Public events for Local Democracy Week 2017

Local Democracy Week is a way of helping people to be more aware of, and more involved with, the issues that really matter in our local communities. We have an extended programme of free public events in Kirklees, including opportunities to meet local councillors and MPs.

AC Grayling: Democracy and its Crisis

A British Library Live Screening event

Monday 25th September 2017
From 7pm to 8pm
The Media Centre, Huddersfield

One of the UK’s foremost philosophers examines the history and future of representative democracy in this live screening event. Organised by Kirklees Libraries. Supported by The Media Centre.

AC Grayling – full event info

Speakers’ Corner: A Living Wage

Poetry workshop (free lunch provided)

Saturday 7th October 2017
From 11am to 3pm
Empire House, Dewsbury

Did you know that one of the first advocates of a fair wage for workers was from Dewsbury? Join in this open workshop with ‘It’s a Word Thing’ to develop a spoken word piece inspired by Sir Mark Oldroyd’s ‘A Living Wage’ speech. Includes lunch. Minimum age for workshop: 12 years. Organised by Creative Scene.

Speakers’ Corner poetry workshop – full event info & book now

The Political Game

Hidden Track Theatre Company

Tuesday 10th October 2017
From 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Dewsbury Town Hall, Council Chamber

How do we make decisions? Who gets to make decisions? And how do we feel when they are made? This creative and interactive workshop with the award winning Hidden Track Theatre Company will explore different methods of voting and group decision-making. Free event for over 16s. Organised by Creative Scene.

The Political Game – full event info & book now

Launch of the Councillor Toolkit for schools

Kirklees Council meeting, featuring Kirklees Youth Council

Wednesday 11th October 2017
Meeting starts at 5.30pm
Drop-in for councillors from 4.30pm
Huddersfield Town Hall, Council Chamber

We’re delighted to welcome some of our Kirklees Youth Councillors back to the Council Chamber as part of this month’s Council meeting to launch their new toolkit that will help councillors talk to school children about local democracy. You can attend the meeting or follow live via Kirklees webcasting and via @kirkdemocracy on twitter.

Launch of the Councillor Toolkit for schools – full event info

Democracy workshop for young people

Find out how to get your voice heard

Thursday 12th October
From 5pm to 7pm
Global Diversity Positive Action, 9 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield

This event is for young people in our community who want to learn more about local democracy. Come along to find out how to get your voice heard and how to register to vote.

We will also be encouraging working for public services – come and find out what difference you can make as a council employee.

For young people aged 30 and under (parents or guardians are welcome to accompany young people if you would like to). Organised by Kirklees Council’s Young Employee Network and Electoral Services, in collaboration with Global Diversity Positive Action.

Kirklees Question Time

Put your questions to some of our local leaders

Thursday 12th October
From 7pm to 8.30pm (arrival from 6pm)
The Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield

Hear your questions answered by our panel of local councillors at this live and interactive Question Time style event. You can also follow our live webcast and tweet using #KirkleesQT

Kirklees Question Time – full event info & book now

Submit your question for our #KirkleesQT panel

Fantastically Great Women
Who Changed the World

Meet the author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst

Friday 13th October 2017

From 11.30am to 12.30pm
at Huddersfield Town Hall

From 2pm to 3pm
at Dewsbury Town Hall

Ideal for 7 to 11 year olds. This event is designed mainly for schools in Kirklees, but family members are welcome to take part too.

Kate Pankhurst in Huddersfield – full event info & book now

Kate Pankhurst in Dewsbury – full event info & book now

Community Cinema: Suffragette

Special screenings of the award winning film

Tuesday 10th October at Northfield Hall Community Centre
6.30pm for a 7pm start

Friday 13th October at New Picture House, Dewsbury
6.45pm for a 7.30pm start

Friday 13th October at The Kirkburton Hub, 2pm & 7pm

Suffragette, Northfield Hall – full event info & book now

Suffragette, New Picture House – full event info & book now

Suffragette, Kirkburton Hub – full event info & book now

A Woman’s Work

Lightning talks from our Chief Executive, councillors and MPs

& highlights from the Fawcett Society’s research

Friday 13th October 2017
From 6pm to 8.30pm
Dewsbury Town Hall, Reception Room

Hear inspiring stories from our speakers, take part in a Q&A session and workshop discussions, and hear the latest research on women in local government. Also includes an introduction to the Kirklees Democracy Commmission. All welcome.

A Woman’s Work – full event info & book now

A Reflection on Black Culture

A series of talks about personal experiences of Black History

Thursday 18th October 2017
From 5.30pm to 7.30pm
The Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield

Guests will talk about what Black History means to them. Come along to hear from Brian Anderson, Professor Paul Miller, Ilyas Nagdee and Nosheen Dad. This is a free event, open to everyone. Organised by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

A Reflection on Black Culture – full event info & book now

An Evening with Barry and Thelma

A light-hearted evening with two of our local MPs

Thursday 19th October 2017
From 7pm to 8.45pm
Cafe Ollo, The Media Centre, Huddersfield

This event is open to young people aged 15 to 21 years old who want to meet local MPs. Organised by Conscious Youth CIC. Supported by The Media Centre.

An Evening with Barry and Thelma – full event info & book now

Black History Month Celebration Showcase

The finale for Huddersfield’s Black History Month

Saturday 28th October 2017
From 4pm to 6pm (workshops and stalls)
From 6pm to 11pm (main events)
Hudawi Cultural Centre, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield HD1 6BG

This annual Celebration Showcase offers a spotlight on Black historical experience and cultural identity right at the heart of Huddersfield. Talks, performances, afternoon workshops and activities will involve leading Black speakers and presenters who have achievements and experiences ranging from local to international level.

Stalls, displays, music and splendid Caribbean cuisine will ensure a lively atmosphere and a memorable occasion that provides opportunities for learning, reflection and celebration. All welcome. This is a free community event but donations to help with covering the costs are much appreciated. Hosted by Building African Caribbean Communities (BACC).

For more information please contact 07786 651831 or 07759 477757.

From Suffragettes and Beyond:

Discover the history of women and the vote

Wednesday 1st November 2017
From 3pm to 4.30pm
Huddersfield Town Hall

An informative workshop session with Lynn Hobson from the Community Outreach team, UK Parliament.

Suffragettes and Beyond – full event info & book now

People, Power and Parliament:

An introduction to your UK Parliament

Wednesday 1st November 2017
From 5.30pm to 7pm
Huddersfield Town Hall

Discover some of the ways you can begin to influence the UK Parliament and get your voice heard.