Year of Culture planned to mark borough’s 50th anniversary year
COUNCILLORS HAVE given approval for a Year of Culture which aims to be a celebration and boost Calderdale’s economy.
Members agreed that 2024 should be celebrated with events as it will mark also Calderdale’s 50th anniversary as a borough.
Cabinet members are confident it can also boost tourism, which is becoming a major driver of Calderdale’s economy.
It contributed £400m to the borough’s economy in the last full year before the pandemic, helped by television’s Gentleman Jack and Halifax’s Piece Hall revamp.
Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities Coun Jenny Lynn said the council had been granted £450,000 funding to promote culture, and a further £220,000 would be added to the fund.
She said proposed activities included a business support programme, a Welcome to Calderdale
campaign showcasing cultural industries back in business, a programme of events and festivals linked to the Towns recovery programme and a small grants scheme.
She said: “We really want to celebrate 2024 – it is the culmination of Vision 2024 when Calderdale
is 50 years old, so why not have a party?
“The recovery activities will be stepping stones towards this milestone and as well as having economic benefits.”
Coun Geraldine Carter (Con, Ryburn) said the council needed to get businesses on board for a project on this scale and there needed to be dialogue sooner rather than later.
Coun Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot) said it was good to have the community and voluntary sector helping as galas and fetes delivered at a micro level.
Coun James Baker (Lib Dem, Warley) said some events should be brought to people’s doorsteps in areas outside of Halifax and the market towns which did not always see any.
A study on tourism and culture was one of four on recovery from the pandemic to be considered by cabinet councillors.