INTRODUCTION
Dear Reader,
There is something rather enchanting about discovering how Halifax folk sought entertainment and diversion in days gone by, wouldn't you agree? As your Victorian guide through the leisure pursuits of our beloved town, I invite you to join me on a journey exploring the attractions that once captivated the hearts and imaginations of Halifax residents.
From the grand spectacles that drew crowds to the Piece Hall to the simple pleasures enjoyed in our public parks, Halifax's entertainment history reveals much about our character and community spirit. Within these pages, you'll discover:
- The magnificent exhibitions that transformed the Piece Hall
- The travelling fairs that brought wonder to our streets
- The early cinema houses that introduced moving pictures
- The pleasure gardens where families strolled on Sunday afternoons
- The sporting spectacles that united our community
Remember, dear reader, while many of these attractions have vanished from our landscape, their stories remain alive in archives, memories, and the very fabric of our town. By understanding how Halifax folk sought joy and diversion in the past, we gain insight into the character of our remarkable community.
Your faithful guide through entertainments past,
Harry Facks
"HALIFAX ZOO! Most up-to-date amusement park in England!
Great attraction for Whit Monday and Tuesday! Admission 6d" This announcement on May 29, 1909, and much early publicity attracted 41,000 people to Chevinedge that Whit weekend.
Sunny Vale (aka Sunny Buncers) - was a very popular park and entertainment centre at one time
Lilly Lane Leisure Gardens and Baths
Eureka is one of Halifax's most popular tourist attractions, but did you know that the same area was also attracting large numbers of visitors many years ago too?
Shibden Park
Ogden Water
Always nice to escape the smoke and Ogden was ideal for a restful afternoon with a nice walk.
People's Park, King Cross
Greyhound Racing
The Thrum Hall cricket ground had a speedway dirt track constructed around the cricket pitch and hosted the Halifax Speedway team until 1930. A greyhound track replaced the speedway the following year with the greyhound track taking a most unusual shape in the form of a D shape to allow the cricket ground to remain in place inside the circuit.
Halifax Speedway - was first staged at Thrum Hall between 1928-30 but then moved to the Shay much later in 1949 and lasted until 1986
Halifax Racecourse - was where West End golf club is now.
Halifax Roller Skating - This was part of the Zoo complex in Exley. There was also roller skating at Sunny Bunce's and at Akeds Road, King Cross
Thrum Hall once home to rugby, cricket, bowls and greyhound racing
Although this rugby match (link below) took place at Odsal in Bradford, the game goes down in history as the biggest rugby league crowd ever.
View Record crowds at Odsal rugby video
Music / Dance
Palins - nightclub where some of the best bands of the time played their music (not in very good condition at the moment).
Music Trail - link to the Halifax music trail of yesteryear
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Clarence/Roxy/Good Mood Nightclub facebook page
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Krumlin Festival
Stock Car racing - this was once held down at Sunny Vale after its days as an entertainment park and lake.
The Shay - Present and previous home of Football, Rugby, Speedway and even ice-skating.
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