Your guide to the Halifax Minster Summer Festival 2017

Halifax Minster's Summer Festival 2017 is now underway with something for everyone. Here's a guide to the exciting 10 day programme which will run until Sunday, July 9 and includes art exhibitions, poetry and music.
Rev Canon Hilary Barber with choir membersRev Canon Hilary Barber with choir members
Rev Canon Hilary Barber with choir members

The first event will be Sans Illuminaire on tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm where visitors will be guided around the candlelit Minster meeting living history characters who have helped shaped Halifax and the Minster itself. The tour will also be accompanied by music from different eras.

Halifax Minster Choir in Concert will take place tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm and will see the Minster choir performing some of their exciting new repertoire. In August, the choir will perform in Halifax’s town of Aachen, marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation

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The Schools Poetry Day will take place on Tuesday July 4 between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

Black Dyke BandBlack Dyke Band
Black Dyke Band

“We are delighted to welcome the annual Bearder Poetry Festival to the Minster Summer Festival,” says Vicar of Halifax, The Rev Canon Hilary Barber.

“This inspiring event is open to primary schools from across Calderdale and features a professional poet who will lead workshops to encourage some of our younger Calderdale residents in the craft of words and rhyme.”

On Thursday July 6 at 1pm, Australian born Greg Abrahams will perform a Festival Organ Recital.

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The Black Dyke Band Concert will take place on Thursday July 6 at 7.30pm and is sponsored by Harvey’s of Halifax

Black Dyke BandBlack Dyke Band
Black Dyke Band

Rev Barber said: “In recent years the Band has made a number of recordings in the Minster, making full use of its special acoustics. This has become a significant fundraising event as the Minster continues to serve the town and beyond, helping to ensure it is maintained for future generations to enjoy.”

On Friday July 7 at 10.30am the Senior Citizens Orchestra will take place. Rev Barber said: “This event is aimed at older people, especially those who are often housebound and isolated, who may benefit from the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy listening to a melody of popular tunes played by Calderdale’s own Senior Citizens Orchestra led by Judith Mclean.

The event is in partnership with Calderdale Council’s Staying Well Project and is free of charge.

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A Musical Kaleidoscope will also take place on July 7 at 7.30pm and is an exciting evening of music brings together a wide variety of musicians and styles. From the close harmony of barbershop group ‘A Close Shave’, to individual performances of ‘Future Heroes’ sponsored by Community Foundation for Calderdale.

Yorkshire acoustic duo, The Suitcase Dwellers, will perform on Saturday July 8 at 7.30pm.With Lizzey on vocals and piano and Sam playing guitar, bass, tambourine and bass drum all at the same time it can sound like there are four people on stage.

There will be a Come and Sing Choral Evensong event on Sunday July 9 at 4pm with a rehearsal at 2.30pm.

This event is open to everyone who would relish the opportunity to sing a traditional Book of Common Prayer Evensong in the unique setting of Halifax Minster. Rev Barber said: “Everyone is welcome to come along and join the Minster Choir at this final Summer Festival Event for 2017.”

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Throughout the Summer Festival, the Minster will become a gallery; acting as a setting for an exhibition of artwork by pupils of Halifax’s Trinity Academy. This follows the success of the school’s GCSE and A Level exhibition last year.

The Minster will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm every day throughout the summer, unless a special event or service is taking place, and it will will run until September 10.

For more information and details on tickets call 01422 355436.