Talk
- Events
- Talk
The King Returns: An Exclusive Audience with Alan Shearer
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnJoin us for an electrifying event as we bring the legendary Alan Shearer to the stage, in conversation with Sky Sports host Pete Graves. From £38.
The Makings of a Murderer
Lawrence Batley Theatre Queen's Square, Queen St, HuddersfieldWith more than 34 years as a senior detective, David Swindle shares his unique insight into the minds of the murderers, the famous cases that were never solved, and how the murderer got away with it. . . from someone on the inside.
Pete Whittaker – Fine Lines
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsBig wall free solo climbing remains an area of the sport that climbers and public are yet to wrap their heads around. Pete explores the art of free solo climbing, taking you on a journey of where soloing started out for him, right up to his 800m big wall free solo of Kjerag in Norway. £19, concs £16.50.
Legends of Steam
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryCelebrate the crowning glory of British industry, personified by these three incredible and iconic mainline steam locomotives - BR Standard, Class 7, 70000 ‘Britannia’, LNER, A4, 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ & LMS, Jubilee Class, 45690 ‘Leander’. These locomotives will be running an intensive public timetable for the whole three days. Various prices.
Hans Rey – Mishaps and Mayhem
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsUntold stories, chaos and legendary tales from mountain bike icon, Hans Rey. Mountain Bike pioneer, adventurer, former Trials World Champion, Hans ‘No Way’ Rey will reveal, the crazy and whacky that accompanied him on some of his adventures. £19.50, concs £17.50.
Giggleswick Railway Circle: DW Castle Show No.3 from Manchester Victoria on L & Y Lines
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleTonight, with images from the D W Castle collection, we will be reasonably close to home with a trip on Lancashire and Yorkshire lines.
Alan Titchmarsh – Earth Man
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyAlan Titchmarsh chats about his life as a gardener, writer, broadcaster, novelist and poet. £20, meet and greet £38.75.
‘Saving Amy’ A talk by Eric Watkiss
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportAmy Johnson was a pioneering English pilot who was the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia. Free for members, £5 for public.
Storm the Castle
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, Bury4079 “Pendennis Castle” will be visiting the East Lancashire Railway in Spring 2024, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, as part of her 100th anniversary celebrations! This historic steam locomotive was built in 1924 for the Great Western Railway and was well known for easily outperforming its rivals in speed and efficiency. Standard fares apply.
Travel to Wonderland
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryYour adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour curious adventure through Wonderland with Alice and her friends, with colourful characters, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities. £17.50 - £21.
The Brontës And The 19th Century Art World
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthThis talk looks at what art was being made during the 19th century, specifically by female artists. We’ll discuss how important art was to the Brontës' lives, and how the Brontës utilised art in the novels Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Clive Myrie – Everything is Everything
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonJoin award-winning British journalist, news anchor and presenter Clive Myrie talking about his honest and engrossing memoir, Everything is Everything.
Curators Talk – The Whitehead Family
The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery Haslington Road, RossendaleIn this talk, led by our Curator and Whitaker volunteers, you will learn more about the collections The Whitaker holds about the Whitehead family. Exploring these collections, you will look at the history of the Whiteheads, their textile business and its role in the development of Rawtenstall. This one is for those with an interest in local history!
Megan McCubbin – Stopping Extinction
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnAround the world there are scientists, rangers and indigenous communities fighting to protect wildlife and their habitats. In this show, we will hear to stories from the front line of conservation and find out what it takes to pull a species back from the brink, from parrot sperm helmets to embryo freezing and everything in between!
From Morecambe Bay to Botany Bay: Convict Women by Naomi Parsons
Judges Lodgings, Church Street, LancasterJoin Naomi Parsons for this, the fourth in this season's lecture series, to hear what it was like for women and girls to be transported to Australia.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOWNELEY HALL AND SUMMARY OF THE REPAIRS PROJECT
Towneley Hall BurnleyArchitect Fiona Johnson from Knox McConnell is working on the current major restoration and repair project at Towneley Hall. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre. Bookable by Eventbrite, in person or over the phone: 01282 477130. Free.
