The Festival of Halifax – POSTPONED

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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The Festival of Halifax

Grayston Unity, Halifax
14-16 May 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Festival of Halifax.
Musician Chantel McGregor. Image courtesy of The Festival of Halifax.
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The Festival of Halifax has been postponed and will now take place from 11 – 15 May 2022. The line-up is subject to change and we will bring you up-to-date information as soon as we have it.

In spring 2021 a new independent festival is due to spill across the town centre of Halifax. Taking over all our favourite venues with a brilliant programme of music, photography, art, food, film and more, The Festival of Halifax will take place from 14 – 16 May 2021.

Organised by the Grayston Unity, the festival celebrates the town’s creativity and independent spirit. A real cultural renaissance for Halifax – the events will feature musicians, artists, chefs, poets, historians and authors with a connection to the town.

The festival celebrates the town’s creativity and independent spirit.

Events announced so far include a live homecoming show by Halifax’s finest The Orielles scheduled for the Orange Box, and rock band Hope & Social, who will play The Albany Arcade at Halifax Borough Market. The festival will also host the first national exhibition in over a decade of renowned photographer John Bulmer’s classic social documentary work, The North. Capturing the north in all of its beauty and diversity, the exhibition includes photographs taken in Halifax and Elland.

Further festival highlights include a set from Manchester-via-Italy singer/ songwriter Julia Bardo at the Orange Box; the AnnaPurna Indian Dance Company will perform at Dean Clough and punk band IST IST will play at The Lantern.

The perfect emblem of Halifax’s industrial heritage and heady blend of culture.

Four new cast iron sculptures by Sir Anthony Gormley will be unveiled at the festival too, and will remain in situ following the event – the perfect emblem of Halifax’s industrial heritage and heady blend of culture.

Many of our favourite venues have already confirmed for the festival too – expect to encounter artwork, performance, talks and screenings at Square Chapel Arts Centre, Victoria Theatre, Temperance Movement and The Piece Hall.

We understand that the full programme will be released at some point towards the end of January 2021 – we’ll bring you the full lowdown as soon as we know more.

Where to go near The Festival of Halifax – POSTPONED

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

The Viaduct Theatre
Halifax
Theatre
The Viaduct Theatre

Nestled deep underground beneath the Dean Clough Mills, The Viaduct Theatre is home to acclaimed theatre company Northern Broadsides.

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.

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