The Piece Hall Halifax is one of England’s most elegant structures, the dramatic Italian Piazza-like beating heart of Yorkshire’s Calderdale, in Northern England. It’s a British architectural and cultural phenomenon and is a must to experience.
From 2017 to 2022, The Piece Hall Halifax has attracted over 8 million visitors.
with its dramatic piazza – a place to meet and people watch
Opened in 1779 in the centre of Halifax, and now in the 21st century, the Piece Hall is a fine place to shop at its independent stores in the classical gallery arcades, indulge in a gin and tonic, a craft beer, enjoy a meal, people-watch, or attend an outdoor performance by the music industry’s most influential global acts.
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Halifax Piece Hall Gigs
The stunning Piece Hall in Halifax hosts some of the world’s biggest music acts after signing a deal with agents Cuffe and Taylor, the team that has brought Britney Spears, Brian Adams and Christina Aguilera to Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre.
The Piece Hall ‘Live at the Piece Hall’ 2022 acts include Noel Gallager’s High Flying Birds, Paul Weller, Pamola Faith, Nile Rogers and Chic, Duran Duran, Primal Scream, and the iconic Tom Jones. Cuffe and Taylor’s founder Peter Taylor has been challenged by the chief executive of the Piece Hall Trust to bring Bruce Springsteen to The Piece Hall Halifax!
Halifax Piece Hall Music Event Gig Entry Gates Explained
The Piece Hall has 4 entrances. On music event gig days only 3 Piece Hall entrances are used as follows:
- West Gate for Premium Tickets Holders, Access Platform Guests, and Box office
- East Gate for General Admission Ticket Holders
- Southgate for General Admission Ticket Holders
North Gate is closed on music event gig days and used for temporary toilet block facilities.
Halifax Piece Hall Music Event Gigs Prohibited Items
What can’t I take in the Piece Hall? – Prohibited items are as follows:
- No bags larger than an A4 piece of paper allowed
- No chairs are allowed
- No umbrellas allowed
- No glass items allowed
- Do not bring your own food
- No smoking allowed
- No vaping allowed
- All bags are subject to a search so please avoid bringing a bag if you can, as this will speed up entry to the event
The Halifax Piece Hall Venue address is The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE
There are bar and food kiosks for gig nights
How much is a beer a the Piece Hall Gig?
On gig nights at the Piece Hall, expect to pay £6 a pint and £7 for a vodka and tonic. See the photo below for the full bar menu and price list:
Piece Hall Parking for Music Event Gigs
The nearby large Eureka car park next to the train station closes at 8pm, however, The Piece Hall is in Halifax town centre where there are plenty of car parks and on-street parking spaces, all within walking distance.
Travel to the Piece Hall by Train
Direct Grand Central trains run from London King’s Cross station to Halifax. There are also direct trains to Halifax from many other places including Manchester, Leeds, York, Bradford, Huddersfield, Chester and Blackpool.
The Piece Hall from Halifax Railway Station is only a very short walk as follows:
- Piece Hall Eastgate entrance is a 2-minute walk from Halifax Train Station
- Piece Hall Southgate entrance is a 3-minute walk from Halifax Train Station
- Piece Hall Westgate entrance is a 4-minute walk from Halifax Train Station
Travel to the Piece Hall by Bus
The Piece Hall from Halifax Bus Station is only a very short walk as follows:
- Piece Hall Eastgate entrance is a 6-minute walk from Halifax Bus Station
- Piece Hall Southgate entrance is a 7-minute walk from Halifax Bus Station
- Piece Hall Westgate entrance is a 6-minute walk from Halifax Bus Station
The Halifax Piece Hall when music events are not being held
Music events are generally held in a two week block in the summer months and other ad-hoc dates with the stage erected in the corner by the Trading Rooms restaurant but during the rest of the year the Piece Hall gets back to its normal self as an amazing meeting, eating, drinking, heritage and shopping venue.
General Parking Near The Piece Hall Halifax
- Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, HX1 1QG
- Woolshops Shopping Centre, HX1 1RU
- Thomas Street
- King Street
- Mulcture Hall Road
- Northgate House
- Broad Street Plaza
- St Johns Lane
- Prescott Street
- Union Street
Halifax Town Centre has many car parks and on-street parking spaces within walking distance of The Piece Hall as listed above (charges may apply). From the M62, exit at junction 24 and follow signs for Halifax (A629) and the brown tourism signs.
Halifax town centre has a number of designated bays for Blue Badge holders, the nearest one to The Piece Hall is on Westgate. Other designated bays are located on Alexandra Street, Commercial Street, Corporation Street, Gaol Lane, Northgate, Old Market, Rawson Street, Thomas Street and Wade Street.
