Calderdale’s Year of Culture (CultureDale(external link)) programme is helping families to get creative and have fun for free during the school holidays and beyond.
Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge, especially with the cost of living increasing and family budgets becoming more and more stretched.
CultureDale offers an inclusive programme of events and activities from April 2024 to April 2025, with plenty to do during the summer holidays, open to all.
One example is the Tinker, Make, Create family roadshows, which have been providing free crafts, creative play and workshops throughout July and August.
Hundreds of young people and their families have enjoyed the roadshows in Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, Mixenden, Halifax and Todmorden so far. Next up are:
- Brighouse Library: Thursday 15 August, 12pm – 4pm
- Beech Hill School, Halifax: Friday 23 August, 12pm – 4pm
- Space @ Field Lane, Rastrick: Thursday 29 August, 10am – 2pm
Activities include stories, interactive art sessions, sculpturing, model-making, messy play, sports and much more. Recycled materials are used in some of the activities, contributing to Calderdale Council’s priority to tackle the climate emergency, and the borough-wide Climate Action Plan.
Head to www.culturedale.co.uk(external link) for the full schedule and details of activities
at each location.
Calderdale Council has also been supporting families during the school holidays by making a direct payment of £100 to families receiving benefits-related free school meals, from the Household Support Fund, and by providing a range of activities and healthy meals through the Healthy Holidays scheme.
The Tinker, Make, Create roadshows are a partnership between CultureDale, Eureka! and Calderdale Council’s Play Services.
They bring together local makers, artists, engineers and crafters for half-day sessions in areas of Calderdale where family activity is needed. Play Services are looking into how the roadshows can be used to create a legacy for future engagement with young people, extending beyond the Year of Culture.
Tinker, Make, Create will end in style with a big finale event at Eureka! in Halifax. The national children’s museum is hosting a family-friendly, day-long outdoor festival on Saturday 31 August, from 11am to 4pm.
The festival will bring a mix of local talent and performers, giving guests of all ages the chance to take part in more than 30 different activities. These include using raw materials and tools to create unique machines, launching rockets and art exploration, plus many crafting and building options.
Visit https://play.eureka.org.uk(external link) for more information about the museum and its events.
Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said:
“Our Year of Culture continues to wow families and communities across Calderdale, with its many exciting events and activities that showcase the borough’s talent, creativity, culture and heritage.
“CultureDale is more than just a creative programme, it also plays an important part in our priorities to reduce inequalities, take climate action and support thriving towns and places.
“The Tinker, Make, Create roadshows, and the grand finale festival at Eureka! at the end of this month, are the perfect example of how we’re supporting local people to enjoy their leisure time for free. Finances are a struggle for many at the moment, and by offering quality, enriching activities during the school holidays, we’re doing our bit to help.”
Liz Peniston, Content and Experience Director at Eureka! said:
“We’re delighted to be part of CultureDale, and to be hosting the finale of Tinker, Make, Create at Eureka! The outdoor events are free for everyone to attend in the Eureka! park on the 31st August, and we’re hoping that as many families as possible come on down and join in!”
CultureDale celebrates Calderdale’s 50th anniversary year. The programme features locally-created events, festivals, exhibitions, performances and initiatives for everyone to enjoy up until April 2025. It is funded by Calderdale Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024. This is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision