BBC’s Question Time returns to Dewsbury Town Hall

The BBC have decided to return to Dewsbury Town Hall for their Question Time programme on Thursday March 1.


Leader of the Council, Cllr Mehboob Khan, commented: “I am proud to announce that Dewsbury Town Hall is fast becoming the destination of choice for television companies, including popular ITV dramas Emmerdale and Eternal Law and now a return visit from the BBC with Question Time. It’s a great way to raise the profile of Dewsbury and highlight our spectacular newly refurbished Town Hall.”


Question Time first came to Dewsbury Town Hall in March 2010 and as it was International Women’s Week it was an all female audience, a first at the time for the BBC programme. This time round both men and women can take part.


Since its first broadcast in 1979 Question Time has become a popular staple of British television, offering the opportunity for the audience to question figures from the world of politics, industry, media and entertainment.


With host David Dimbleby at the helm, the programme continues to attract approximately 30,000 applications from the public wanting to be in the audience.


For those wanting to apply to be part of the audience, details are available on the BBC website at www.bbc.co.uk/questiontime

Kirklees College Fashion Students in catwalk event at Dewsbury Town Hall

Fashion students from Batley School of Art and Design will be showcasing their latest creations at a catwalk event on March 3 at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Alongside the live show, audiences will have the chance to see an exhibition of the innovation men’s tailoring designs which have won students a place in the London finals of the Golden Shears International Tailoring Competition. Students worked in collaboration with the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield and Michelsberg Tailoring in Leeds, to use their DNA traceable woven cloth to give them a unique edge.

The event has been sponsored by the Dewsbury Neighbourhoods Regeneration Programme to promote local creative talent and highlight the ongoing benefits of nurturing creative enterprise by working with the school. The event is open to the public, and tickets are now on sale at Dewsbury Town Hall priced £5 and £4 for concessions. The show starts at 7.30pm; doors open from 6.30pm.

Cllr Paul Kane, Chair of Dewsbury Regeneration Board, said: “By working together we hope to equip local young people with the skills and support to develop businesses in the area, continuing the creative economic growth in and around Dewsbury. We want to create a local vibrant fashion industry based on local students.”

The Higher Education Fashion programmes of study offered by the school encourage students to develop high level skills in the key aspects of fashion industry-based practice. Through the application of both creative and technical skills, and awareness of industry and commerciality, offering them the best opportunities to secure employment in this ever-competitive global industry highly skilled dedicated teaching staff ensure that students are equipped with the high-level, appropriate skill-set required to embark upon a career in fashion.

BOX OFFICE 01924 324501

BOOK ONLINE www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls

Article courtesy of Kirklees Council Press Office

Kirklees Town Halls and the Times Newspaper 15.01.2011

A great article in the Times on Sat 15th January 2011 on how Town Halls across the country are diversifying and an extra special mention to our goodselves at Kirklees Town Halls on trying to develop a comprehensive and varied events programme for all!



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Autumn Kirklees Town Halls Event Guide Launched!

Your Town Halls Events Guide comes out this week and is available from all four Kirklees Town Halls: Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Batley. With details of forthcoming shows from now through to Christmas, as well as New Year highlights there’s something for everyone!

Dewsbury Town Hall highlights include the Open Mic UK Singing Competition Regional Finals on Saturday December 11; the ever popular Black Dyke Band’s Christmas concert on Friday December 17 and it wouldn’t be the festive season without Dewsbury Collegians pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ on Tuesday January 18 to Saturday January 23.

Huddersfield Town Hall welcomes the Best of British Variety on Monday September 27; the quirky sounds of the world famous Mnozil Brass on Saturday November 6; Marc Almond’s 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits tour on Monday November 29 and popular Huddersfield Giants player Eorl Crabtree’s Gala Show on Monday November 29.

Cleckheaton Town Hall will host the Open Mic UK Singing auditions on Sunday September 12, as well as the West Yorkshire Heats on Sunday October 17. 60s fans can look forward to the Merseybeat Club Show on Saturday November 6 and the Full Monty will be coming to town from Tuesday November 23 to Saturday November 27. Just before Christmas the ‘Ratpack at Christmas’ show comes to Cleckheaton on Thursday December 23.