The Piece Hall is in the centre of the architecturally and culturally splendid Halifax. It’s a historic building so the Piece Hall does not have its own car park. As a first choice, we recommend the large car park at the nearby Eureka! National Children’s Museum (Sat Nav: Discovery Road, Halifax HX1 1QG) next to Halifax Railway Station. As the crow flies, Halifax is 12.5 miles from Leeds and 22 miles from Manchester, served by the M62 motorway exit 24 and Halifax Railway Station. The Piece Hall Halifax is a 4-minute walk from the large Eureka! pay and display car park.
If you pay using cash, no change is given. However, you can also pay for parking using contactless payment at the machines. Blue badge holders can park free of charge in designated areas.
Eureka! Car Parking charges:
Up to 4 hours – £3.20
Up to 12 hours – £6.40
Up to 24 hours – £12
To contact Eureka! about parking issues in an emergency call 07776 446753 or 01422 398494
Eureka! car park is at HX1 1QG and is open every day (except 24, 25 & 26 December) from 5.30am to 8pm.
The Piece Hall Coach Parking
Coaches and other large vehicles are permitted to park on the nearby Eureka! site by prior arrangement only and subject to availability. To check availability phone 01422 330069.
The Piece Hall Halifax Opening Times
The Piece Hall opens Sunday -Thursday 10am-11:00pm; Friday – Saturday 10:00am -Midnight.
Opening times for the retail shops are typically 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, 10:00am -5:30pm Saturday and 10am 4:00pm Sunday. Individual shops, bars and restaurants’ times vary to suit their markets.
The East Gate (library) entrance-exit is closed on Mondays and Sundays and at 4pm through the week. On selected days throughout the year, The Piece Hall closes early for ticketed events, please check publicity in advance.
Entrance to The Piece Hall in Halifax is free! Charges are made of course, for major outdoor performances such as Nile Rogers & Chic, the Manic Street Preachers and Pamola Faith, with typical ticket prices around £55 -£70 each for such shows. The Piece Hall is a 2-minute walk from Halifax Railway Station.
The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1RE.
Piece Hall Level Names
- Arcade Level – The lower level with large arched entrances and round-headed arches on square piers.
- Rustic Level – Runs from the ground floor on the West side to first floor on the East and is characterised by solid square columns with chamfered joints.
- Colonnade Level – distinguished by its cylindrical Tuscan columns
Constructed 1775-1799 on a gentle slope in Halifax town centre, the western side has a ground floor with one upper storey, while the east face is on three levels, with internal staircases at each corner. Accessibility lifts are now available.
Classical in style, the Piece Hall in Halifax town centre draws inspiration from Roman and Italian Renaissance buildings and is a wonderful place to be in the 21st century. The merchants’ rooms are set back behind elegant colonnades and are constructed from fine-grained honey-coloured local sandstone.
In the piazza, there are illuminated gentle water cascades in the courtyard where young children can be entertained by splashing around.
What is there to do at the Piece Hall?
- Shop – there are a multitude of fascinating independent shops including those for gifts, original and printed art, jewellery, clothing and accessories including menswear and vintage clothing, books, eyewear, Harry Potter Merchandise for Potterheads, vinyl records, adventure experiences, a wide range of collectibles & antiques, homewares, sustainable foodstuffs and handmade cakes and old-fashioned sweets. Check out our list below.
- Eat – Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, handmade cakes and chocolates are all waiting for you! Choose from our list provided below.
- Drink – From local real ales, gin and wine to speciality teas and coffees.
- Sit and stare – To wonder at the magnificence. And people watch…
- Children’s trails – available from The Piece Hall Visitor Centre.
- Drop-in workshops – and family-themed events on selected weekends and school holidays.
- Interactive heritage ‘The Piece Hall Story’ where you get up close to historic objects or try on Georgian costumes.
- The Map Room – interactive maps – how woollen cloth sold in Halifax was traded across the world. Also, there’s is a young explorers’ map with items to discover around The Piece Hall.
- Attend music gigs and other events
Piece Hall Halifax Shops
Around the courtyard in the galleries, located in the former 315 rooms where 30-yard-long pieces of cloth made by handloom weavers were traded in centuries past, are now a myriad of independent shops, bars and restaurants to cater to all tastes and needs from A to Z….. Actually from A to Y! From Al’s Emporium through to Yorkshire Gallery!
Halifax Harry Potter Store
Flock it and Broom the Harry Potter Shop at the Piece Hall Halifax opened 27 October 2022. The Harry Potter Shop Halifax opening times are Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 to 4:00 pm.
What Shops are in the Piece Hall?
