Join in the biggest birthday bash the town has ever seen.
Hebden’s old packhorse bridge was built in stone exactly 500 years ago. In the centuries that followed, the town grew around it, gradually becoming what it is today – a community-spirited, creative and unique place to live, work and visit.
And that’s definitely something to celebrate! Walks, talks, food, film and festivals – there’s a whole year of special HB500 happenings to look forward to.
Wed, March 10
The Civil War in Calderdale
Historian John Spencer tells the story of how, in the summer of 1643, a small Parliamentarian garrison held out against the Royalists at Heptonstall. Methodist Hall, Hebden Bridge 7.30pm.
Wed, March 24 to Sat, March 27
Hot Mikado
Hebden Bridge Light Opera Society’s long-awaited return to the Picture House. Sue Lee on 01422 250181.
Fri, April 2
Pace Egg plays
Heptonstall and Midgley.
Mon, April 5
Duck race
From Thurs, April 15
Hebden Royd at the Movies
Five nights of films at the Picture House, all featuring the local area.
Thurs, May 13 to Sun, May 16
St Pol twin town visit
Celebrations at the bridge and civic presentation.
Mon, May 24 to Mon, May 31
Pennine Spring Music Festival
Fri, May 28 to Sun, May 30
Big Green Weekend
Wed, June 2 to Sun, June 6
Warstein twin town visit
Celebrations at the bridge and civic presentation.
Thur, June 10
Helen of Four Gates
This local film makes its debut in the UK after 90 years. Screening with live orchestral accompaniment. Picture House.
Sat, June 19
500th birthday celebration
Town cryer, jester, packhorse procession over the bridge, mediaeval music and some surprises!
Sat, June 19 to Sun, June 20
Hebden Bridge Band Heritage Weekend
Concerts and marching contest.
Sat, June 26
Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade
Hundreds of handmade costumes, giant puppets, bands and spectacled, preceded by three weeks of open workshops. www.hebdenbridgeparade.org.uk
Sat, June 26 to Sun, July 11
Hebden Bridge Arts Festival
Theatre, exhibitions, music and more. www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/festival/
Sun, July 4
500 Voices
An afternoon of song around Bridgegate and St George’s Square. www.500voices.org.uk
Sun, July 11
500 years of Christianity
A Churches Together celebration with stories, hymns and music.
Sat, July 10 to Sun, July 11
The Battle of Heptonstall
Exciting Sealed Knot re-enactment at the packhorse bridge and in Heptonstall, with displays and workshops.
Sat, July 17
Hebden Bridge Folk roots festival
The Trades Club, Stubbing Wharf and Fox and Goose host gigs, workshops and join-in sessions.
Fri, August 27 to Sat, August 28
Town cryer pub crawl and competition
The celebration carries on right through till Christmas and more events are being added all the time.
The Hebden 500 website is hosted by Pennine Pens who created the site in collaboration with frogs design |
