For starters we’ve got some indie and pop, a main course of rock and metal and how about some dance and disco for dessert?
We’re also broadening our palette this year with some classical as we welcome Il Divo for one of four seated shows. After trialling comedy last year with the brilliant Bill Bailey we wanted to give something else a go. We get feedback from gig goers, who, while they don’t have a recognised disability, struggle to stand for hours on end.
It’s difficult, we are an open air, standing venue, but we always want to improve the customer experience if we can. So for the first time at the end of July we’ll be transforming The Courtyard into a seated “theatre style” gig experience as, alongside Il Divo, we welcome pop goddess Anastacia, the much-loved Squeeze with Badly Dawn Boy, plus rock legend Roger Daltry of The Who fame. Standing tickets are also available at the back and on the balcony, for those who prefer.
These will be incredibly special shows and I’m really looking forward to watching and hearing from Roger. His date in Halifax follows a sold out run across the UK and sees him perform versions of The Who’s classics, as well as delving into his wonderful solo back catalogue spanning almost 50 years.
The show also features his now-famous Q&A sessions, where he opens up to fans, so come with your questions at the ready!
There’s an important bit of work to do before we welcome all these global superstars - changing this unique heritage site into a world class music venue! So first we welcome 30 builders using millimetre precision to fit the stage, an enormous crane to lift the roof on and then five huge trucks packed full of sound and light equipment.
Work starts on Sunday 18 May and we’ll be show ready at the start of June. I’d like to personally thank everyone in advance who’ll be visiting The Piece Hall over the coming weeks for their patience while the transformation takes place. We know it isn’t always the prettiest but my goodness it’s worth it!
All our fantastic indie shops are open as usual 7 days a week throughout the process so do make sure you explore all three floors if you visit. The Piece Hall itself is now using its summer opening times and the building is accessible from 9am everyday through until September. We have more than 40 traders and the vast majority are owner operators running own businesses pretty much single handedly. You make a real difference when you choose to buy from them.
You may have noticed we have a new eatery (La Piazza) and a new watering hole (The Hop Yard) and alongside all our other cafés and bars they are open as usual during the build as is The Trading Rooms. Our flagship restaurant, which is situated right behind where the stage goes up is also staying open during the gigs this summer for the first time ever.
So whether it’s food, drinks, shopping, or music on your ingredient list, The Piece Hall has the recipe for the perfect day or night out this summer!