Your

InsideHuddersfield’s gone crackers • Festival of light

Ice rink • Diary of events • Christmas lights switch-on Patrick Stewart’s Christmas Q & A

Festival offers • Church programmesFree parking • Competitions • and much more

2009Christmas guide

Enjoy a unique evening out at Festival of Light this December, where you’ll be amazed by high-flying trapeze artists and musicians. Set in the majestic setting of St George’s Square, the free outdoor show will be performed by French street theatre company Transe Express who wowed crowds at Festival of Light 2006.

Wrap up warm and bring the family along to enjoy the show, which will end with a fantastic firework finale.

Make the most of your evening by dining out in town before or after the show - pre-booking in most restaurants is recommended as bigcrowds are expected.

7.30pm, Friday 4 December in St George’s Square, Huddersfield

For more information visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/festival or call 01484 223200.

FREE

Outdoor ShowFestivalof Light

2009

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Huddersfield’s Going Crackers for Christmas!

There is plenty happening in the town in the lead up to Christmas! This year’s plans have been made to

make your Christmas shopping experience one to remember, with varied entertainment throughout the

town centre and the ever popular ice rink back at the Piazza.

Look on page 6 for the start of Christmas in Huddersfield with the Christmas Lights

Switch-On and the start of late night shopping. The Switch-On will be extra special

this year with local hero Patrick Stewart turning on our brand new lights, supplied

by local firm KD Decoratives. Once again Virtual Huddersfield will be producing a

video of the Christmas Lights Switch-On available to watch on the HTCPL website

the next day. You can also watch the video, and previous years’ events, on

www.virtualhuddersfield.com

We’re in for a treat this year with the Festival of Light back in the newly refurbished St George’s Square

(see opposite). Whilst out and about in town and getting ready for the party season, see the specials

that hairdressers and beauty salons are offering on page 12.

Kirklees Council have provided some free parking in the lead up to Christmas so look on page 15

for parking information.

Don’t forget to listen to 107.9 Pennine FM to find out when the ‘cracker crews’ are going to be

on the streets of Huddersfield so that you can pop down to town with the chance of winning a

prize-filled cracker.

Look on page 14 for more information and also check out www.virtualhuddersfieId.com for the

latest Christmas Shopping news in Huddersfield.

We hope you enjoy your Christmas shopping in Huddersfield town centre and

take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support in making our

town such a vibrant one! Happy Christmas to you all.

Best wishes, The Town Centre Management Team

A big thanks goes to Huddersfield Pendragon Round Table who are bringing Santa to town for theswitch-on of the Christmas lights. They are hoping that parents will bring their kids to see Santa,who’s once again helping them raise funds for their Christmas Wish. Their aim is to brighten up the lives of people who have had a difficult time or who have worked hard supporting others during 2009; people who deserve a special treat this Christmas. Details of how to enter can befound in the Examiner or on their website www.pendragon843.co.uk The closing date is 21 November 2009.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TOWN FOR CHRISTMAS, VISIT:www.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk • www.virtualhuddersfield.com • www.kirklees.gov.uk/events

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Thursday 3rd December 2009 – Sunday 3rd January 2010The Piazza, Huddersfield (next to Huddersfield Library)

The real ice rink returns to Huddersfield for thefourth year running. Whether you are anexperienced skater or a beginner you will find asession that suits. Friday nights give skaters achance to show off with the freestyle and speedskating sessions and Saturday and Sundaymornings offer beginners a chance to learn with a group instructor.

And if you’d prefer to watch instead of skate you cantreat yourself to a steaming mug of hot chocolate ora cold beer at the Ice Café and Bar.

Opening timesWeekdays - 3.30pm to 9pm (until 17 December) and 11.00am to 9pm (from 18 December)Weekends - 9.30am to 9pm

Special offersThe rink is open for Family Sessions every weekendfrom 9.30am to 10.30am, where an adult can skatefor free with every child aged 10 and under. If you like dressing up, don’t miss Thursday eveningthemed music nights from 6.30pm where skaters infancy dress skate for half price.

Student hour* is from 8pm to 9pm every Sunday,Monday and Tuesday with a buy one ticket get onefree offer.

Sign up to @KirkleesEvents on Twitter and become afan of Huddersfield on Ice on Facebook to be thefirst to hear about exclusive offers.

And don’t forget to visitwww.huddersfieldonice.com for more details about the ice-rink.

*Must show a valid NUS card.

Huddersfield on ice

PRICES – Aged 16 and under/

Kirklees Passport holders - £3.50

Aged 17 and over - £6

£2 off all entry prices if you

bring your own skates.

