MUSICAL maestro and comedy great Bill Bailey launched the latest set of shows at a West Yorkshire venue. 

He brought a night of music and mirth to Halifax's Piece Hall yesterday evening.

In a landmark show for The Piece Hall - the first headline comedy gig in the courtyard - Bill hailed the venue as "Venice of the North".

He opened the night by saying: "What a beautiful building.

"What a privilege to play here."

The show blended a mix of musical styles, from hymns to metal to Chopin.

Opening the gig was stand-up Tom Toal, followed by The Jennifer Ewan Band.

TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall continues tonight with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Andrew Cushin, with Richard Ashcroft and Apollo Junction on Friday and The Stranglers and Buzzcocks on Saturday.

Final tickets are on sale now via ticketmaster.co.uk