Piece Hall to put on a show as it prepares for its 'great re-opening'

Guests to the Grade I listed building will be entertained by performances from singer Lizzie Jones MBE and poet Kieron Higgins.

In addition, displays from lighting sculpture specialists ‘Lightopia’ will flank the courtyard, promising a beguiling visit even after the sun has set.

The Piece Hall Trust has confirmed that all traders within The Piece Hall will be fully compliant with the latest Covid guidelines. Additional outdoor seating has been put in place, as well as rigorous cleaning regimes.

The Trading Rooms Restaurant, along with other eateries, will be able to serve food and drink outdoors.

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall, said: “It’s nearly time to welcome people back to The Piece Hall and we’re really looking forward to opening those famous gates again. Although our gates have been closed, we’ve been working hard to ensure that the space will be safe, relaxing and enjoyable for all.

“We know how much people have missed The Piece Hall. They can look forward to an exciting programme of events throughout the year, as we all emerge from this pandemic”.

The Trust has said visitor health and safety is a key priority so measures have been put in place in to keep guests safe.

The premises will be regularly deep cleaned, including all lifts, stairwells and toilets.

All entrance gates will be staffed, and visitors will be asked to sanitise their hands as they enter, as well as being asked if they’ve experienced any Covid-19 symptoms.

Importantly, the number of visitors will be constantly monitored to ensure people can safely enjoy everything The Piece Hall offers.

The reopening marks the start of a new chapter for The Piece Hall, which recently published its first annual review.

A full programme of ‘Live at The Piece Hall’ music events is scheduled throughout the Summer and next year.

Before that, a Spring Makers Market is scheduled for May; there’s a special performance by Ibiza legend Ellie Sax and a summer food festival.

In addition, there will be a number of community drop-in sessions, including, ‘Boogie Babes’, the popular children’s play sessions, now taking place every Wednesday and Saturday, with Friday morning classes coming soon.

Boogie Babes is a relaxed and friendly class that allows parents to get together and children to have fun and exercise in a safe space.

Parents will not only be able to take advantage of these classes for their little ones but will enjoy savouring a coffee and food in a safe, peaceful and well-ventilated outdoor space, welcome news after a long year lockdown.

The Piece Halls doors will be open from 10am to 11pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, giving traders the opportunity to welcome customers for extended periods of time and help them get back on their feet after months of closure, in measures fully supported by national Government and the local Council.