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Thursday 19th NovemberChristmas Lights Switch-On with The Pulse and Patrick StewartThe Piazza 6.15pm (entertainment from 4pm)

Wednesday 25th NovemberLaura Crane Trust Christmas Sparkle EventThe George Hotel 7.30pmFor more info call 01484 510013

Thursday 26th NovemberYorkshire Traction Honley BandKing Street

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th NovemberContinental MarketNew Street

Tuesday 1st DecemberLaura Crane Trust’s Tinsel TuesdayFor more info call 01484 510013

Thursday 3rd DecemberYorkshire Traction Honley BandNew Street

Thursday 3rd December to Sunday 3rd JanuaryHuddersfield On Ice – the real ice rink returns to HuddersfieldThe Piazza – for full details see page 4

Friday 4th DecemberFestival of Light, 7.30pmBack in St George's Square, Festival ofLight is Huddersfield's annual free street

theatre show - this year featuring Transe Expresswho wowed crowds back in 2006. The majority ofthe performance will be up in the air - givingeveryone a good view of the fantastic trapeze artistsand musicians.

Saturday 5th DecemberSalvation Army BandNew StreetHuddersfield Methodist ChoirKing Street

Huddersfield Youth Brass Ensemble AssociationMarket PlaceSelection Box CompetitionPackhorse Shopping Centre

Sunday 6th DecemberLaura Crane Trust and Kirkwood HospiceSanta RunLeeds Road Sports Complex 10.30am

For more info go to www.lauracranetrust.org/store or call Kate on 01484 557911

Tuesday 8th DecemberLaura Crane Trust’s Tinsel TuesdayFor more info call 01484 510013

Thursday 10th DecemberHuddersfield Youth Brass Ensemble AssociationNew Street

Paddock Community ChurchKing StreetYorkshire Traction Honley BandMarket Place

Saturday 12th DecemberPennine Jazz TrioOpen Market 11am-3pmJazz Impressions

Queensgate Market 11am-3pmSalvation Army BandNew StreetPaddock Community ChurchKing Street 11am-12pmHuddersfield Youth Brass Ensemble AssociationKing Street 12.30pm onwardsSeventh Day AdventistNew Street (Primark End)Selection Box CompetitionPackhorse Shopping CentreMeet SantaPackhorse Shopping Centre

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Diary of events

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Sunday 13th DecemberAndy Hillier Quartet Queensgate Market 11am-3pmBatley Grammar School King Street

Monday 14th DecemberSilver Bell Parade BandOpen Market 11am-3pm

Tuesday 15th DecemberBejazzled Trio and Santa’s GrottoOpen Market 11am-3pm

Laura Crane Trust’s Tinsel TuesdayFor more info call 01484 510013

Wednesday 16th DecemberTown Carol ServiceHuddersfield Parish Church 1pm

Thursday 17th DecemberAndy Hillier QuartetOpen Market 11am-3pmHuddersfield Youth Brass Ensemble

King StreetColne Valley Lions with Santa’s sledgeNew Street

Greenhead CollegeMacaulay Street

The West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust’s Christmas concertHuddersfield Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-daySaints, Birchencliffe 1pm-2.30pmFor tickets go to www.forgetmenottrust.co.uk

Saturday 19th DecemberJazz Impressions and free face paintingOpen Market 11am-3pmPennine Jazz Trio

Queensgate Market 11am-3pmSalvation Army BandNew StreetMeet SantaPackhorse Shopping Centre

Sunday 20th DecemberEclipse Jazz QuartetQueensgate Market 11am-3pm

Monday 21st DecemberAndy Hillier Quartet and Santa’s GrottoOpen Market 11am-3pm

Bejazzled TrioQueensgate Market 11am-3pm

Tuesday 22nd DecemberEclipse Jazz Quartet and Santa’s GrottoOpen Market 11am-3pm

Silver Bell Parade Band and free face paintingQueensgate Market 11am-3pm

Wednesday 23rd DecemberAndy Hillier QuartetQueensgate Market 11am-3pm

Santa’s Grottos:KingsgateSanta’s Grotto will be open from Thursday 12th November and thereafter on:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12noon-5pmThursdays 12noon-8pmSaturdays 10am-5pmSundays 11am-4pm

Open MarketThe Grotto will be open on:Tuesday 15th December 11am-3pmMonday 21st December 11am-3pmTuesday 22nd December 11am-3pm

Queensgate MarketThe Grotto opens on Thursday 3rd December and thereafter on:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 12noon-5pmThursdays 12noon-8pmSundays 11am-4pm

Also at Queensgate Market:Secret Santa Appeal28th November onwardsSelect a gift tag off the tree near Santa’s Grotto and help make a needy child’s Christmas a special one.

