Historic Calderdale mill holds first Wedding Showcase of 2021

On Sunday, the weddings team at Hardcastle Crags were able to welcome wedding couples to Gibson Mill to view the venue and experience the first wedding showcase of the year.

Flora Simpson, weddings and events manager at the National Trust said: “It was lovely to be able to open Gibson Mill at the weekend for a wedding showcase. It’s been so hard for couples planning their weddings during lockdown, so it was great to welcome them back to view the mill and meet some fantastic, local wedding suppliers.

“The showcase went really well and it’s great to see more people interested in holding weddings in Gibson Mill. We’re hoping to run a wedding fair later in the year so more people can see inside this historic venue and find out more about holding their wedding with the National Trust at Hardcastle Crags.

“Weddings are a really important part of the work we do at Hardcastle Crags. The funds raised from our weddings go towards vital conservation work, helping us to look after Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill for the future, which is something our couples really love.”

Weddings take place in the iconic Gibson Mill, which has its roots in the entertainment industry.

Once a thriving cotton mill, the historic building started a new life as an Entertainment Emporium in the early 1900s, with roller skating and tea dance events for the local community. In the 1940s, the building fell into disrepair before it was saved by the National Trust in 1950.

In 2005, the National Trust launched a full restoration of the mill, which resulted in Gibson Mill becoming the charity’s first place that is completely off the grid. Today, Gibson Mill generates all its own power, process its own waste and uses water direct from the natural source flowing through the woodland.

With a history closely linked with entertainment and parties, the National Trust made the decision to transform the upper floors of Gibson Mill into a fully-sustainable wedding venue for couples who want to get close to nature and plan a wedding at a site steeped in history.

During the coronavirus pandemic, weddings have been put on hold across the country. But as restrictions begin to lift, the team are looking ahead to the next chapter in the history of Gibson Mill.