The Trades Club building was constructed in 1924 as a joint enterprise by half a dozen local trades unions. This was back in the days when Hebden was a thriving centre for the cotton industry.
The unions levied a one penny contribution from each member per week and, when finally complete, the building was equipped with a fully-sprung dance floor for ballroom dancing. It’s still there now, although it’s used for more energetic dancing than its designers had originally envisaged.
As the cotton industry declined and the factories closed down, the building fell into disuse. It was taken over by the combined Hebden Bridge and Luddendenfoot district Labour parties, who appointed a Building Management Committee to administer the building.
The Trades Club Social Club has leased the first floor since 1982 from where it has operated as an independent socialist members club, run by its members. In May 2016, the club was formally constituted as a members’ co-operative – Hebden Bridge Trades Club.
The Trades Club is a celebrated venue for live music and was named Inspirational Venue Of The Year at the 2025 Northern Music Awards. Take a look at the list of world-famous musicians to have performed at the club.
Alongside its rich heritage in live music, the venue is also well known as a community hub, committed to hosting political events and fundraisers for local and international campaigns.