An Evening with Lord Ian Botham
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterLord Ian Botham, the former England captain, was one of the most impactful all-rounders of his generation with 14 centuries and 383 wickets in a career that spanned over 15 years. Hosted by cricket legend Geoff Miller OBE.
Women’s Lives in seventeenth-century England by Professor Cordelia Beattie
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamAs part of the exhibition - An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s, Professor Cordelia Beattie of the University of Edinburgh will be giving a talk on Women's Lives in Seventeenth-century England. £8 (includes entry to the Hall, booking essential)
Autumn Steam Gala
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryAnother celebration of all things diesel powered, featuring iconic locomotives from this highly regarded home fleet. The event will see diesel services running an intensive passenger timetable throughout.
Fred Dinenage – Ronnie, Reggie and Me
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenDiscover the definitive insight into the real life of Britain’s most notorious gangsters, from their trusted official biographer, Fred Dinenage.
Aled Jones – Full Circle
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyAfter 40 years in the business, Aled is looking back on a remarkable career with a one-man show, that will feature never-before-heard music, tales from the decades and for the first time, his story told in his own words. It's time to come Full Circle. £32.75 - £72.75.
Annual Diesel Multi Unit Gala
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryFans of railcars won’t want to miss the annual diesel multiple unit gala. Usually seen supporting their larger cousins, this event sees the diminutive DMUs take centre stage.
An evening with Jeff Stelling
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnAn exclusive evening of football nostalgia, fun and entertainment with Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling anchor man of Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Saturday for over 30 years. Special Guest - Paul Merson.
Inside Stories Of The Tour De France
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonITV Tour de France commentator Matt Rendell joins us for a special evening, sharing stories from his 25 years’ covering the race - and his dealings with cycling’s big names from Eddy Merckx to Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish to Chris Froome.
An Evening with Kevin Sinfield
St. George's Hall BradfordKevin Sinfield is one of the most successful players in Rugby League history. Having gained many Championships and Challenge Cup successes as part of great teams, he has also earned many individual accolades.
Legends of Steam with Tornado
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryClimb aboard for the first large scale steam event of the year. This is your chance to ride up and down the line behind a strong line-up of express steam locomotives.
Gordon Buchanan: Lions and Tigers and Bears
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyJoin Gordon Buchananaward winning wildlife photographer and filmmaker as he recounts thrilling encounters with pandas, grizzlies, tigers, jaguars and more. Learn about the heart-stopping moments, the mud, sweat, and tears and the tender interactions that have shaped his extraordinary career.
How to Beat Scammers
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyNick Stapleton is an expert investigative journalist and for over a decade he’s delved into the shadows, unravelling scams, frauds, and unethical practices. In this unique evening, audiences can expect a revealing exploration of the murky world of scams and fraud, as Nick shares some essential strategies to make sure your money stays where it should, in your pocket.
THE STEAM GALA EXTRAVAGANZA
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthOver the four days, you’ll be able to ride behind the guest locomotives and home fleet, with intensive passenger service running on the railway. During the traction-packed weekend, there’ll be a goods train demonstration and special double-headed trains. Various prices.
An Evening with Paul Merson with host Talksports Perry Groves
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterAn Evening with Paul Merson, as the football star discusses his illustrious career with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England. Merson will open up about his experiences both on and off the pitch, his addictions, his media career and so much more.
Talk on The Civil Wars in Lancashire 1642 to 1651
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamThis talk is an in depth look at one of the most turbulent times in English History- the Civil Wars of the 1640s, with a focus on events in Lancashire and their wider effects. £10 Booking essential (includes refreshments and admission to the Hall).
Haworth Haddock
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthThe Haworth Haddock returns for 2025, serving the best local Fish & Chips while travelling through the Worth Valley behind a steam locomotive. For full details about this special train, and what is included in the price of your ticket, please visit the Haworth Haddock page on our main website. Adult £31, child £20.
An Evening with Aggers – Beyond The Boundary
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyJoin Aggers for an evening that transcends boundaries as he takes centre stage in his solo show, regaling us with stories from his illustrious career both on and off the field.
