- Events
- Talk
Cuthbert the Bad and the Lancashire Witches
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamWhy was there a spectacular witchcraft trial in Lancashire in 1612? This question has never been properly answered, until now in this talk based on original research by Dr Colin Penny. Included in admission to the hall (£6 adult, £4 concs)
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
St. George's Hall BradfordSir Ranulph Fiennes - Mad, Bad and Dangerous To Know. Live on stage, Sir Ranulph will share stories from his legendary exploits and adventures, telling untold tales of the world’s most extraordinary feats of daring and exploration.
Eamonn Holmes -My Story So Far!
Huddersfield Town Hall HuddersfieldCome along and listen to Eamonn being interviewed about his life and career. Hear all about the rich and famous he himself has interviewed. A night that is both thought provoking and laugh out loud funny!
JUDI DENCH
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordJoin the inimitable and beloved Judi Dench in conversation with friend, actor and director Brendan O’Hea to celebrate the publication of their new book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent. All tickets come with a hardback copy of Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent.
Shakespeare’s First Folio: Craven’s National Treasure
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonHave you ever wondered how Shakespeare’s First Folio came to Craven? Join us at the museum for a short talk on why this book is so important, and how it became part of the Craven Museum collection. We’ll also be launching ‘Rewriting the missing comedies’, where you can help us fill our Folios’ blanks! 11am & 2pm. Free.
Steve Backshall – Ocean
St. George's Hall BradfordSteve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. A must-see for all the family!
Parsonage Unwrapped: Charlotte and the Great Exhibition
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthThe Great Exhibition of 1851, visited by Charlotte Bronte, was a spectacular coming together of the most incredible minds in the country. Join us for this special Parsonage Unwrapped session to discover more about what The Great Exhibition had to offer, and the potential influence this had on Charlotte. Complimentary drinks at 6.30pm.
Steve Backshall – Ocean
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnSteve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. £21 - £28.
Myths, Monsters & Legends
Halifax Playhouse King Cross Street, HalifaxFor a small northern town, Halifax has a surprising wealth of notorious, dastardly, infamous and outright famous people in its chequered past. Come on an immersive tour and meet some of our towns historic celebrities. Talks and tours operating from 12pm until late.
Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsAn intimate evening with a unique national treasure embarking on a first full national tour because he’s done pretty much everything else a person can do.
The Brontës and FRIENDS – Talk
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthJoin us for an analysis of proto-feminist themes in the Brontë sisters' work, through the lens of iconic 90s comedy sitcom FRIENDS. Free with entry to the Museum and for residents in BD20, BD21 and BD22. No need to book.
COMFORT CAFE
Holy Trinity Community Centre Tatton Street, ColneA safe space for anyone affected by bereavement and loss. Lunch and brews provided.
An Evening with Michael Portillo
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyMichael Portillo is coming to King's Hall to talk about all things from politics to train travel!
Giggleswick Railway Circle: Railways of Warwickshire
Settle Victoira Hall Kirkgate, SettleThis evening's presentation will be a mix of old and new images of the Railways in Warwickshire. Anthony Hicks is a well respected photographer as was his late father, Bryan, so we'll be treated to an evening of great photography
Herbs And The 17th Century Household
East Riddlesden Hall Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.Hear how herbs and spices were used in food, medicine and the house at East Riddlesden Hall. Find out what remedies people used for coughs and colds. How could herbs make winter food more interesting? How did the 17th century housewife use plants and herbs to keep her house fresh and clean? 12pm & 2pm.
Steve Bate MBE presents Wild Tracks
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsParalympic gold medal-winning cyclist Steve Bate MBE shares the incredible journey of riding to ascend the iconic mountain of Kilimanjaro, with fellow Paralympic gold medallist Karen Darke MBE. £17.50, concs £14.50.
The World According to Kaleb
St. George's Hall Bridge Street, BradfordShut the gate! Kaleb Cooper, Chipping Norton's finest celebrity farmer and Sunday Times bestselling author, who shot to fame starring in Prime Video series, Clarkson's Farm, has decided to conquer his fear of the unknown and embark on his first ever theatre tour with The World According To Kaleb - Kaleb Goes On Tour. £29.50 - £39.50.
Clash of the Titans
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxAn Evening with Snooker Greats: Seven-times World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry takes on his arch rival Steve Davis with your host and referee for the evening the Dennis Taylor.
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.