Batley Town Hall highlights include Guys and Dolls from Wednesday September 15 to Saturday September 18 and Beatlemania on Friday November 19. Hammonds Saltaire Band Christmas Concert will get everyone in the festive spirit on Saturday December 4.
New year highlights include the Magic of Motown who went down a storm at this year’s Festival in the Park who will be performing live at Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday March 3. Top Abba tribute Bjorn Again will be shaking their thang on Wednesday March 9 at Huddersfield Town Hall and sure to bring happiness to our lives the legendary Ken Dodd will be performing on Sunday April 17 at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Supporting local talent Live and Unsigned, UK’s largest competition for unsigned bands and solo artists will take place on Sunday March 27, with auditions taking place from Sunday January 9.

For details on all of the above and more pick up a copy of the guide from your local town hall or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls for information and online bookings.

Open publication - Free publishing - More whats on

Strictly Stars Share the stage with Essentially Dancers

Hundreds of schoolchildren and older people took to the dance floor at Huddersfield Town Hall with Strictly’s Darren and Lilia.

Essentially Dance stars Darren and Lila

They were celebrating the end of the first year of a hugely ambitious two year programme of Latin American and ballroom dance in Kirklees delivered by Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees in partnership with Essentially Dance.

Darren and Lilia opened each of the four sessions with a performance of Fever which received tumultuous applause from the dancers and spectators watching this unique celebration of Essentially Dance in Kirklees. Darren then invited the dancers to showcase their skills in the waltz, jive, cha cha cha and quickstep. Later in the session Lilia and Darren led a session to teach all the dancers to salsa – encouraging all to do the moves and learn the steps together.

Pupils from 23 schools attended the celebration, having learnt the dance steps in PE classes or after-school clubs.

Olivia Tetley from Headlands School in Liversedge said,”Today was really good, everything was good. Darren and Lilia were really nice and I liked the dancing.”

In the final session of the day older people from groups across Kirklees joined pupils from 7 secondary schools. Joyce Dyson and her dance partner John Brown enjoy dancing regularly at a weekly Essentially Dance class at the Galpharm Stadium. Joyce, from Newsome, said,” I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Darren and Lilia were really good. I loved the dancing and I enjoyed watching the older people dancing with the younger ones.”

A dancer from Lindley Chimes said, “It was absolutely fabulous – when’s the next one?”

PRESS RELEASE FROM KIRKLEES COUNCIL ONLINE NEWS

Best of British World Cup Offer!

To celebrate the start of the World Cup we are offering tickets to the Best of British Show at Huddersfield Town Hall this September for only £17.50 (normally £26.50)

Simply quote "70's" at the time of booking

The offer is valid from Friday 11th June to Sunday 11th July 2010. No refunds / transfers are permitted for tickets purchased prior to this offer

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The Best Of British Variety Tour is back for its third consecutive year in 2010 after the huge success of the last two years. This unique tour unites the cream of variety entertainment from past decades and is coming to Huddersfield Town Hall on Monday 27 September.

After popular demand Paul Daniels and The Krankies who took part in the inaugural tour return to Best of British alongside the host for the show the irrepressible Christopher Biggins, Irish singer Dana, The Grumbleweeds and for the first time as a solo act one half of one of the most famous comedy double acts since comedy began Syd Little of Little and Large fame. The impressive line-up includes British institution Christopher Biggins, who will be hosting the show.

BOX OFFICE:

01484 223200 / 01484 222444 / 01924 324501

Circus of Horrors - Friday 26th March 2010

Following on from the huge success of The Asylum, the Circus of Horrors has had a major revamp and is back - rocking and shocking with a brand new show The Day of the Dead Mexciano.

Show date is Friday 26 March 2010
Madness begins at 7.30 pm
Show Begins 8.00 pm




Ticket prices £21 - £8 (concs £1.00 for passport holders & students only)

Early bird available until 5th February 2010 - £5 off the top price only i.e. £21

Ticket guidance :-
- Under 16’s MUST be accompanied by an adult + the show is not recommended for under 12’s

- The Circus of Horrors is not suitable for Children and they must only be allowed in, if accompanied by an adult who understands what is in the show
- The Show contains some nudity + bad language, but not of a sexual nature

Dewsbury Town Hall External Refurbishments Commences Jan 2010

Over the coming year we will be carrying out a major £3m building project on the exterior of dewsbury town hall.

