Throughout the year, Silsden Local History Group holds a series of talks focusing on the history of the town and events that would have affected the town's people through the ages. These fascinating talks are conducted by a selection of the group's members and guest speakers from across the county and country. This year's talks are no different, and the Group are covering topics including the canal, terraced houses and transportation. This Year's Talks In June, speaker David Mason presents an illustrated history of Hothfield Secondary School in Silsden on behalf of Silsden Local History Group. Then in July, Stephen Caunce presents an illustrated history of 'Linking up a Nation: Myths and Reality of the Stagecoach Age'. In September, David Mason returns to present an illustrated history of A Silsden Terrace Through Time, exploring four addresses on Bolton Road in Silsden. Finally, in October, guest speaker Chris Helme visits to discuss Memories of Christmases Past, as winter approaches. Evening meetings are held at Silsden Methodist Church, located on Kirkgate opposite Silsden Town Hall. Parking is available in Wesley Place car park nearby. Doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start. There is a charge of £3 payable on the door, which includes a hot drink and a biscuit. For more information, visit https://www.silsdenhistorygroup.co.uk/meetings where you can also find out more about Silsden Local History Group and the work they do. On most Tuesdays, following the Monday meetings, research facilities are available in Silsden Town Hall. At these sessions, you will have access to the Town's archive materials, which are kept in the building. These are drop-in sessions, and someone will be on hand to help with inquiries concerning local and family history matters. If you have a specific request, get in touch via the website, stating how the Group might help. You are, of course, welcome to just turn up for a chat. There is a request for a small donation to help pay for the hire of the room. This year's research sessions take place on Tuesday the 24th June, Tuesday the 29th July, Tuesday the 23rd September, Tuesday the 28th October and Tuesday the 2nd of December. Please check the Silsden Local History Group website for up to date information about each session and details of any changes made.

This spring, three 70's legends perform at Silsden Town Hall, and you won't want to miss them. In March, Edison Lighthouse present a headline concert sure to leave you smiling. Then in April, Mick Miller returns after a sell-out show in 2023. Finally, the iconic Paper Lace perform a selection of their hits on the 26th April. Edison Lighthouse - Saturday 22nd March at 20:00 Best known for their hit single "Love Grows (Where my Rosemary Goes)", Edison Lighthouse are the epitome of feel-good music. With a library of catchy 70's pop music, the iconic group continues to capture hearts across generations. An Audience with Mick Miller - Sunday 13th April at 14:00 and 18:00 Comedy legend Mick Miller first came to fame on ITV’s New Faces, later becoming a regular on The Comedians, and since appearing on the Royal Variety Show and in sitcoms such as Car Share and Ideal. More than forty years since first rising to fame, Mick Miller is still at the top of his game. His deadpan delivery and unique hairstyle are what people remember, but his ever-changing original material is what keeps audiences coming back. Of course, he can’t leave a venue without performing his famous Noddy routine. In this show, Mick performs a full comedy set followed by a hilarious and informative interview led by comedian and close friend, Ryan Gleeson. They’re always learning more about each other, and always trying to throw one another off their game by cracking a joke, you won’t want to miss it. Paper Lace - Saturday 26th April at 20:00 Best known for their hit singles "Billy, Don't Be a Hero" and "The Night Chicago Died", Paper Lace rose to fame in the 1970's with lead vocalist Philip Wright, who still performs in the band today. The band had three Top 40 hits and topped the Billboard charts in America. Box Office   Tickets to all of Silsden Town Hall’s events can be purchased online at  silsden.live , or from the Town Hall box office weekdays between 10am and 2pm.   For more information about the programme, please contact Silsden Town Hall via welcome@silsdentownhall.org.uk , or call 01535 959561.   Thank you for your continued support of Silsden Town Hall.

From Rio De Jannero to Glastonbury and the Great Wall of China, Irish traditional band Dervish have played everywhere a band can play, and now they perform in Yorkshire once again at Silsden Town Hall. Described as “an icon of Irish music” by the BBC, who awarded them a lifetime achievement award in 2019, Dervish is unmissable. Hailing from Sligo in the west of Ireland, Dervish capture the raw windswept spirit of the Wild Atlantic Way. Each note of their music captures the beauty and fragility of Ireland’s unique, unspoiled natural landscape, taking audiences on a journey through the history of their homeland with lyrics just as powerful. Fronted by the renowned Cathy Jordan, whose voice has become synonymous with Irish folk, Dervish’s live performances are legendary, combining high-energy jigs and haunting ballads with the storytelling that’s at the heart of Irish tradition. Their sets are a thrilling mix of tunes that range from the lightning-fast to the deeply soulful, all played with the "note-perfect accuracy" (Irish Voice, New York) that has made them a favourite across continents. From sell-out shows across the US to their milestone performance at Rock in Rio in front of 250,000 people, Dervish continues to mesmerise audiences worldwide. They accompanied the Irish President on state visits to Latvia and Lithuania and the Prime Minister of Ireland on a trade mission to China as Cultural Ambassadors taking time out to play an impromptu session on the Great Wall of China. Dervish has a lineup that includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan. The Guardian newspaper commented: “Dervish are simply brilliant... they carry Irish history with them.” Dervish is long-established as one of the biggest names in Irish music internationally. They’re renowned for live performances, which match dazzling sets of tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs.  Their studio and live albums – 13 to date – make up one of the outstanding catalogues in Irish music. They are regular visitors to the US, performing sell-out shows from coast to coast. However, their fan base stretches across several continents, including Europe, Asia, and South America. They were the first Irish band to play the world’s biggest music festival, Rock in Rio, performing to an estimated 250,000 people. Over the years they’ve been on the same bill as artists such as James Brown, Neil Young, Sting and even Iron Maiden! In 2018 Dervish are still busy touring internationally and still making plans. The band are excited about signing for the renowned US roots label Rounder Records and will be releasing their first album on the label in 2018 featuring guest appearances by artists including Vince Gill, Steve Earl, David Gray and many others. Speaking to Irish national broadcaster RTÉ recently, Cathy Jordan said “with my band mates in Dervish, I have been very lucky and fortunate to be able to carve out a solid and rewarding career in the music industry for the past 36 years where I have many great friends. We have done everything a band can do, performed at all the great festivals, including three times at Glastonbury. We were made Free People of our native Sligo in 2004 and we were awarded a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. I am passionate about Irish Traditional music and feel it’s one of Ireland’s greatest natural resources, that gives a great image internationally to Ireland and it’s something that brings people together.” In 2007, Dervish really made true of their promise to represent Irish music on the world stage, competing at the Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade with “They Can’t Stop the Spring” – a powerful song against oppression, and for a united Europe. This is a true example of the heart and history present in all of their lyrics. Dervish will perform at Silsden Town Hall on Friday 25th April.