Final CultureDale event will stand out like a beacon

As the incredible Year of Culture in Calderdale draws to a close, a series of striking light installations will be one of the last spectacles marking the grand finale. Since the Year of Culture (CultureDale) started in April 2024 to celebrate Calderdale’s 50th birthday, over 350 events and 110 projects have been supported.

April 2025, the final month of CultureDale, has been the biggest yet, with a massive 50 events – one for every year of Calderdale’s existence.

During the last weekend, the ‘CultureDale BEACONS’ – beacons of pure light – will slice through the darkness in Brighouse, Halifax and Todmorden.

The unique light installations will celebrate the spirit of Calderdale, with local twists, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, from 8pm to 10pm.

• The Brighouse Beams: A searchlight spectacular

ROKT Activity Centre in the Old Flour Mill, Brighouse, will be the backdrop for bright beams of light that will be visible for miles around, dancing and playing throughout the sky.

The powerful searchlights will interact with each other, act independently or combine into one powerful tube of brilliant energy. This will be a sight to behold, and a celebration of Brighouse, Calderdale and its enduring spirit. 

• The Halo of Halifax: A celestial dance of light

As darkness settles over Halifax, the sky across Beacon Hill will awaken with a halo of light suspended above the town, its powerful and shifting beams weaving patterns across the clouds.

This is more than an illumination, it is a celebration of Halifax - its landscape, heritage and spirit.

The iconic Wainhouse Tower will also be in on the act, lit up in colour with a fantastic beam of light.

The Brighouse and Halifax light installations can be viewed from multiple areas at a distance, so there is no need to be up close to the specific locations.

• Mysterious UFO-like art installation to appear in Todmorden town centre

On Friday 25 April, a UFO-like structure will mysteriously appear in the heart of Todmorden town centre. 

During the day, the structure will be a surreal presence in the Canal Basin, off Burnley Road by The Golden Lion, and by nightfall over the weekend, it will transform into a dazzling, lit mirror ball that pulses in rhythm with the Golden Lion.

This unexpected and captivating art piece, made by local artist Aimee Grundell, invites people to witness a fusion of mystery, light and sound, creating an experience like no other.

Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said:

“We knew we wanted something huge and memorable to give Calderdale the 50^th birthday party it deserves, and the Year of Culture has certainly done that.

“CultureDale has showcased the borough’s creativity, talent, distinctiveness and diversity, and will be part of its story for generations to come.

“Events are continuing right up until the end of April. The BEACONS light installations during CultureDale’s last weekend are a spectacle that will be breathtaking and a real talking point.

“There’s nothing Calderdale likes more than to spark a bit of intrigue, wonder and uniqueness, so keep your eye to the sky in Brighouse, Halifax and Todmorden as we use powerful light shows to celebrate the borough’s heritage, landscape and spirit, with special local twists.”

Share your photos of the BEACONS on social media @CultureDale.

See how you can get involved in the other closing events at www.culturedale.co.uk