Recent history
The chapel was transferred into the Historic Chapels Trust’s ownership by the Yorkshire Baptist Association in 2002, after it fell out of use for regular worship. Wainsgate is considered to be ‘at risk’ by English Heritage and is listed grade II*.
Wainsgate is looked after locally by the Friends of Wainsgate group which is responsible for the day to day running of the building and the events that take place there.
The Chapel can seat up to 300 people. Adjacent to it is a 2-storey former Sunday school which is the same size as the Chapel.
Music events
Wainsgate Chapel is becoming well known for its series of concerts which take place between April and October. The Chapel has a superb acoustic and has suited the many genres of music that has been performed there extremely well.
Concerts in 2011
Acoustic music: Mad Agnes, The Outside Track
Classical music: The Classic Buskers, Thom Hardacre and Julia Kornig
Choral music: Ars Nova Sacra, The Glasgow Madrigirls
In Previous years:
Classical: Clare Deniz and Rose Andresier, Arioso, Due Voci, The Enescu Ensemble
World music: Gongfusion, Verlan, Strange World
Choral music: Enkelit, Calder Valley Voices, Millegro, Bristol Georgian Choir, Men Folk Waits
Jazz: John Law Trio, Ruby Wood, Celestial Echoes
Folk: The Outside Track, Flamenco guitar recital
The Wainsgate Mayfair 2009: Free all-day event with music, dance, theatre etc
Christmas concerts: with Calder Valley Voices, Dave Nelson, Thingumajig Theatre
Other events
Several funerals, Baby naming ceremony, Wedding solemnisation
Christingle services for Old Town School, viola workshop (twice).
Heritage open weekends (every September)
Friends of Wainsgate have installed heating, theatre lighting and had all the Chapel’s own lighting repaired.
The Chapel is available for community and artistic use. Please get in touch with Dave Nelson on 01422 843315 or email dave@piano40.co.uk if you are interested in using it.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Sunday School has one large square room which is central heated and has a stage. This room has been used as a rehearsal space for groups cuch as the local Samba band, Flamenco group and The Collision Project. It has also been used for office space, The Old Town School Play, drama and music workshops and for hospitality during all chapel concerts.
There are also 9 side rooms which are currently home to 6 visual artists and 2 musicians. Whenever rooms become available they will be advertised on this site.
The Sunday School also has kitchen and w.c. facilities.
Occasional use:
The large Sunday School room can be transformed into an Art gallery (lighting and screens acquired by Friends of Wainsgate in 2010). There were exhibitions by Old Town and Wadsworth artists (2010) and Weston Hammond (2011) – both as part of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.
The Sunday School is also available for community and artistic use. Please get in touch with Dave Nelson on 01422 843315 or email dave@piano40.co.uk if you are interested in using it.
