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You might have heard of my hometown…
Hidden away in the valley between Manchester and Leeds, lies Hebden Bridge.
Once a mill-town in decline, Hebden Bridge has gained a hefty reputation in its time. From The Guardian to the BBC, for years journalists have travelled from all ends of the country to visit the town, often questioning its’ bohemian ways. Holding title as ‘Britain’s lesbian capital’, and the inspiration behind hit BBC drama ‘Happy Valley’, Hebden Bridge isn’t quite the small town you might expect.
Poet Ted Hughes was born here, Sylvia Plath’s grave overlooks the town from Heptonstall above, and Patti Smith has visited on numerous occasions to perform. A short train ride from Liverpool, Hebden Bridge is a haven of creativity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are just a few of many reasons to visit the town…
1) For the music
Shortlisted at number five in NME’s 2013 search for Britain’s best small venue, is Hebden Bridge’s The Trades Club. Patti Smith played here, and returned yet again to perform her most intimate show in years, donating all proceeds of ticket sales to the relief fund of the 2012 floods. Other names to have graced the stage include Mark Lanegan, British Sea Power, Laura Marling and Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore.
Though a relatively small venue, the club always has a great line up, with their upcoming gigs available to book at http://thetradesclub.com
2) Old-fashioned cinema experience
Open since 1921, Hebden Bridge Picture House is one of the last independent cinemas in Britain. Quids cheaper than going to your local Vue, here you can snuggle up with a hot chocolate and one of the cinema’s homemade cakes.
Film screenings range from mainstream to art-house and foreign language, and themed film festivals are regular. The Picture House provides the authentic cinema experience that’s of a dying breed.
3) Independent shopping at its best
Instead of a high-street of chain shops, the town prides itself on its’ array of independent businesses. Bohemian interior shops with South East Asian wall-hangings, jewellers selling handmade pieces from local artists, and an independent record shop line the main street.
Elsewhere in the town, are affordable vintage shops selling hand-picked, one-off pieces, cafes who cater with vegetarians and vegans in mind and Delis selling local produce.
4) The Arts Festival
If you plan to come in the summer months, June and July is the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. In its 21st year, the festival is an annual celebration of the town’s creativity and unique landscape. Featuring a handmade parade and poetry workshops, highlights have included John Cooper Clarke and Carol Ann Duffy.
You can see the handmade dragon, from 2012’s parade in the photo selection above.
5) The views!
Hidden away in the valley, Hebden Bridge offers solitude away from neighbouring cities. Its home to the National Trust- owned natural tourist attraction Hardcastle Crags, a beautiful wooded valley away from the centre of the town. Other natural beauties include Lumb Falls, a secluded natural outdoor wild-swimming pool and waterfall just above Hebden, where locals jump off into come summer.
See the Falls in summer above.
Since writing this article, the town was flooded yet again on Boxing Day 2015. This is the worst flooding the town has seen in years, with water neck high in the centre of the town. Many local businesses have sadly been affected, and although the community have come together both in the clean-up process helping businesses to get back to reverse the damage caused, some of these may struggle to reopen. What the flood has brought though, is a strengthened sense of community.
With locals providing food and support for both neighbouring businesses and families affected, and a recent fundraiser put together by local musicians at The Trades, the community is stronger than ever. It won’t be long until the town is back on its feet though, and once it is, it’ll be better than ever.