- Piece Hall Halifax Colonnade Level (Top Floor) :
- Al’s Emporium – Antiques and Collectables
- Pages ‘N Pixels – Collectables and Artwork
- Vintage Metal Signs – Facinating Collectable and Interior Decorators’ Pieces
- Leon K Dewhurst – Handcrafted Jewellery
- A Piece of Christmas – Open all Year Gifts
- Hudson Belle – Gifts
- Replicar – Collectable Model Cars
- Beet13juice – goth and alternative clothing, bags, jewellery and accessories
- G’s Cakes – Family Run Independent Coffee House
- Mrs Sinclair’s – Vintage Clothing
- The Escaporium – Adventure Venue
- The Loft -Fashion and Accessories
- Custard Create – Vibrant Artwork by Kimmi Custard
- Off the Wall – Humorous and Evocative Art
- Joseph Chance – Men’s Fashion and Accessories
- The Handmade Gift Shop – Gifts
- Christian Scott Hairdressing – Barber/Unisex Salon
- Piece Hall Halifax: Rustic Level (Middle Floor)
- Harveys of Halifax – Piece Hall Gift Store
- The Book Corner – Independent Bookshop
- The Yorkshire Gallery – Independent Contemporary Gallery
- Jitterbug Jean – Vintage Clothing
- Sweet Tooth – Memory Lane Sweet Shop
- Mystical & Magical – Unique Cultural Gifts and Candles
- Flock it and Broom – Harry Potter Shop
- Bottomley’s Eyewear Boutique – Opticians with Exclusive Eyewear Collections
- House Of 925 – Fashion and Accessories
- The Wine Barrel – Pub with Covered Outdoor Terrace
- The Chocolate Box – Luxury Handmade Chocolates
- Creative Crystals – Gemstones, Crystals, Minerals and Jewellery
- Gin Lane – 100 Gin Choice Retail Shop with Gift Wrapping Available
- Totally Awesome Gingerbread – Interior Design Studio
- Shop 4 Little Horrors – Unique Baby and Children’s Gifts Including Steiff
- Brown Paper Packages – Gifts, Gisela Graham, East of India, Jellycat, Chilly Bottles
- Just Gaia – Plastic Free Cafe & Shop. Instore & Online Tea, Coffee Fruit & Veg Boxes.
- Blondins – Ice Cream Parlour & 1950s Diner
- The Deli – Breakfast Sandwiches, Light Lunches, Pies, Jams, Chutneys, Cakes & Coffee,
- Jewella – Jewellery and Accessories
- Piece Hall Halifax Arcade (Ground Floor):
- The Bakery – Bakery and Cafe Bar with Covered Outdoor Terrace
- The Trading Rooms – Restaurant with Outdoor Covered Terrace
- The Astronomer – Bar and Restaurant with Outdoor Covered Terrace
- Loafers Vinyl & Coffee – Record Shop with Beer, Coffees & Outdoor Covered Terrace
What Restaurants are in the Piece Hall?
- The Trading Rooms Restaurant (and Outdoor Covered Terrace and Pods)
- The Astronomer (Brunch, Light Bites & Social Dining 7 days per week; separate Bar open in the adjacent ex-Gin Lane Unit and Terrace Thursday to Sunday)
- The Bakery Piece Hall (and Covered Outdoor Terrace)
- Loafers Vinyl & Coffee and Outdoor Covered Terrace (a haven for music lovers)
- The Deli
- G’s Cakes
- Blondins Icecream Parlour & 1950s Diner
- The Caygill Rooms – Piece Hall Private Hire Event Location with Balcony and Striking Views for Your Celebrations, Workshops & Meetings.
What Bars are in the Piece Hall?
- The Wine Barrel Pub (and Covered Outdoor Terrace)
- The Trading Rooms Restaurant (and Outdoor Covered Terrace)
- Loafers Vinyl & Coffee (and Outdoor Covered Terrace)
- The Astronomer – in ex-Gin Lane Unit and Outdoor Covered Terrace, open Thursday to Sunday
Where are the toilets in the Piece Hall?
There are two sets of public toilets in the Piece Hall, (top right viewing from the lowest part of the piazza, looking at the weather vane) and in the corner by the The Astronomer (Bar and Restaurant with Outdoor Covered Terrace)
Where are the disabled toilets in The Piece Hall?
There are 3 disabled toilets:
- 1 at the top right viewing from the lowest part of the piazza looking at the weather vane
- 1 by Astronomer Bar: These toilets do not require a RADAR key and are unisex.
Note that on specified days throughout the year, The Piece Hall closes early for ticketed events, so please check publicity in advance.
Piece Hall Accessibility
The Piece Hall has a fully accessible lift available at both the South and West Gates. However, the maneuverability access at the North lift is restricted.