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Date: Thursday 19th November 2009Time: 4pm – 6.15pm (switch on time)Venue: PiazzaFun starts at the Piazza with local groups and bandsperforming along with Pulse radio station who willbe keeping the crowd entertained with music,games and competitions.

We are delighted that international star of stage and screen Patrick Stewart has agreed to come along and switch on Huddersfield’s brand newChristmas lights.

Patrick is an internationally respected actor knownfor successfully bridging the gap between thetheatrical world of the Shakespearean stage andcontemporary film and television.

His career has incorporated an impressive numberof roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company,including an award-winning recent appearance asMacbeth in a production that transferred fromChichester and London to New York’s Broadway.

He is currently appearing as Claudius oppositeDavid Tennant’s Hamlet in an RSC production of the play, which will transfer to London in December.

His most famous recent roles on screen as Professor Xavier in the X-Men film series andCaptain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek on both filmand television have consolidated his reputation as an international star.

Patrick Stewart has a long-running association withChristmas with his one-man adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. His performance,

Lights Switch-OnHuddersfield Christmas

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relying on just a few props and a wealth of virtuosity and dramatic nuance to portray all the characters,has received widespread praise from critics. He firstperformed this acclaimed solo show in 1991, andhas been winning awards with it ever since.

In 2000 Patrick was seen in TNT’s A Christmas Carol, where his portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge continued this association.

The Mirfield-born actor has never lost his connectionwith his roots, and is a life-long fan of HuddersfieldTown Football Club.

In 2004 he became Chancellor of the University ofHuddersfield, where he has been fully committed tohis role and generous with his time, occasionallydropping in to lead impromptu dramamasterclasses.

Patrick has also continued his association withHuddersfield by becoming one of the town’s‘ambassadors’, promoting Huddersfield in the UK and abroad.

We are proud to welcome Patrick Stewart as ourguest at Huddersfield’s Christmas Lights Switch-On,and urge you to come along and see him at ThePiazza on Thursday 19th November.

Have a look at page 11 to find out about Patrick’s own personal Christmas memories and preferences.

Local firm, KDDecoratives have donated afantastic NativityScene to the Town Centre

Chaplaincy team that will be displayed in the town centre for years to come.These 3 feet high figures of Joseph,Mary, the wise men and the crib arethought to have been made in Italy and will be displayed in a unit in thePackhorse Centre from the middle ofNovember to the beginning of January.The ‘stable’ the figures will be housed in has beenmade by local churchmembers. Hopefully it willserve as a reminder thatChristmas is about Godreaching out to the worldin love through the gift of his Son Jesus,who was born into poverty andhomelessness.

Merry Christmas from the Town CentreChaplaincy Team

Nativity Scene

Saturday 28th November 10.15amSwitch on of Christmas Lights10.30am – 2.30pm

Charities Christmas Fayre

Sunday 29th November 6pmService of Light

Wednesday 2nd December 6.30pmChristmas Memorial Service

Saturday 5th December 2pmParish Church Christmas Concert

Thursday 10th December 10.30amU3A Carol Service

Wednesday 16th December 1pmTown Carol Service

Saturday 19th December 2.30pmChristingle

Wednesday 23rd December 12.35pmLunch-time Eucharist

Thursday 24th December 11.30pmChristmas Eve Midnight Mass

Friday 25th December 8am & 10amChristmas Worship

Throughout DecemberTrees of Memorial

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New North Road Baptist ChurchNew North Parade, Huddersfield

Sunday 6th December 11am Café Church for Advent

Thursday 17th December 2pmCafé Carols in the Chapel

Sunday 20th December 10.30amFamily Carol Service

Friday 25th December 11am Christmas Day Family Service

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Thursday 17th December 6.45pm for 7pmCoffee and Carols

Sunday 20th December 10.30amFamily Christmas celebration6.30pmCarols by Candlelight

Thursday 24th December 7pmChristmas Eve Communion Service

Friday 25th December 10.30amChristmas Morning Service

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Huddersfield Parish Church Byram St, Huddersfield

Huddersfield Methodist Mission3-13 Lord Street, Huddersfield

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Patrick Stewart’s Christmas Q&AWhere is your favourite place

to spend Christmas?There are two answers to that and they are verycontrasted. The most romantic place to spendChristmas is New York city. I have spent severalChristmases there and they get it just right. The citylooks beautiful, the shops are decorated – there is atruly joyful atmosphere about Christmas in NewYork. If I’m not there, then I would have to be at myhouse in North Yorkshire, which is remote, isolated –as different from New York city as possible.

