On 1 April 2024, Calderdale will turn the big 5-0!
A big birthday deserves a big celebration, and this golden year will be packed with opportunities to honour this landmark occasion.
Calderdale Council is lighting up the iconic Wainhouse Tower in green (to match the Council’s logo) on the evening of Monday 1 April.
The Council is also releasing a special film that day, which will take viewers back to Calderdale in 1974 through archive footage from 50 years ago. It will also feature the debut for a poem written especially for the borough’s anniversary, highlighting the changes in Calderdale over the last 50 years.
A new digital logo marking the 50th anniversary, created by the Council’s in-house design team, will also be launched for use on social media.
The spectacular Calderdale Year of Culture 2024 (CultureDale(external link)) opening event on Saturday 13 April will kick off a whole 12 months of 50th birthday celebrations for everyone to enjoy.
Robin Tuddenham, Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive, said:
“2024 is a hugely significant year, and we’re making it one to remember. Not only does it mark 50 years since Calderdale and the Council were formed in 1974, but also the culmination of our Vision 2024 and the start of our iconic Year of Culture. I would love you to be part of it!
“Culture has played a big part in Calderdale’s history, and continues to hold a special place in so many people’s hearts – perhaps you saw your first music gig at the Victoria Theatre, have memories of taking part in a local festival, or spend your weekends walking in the hills or visiting museums.
“This year is an opportunity to reflect on all we’ve achieved as a place. We’ve known all along how special Calderdale’s culture, creativity, heritage, landscapes, people and community spirit are. And now, thanks to our growing presence on TV and film, they’ve been brought to the world’s attention. So we can proudly shout, happy 50th birthday, it’s Calderdale’s time to shine!”
The Year of Culture will bring iconic events, festivals, exhibitions, performances and initiatives for all from April 2024 to April 2025. The programme will reflect Calderdale’s rich history, amazing landscapes, incredible people, creativity, entrepreneurship, talent and diversity. Discover more, including the events programme and volunteering opportunities, at www.culturedale.co.uk(external link)
Calderdale’s 50th birthday comes at the end of a week dedicated to the borough’s resilience on social media. Resilience is one of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale themes, along with distinctiveness, kindness, enterprise and talent (there will be social media ‘takeover’ weeks for these themes too during 2024).
From Monday 25 March, Resilience Week is highlighting Calderdale’s ability to bounce back, including the joint response to flooding, COVID-19 and climate change, the impact of volunteering, and so much more. Keep an eye on the Council’s X and take part by posting using #VisionCdale2024. Find out more about the Vision 2024 and its themes at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
As 2024 closes, the transition to the new Vision 2034 for Calderdale will begin, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all.