on stocking an eclectic selection of vinyl records – the latest new releases alongside second-hand vinyl.

Halifax Borough market
Halifax
Shop
Halifax Borough Market

This grand and historic market was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1896 and has been at the heart of Halifax life ever since.

White Swan Hotel
Halifax
Hotel
White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel offers an ideal location for those looking to explore West Yorkshire – its arts and culture, and its shopping.

West Yorkshire
Gallery
Open Gallery

A beautiful and varied collection of contemporary art from across the UK. Their regular exhibitions are both seasonal and thematic and always worth visiting…

Grayston Unity
Halifax
Café or Coffee Shop
Grayston Unity

The bar itself is small but you’ll find it a friendly place where you can get a lovely drink in a unique setting.

Shibden Hall in Halifax
Halifax
Museum
Shibden Hall

Nestled within the picturesque Shibden Valley, Shibden Hall is a magnificent historic house dating back to 1420.

What's on: Theatre

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.