Disabled Public Toilets in Halifax Town Centre
- Halifax Bus Station, Winding Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1UU
- 1 disabled toilet, with RADAR key access.
- George Street Public Conveniences: George Square/Commercial Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1BB
- 1 disabled toilet, with RADAR key access.
- Halifax Borough Market exterior, on Albion Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1DZ.
- 1 disabled toilet, with RADAR key access. Please notice that this toilet is not located inside the Market, but to its exterior wall on Albion Street. This toilet is closed overnight from 6pm.
Who Owns the Piece Hall?
The Grade I-listed Halifax Piece Hall is owned by The Piece Hall Trust. Trustees are directors of The Piece Hall Trust, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales, number 08906735. Nicola Chance-Thompson DL is the Piece Hall Trust’s Chief Executive.
The DL after Nicola Chance -Thompson’s name signifies she is a Deputy Lieutenant. DLs are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant, at his discretion, to assist him in his duties.
The Trust’s commercial trading activities are through Piece Hall Enterprises Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Piece Hall Trust.
Is the Piece Hall a Charity?
The Piece Hall Trust is a registered charity, number 1156948.
Why is the Piece Hall called the Piece Hall, not the Peace Hall?
Opened on January 1779, The Piece Hall was built as a cloth hall for handloom weavers to sell the woollen cloth “pieces” they had produced. The length of cloth a piece was usually 30 yards. (27.5 metres).
Did Anne Lister Visit the Piece Hall?
Yes, Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack) made references to attending events at The Piece Hall in her diaries, including a hot air balloon launch, and she also conducted business at The Piece Hall in Halifax, about 1.5 miles from her home, Shibden Hall.
Anne Lister Statue at The Piece Hall
Anne Lister of Shibden Hall, starting at age fifteen, began to write personal diaries, which she continued throughout many years of her life until her untimely death. Known as the first modern lesbian, her secret coded diaries have been described as the Dead Sea Scrolls of lesbian history.
Suranne Jones, the British actress who portrayed her in the TV series Gentleman Jack, unveiled a statue of Anne Lister at The Piece Hall Halifax on September 26, 2021, and a red carpet event at The Piece Hall for series 2 of Gentleman Jack.
Marvel’s Secret Invasion filmed with Michael L Jackson at the Piece Hall Halifax
The Piece Hall was closed 24 January 2022 to 31 January 2022, for the filming of the Disney+ 6 episode series, Secret Invasion. Michael L Jackson stars as Nick Fury, Ben Mendelson as Talos, and Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill. Kingsley Ben-Adir portrays the lead villain.
Friends of the Piece Hall
Do you want to be first in line for Piece Hall music and events?
If so, join the Friends of the Piece Hall Halifax for £28.50 per year:
- Priority booking – be the first in line for all Piece Hall events
- Exclusive offers across Piece Hall Bars, Restaurants and Shops
- Exclusive invitations to Friends of the Piece Hall members-only previews and events
- 10% discount on Piece Hall branded souvenirs
- Receive a £5 off voucher to spend in The Trading Rooms Piece Hall Restaurant
- An opportunity to ring The Piece Hall bell
- Join Friends of the Piece Hall: Call in person at the Visitor Centre (near the Trading Rooms Restaurant)
- Join Friends of the Piece Hall: Telephone 01422 525200, or Join Friends of the Piece Hall online
- https://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/support-us/become-a-member/
Address: The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE
01422 525 200
info@thepiecehall.co.uk
Square Chapel Arts Centre
Physically linked to The Piece Hall is the Square Chapel Arts Centre. This complex includes a cinema, theatre, cafe bar plus the Central Library and Archive incorporating the spire of the 19th century Square Church.
The spire is clearly visible from the Piece Hall, set against the steep treescape backdrop of Beacon Hill. The library, accessed from The Piece Hall East Gate, houses the Halifax Visitor Information Centre and provides access to the Piece Hall from Halifax Railway Station and the neighbouring Industrial Museum. The Piece Hall Visitor Centre Services Desk is located in the south-eastern corner of the Piece Hall, Arcade Level (ground floor), adjacent to The Trading Rooms restaurant.
Shop In Halifax Gift Card
The Shop in Halifax Gift Card is the perfect year-round gift and is redeemable at many of Piece Hall’s stores and venues including Al’s Emporium, the Gin Lane Shop, Harvey’s of Halifax, Loafer’s Vinyl & Coffee, A Piece of Christmas, The Piece Hall Trust, Trading Rooms Restaurant and The Wine Barrel Bar.
More Halifax Visitor Information
Click here for our top 20 of what to do in Halifax:
To watch the PlanPlacestoVisit.com video Visit the Piece Hall – Things to do in Halifax – enjoy the Piece Hall Shops and Piece Hall Bars click here
