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WINTER LIGHTS YORK
York City CentreThe Winter Lights adorn more than 50 streets in York. Miles of swags add yet more fairy-tale whimsy to this enchanting city. The Tree of Light captivates with its ever-changing display, using the latest Twinkly LED technology.
RORY’S SATURDAY CLUB
Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, LeedsCome down to Leeds City Museum for our Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, no need to book. Until 25th April. Give what you can.
DEMONSTRATIONS OF VICTORIAN HAIRWORK
Bankfield Museum Akroyd Park, HalifaxThe Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths.
MONTHLY KIRKSTALL ABBEY TOURS
Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall, LeedsExplore how different parts of the Abbey were used, touching on how the monks of Kirkstall Abbey lived and a potted history of one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian monasteries from foundation to dissolution and beyond.
150th Anniversary Exhibition
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportThis exhibition showcases The Atkinson’s fine art collection in the popular 19th-century ‘Salon Hang’ style, when artworks were arranged from floor to ceiling.
STUDY AFTERNOON: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsGet up close with crime and punishment-related collections, including truncheons, a police lamp, and some of the ephemera collections, with a focus on crime and punishment in Leeds. Why not try out fingerprinting or learning about other crime-fighting techniques? Includes tea, coffee and cake.
YORKSHIRE GAMES FESTIVAL
The National Science and Media Museum Pictureville, BradfordAn extravaganza of games, culture, design, and production as the museum celebrates all things gaming across two weeks of exciting activity, including a packed half-term of gaming fun. From developer talks to networking events, to free gameplay and workshops, there’ll be lots for everyone to enjoy.
TURNER PRIZE
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery Lister Park,, Bradford, United KingdomThe shortlisted artists – Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa – were announced on 23 April 2025, 250 years to the day since the birth of Turner.
Fountains Café: Serving Bradford for Fifty-Five Years
Bradford Industrial Museum 235 Moorside Rd, Eccleshill, Bradford, United KingdomPaul and Mary Georgiou opened Fountains Coffee House in 1968 at Bradford’s John Street Market (later called the Oastler Shopping Centre). Affectionately known as Fountains Café, it was run by three generations of the family and had a close-knit set of regulars. Bradfordians remember being taken there as children, with many returning with their own families later in life. The well-known and much-loved Fountains Café closed in 2023. After its closure, Bradford District Museums and Galleries acquired some of its iconic and recognisable objects which have been showcased in this display. It also includes illustrations by Clock Tower Studios and memories collected by History in Action and brought to life by Bent Architect Theatre Company.
ILKLEY BEER FESTIVAL 2026
King's Hall & Winter Gardens Station Rd, IlkleyKings Hall & Winter Gardens for two days of amazing beer, food and entertainment.
FYLDE ICE FESTIVAL
Clifton Square LythamCome and have a go on the ice carving wall in Clifton Square, see a number of pre-carved ice sculptures around town on the ice trail with themes linked to Lytham, plus watch a live carving demonstration take place in front of your very eyes with ice experts Glacial Art Ice Sculptors.
ARMLEY PRINT FEST 2026
Leeds Industrial Museum Armley Mills, Canal Rd, LeedsFrom family fun activities to craft workshops with local printmakers and live letterpress printing demonstrations, there’s a whole load of inky greatness to suit every age and interest. Browse the curated print fair to fill your home with beautiful and unique prints from independent local makers.
DARK SKIES FESTIVAL
Forest of Bowland Various places, Forest of BowlandThe festival features exciting events such as a live moon watch, bat talk, star gazing, forest moon bathing, smartphone astrophotography, and crafts. Until 22nd Feb. Various times and prices.
JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL 2026
Jorvik Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate Walk, YorkTravel back to AD 866. Eoforwic has fallen to the Great Heathen Army. Dine with the victors and enjoy a three-course feast worthy of a Jarl as they celebrate their conquest and regale you with tales of their battles and glory.
JOURNEYS TO THE MATCH
Lancashire Archives Bow Lane, PrestonJourneys to the Match is a community-focused exhibition, exploring the everyday traditions of football fans and what makes their match day special.
A CREATIVE WORKSHOP: EXPLORE KIRKSTALL ABBEY
Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall, LeedsExplore Kirkstall Abbey, your feelings and experience of it, using textures, nature and words to make an artist's book. With artist Lynette Willoughby and poet Clare Wigzell.
TIME AT BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL
Blackburn Cathedral Cathedral Close, BlackburnTime will transform the entire Cathedral into a fully immersive artwork where you will traverse a series of captivating installations that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with the concept of time.
