Welcome Weekend at The Piece Hall

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Welcome Weekend at The Piece Hall

The Piece Hall, Halifax
19-20 August 2017

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

Circus Raj
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A calvacade of the best international street theatre performers and shows are headed to Halifax’s restored Piece Hall for an entire weekend of theatrical japes as part of its Welcome opening festival.

The newly landscaped expansive Georgian courtyard will spring into life as one of the best new outdoor performances spaces in the country as curious characters and spectacular shows will wreak havoc and charm family and adult audiences alike.

Expect to be wowed by the daring do and dance, high wire, acrobatic and illusionary spectacles of Indian circus titans Circus Raj. Witness feats passed down through generations from the time of the Maharajas.

If you happen to be enjoying a tipple from one of the new cafes, bars or restaurants within The Piece Hall watch out for campaigners from Curious Cargo’s The Temperance Society who will be ensuring restraint and decorum are the order of the day and keeping a look out for any tomfoolery.

If you are after ideas for your barnet, be transformed into a living work of art with a do like no other from acclaimed Barcelona street performers and hair artists Osadia.  Meanwhile, look out for curious character Syrovy from street arts organisation Artizani and witness everyday objects (newspapers, chairs, cutlery) hysterically conspiring against him. Root for him to ultimately find some balance on possibly the wobbliest tightrope in the world.

Osadia

In an interactive show from the mega Whalley Range All Stars, help Ye Gods bring a model town to life and then descend into hysterical chaos and watch a miniscule performance of Hound of the Baskervilles  in the Grand Theatre of Lemmings’ Smallest Theatre in the World.

This sort of line up and programming is heaven for those who don’t want to feel restrained by more conventional theatre experiences. Outside, in a dream space like this – anything goes dipping in and out of encounters and shows as you like and often having the most memorable experiences from something you chance upon.

With events such as this The Piece Hall is surely set to be top of the list of any family’s weekend and holiday to do list – set within the safe, large, stunning courtyard with space to bomb around, magical colonnaded galleries to wind through, steps to leap off, water to splash in and world class arts experiences to absorb at the same time.  Winning.

Where to go near Welcome Weekend at The Piece Hall

Square Chapel Arts Centre
Halifax
Square Chapel Arts Centre

With a mix of shows, family theatre, films, events and workshops, this arts centre is a vital part of Halifax’s new and thriving cultural quarter.

Meandering Bear
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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.

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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.

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

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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
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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.

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