Work includes:-
- Repairs to the roof and stonework
- A new roof for the concert hall
- Replacement or repairs to windows
- Secondary glazing
- Improved flag flying provision
- Roof Insulation

The works will be phased to reduce disruption to hirers and main stage events. During the phasing certain rooms will have to be closed due to the exterior building works. There will be four phases of work continuing until April 2011:-

Phase One - Old Wakefield Road (January to June 2010)
Phase Two - Front of the building (June to August 2010)
Phase Three - Above the Concert Hall (July - November 2010)
Phase Four - Town Hall Way (November 2010 - April 2011)

To keep track of what is happening with the improvements please follow Kirklees Town Halls on Twitter and Facebook or keep an eye this blog!

Black Dyke Band Cancellation Sun 20.12.09

A copy of the letter sent out on 23rd December to all customers affected by the cancellation of the above event...

Cancellation of the Black Dyke Concert

Due to the adverse weather conditions on Sunday 20th December, we had to make the difficult decision of cancelling the Black Dyke Band’s Christmas Concert at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Many of our staff, customers and also some performers were unable to get to the venue due to heavy snowfall in the Huddersfield area. I appreciate this has caused disappointment for all, but the safety of our customers, performers and staff is always uppermost.

Over the past few days we have been working closely with the band to try and re arrange the concert. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a date when both band and venue are mutually available. Our sincere apologies that therefore, we will not be able to go ahead with this popular event this year.

Refunds will be available from Tuesday 5th January 2010 and can be made by post or preferably in person.

Postal Refunds
Please return the tickets to one of the addresses listed below and ensure that your telephone number and contact details are on the tickets.

In Person
Please bring your tickets along with the original payment card to one of our box offices, listed below, where your money will be refunded.

Kirklees Town Hall Box Offices:-

Huddersfield Info. Centre
Huddersfield Library
Princess Alexandra Walk
Huddersfield HD1 2SU
Tel: 01484 223200

Dewsbury Town Hall
Old Wakefield Road
Dewsbury WF12 8DG
Tel: 01924 324501

Holmfirth Tourist Info.
49-51 Huddersfield Road
Holmfirth HD9 3JP
Tel: 01484 222444

We’d like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for both your understanding and co-operation. Please be assured it was a very difficult decision to make at such short notice but trust that you will understand the reasons behind this decision.

Finally, all the team from Huddersfield Town Hall would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yours faithfully,

Richard Batterby
Kirklees Town Halls

BJÖRN AGAIN 2010 - HERE WE GO AGAIN TOUR

Wed 10th March
@ 7.30pm

Huddersfield
Town Hall

Tickets £18.50

Box Office:
01484 223200
01484 222444
01924 324501

As the news was announced that ABBA will finally join the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the United States, tickets went on sale for BJÖRN AGAIN for Wednesday 10 March 2010 at Huddersfield Town Hall.

For a great night out BJÖRN AGAIN are hard to beat. With their authentic recreation of this legendary group they're sure to get everyone on their feet singing along to classics such as Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo and many, many more hits.

BJÖRN AGAIN was created and founded in 1988 in Melbourne, Australia by Director and Musician Rod Stephen. His show, not labelled a copy or tribute band, but seen as a satirical parody of ABBA and a brand in it's own right, rapidly achieved worldwide cult status. Rod's production company bjornagain.com, based in North London, employs professional session singers and musicians and has grossed £35 Million from 3,500 performances in 50 countries in 21 years in the Northern Hemisphere.

Original ABBA member Agnetha Fältskog went to see the show and gave the group her stamp of approval, "It was a great show. I loved the choreography, it was very true to life. When do you play your next shows? Good Luck for the tour," - praise indeed!

Having been endorsed by ABBA's blonde vocalist Agnetha Fältskog the ultimate aim, as always for Rod, is to keep his brand at the top and continue for as long as people want to see and hear ABBA's songs performed the way BJÖRN AGAIN does them, hopefully for another 20 years!
BJÖRN AGAIN - 2010 Here we go Again features ABBA's hits and songs from Mamma Mia together with the legendary voice of host Tony Blackburn playing all the UK hits of 1988.

This is the greatest party night out for everyone of all ages.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £18.50 and are available from Kirklees Box Offices, tel: 01484 223200 / 01484 222444 / 01924 324501.

Huddersfield Town Hall Refurb Update - 16.09.09 The Carpets are revealed!!

Picture 1: Looking down to the Ground Floor towards Meeting Rooms 1-3
Picture 2: The colour scheme is revealed and the chandeliers is back in situe
Picture 3: The carpet starts to go down on the Ramsden Street staircase
Picture 4: The panelling is back up on the corridor outside the chamber chamber

Huddersfield Town Hall Refurbishment Update 20.08.09 Part 1

1st Floor Corridor outside the Reception Room and Council Chamber





















Ground Floor Corridor

Huddersfield Town Hall Refurbishment Update 20.08.09 Part 2

Meeting Room Nos 3 - Plaster Work and Panelling progressing well

Meeting Room Nos 2

Meeting Room Nos 1 Below

View the 2009 / 10 Kirklees Orchestra Season Brochure

Open publication - Free publishing - More town hall

Huddersfield Town Hall Refurb Update 06.08.09 pt 1

Thanks to Sue wood escorting around me around the building to take some quick pictures of the ongoing refurbishment works of the town hall.

Pictures 1&2 - show the main Ramsden Street staircase with the wall paper being stripped the ornate ceiling being repaired and the beautiful wooden panelling, Staircase and war memorial being protected.

Picture 3 - gives an exclusive view of the ornate flooring near the ramdent street entrance which has been hidden for years

Pictures 4&5 - show meeting room one stripped with the new cabling already starting to be installed.

Sorry some of the pictures we're a bit blurred!

Huddersfield Town Hall Refurb Update 06.08.09 pt 2

Your intrepid Blog reporter and the flash on the camera shows how dusty it is at the moment

Batley Town Hall Refurbishment Update 03.08.09

The wrapping is on the building and we're ready to go!

Batley Town Hall Refurbishment Update 23.07.09 & 24.07.09

The scaffolding is going up! 23.07.09

The scaffolding is creeping up slowly up the building 24.07.08

Dewsbury Town Hall to feature in latest BBC Drama

Dewsbury Town Hall is to star in a new drama called Spanish Flu - The Forgotten Fallen.

Wednesday 5th August @ 9pm on BBC4

Over the past few months the Town Halls management team have been working closely with Screen Yorkshire and Hardy Pictures to secure this filming at Dewsbury Town Hall.

The whole building was used for a ten day period and was overrun with more than 70 cast and crew!

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Spanish Flu – The Forgotten Fallen is a new drama illuminating one doctor's pioneering efforts to protect the people of Manchester from the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic, starring Bill Paterson (Little Dorrit and Criminal Justice), Mark Gatiss (League Of Gentlemen and Doctor Who), Charlotte Riley (The Take and Wuthering Heights) and Kenneth Cranham (Rome and The Lavender List).

Set against the background of the Armistice in November 1918, as millions of exhausted soldiers return home from the Great War, the film tells the little known story of Dr James Niven (Bill Paterson), Manchester's Medical Officer of Health for 30 years, and his heroic efforts to combat a second wave of fatal influenza as it spreads across the city of Manchester and the UK.

Dr Niven has built his career protecting the welfare of Manchester's most vulnerable people, from the factory workers to the slum dwellers. But, just as Manchester's fighting heroes are returning home and crowds of men, women and children gather to celebrate the end of the Great War, Niven realises that it will take all of his energy and expertise to limit the spread of this mysterious infection.

Facing resistance from both the city and his fellow medical officials, Dr Niven, statistician Ernest Dunks (Mark Gatiss) and their secretary Peggy Lytton (Charlotte Riley) struggle to understand the evolving virus; to communicate the urgent need for action to the establishment and the media; and to pull together scarce resources to alleviate its impact on the poorest in society.
And as they battle against complacency, inertia and red tape, the gravity of the unfolding crisis hits home when Peggy's family start to succumb to the virus.

Inspired by Dr Niven's own accounts and documented facts, the film pays a rare tribute to the estimated 70 million forgotten fallen who died from Spanish influenza across the world.
Dr Niven's heroism continues to resonate today with many of his conclusions, instructions and discoveries echoed by modern advice and procedures for pandemic flu.

Huddersfield Town Refurb Update 20.07.09 - Refurb commences today! The Corridors and Staircase await their makeover...