UK City of Culture 2025
Various venues BradfordBradford district’s year of culture is set to deliver more than 1,000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals and major national and international collaborations. Visit the website for further details.
From Haworth To Eternity: The Enduring Legacy Of The Brontës
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthThe Brontës’ enduring popularity is largely explained by the power and originality of the stories they created, but the story of the Brontës’ own lives is as compelling as their fictions. The family’s home at Haworth Parsonage, and the moorland surrounding it, were a profound influence on the Brontës, and became part of the irresistible draw of Haworth for visitors from all over the world.
Life Goes On – Exhibition
Salts Mill Saltaire, ShipleyAn exhibition featuring Ian Beesley, a celebrated Bradford-born photographer. Known for his powerful images of Northern England, Beesley will showcase a collection of previously unseen works from his extensive archive. Wed - Sun 10am - 5pm. Free.
An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s
An exhibition bringing the household of Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s to life, through the original account books of the Shuttleworth Family. Various opening times.
Bradford on Foot
Bradford on Foot BradfordDiscover Bradford on Foot, a collection of themed walks and tours exploring hidden streets, scenic countryside, and local heritage. Curated for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, these routes have been selected by walking groups, historians, schoolchildren, artists, and locals. All available to download or pick up in paper format at Bradford libraries.
A Good Yarn
Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Road, BradfordA Good Yarn is quite the sight – a gigantic yarn ball, three metres high and wide. It was created by 2,500 residents of BD10, who plaited vast quantities of found and donated fabric into a kilometre-long rope and then wound it into a ball. After following its rolls through the streets of BD10 the yarn ball which was the brainchild of Luke Jerram, is now on display at Bradford Industrial Museum.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordGet ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Bradford. Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. 7pm. Wed mat 2pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. £18.75 - £58.75.
Opera North’s The Secret Of The Black Spider
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsJoin the Opera North Youth Chorus and Youth Orchestra for a performance which will delight the whole family. Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm. £10 - £16.
Festival of History
Heskin Hall Wood Lane, ChorleyFestival of History is our annual celebration of all things in our country’s history. A multi period event featuring living history displays and exhibitions. These are from various eras presented by some friendly and knowledgeable re-enactors. There will be stalls, live entertainment, cafe & bar.
Twentieth Century Diva: Julie Andrews at 90
The National Science and Media Museum Pictureville, BradfordDuring the week of her 90th birthday, Widescreen Weekend at National Science & Media Museum, Bradford presents Twentieth Century Diva: Julie Andrews at 90, a celebratory programme honouring her cinematic legacy. Various times.
ENGINEERY EXHIBITION
Leeds Industrial Museum Armley Mills, Canal Rd, LeedsOn the 300th anniversary of John Smeaton, dubbed the Father of Civil Engineering, our new exhibition celebrates civil engineering in its many forms! Uncover unique objects that were central to Smeaton’s journey and an accompanying exhibition by our Young Smeatonians group which poses challenging questions about the subject. The exhibition is on until 28th Sept 2025.
THE BLACKPOOL TOWER CIRCUS
Blackpool Tower Circus BlackpoolExperience stunts, comedy, and legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo at this historic circus.
Axe-Throwing
The Axe Imperium The Fun House, ColneAxes to Ashes is coming to The Fun House, Colne. Inject some spontaneity, some excitement, some togetherness! Reconnect with your partner, your children, your friends. Do something that makes you feel alive. Release that inner Viking Lose your pent-up frustration It's therapy. It's fun. It's addictive. Axes to Ashes isn't an ordinary axe throwing venue with very limited equipment; it has Tomahawks, Angel Axes, Throwing Knives and its very own Axes to Ashes Dragon Axe®. Plus there is an Axelings™ Range which is suitable for children and those with physical impairments which may limit their ability to throw regular projectiles. Various times and prices.
Trial By Jury
Bradford Police Museum, City Hall, Centenary Square,, BradfordExperience the drama and intrigue of a Victorian-era courtroom like never before! Join us for an immersive reenactment where you become part of the story. First Saturday of each month. £15/£20.
Saltaire Farmers Market
Roberts Park Higher Coach Road, SaltaireThe Saltaire Farmers Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month It offers a wide variety of products from local and independent traders, including hot food and drinks, baked goods, cheese, cakes, pies, , brownies, chocolates, charcuterie, fish, fruits, vegetables, jewellery, candles, clothes, gifts, and treats.
Monthly Classic Car Rally at Heskin Hall
Heskin Hall Wood Lane, ChorleyMonthly classic vehicle (all types welcome) rally on a Sunday. Prize for winner. £3.00 to enter. Free for those visiting to look around.Cafe at the Manor & bar are open! See website for dates.
Woven Through Time: Bradford’s Textile Industry – Past and Present
Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Road, BradfordBorn and raised in Bradford, Ian Beesley is an award winning and internationally acclaimed artist and photographer. During the 1970s and 80s, Ian was given the opportunity to photograph inside the working mills of Bradford. For this exhibition, Ian has revisited Bradford’s textile industry once again, capturing how it has changed in the decades since. Closed Mon. Exhibition ends 16th Nov.
Katharine Holmes and Three Generations of Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage
The Folly, Victoria Street, Settle BD24 9EY The Folly, Victoria Street, SettleThis exhibition explores Katharine Holmes’s stunning modern paintings alongside the work of her mother and grandmother, Phillipa Holmes and Constance Pearson. Selected works by Katharine Holmes will be for sale. Runs until Sat, 3 January 2026
COLNE 70S FESTIVAL
Colne High Street ColneFor the first time, Colne BID present a 70s Festival for all those who love the decade.
Jive Talkin’ perform The Bee Gees Live in Concert
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonRenowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and the only Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees!
GRATEFUL DUDES
The Trades Club Hebden BridgePlaying the music of The Grateful Dead, the Dudes explore the songs and improvisations from their vast repertoire, emulating the sound, style, freedom and adventure of their live shows.
THE MEL OUTSIDER REFORMATION
The Muni Theatre ColneMel Outsider is a prominent figure in the UK music scene, particularly in Lancashire, where he has been active for over five decades. He is recognised as a flamboyant frontman and songwriter, having collaborated with various notable artists and produced numerous albums. His work reflects a positive and upbeat attitude, often infused with a touch of magic.