For one night only

Square Chapel Centre for the Arts underwent a major transformation which saw it step back in time to the 1930s and reopen as The Grand Budapest Hotel. A full house of guests all dressed in attire from the era were welcomed by Square Chapel’s very own Monsieur Gustave H and Zero the Lobby Boy, played by Stephen and Joe Finegold.

They were given a handdrawn map upon arrival which led them firstly to the hotel guest room which was dressed with antiques, then down the red carpet and onto a photo booth.

People were served a drink while being serenaded with live music from the Azzurro String Quartet.

They could also enjoy canapés made by Babushka Russian Café and cakes from Mendl’s Pattiserie and the house opened for waltzing, led by dance partners from Dance 4 All, followed by a screening of Wes Anderson’s award-winning masterpiece The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Alison Ford, development officer, said: “The event was a huge success for many reasons surrounding the wide audience it attracted, the overwhelmingly positive response.

“And of course the fact that it raised an astonishing £3,000 for Square Chapel’s transformation project cornerstone, an ambitious extension project to increase access, improve facilities and create a second, more intimate auditorium with a cinema screen as well as a brand new foyer, box office and café bar.

“It aims to put Square Chapel right at the heart of the new cultural quarter of Halifax alongside the Orangebox Young People’s Centre, the new central library and the grade-I listed Piece Hall.

For more on the activities go to squarechapel.co.uk/cornerstone for details.