Rebraiding History: Creative Writing Workshop
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsDrawing on Victorian artifacts in the museum's collection and the streets of Abbey Fold, we will tune into voices of characters who may have lived in Leeds in the 19th Century and find creative ways to weave their history with our present.
THE BIG SPRING STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
Heskin Hall Wood Lane, ChorleyThe Big Spring Steampunk Weekend is our annual spring foray into all things Steampunk. Your chance to join in with your spendiferous attire (or not ). Live entertainment. Alternative, goth & more welcome.
Spring Equinox Foraged Wreath Workshop
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsJoin this workshop to make a beautiful foraged wreath to celebrate the spring equinox. Make a spring wreath from willow and foraged foliage with our tutor in the beautiful Gate House space at Abbey House Museum.
Art Workshops | Delivered by Val Hughes
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyBegin 2026 by reconnecting with creativity, calm and self-care through our Art & Wellbeing Workshop Series at HAPPA, led by Val Hughes – a highly respected local artist, experienced lecturer and published author. Designed especially for adults, these thoughtfully curated workshops offer a gentle escape from the pace of everyday life. Each session invites you to slow down, learn new creative techniques, and enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment where wellbeing is just as important as the finished artwork.
1984
The Atkinson Lord Street, Southport‘To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free: From the age of uniformity, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink… greetings!’ Award winning Box Tale Soup present a stunning new adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian classic. Known for their ingenious sets and slick storytelling, Box Tale Soup’s unique puppetry becomes a striking metaphor for Orwell’s chilling vision of power and control. The year is 1984, perhaps – it is impossible to tell for certain. We are being watched, Big Brother is everywhere, truth changes daily, and everyone conforms. But for Winston Smith, insignificant cog in the Party’s vast machine, this half-life is not enough. He dreams of freedom, but is he the only one? Dreams can be deadly when rebellion begins with a thought. Featuring the voices of Sophie Aldred & Joanna Lumley, with Simon Russell Beale as the voice of Big Brother.
Street Tours: Women in Victorian Leeds
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsAs part of Women’s History Month, come along and join us for a chance to take a guided tour of our Victorian Streets, with a focus on the female residents and visitors who may have been there. The tour will be led by a member of our knowledgeable museum staff who will share their insights on what life would have been like for women in Leeds during the Victorian period.
Photo North Festival
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsPhoto North Festival returns to Leeds from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, taking over the Carriageworks Theatre for its seventh edition. This acclaimed photography festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and passionate enthusiasts for a weekend of exhibitions, talks, screenings and creative connection. With access to all exhibitions and events included in the ticket price, it offers an inspiring cultural experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
Mothers’ Day Special
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthStep aboard and begin your experience with a glass of Prosecco or fresh orange juice, accompanied by a delightful selection of canapés. Sit back and relax as our steam train carries you on a scenic round trip through the beautiful Worth Valley. After your journey, enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch served in the characterful Old Parcels Office, the perfect setting to continue your celebration.
Mother’s Day (MUMS GO FREE)
Thornton Hall Country Park Thornton in Craven, BarnoldswickAs a thank you to all the wonderful Mums, Step Mums, Grandmas, and mother figures, they're delighted to welcome you to Thornton Hall Country Park for FREE*. Enjoy a fantastic family day out on the farm with plenty to see and do — and don’t forget to collect your FREE glass of prosecco or orange juice* during your visit.
Make a Felt Flower Bouquet
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsMake a felt flower bouquet for Mother's Day in this workshop. Join this workshop and make an assortment of felt flowers to create your own beautiful floral bouquet. The bouquet makes a perfect Mother's Day gift or use it to decorate your home all year round. Light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) are included.
Meet Frances Tempest at Bolling Hall
Bolling Hall Museum Bowling Hall Rd, BradfordEnglish Civil War, 1642 – 1649. Bolling Hall was the temporary Royalist Headquarters after winning a great battle against the Parliamentarians under Oliver Cromwell, the Battle of Adwalton Moor (near Bradford) June 1643. Frances, as mistress of the house, would protect herself & her family by always having 2 Flintlock Pistols at the ready, “keeping her powder dry” under her apron.
The Steam Gala
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthAcross four action-packed days, enjoy the sight, sound and spectacle of our visiting guest locomotives alongside the home fleet. An intensive passenger timetable will operate throughout the event, offering plenty of opportunities to travel behind a variety of steam traction. The weekend programme also features a traditional goods train demonstration and special double-headed services, making this a must-see event for steam enthusiasts and families alike.
Spring Equinox Felt Wreath Workshop
Abbey House Museum Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, LeedsLearn to make simple felt flowers in this workshops and craft them into a beautiful spring wreath to decorate your home. No experience necessary, materials provided. Includes refreshments.
Silsden Beer Festival 2026
Silsden Town Hall Main Street, SilsdenA day filled with delicious brews and good vibes. Get ready to sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for everyone.
Own A Pony Day
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyAt HAPPA Own a Pony Day, children get the opportunity to own a HAPPA pony for the day, gaining valuable knowledge and an insight into what it is like to care for a pony, via hands on practical learning. There is even an opportunity for each child to have a ride on our School Master pony!
Meditation Walks
Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall, LeedsA chance to get some fresh air and fresh thoughts and a taster of Raja Yoga meditation – and to reflect in beautiful surroundings on the beautiful qualities we all have inside us. Organised by Brahma Kumaris in association with Kirkstall Abbey, the walks are included in entry to the Abbey and open to all. Kirkstall Abbey is a Give What You Can museum, suggested donation amount to enter is £5.
CARD FEST 2026
UCLAN Student Union Flyde Rd, PrestonTrading card show featuring Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Lorcana and One Piece vendors. Kids Zone, music, food and great cards!
Hebden Bridge Duck Race
Hebden BridgeAnnual duck race to raise money for The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.
Bloom Festival
Horseshoe Glamping Back Lane, Charnock Richard, ChorleyCelebrate the May bank holiday at Bloom Festival, a weekend of fun, relaxation and trying new experiences. Set in beautiful countryside with glamping.
Ilkley Carnival 2026
Ilkley Town Centre Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, IlkleyThe volunteer-run May Day extravaganza over the past four events has raised more than £100,000 for local community groups which supports organisations including schools, sports clubs, scouts and guides and local charities including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Stroke Group and AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource). With a spectacular parade which starts on The Grove and attracts more than 1,000 participants from local schools, organisations and theatre groups, the highlight of every Ilkley Carnival is the day of family fun that unfolds on our fabulous showground which brings something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Ilkley for the day or part of the neighbourhood which makes this wonderful event the success it is today, Ilkley Carnival is a not-to-be-missed annual event which kickstarts a season of festivals and family celebrations in this wonderful town. With all profits made from ticket sales going back into the local community, Ilkley Carnival is so much more than a one-day festival – with your support and that of the teams of volunteers who make it happen, it’s an event that makes a difference to many lives all year, every year.
HuddLitFest
Huddersfield Town Hall HuddersfieldHuddLitFest is an award-winning Festival taking place annually in May, with community, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. Join us in venues and online for a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance – and much more. Meet your favourite authors, discover new talent and hone your own skills. Many free or low-cost events, including some hybrid and online events and some with live subtitling by Stagetext.
Haworth Haddock
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthThe fish and chips will be delivered to you at Keighley Station, and you can enjoy them while you are sitting. A local ‘chippy’ in Crossflatts – Jacks Fisheries, provides the fish and chips. Once everyone has their fish and chips, we will begin our journey whilst you enjoy the food. Once at Oxenhope, stretch your legs whilst we restock the bar and prepare the train for your return journey to Keighley. Once we arrive at Keighley for the second time, a band will be waiting to entertain you. Sit back and listen, or join your fellow passengers and dance the night away on the platform. The bands will be announced when we receive confirmation from them. The bar will be open throughout when you work up a thirst from the dancing.
POP HUNTERS: LIVE
Thornton Hall Country Park Thornton in Craven, BarnoldswickA brand-new live family show bursting with energy, music and adventure! Join a team of young heroes as they set out on an unforgettable quest filled with surprises, laughter and plenty of pop power. Expect dazzling performances, catchy beats and moments that will have everyone on their feet. Packed with fun for all ages, POP HUNTERS is the must-see live show — book your tickets now and be part of the action!
1940s Weekend
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthAn unforgettable journey into the 1940s as the railway is transformed into a living history experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and spirit of wartime Britain, with music, entertainment, and re-enactments bringing the era to life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a vintage fashion lover, or simply looking for a unique day out, there’s something for everyone at our 1940s Weekend. Dust off your best period attire, step aboard a heritage steam train, and experience a truly special journey back in time.
BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL
King's Hall & Winter Gardens Station Rd, IlkleyThe Blackpool Dance Festival began in 1920 in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams. 2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival.