SPOTLIGHT - A Festive display for Hebden Bridge
15th December 2020
On Monday 14th December 2020 the Town Hall unveiled a festive surprise - a Christmas themed projection featuring magical scenes including snowy rooftops, a sparkling Christmas tree and a glimpse of the main man himself - Santa and his reindeer.
Displayed on to the Old Building - part of the Hebden Bridge Town Hall site - the animated display is visible from the Old Packhorse Bridge off Bridgegate and runs on a timed loop. The projection will be shown from 14th – 19th December after sunset, although Hebden Bridge Community Association have taken the decision to keep the exact timings under wraps to prevent crowds and to ensure Covid-19 distancing measures can be observed by those passing by.
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic the Charity has had to think a little differently this year, and the display represents a dramatic departure from past festive fare of free mulled wine and mice pies following the annual Christmas lights switch on, Christmas craft fairs and Dave Nelson’s Christmas Singalong amongst other seasonal events.
The projection - entitled SPOTLIGHT, also represents the first phase of a series of projects of an ongoing feasibility study being undertaken by HBCA primarily concerning the Victorian part of the Town Hall site, known as the Old Building. Boasting a designated Council Chamber and original Victorian features, the site is an important part of the heritage of Hebden Bridge.
Opened in 1897 and Grade II listed, the Old Building is distinct from the contemporary and perhaps better-known extension which includes the large Waterfront Hall and Town Hall Café. HBCA owns and maintains the whole building and is now looking to how it can be improved through increasing community access, maximising its usable spaces and celebrating its unique history and heritage.
“2020 has been a challenging year for so many people in different ways, and it is our hope that Hebden Bridge Community Association are able to bring just a bit of much-needed festive cheer, as well as an opportunity for reflection, to the community this Christmas.”
- Graham Mynott, Executive Director
The projection runs from the 14th – 19th December and will be displayed intermittently after sunset, providing plenty of time for passers-by to catch a glimpse.
Featuring a mixture of beautiful, thought provoking and fun animations, SPOTLIGHT is funded by Hebden Bridge Community Association with additional financial support from Hebden Royd Town Council.
The animation was produced by the Hebden Bridge based motion graphics studio Rogue Robot.
