TV shows boost region’s economy and culture
Calderdale-filmed screen hits like Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley alongside will produce economic benefits for the whole of West Yorkshire, says the region’s mayor.
A light-hearted question from a Calderdale councillor about the recent Gentleman Jack series – centred on Halifax’s historic Shibden Hall – saw mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin highlight the economic benefit culture will have in encouraging investment and jobs.
With Sally Wainwrightpenned dramas, Last Tango in Halifax; Gentleman Jack, about the 19th century lesbian heiress Anne Lister; and hard-hitting Happy Valley, starring Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood bringing in tourists, Calderdale is benefiting from the interest.
Councillor Josh FentonGlynn
(Lab, Calder) said he lived in the same neighbourhood as Happy Valley’s fictional character Catherine Cawood and had already seen tourists taking pictures of ‘where she lived’.
Of the other recent WainwrighthitheaskedMsBrabin: “I wonder if you will support thecampaignforathirdseries of Gentleman Jack – and also support film and television in Calderdale as a way to bring in more money and investment to West Yorkshire?”
Just days after Ms Brabin
spoke to the meeting of the full Calderdale Council, cabinet member Coun Sarah Courtney (Lab, Calder) was a guest on BBC TV’s Breakfast to speak about the impact of Happy Valley and Calderdale.
Ms Brabin – a former star in long-running TV soap Coronation Street and an actor with three decades in the creative industries before pursuing politics – joked that returning Gentleman Jack should be a council motion.
Moreseriously,shesaidits impactwasreflectedtoherby a meeting with Japanese tourists at Halifax’s Piece Hall who had seen the series.
And a rolling programme of major arts events through the region over the next three years would place West Yorkshire in the spotlight – Leeds 2023 and the Kirklees Year of Music this year, Calderdale’s own Year of Culture to tie in with the borough’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year, with a similar cultural event in Wakefield, plus Bradford UK City of Culture year in 2025.