Shire Hall

This Grade II listed building has been at the centre of Howden’s social and commercial life for over 150 years and stands at the heart of the community, offering a central social space for all.

This iconic building is under the management of the charity The Shire Hall Trust, with staff, trustees and Friends of the Shire Hall (volunteers) running many of the events on offer.

Held every Friday at the Shire Hall is Howden’s very own market. Stalls vary from time to time but regularly feature plants, fresh fish, cakes and baking, furniture, crafts, artisan soaps, cards and books. Alongside the market is the hall’s weekly Community Cafe, so why not come down and join us for a coffee?

A brief history of The Shire Hall

Howden Shire Hall was built in 1871 as a market hall and assembly rooms for significant gatherings. Its distinctive Dutch Gothic style and stepped gable make it an iconic part of the town’s landscape. Over the years, it has served in many roles. Charles Briggs gave it, in trust, to the people of the town in 1942. It now hosts many local groups and live entertainment. Outside is the Market Cross; a replacement of the original feature but on the original Medieval base. From this place the ruined east end of the Minster dominates the view.

A host to all

Howden Shire Hall is a hub for the residents of Howden and surrounding villages. The hall’s central position provides the town with a space for classes and clubs to meet on a regular basis. With classes for all ages from pilates to yoga, salsa to dancercise, a memory café, there is something for everyone.

In addition to classes, the hall has to a thriving music scene with events on most weekends. Home to Howden Live, a volunteer-run, charity registered, organisation with a fundamental ethos of ”enjoying live entertainment in the company of others.”, as well as the legendary Howden Pantomime and Theatre Group.

What to expect at The Shire Hall

This multi-functional building is available to hire for many community functions such as parties, wedding receptions and fundraising events. It’s stage, rack seating and bar in the Upper Hall make it the perfect venue for live music, theatre, comedy, it even has it’s own cinema! The lower floor is home to two further spaces, the Lower Hall where you’ll find the ever-popular Friday Community Café and market, and the Reid Wilford Studio, which offers a smaller more intimate space for meetings, art exhibitions and dance classes.

Visiting The Shire Hall

There is plenty of on street parking nearby, along with two ERYC car parks locally. The venue is accessible to all with a lift as well as stairs to the first floor and toilets are available on both levels.

You can expect a warm welcome from this venue. Pop in to find out more information about the many and varied activities and events hosted by the hall, there’s also a Tourist Information Point located within the hall’s foyer with leaflets and posters about events, businesses and services in the area.