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"The Piece Hall is great for the town - the 36 events this year will massively help the economy." That is the view of pub boss Mark Gledhill - who oversees two pubs in Halifax town
centre - and has no doubt about the hugely positive knock-on effect the live music venue has had on the town's bars, cafes, and restaurants. This year there will be 36 concerts at the
Piece Hall. In 2022 there were 11; 22 in 2023; and by last year it had risen to 34. The venue is helping to drive the town's regeneration. The Percy Shaw and The Old Cock have seen
takings boosted thanks to big-name gigs at the Piece Hall. Mark explained: "Percy Shaw has a boost before and after (gigs) for both food and drink. (It) can add 20 per cent onto the
day's takings on a weekend, and up to 50 per cent during the week." It's a similar story for the Old Cock, which is one of Halifax's oldest pubs. Speaking about the Old
Cock, Mark said: "2022 and 2023 were amazing for events, adding 20-30 per cent on takings." However, a controversial policy change at the Piece Hall in 2024 did affect some town
centre businesses. The Piece Hall ruled that all ticket holders had to be inside the venue by 8pm. The new policy is a safety measure, according to the Piece Hall, and is designed to reduce
the potential for problems related to crime and large crowds. But businesses such as bars and restaurants expressed fears they would lose money, it was reported last year. Gig-goers also
expressed their own frustrations. Mark said: "Previously you could rock up (to the Piece Hall) before the main act at 9pm, so a lot of people would stay in town for cheap drinks, then
go to the main act but they changed that last year with doors closing around 7.30/8pm, so pubs didn't feel the benefit as much." In general the Piece Hall is "great for the
town," he added. "They seem to be finding there feet with events and better shops and bars. Unfortunately with the road works taking so long in Halifax it will make travel through
the centre a nightmare." Alex Biggart, director at Next Level, a retro gaming bar in Dean Clough, Halifax, said: "We’re incredibly proud to be a part of Halifax’s vibrant culture
alongside the Piece Hall and we’re already looking forward to a bumper season of events. "Each time there’s such a packed series of concerts we notice a boost for the whole town - both
in terms of the extra footfall to our retro gaming bar and restaurant and the area as a whole. "During Piece Hall events we host themed nights where concertgoers can enjoy themselves
both before and after the show. We also have free parking on site which is a big bonus for many. "Halifax is lucky to have some wonderful places to eat, drink and socialise and when the
Piece Hall hosts global artists we can share them with visitors from all over the world." 'CULTURE DRIVES REGENERATION' Councillor Jane Scullion, Leader of Calderdale
Council, said: "The Piece Hall’s annual live music season has become the talk of the town and beyond. The unique destination has strengthened Calderdale’s national and international
profile as the place to be for culture, heritage and music, reaffirming the major role that this unique destination plays in the identity and economy of both Calderdale and West Yorkshire.
"Our ambition for the Piece Hall transformation was to conserve the building for future generations, whilst creating a world-class tourist attraction that would strengthen the local
economy. We now have living proof that culture drives regeneration, with The Piece Hall’s ongoing positive impact on local businesses, the economy and local people’s pride, wellbeing and
togetherness. "Following on from Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024, we’re confident that The Piece Hall will continue the CultureDale legacy of bringing people together for events that
bring joy and benefits for the town and further afield.” Yorkshire Live has approached the Piece Hall for comment. Last year a spokesman said the changes to entry times were part of measures
"to ensure our customers enjoy the best and safest experience at every show." Acts appearing at the Piece Hall this June include James, Gary Barlow, The Corrs, Pendulum, UB40,
Deftones, Dean Lewis, The Teskey Brothers and Weezer. July's acts include Train, Busted, Olly Murs, The Script, Simple Minds, Rag 'n' Bone Man, The Human League, Paul Heaton,
Texas, Travis, Il Divo and Roger Daltry. Tickets for the schedule of gigs are on-sale now. You can buy tickets here. _GET ALL THE LATEST WHAT’S ON NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX BY_ _ SIGNING
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