AN open day is being staged to celebrate the growing and varied usage of Silsden Town Hall.

The historic Kirkgate building, whose future was thrown into doubt as part of Bradford Council cuts, was formally handed over to trustees earlier this month.

The open day – on Saturday, April 27, from 9am – will give people the chance to tour the hall and see regular user groups and clubs in action. Free refreshments will be provided.

In the meeting room, there will be the town’s archive. It is being developed by members of Silsden Local History Group, who will also show a series of old films reflecting past life in the town.

Other attractions at the event will include a sound and light show, Silsden Camera Club’s latest exhibition, pantomime sketches by Silsden Community Productions, martial arts displays, songs from the Voices of Yorkshire ensemble and demonstrations by the chess, bridge and science clubs.

The open day is being organised by the Friends of Silsden Town Hall, whose chairman Ray Colling said: “Now seems the right time to show off our much-improved facility, which is back under a local management that is brimming with ideas for the future.”