Beat the Street North Halifax

In March 2025, Beat the Street turned North Halifax into a giant playground — and the community responded with enthusiasm, energy, and a healthy dose of competition.

Running until Wednesday, 2 April, the game was hosted by Active Calderdale and funded by Active Travel England and WYCA’s Capability Fund. It encouraged people of all ages to get outside, get active, and connect with their community in a whole new way.

The game was brought to life by turning nearby streets into a real-world quest. Residents and children used cards or a phone app to tag special sensors — called Beat Boxes — placed on lampposts around the area. Players walked, cycled, or wheeled their way from box to box, scoring points with every visit. The further they went, the more points they earned.

Some children received cards directly from their schools, alongside their parents and teaching staff, while members of the wider community could collect free cards from a nearby distribution point. The new library at Mixenden Community Hub and Beechwood Road Library in Illingworth hosted launch events, adding to the growing buzz.

Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, described Beat the Street as a way to aid both physical and mental health while strengthening community ties.

“We know that one of the best things people can do for their health is move more and get out into green spaces where possible. Beat the Street helps people do that in a fun and engaging way, while exploring their local area. This is what our Active Calderdale movement is all about — reducing inactivity and inequalities for healthier and happier lives.”

Cllr Tim Swift - Cabinet Member for Public Health

In total, North Halifax saw 3,222 players take to the streets, clocking up 19,211 active miles and collectively swiping 72,705 Beat Boxes. The competition was strong, with 16 community teams and 10 competitive primary schools battling it out for the top spot.

Dean Field Community Primary secured first place in the school leadership board, closely followed by St Malachy’s Primary and Bradshaw Primary. Magpies and The Addy came first in the community team competition.

Martin Reynolds, Magpies’ CEO, said:

“What an incredible experience being part of Beat the Street! The energy, the camaraderie, and the sense of community were absolutely inspiring. We’re so proud of everyone who took part — and even more excited to carry this momentum forward. This isn’t just a one-time thing; we’re committed to staying active and connected as a community.”

Miss Jagger, a teacher at Dean Field Primary, noticed a big change in children’s routines.

“The children have absolutely loved it — it's given them a bit more energy when they're coming into school. I've also noticed how many children are communicating with the staff. The children have mentioned that they're not driving to places like gymnastics — instead, they're choosing to walk. So we're trying to encourage the children to continue with that and continue adding that bit of activity to their day.”

Julia Baker, Head Teacher at Bradshaw Primary, was delighted with the enthusiasm the game fostered:

“It’s been wonderful to see children going out with their families, following maps, and collecting as many beat boxes as possible. The children really enjoyed the competitive element, not just against each other, but against the other schools. They liked to see the leadership board every Friday morning in assembly. Moving forwards, we want to encourage children to continue being active, especially by walking to school or parking further away.”

Some players went above and beyond, none more so than Bradshaw’s Teaching Assistant, Mrs Eastwood, who set her alarm for 5am every day to maximise her points while walking her dog. In total, she racked up an impressive 90 miles — a testament to the community’s enthusiasm and spirit.

The game may be over, but its effects will be felt for a long time, as North Halifax continues to move together toward a healthier future.