What do you like best for Christmas dinner?I’m very traditional, so it’s everything you wouldexpect to eat for Christmas dinner. But having spentso long in the USA, I have become fond of a lovelyaddition they do – sweet potato. And bacon! Youhave to have bacon on your turkey. I also likepumpkin as a vegetable – in the States it carriesover from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

What was your best ever Christmas present?When I was a child we didn’t have much money. I had been asking for a very particular meccano setand thought I was going to get it on Christmasmorning. However, I didn’t as my parents couldn’tafford it. It had gears in it and I wanted to buildthings I could make move. The next Christmasmorning, there it was. I played with it for yearsafterwards, and I’m now going to confesssomething no one else knows. Last year, when I was shopping for my grandchildren for Christmas I came across a meccano set and bought it formyself. I’ve opened it but not used it yet, so I’vepromised myself I’m going to shut myself away this year and build something.

When did you stop believing in Father Christmas?Sorry, I don’t understand the question!

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?This is a very difficult and sensitive question. Wealways had a tree of some kind in the house when I was growing up, and we always put on the samedecorations every year – it was rare that there werenew ones. For a long time then I got out of theChristmas tree habit when I was in the theatre. After my children were born, the tree became veryimportant, but little by little I found my job wasincreasingly just to untangle the lights and replacebulbs. Then my second wife was Jewish and hadnever had a Christmas tree until Christmas with me.After that first year, she became obsessed with trees

and decorations! We had a new theme every year,she was buying decorations from January – ofcourse we were living in Los Angeles. I was onlyallowed to do lights and it would then take her therest of the day. We finally struck a deal where I wasallowed to put on one bulb ... which she would thenmove! The marriage didn’t last.

What is your favourite memory of Christmas?Early Christmas mornings. I sang in the church choirso a large part of the day was spent in church, but Ialways loved the first part of the morning before theservice. However, I do have one particular memorythat’s very vivid and emotional. I always love toperform my one-man version of A Christmas Carolat Christmas. The moment comes when Scroogewakes up to find that he’s not dead and buried, butis actually alive and well and his whole nature andspirit is transformed. He throws the window openand asks a little boy in the street “What’s today?”desperately hoping that he hasn’t missedChristmas. The boy replies “Today, why it’sChristmas Day”. In 1993 at the Old Vic in London, onChristmas day I asked the question, and a little boyin the audience called out “It’s Christmas day!” Itstopped me in my tracks, the audience laughed and applauded, and the boy was amazed by it all.

What is your favourite Christmas song?Again, one from America. I love I’ll Be Home ForChristmas because it’s sweet and sentimental and a little bit sad too. I also love Christmas carols, andknow them all by heart. If I’m encouraged (and Idon’t need much encouragement), I’ll sing the whole canon. I even know every verse of Good KingWenceslas, but I won’t prove it to you just now.

What is your favourite Christmas film (not including your own 1999 A Christmas Carol)?This is easy – it is a version of A Christmas Carol. Not my own, but the one starring Alastair Sim asEbenezer Scrooge. He was the perfect Scrooge.

Who would you most like to meet under the mistletoe (living or historical)?My girlfriend, because she lives in New York city.

What is the most important thing about Christmas for you?This sounds awful, but when it’s over! It can beterribly stressful. I’m already getting stressed – I suddenly thought other day that I must startsending out my Christmas cards.

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Adam Summers HairdressingOffer: 10% discountAvailable: Throughout January54a New Street01484 531012

Briers Hair StylistOffer: 20% student discount

Available: Monday andWednesdayOffer: 20% pensioner discountAvailable: Tuesday and Thursday

18 Cross Church Street01484 427107

Echo Beauty RoomOffer: 10% discountAvailable: Throughout January54a New Street01484 531012

KutzOffer: Foil highlights and cut £50,

Gents haircut £12Available: November – February Offer: 10% student discountAvailable: Monday to Friday

6a Market Place01484 424934

Lenitive PlusOffer: 10% off courses of non-surgical fat andcellulite reduction treatment, pain-free and relaxingAvailable: Booked through November andDecemberMarket Avenue Arcade, 8 Market Avenue01484 540581

Robert CalvinOffer: Full head of hair extensions for £345Available: Up to Christmas15a Westgate01484 535515

