BBC 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins Named as New Piece Hall Patron
DJ and BBC 6 early breakfast show presenter Chris Hawkins is the latest star to be named as a patron of The Piece Hall in Halifax.
Recently hailed as one of the best gig venues in the UK, this unique grade 1 listed building, run by The Piece Hall Charitable trust, was originally a Georgian cloth hall.
Famed for its stunning open-air courtyard, on a par with the great piazzas of Europe, it is now an award-winning retail, leisure and events space hosting a year round world class programme of music, culture and community festivals.
Piece Hall patrons are high profile individuals who play a vital role in helping to shine the spotlight on this one-of-a-kind heritage site, increasing awareness of its work and introducing new supporters.
As well as his daily show on BBC Radio 6 Music, Chris presents the No. 1 podcast, How To DJ and regularly hosts stages and DJs at music festivals where he has interviewed some of music’s biggest stars, including Calvin Harris; Florence Welch; Dave Grohl and Bjork.
Chris will help champion the work of The Piece Hall from its school and community projects right through to its world class music programme including the Live at The Piece Hall summer season in partnership with Cuffe and Taylor. Chris provided behind the scenes coverage and interviews for this year’s gigs which saw more than 125,000 people attend gigs from global artists such as Sting, James and boygenius.
Chris Hawkins said:
“The Piece Hall is one of the most spectacular sites and sights in the UK. It’s a phenomenal venue for live music and it’s not surprising that the world’s biggest acts now want to play in Halifax.
“Its vast array of independent shops, restaurants, and bars, surrounding the stunning piazza, make it not just a jewel in West Yorkshire’s crown but one of the great UK tourist attractions. I am beyond honoured to join Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL and her team as a Piece Hall Patron and to help further cement its status as a world class music venue.”
The Piece Hall has also confirmed the appointment of a new Ambassador, former Halifax Courier Editor Chris Lever.
Piece Hall Ambassadors are people with local connections who are able to utilise their recognised voices to help develop this historic building’s profile, introduce the venue to new support, increase awareness of the Trust’s important work, and expanding its diversity and range of views.
The Calderdale-based journalist spent more than 30 years on the newspaper after starting at the then daily Evening Courier as a senior reporter in 1990.
Chris Lever said:
“I was absolutely honoured to be asked to become an ambassador for the Piece Hall. As a proud Yorkshireman I have always shouted up for Halifax – and tried to be positive about our town and Calderdale as a whole – during my many years working for the Courier. I aim to continue doing this in my new role.
“To see what the Piece Hall has now become, a leading tourism destination and a top venue for concerts by big name bands, attracting visitors from all over the world, is just amazing. It’s wonderful to see the benefits it is bringing to the town and how it is helping to boost the Calderdale and Yorkshire economy and put this region on the map. Long may that continue.”
Chair of The Piece Hall Trust Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL said:
“I’m delighted to welcome two more incredibly high calibre supporters of The Piece Hall to champion all the great things currently happening at the venue.
This building of global significance, which importantly is in Halifax, is going from strength to strength and our Patrons and Ambassadors play such a vital role in spreading the word.
With another packed Christmas programme just announced and another huge season of gigs planned for next summer it’s a special time to be involved in this unique heritage destination with culture and community at its heart.
Chris Hawkins and Chris Lever will take up their roles immediately joining the rest of the highly regarded team to support, promote and amplify the vital work of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust.