The Piece Hall turned red, white and blue as 50,000 people enjoyed four fun-filled days of free culture and creative activity to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The iconic courtyard was decked out with flags and bunting as communities across the UK came together to mark this significant milestone with a diverse programme of music, song, dance and spectacle. Civic and ceremonial tradition took place alongside creative, participatory, innovative and intergenerational cultural activities. Partnerships with local artists, organisations, charities, volunteers and community groups were at the heart of the event.
Thursday 2 June was an action-packed day of free family fun and musical performances with a big screen showing The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). The evening saw a civic celebration in partnership with Calderdale Council as simultaneous events took place across the UK. There were drummers, a piper, choir and a performance of The National alongside speeches from local dignitaries. This was followed by the lighting of the beacon on Beacon Hill broadcast to the big screen so people could safely enjoy the spectacle.
Friday 3 June was a celebration of our emergency services. Teams brought their emergency vehicles including a vintage fire truck and a flight simulator, with entertainment provided by the West Yorkshire Police Band and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service band, performing an energetic music show full of warmth and humour.
On Saturday 4 June The Piece Hall came alive with the sound of music with a Concert for The Queen There were performances throughout the day from local musicians and the ever popular Abba Revival headlined this free to enter show. Children got creative weaving a giant willow crown, making badges and taking part if fun scouting activities, as stilt-walkers roamed the courtyard!
Sunday 5 June had live music and a vintage street party feel for the Big Lunch when local people from all communities were invited to bring their own picnics or enjoy special outdoor lunches from The Trading Rooms Restaurant to enjoy a day of music and celebration.
In the afternoon, a beautiful Jubilee plaque was unveiled by The Piece Hall’s CEO Nicky Chance-Thompson DL and Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson. Supported by Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club, the plaque was the culmination of a Calderdale-wide schools’ competition, won by 10-year-old Riley Yelland from Old Earth Primary School in Elland. The plaque provides a permanent reminder of this momentous celebration within The Piece Hall.
