The Festival of Halifax to showcase the best town has to offer

The festival set to take place between May 12 and 14 2021 will include music, photography, art, food, film and more. It is being funded by The Arts Council via The Grayston Unity bar in Halifax town centre.

As well as bar owner and founder of the festival, Michael Ainsworth, the event is being produced by Liza Brown, Greg Hobson, Corinne McDonald and Mel Mitchell, all regulars at the bar.

The festival will celebrate the cultural and creative life of the town.

As well as the Grayston Unity, independent businesses and venues will benefit from hosting events across the weekend.

"The idea for the festival came about after being successful in obtaining Arts Council funding for my bar ,The Grayston Unity, in response to the impact of the pandemic.

" As someone who has always believed in Halifax's independent spirit, I wanted to organise something that sent out a clear message that the town’s cultural renaissance was in full effect.

"Something that highlights the amazing creative diversity that exists within the town," said Michael.

Whilst The Grayston Unity will curate some of the events, individuals and organisations working within creative and cultural industries can get involved.

Liza Brown said: "We are actively encouraging people who have something to offer to get in touch, it’s a simple process and we have some money available to put towards costs.

"We are also excited to offer local businesses the opportunity to host an event or provide sponsorship. A crowdfunder will be announced shortly which will allow individuals to get behind what will be a great festival for the town.’"

Although it will be the end of January before the full programme is announced, organisers have released a taster of what’s to come:

A home coming gig by The Orielles playing the Orange Box, Hope & Social playing The Albany Arcade at Halifax Borough Market and the first national exhibition in over a decade of ‘The North’ the classic 1960s photography exhibition of renowned photographer John Bulmer, which includes photographs taken In Halifax and Elland.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the festival is asked to email [email protected] www.thefestivalofhalifax.co.uk