An Audience with Alastair Cook
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyAn Audience with Alastair Cook - England's leading Test Run scorer of all time. Hosted by ex England cricketer & England cricket selector Geoff Miller. VIP Meet & Greet available. Various prices.
KILLER COUPLES
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyEmma Kenny returns with an enthralling new show that plunges into the depths of love twisted into terror. After her triumphant 'The Serial Killer Next Door' tour, Emma captivates yet again, solidifying her status as one of the UK's foremost crime presenters. This time, she invites you to delve into the dark world of "Killer Couples."
An Audience with Kevin Keegan
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyHosted by Sky Sports presenter Peter Graves, join Kevin for an evening of chat about his spectacular career. £34.75 - £102.75.
ADHD – Unmasked
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesJoin ADHD speaker, coach, former Wright Stuff TV presenter and late diagnosed ADHD Hester Grainger live on the road with ADHD - UNMASKED. The evening promises open conversation, laughter and a refreshingly honest look at life with ADHD.
THE DIESEL GALA
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthSave The Date for when the Diesel’s take over for four traction-packed days in the Worth Valley! Various times & prices.
An Evening with Lord Ian Botham
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxLord Ian Botham, the former England captain, was one of the most impactful all-rounders of his generation with 14 centuries and 383 wickets in a career that spanned over 15 years. Join Lord Ian, as he discusses his amazing career, and everything in between.
“The Myths of Lytham”
Lytham Hall Ballam Rd,, Lytham St Annes,, LancashireAn A-Z creation about things people are unaware of from the past, by David Hoyle from Lytham Archives. Cash on the door £5 including refreshments.
STORY TOUR – Historical Women of Lancaster
Lancaster City Museum Market Square,, LancasterThis city centre tour by Eleanor Levin focuses on women's words and writing about women, including a nurse writing postcards home from WW1 France, an upcycling artist, a loom-breaking luddite, an anti-slavery campaigner, a child much discussed but little understood, a nun, a duke, and a poet. £10, child £2.50.
The Craft House – Talk
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamThis talk by the curator of Gawthorpe Textiles Collection tells the fascinating story of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, who grew up at Gawthorpe Hall and had a passion for textiles and craft.
An Evening With Professor Alice Roberts
St George's Hall Bridge St, BradfordJoin Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another.
Story Tour: The Georgian & Regency Tour of Lancaster
Lancaster City Museum Market Square,, LancasterThese unique story tours let you discover the local history in a brand new way, through the personal stories of the people who lived it. Starting from Lancaster City Museum, this 1.5 hour walking tour will take you around the city centre. This fun family-friendly tour is led by 'Johnny Eccleston', Lancaster coachman of ill repute (aka expert guide Tom Hudson).11am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 3.30pm. Adfult £10, child £2.50.
The Makings Of A Murder 2
St. George's Hall BradfordJoin us for a chilling, thrilling night at the theatre as Colin Sutton, who was head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad tells us the stories of how he caught some of the UK’s most evil murderers.
Railway 200Yrs Celebration Weekend
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryEast Lancashire Railway is celebrating the 200th anniversary and the birth of the modern railway. There will be intensive timetable of steam and heritage diesel trains full length of the 12-miles between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, including additional attractions up and down the line. Various prices.
An Evening with Professor Alice Roberts
St. George's Hall BradfordJoin Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another. Celebrating the publication of her new book, Domination,
An Audience with cricketing legend Sir Alastair Cook
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterAn Audience with cricketing legend Alastair Cook. Hosted by ex England cricketer & England cricket selector Geoff Miller. One of the leading Test run scorers of all time, Alastair played in 161 test matches scoring 12,472 runs.
The Wittering Whitehalls: Barely Alive
St George's Hall Bridge St, BradfordJoin Michael and Hilary for an exclusive show as they bring their hit podcast to the stage. Take a comfy (-ish) seat and garner their thoughts on everything from workouts to weddings, seaside towns to social media and everything in between!
The Night Sky Show
St George's Hall Bridge St, BradfordBringing his successful sell out and highly praised show. Astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro) presents a glorious visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders.