DJ and presenter Chris Hawkins, known for his early breakfast show on BBC 6 Music, has been appointed as a patron of The Piece Hall in Halifax. This historic grade 1 listed building, managed by The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, was originally a Georgian cloth hall and has recently gained recognition as one of the finest live music venues in the UK.
Renowned for its magnificent open-air courtyard, comparable to the grand piazzas of Europe, it now serves as an award-winning space for retail, leisure, and events. It hosts a diverse year-round programme of music, cultural events, and community festivals.
Piece Hall patrons, distinguished figures in the public eye, play a crucial role in spotlighting this exceptional heritage site, raising awareness of its initiatives, and drawing in new supporters.
In addition to his daily show on BBC Radio 6 Music, Chris Hawkins is the host of the No. 1 podcast, “How To DJ,” and frequently takes on hosting duties and DJ sets at music festivals. He has conducted interviews with some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Calvin Harris, Florence Welch, Dave Grohl, and Bjork.
Chris will actively support The Piece Hall, from its educational and community projects to its world-class music programme, including the Live at The Piece Hall summer season in collaboration with Cuffe and Taylor. He provided exclusive coverage and interviews for this year’s concerts, which attracted over 125,000 attendees to performances by global artists such as Sting, James, and Boygenius.
Chris Hawkins said; “The Piece Hall is one of the most spectacular sites and sights in the UK. It’s a phenomenal venue for live music and it’s not surprising that the world’s biggest acts now want to play in Halifax.
“Its vast array of independent shops, restaurants, and bars, surrounding the stunning piazza, make it not just a jewel in West Yorkshire’s crown but one of the great UK tourist attractions. I am beyond honoured to join Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL and her team as a Piece Hall patron and to help further cement its status as a world-class music venue.”
Furthermore, The Piece Hall has announced the appointment of a new ambassador, former Halifax Courier Editor Chris Lever.
Piece Hall ambassadors, individuals with local ties, utilise their recognised voices to enhance the profile of this historic venue, introduce it to new supporters, raise awareness of the Trust’s vital work, and broaden its diversity of perspectives.
Chris Lever, a journalist based in Calderdale, spent over three decades at the newspaper, beginning as a senior reporter at the then-daily Evening Courier in 1990.
Chris Lever said; “I was absolutely honoured to be asked to become an ambassador for The Piece Hall. As a proud Yorkshireman I have always shouted up for Halifax – and tried to be positive about our town and Calderdale as a whole – during my many years working for the Courier. I aim to continue doing this in my new role.
“To see what The Piece Hall has now become, a leading tourism destination and a top venue for concerts by big-name bands, attracting visitors from all over the world, is just amazing. It’s wonderful to see the benefits it is bringing to the town and how it is helping to boost the Calderdale and Yorkshire economy and put this region on the map. Long may that continue.”
Chair of The Piece Hall Trust Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL said; “I’m delighted to welcome two more incredibly high calibre supporters of The Piece Hall to champion all the great things currently happening at the venue.
“This building of global significance, which importantly is in Halifax, is going from strength to strength and our patrons and ambassadors play such a vital role in spreading the word.
“With another packed Christmas programme just announced and another huge season of gigs planned for next summer it’s a special time to be involved in this unique heritage destination with culture and community at its heart.”
Chris Hawkins and Chris Lever will immediately assume their roles, joining the esteemed team in supporting, promoting, and amplifying the crucial work of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust.
