Calderdale quartet up for White Rose Awards

Four attractions in Calderdale have made it onto the awards shortlist this time around.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum has been nominated in the Large Attraction of the Year category along with The Piece Hall.

The Millers Bar in Brighouse has been shortlisted for Pub of the Year accolade, while Halifax Visitor Centre is in the running for the Visitor Information Award.

The awards recognise the very best of this county’s thriving tourism industry including pubs and restaurants, food and drink, hotels and caravan sites, visitor attractions, cultural events and customer service.

Anneliese Gray, Halifax Visitor Centre manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for a White Rose Award. The centre has been really busy recently as more people visit Halifax, and we’re more than happy to help people make the most of their stay.

“It’s not just industry praise the centre is receiving. Staff have received some lovely comments from visitors, with many taking the time to write glowing reviews on Trip Advisor.”

170 businesses, individuals and organisations have entered this year’s competition – an increase of almost 20 per cent on the previous year.

The year’s event – Yorkshire’s Big Night Out – will see more than a thousand people celebrate at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Monday, November 12.

Professor Colin Mellors, chairman of the White Rose Award judges, said: “Winning a White Rose Award is a real accolade for Yorkshire’s tourism businesses and the task of shortlisting has been harder than ever.

“The standard of entries has been exceptional which is evidenced by the strength of the shortlists.

“It is testimony to the remarkable range and quality of the region’s tourism offer.

“With such tough competition, and a record 170 entries, selecting the winners this year is going to be extremely difficult.”

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The White Rose Awards are the largest and most prestigious in the UK’s hospitality and tourism industry and we have some really exciting finalists this year from both new and established businesses.

“The awards are a brilliant opportunity to shine the spotlight on the fantastic experiences to be had in Yorkshire. As well as the coveted gongs expect a night of first class entertainment – an event not to be missed.”