‘It was not just gripping drama but a tourism boon for borough’
Previous shows had shone a light on Calderdale but it was Happy Valley that put the borough centre stage for audiences across the country and beyond.
Along with a positive buzz that came from seeing our streets, countryside and landmarks on the TV came a massive boost to tourism and the area’s reputation.
Such is the reach of the show, Halifax’s MP Holly Lynch has been grilled about Happy Valley by ambassadors from countries on the other side of the world, asking if Tommy Lee Royce really does haunt the backstreets of Halifax.
"Without a doubt, Happy Valley has had a transformational impact on our town,” she said.
"Sally Wainwright’s exceptional ability to weave such gripping drama and captivating characters into our streets and stunning rural landscapes not only showcased our area to the world, but also brought tourists, jobs, skills and investment to our town.
"Once we had demonstrated that we could host a productionofthatscale,more and more film and television work has followed. From welcoming Samuel L Jackson to
Halifax for Secret Invasion, to Ewan McGregor in A Gentleman In Moscow, it wouldn’t have been possible without Sally’s incredible Happy Valley and her commitment to filming it right here.”
Calderdale Council’s director for regeneration and strategy, Shelagh O’Neill, said the success of the series has had a huge impact on the borough’s visitor economy – now worth over £430milion – and has firmly positioned it as a filming destination.
“Sally so passionately champions Calderdale and her shows have showcased Calderdale to a huge audience and have inspired visitors to come and experience our vibrant towns and villages for themselves,” she said.
"Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a real boom in filming in Calderdale. In 2023, 31 productions carried out over 100 days of filming here, adding over £850,000 to the regional economy.”
Chris Meehan, general manager of Holdsworth House Hotel and Restaurant, which was used as a Happy Valley filming location, said: "We’re truly blessed that Sally Wainwright has set many of her brilliant stories here. Happy Valley was not just gripping drama but a tourism boon for us. The fact that we can say we are a film location really catches visitors’ attention.
"Guests often recall Sally’s wonderful wit, her brilliant storytelling and her characters – everyone wants to know what Tommy Lee Royce, played by James Norton, was like. Of course, James was an absolute gent when he stayed here!
"Guests love the idea of walking in the footsteps of characters, cast and crew, and seeing the real-life settings that have become onscreen landmarks.
"There’s been a snowball effect of filming in the area. It has a lot to do with the can-do attitude of local businesses, the creative talent in West Yorkshire and the vision of Calderdale's tourism and council teams to facilitate filming.
"Everyone has really understood the benefit filming has on the visitor economy and, as one big team, we have all helped to make it happen."