Studio 18 HairOffer: Blow dries from £14, Hair ups from £15Available: November – February18 Byram Street01484 432237

Studio 18 BeautyOffer: Half price Indian head massage when you buy any Dermalogica facialAvailable: November – February18 Byram Street01484 432237

Huddersfield’s Going Crackers this Christmas with loads of special beauty and hair offers around the town:

10% OFF

20%OFF

10% OFF

10%OFF

THE HUDDERSFIELD

CENTRAL LODGEAA and Visit Britain 4 Star Accredited

www.centrallodge.com

Relatives or friends visiting Huddersfield?•

Excellent accommodation at sensibleprices available over the holidays.

•Award winning guest accommodation

Contact us for offers or to view.

01484 515551angela@centrallodge.com

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The Powder RoomOffers: Book a full course of Dermalift, non-surgical face lift, and get 2 treatments freeBuy two facials and get the third freeBuy a luxury manicure and get a luxury pedicurehalf priceAvailable: November – February82a John William Street01484 435552

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Huddersfield Town Centre Partnership Ltd01484 487933htcpl@kirklees.gov.ukwww.huddersfield-htcpl.co.uk

Visitor Information ServiceHuddersfield LibraryPrincess Alexandra WalkHuddersfield, HD1 2FU01484 223200huddersfield.information@kirklees.gov.ukwww.visitkirklees.com

Travel InformationTravel Line: 0871 2002 233www.traveline.org.ukMetro: 0113 245 7676www.wymetro.comYorkshire Traction:www.tracky.co.ukNational Rail:08457 484950www.nationalrail.co.uk

Web Cams:Virtual Huddersfieldwww.virtualhuddersfield.com

Fancy winning vouchers tospend in Huddersfield... just in time for Christmas?

Well, 107.9 Pennine FM, Virtual Huddersfieldand the Huddersfield Town CentrePartnership are giving you the chance to do just that!

From 23rd November until 13th December, Pennine FM’s ‘cracker crews’ will be out in the towncentre at secret locations. All visitors need to do is listen on Pennine FM for the clue as to wherethe ‘cracker crew’ will be, then head down into town to find the crew. You’ll be rewarded with afree cracker which could win you a voucher with a prize from a participating town centre trader.There’s a star prize, a voucher for £500 to spend at JPB Jewellery which will be given out atsome point over the promotion.

Also log onto www.virtualhuddersfield.com to find out which lucky people have won thefantastic prizes that our town centre shops have given.

Useful Contact Information

Free Car Parking As Christmasapproaches, KirkleesCouncil have onceagain been preparingthe town for theseason’s festivities.Demand for parkingincreases, so pleasenote the parking signsaround the ring road as they will advise you where parking is available.

Even at the busiest times parking is normallyavailable at Cambridge Road car park and on Saturdays, parking is available at the St Andrew’s Road car park.

As in previous years, there will be free parking onstreet and in all Kirklees controlled Car Parks after4pm on Thursdays from 19th November until 24th December.

On Sundays, parking will be free all day from 22nd November until 27th December on streetand in all Kirklees controlled car parks. This year the Bus Station car park will open at 10am on theSundays in December on the lead up to Christmas.

Remember that car parking is free on all bankholidays in Kirklees, so no charges are applicableon Saturday 26th and Monday 28th Decemberand Friday 1st January.

Don’t forget about the Free Town Bus that will helptransport those weary legs and heavy bags aroundthe town.

Boxing Day Bus Service by MetroAfter another successful Boxing Day service lastyear, Metro will be continuing their Boxing Day half hourly bus services on busy routes intoHuddersfield. See back cover for more details on how to make your trip stress free!

Opening HoursLate Night Christmas ShoppingThe town centre shops will be open for late nightshopping with the majority open until 9pm on the 19th and 26th November and 3rd, 10th & 17thDecember.

The Market starts its late night shopping fromThursday 3rd December and is open every Thursday thereafter until 8.30pm.

Sundays 10.30am – 4.30pmMost shops are now regularly open. Other shopsand Queensgate Market will open on Sundays from 6th December onwards.

The weeks leading up to Christmas Monday 21st December until 8pmTuesday 22nd December until 8pmWednesday 23rd December until 8pmThursday 24th Decemberuntil 4.30pm

Saturday 26th December9am – 5.30pm when sales start.Sunday 27th December10.30am – 4.30pmMonday 28th December10am – 5pm

Then shopping hours return to normal, until New Year’s Day when shops will be closed.

Travel Information and Opening Times