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8.15pm Strange tales of Deaths and Funerals in Calderdale, from early times down to about 1900.  Includes stories which are spooky, quirky, and even amusing. Learn who was buried alive in Halifax Parish Church, and hear about the burial of eccentric Jonathan Walsh in his Southowram field. Were Quakers once buried standing upright, as recorded

The Sylvia Plath Literary Festival marks the 90th birthday of this legendary poet, and coincides with the publication of 'After Sylvia', an inspiring anthology of new poems and essays in celebration of her life and work. The weekend festival will feature talks, readings, workshops and events at venues across Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall. Events will

2.15pm Square Chapel Arts Centre David tells the story of Halifax’s mother church in pictures.  Now a Grade I building, the oldest surviving in the town, many are the alterations to the structure over the centuries, particularly the interior.  What did the former gabled windows look like?  Where were the galleries, one of which supported

7.30pm A talk by Chris Bateman on Leeds Fireclay, their precursors and associates. All are welcome. Tea/coffee/biscuits will be available for a small donation. Free entry to members of Calderdale Industrial Museum Association, £4 to visitors. Accessibility Information: Access is to the side of the Museum via our newly-installed ramp and stairs. Internally there are stairs

8.15pm Come and see a fascinating series of local Criminal ‘Mugshots,’ dating from the 1890s!  The story commences with an account of Law and Order in Halifax prior to the incorporation of the borough, the men in charge over the years above mentioned, and includes photos of the purpose-built Police Station in Halifax’s 1863 Town

8.15pm David has been familiar with this remarkable Waxworks Exhibition from a young age, and tells macabre stories of some of those commemorated.    From the sufferings of the French Royal Family at the Guillotine through to Yorkshire-born murderers Haigh and Christie, you will hear many ghastly tales.  Finally, a brief history of the Chamber of

2.15pm Square Chapel Arts Centre A look at some houses just to the south of Halifax town centre, some now gone for ever.  David tells the stories of Holly Hall, Hope Hall, Clare Hall, The Shay and Well Head.   Included is the alternative story of the Clare Road Flats for Women, opened in 1936, and

7.30-9pm Hebden Bridge Town Hall - bar open from 6.30, doors 7pm. Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society presents The Twelve Plants of Christmas, a talk by Ian Brand Tickets £5   We have many Christmas traditions, many of them plant or food based. Ian takes us on a seasonal tour, encompassing everything from ‘Holly

An exhibition of paintings in watercolour and oils by local artist Jeremy Burgoyne, exploring Otherworldly characters from imagination and local folklore. Exhibition runs until 11th March and is free to view during opening hours- 10am - 3pm Wednesday to Saturday. All works are for sale, prices on request. Elevenses Opening event- 11am Wednesday 11th January-

7.30-9pm (Bar open from 6.30, doors 7pm) What is it about this ‘everyday story of country folk’ that makes 5 million listeners tune in daily? Have you ever wondered how the longest-running radio drama in the world gets written? Join Libby Tempest and Archers scriptwriter Liz John for a fascinating, in-depth interview to discover how plot

2.15pm Quietly clipping gold and making money sounds like a good income. An enterprising group of people in the Calder Valley set up such an operation in the 1760s, which would ultimately lead to the murder of local exciseman William Deighton, engaged in tracking them down.   Who sought justice for him, and how did bodies

Join local author Sophie Edgar in the stretch tent for a live interactive storytelling of ‘The Magical Kite Ride’ – a rhyming story featuring local landmarks. Storytelling takes place at 10am – 10.45am and 11.30am – 12.15pm. Suitable for ages 4 – 11