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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Train to Save a Dragon Trail
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyFollow the trail and complete the tasks to learn how to save a dragon. Those who complete the trail will receive a special Ready to Save a Dragon Certificate.
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.
The Dino Adventure
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryJoin our intrepid explorers (10th April and 28th May) on an adventure of Jurassic proportions as we give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with our baby dinosaurs. Your adventure includes a steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back, a roughly two-hour dino experience with our professional dinosaur handlers, themed activities and plenty of photo opportunities. Various times. £17.50/£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.
Guys and Dolls
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolDon’t miss the Musical Event of the Year from local company Blackpool Operatic Players – Guys and Dolls Is Back. Join Us for a Wild Ride Through New York City’s Most Colourful Characters! 7.30pm. Fri & Sat mat 2pm.£20 - £38.
Easter Bunny Crafts
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamHop on down to join in with some bunny themed crafty fun. It's time for the family to have some creative fun and make your own bunny from paper and recycled materials. 16th & 23rd April. Included in admission to the Hall (£7 adults, children FREE), drop-in, no booking needed.
The Story of Guitar Heroes
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyHailed as the UK’s leading guitar-fest, The Story of Guitar Heroes has garnered critical acclaim both at home and abroad for its incredible homage to the most iconic guitarists from the past 50 years of popular music.
From No Parlez to The Secret Of Association – An Intimate Evening With Paul Young
The Muni Theatre ColnePaul will be meeting fans, singing songs, and telling stories about his incredible career. It’s time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them in this intimate show. £32. Meet and greet £82.
Fastlove
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyDirect from London’s West End, this is one of the world’s favourite George Michael celebrations! £31.75 - £36.75.
Peter Rabbit at Easter
Bury Transport Museum Bolton St Station, Castlecroft Goods Warehouse,, BuryCome and see the mischievous bob-tailed bunny, Peter Rabbit at intervals at Bury Transport Museum. There will be even more family fun with three theme park rides suitable for toddlers, face painters and craft activities. Complete your day out with a ride along one of our heritage steam or diesel trains through Irwell Valley. Price includes a ride on any train services on the day of your visit. Adult £20, child £17.50.
Lowther’s Easter Surprise 2025
Lowther Gardens Lytham St. AnnesCelebrate Easter with our free outdoor festival in our historic gardens for a weekend of free activities ranging from family-friendly performances of Alice in Wonderland, walk-around rabbit characters, children’s fun fair, Creative Crafts Association Marquee and much more!
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.
Easter Bunny Trail
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamAngela Kay-Shuttleworth has lots of pet rabbits– but tdrop-in, no booking needed.he door of the hutch was left open and they have escaped into the grounds! Grab a clipboard and trail sheet to see how many you can find in the gardens, then claim your chocolatey prize (while stocks last). £2.50 per child, drop-in, no booking needed.
The Magic of Science
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnTop Secret is a fast moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, lots and lots of mess! Top Secret will inspire and educate every young budding magician and scientist, as well as proving fun and exciting entertainment for all of the family. Adult £16.50, child £13.50.
Deeper Purple
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenDeeper Purple deliver the most authentic tribute to the giants of Classic Rock that influenced generations of musicians and music fans for over 50 years!
The Sensational Sixties Experience 2025
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolThe Sensational Sixties Experience has the definite feelgood factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960’s. Starring Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, The Trems (featuring Jeff Brown, former member of The Tremeloes), Steve Ellis (The Voice of Love Affair), The Fortunes, and Vanity Fare.
Steptoe & Son – LIVE
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn"YOU DIRRRTTTYYY OLD MAN!" You wouldn’t think it was possible for this ‘rag and boning’ duo to still be at it after all this time, but here they are! Albert is still a dirty old man and Harold is as pretentious as ever! Come and join Steptoe & Son for all the hilarious conflict that our four classic episodes have to offer! See your favourite moments from the smash hit BBC television series, being performed for you live on stage – just make sure you don’t step in a present from Hercules the horse on your way in… Steptoe & Son was first seen on our screens in 1962, running for 8 series and 57 episodes, ending in 1974. It starred the wonderful Harry H. Corbett and Wilfred Brambell, as the warring father and son, trying to cope with their ailing business and having to put up with each other along the way! Cattle Productions Ltd. brings you their adaptation of the original episodes in a brand-new production, from Director Dan Lewis. The show has many hugely funny moments and we hope we’re going to make the original writers, actors and programme, very proud! We’d love for you to join us!
Emilio Santoro as Elvis
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsInternationally acclaimed, Emilio Santoro brings his award-winning Elvis Presley theatre show to the UK.
Taylor Fever – Taylor Swift Tribute Concert
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxIn a show that is packed full of the icons most popular songs including ‘Karma’ ‘Shake it off’ ‘Cruel Summer’ and many more. 2.30pm & 7.30pm.
The Annual Spring Transport Show
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum King Street, LeylandOnce again, the North West’s top classic vehicle show. vintage cars, lorries, buses. Famous makes and models from the UK, Europe, and the USA. Free vehicle entry.
See the Spitfire Fly at Spitfire Visitor Centre
Spitfire Visitor Centre Blackpool Airport, Squires Gate Lane, BlackpoolThe Spitfire Visitor Centre is hosting the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar this season. The Spitfire of the North flight experiences offer a rare chance to fly in an iconic two seat Spitfire. Book you Spitfire flight or simply plan a visit 27th - 28th April, and experience the sight, sound and smell of the Spitfire. Adults: £10.00.Child 6 - 16 years: £6.00. Child under 5 years: free UK Armed Forces, veterans and carers: £5.00.
Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsJoin Dionne while she guides you through a remarkable life story from her humble beginnings as a gospel singer in New Jersey to superstardom and one of the most recognisable and successful female voices of our time. £42 - £71.
An Inspector Calls
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordStephen Daldry's multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley's classic thriller returns after a record-breaking sell-out tour in 2022. Various times & prices.
Skipton Town Hall Spring Tea Dance
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonBring your dancing shoes to the Spring edition of the ever popular Town Hall Tea Dance! You will be entertained by Blackpool Tower resident organist, John Bowdler.
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.
Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis 2025 Tour
St. George's Hall Bridge Street, BradfordWith global success in over 20 countries including sell-out performances on the same Vegas stage as Elvis, to London's West End, don't miss Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis. £32.75 - £35.25.
FLEETWOOD BAC
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyFleetwood Bac are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up.
Walk Right Back
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonImmerse yourself in a wave of pure rock and roll nostalgia with Walk Right Back! Presented by the creators of That’ll Be The Day, this show recounts the tale of those two Kentucky boys who created unparalleled vocal magic – The Everly Brothers.
Haworth Steampunk Weekend
Butt Lane, Haworth HaworthSee spectacular steampunk attire, meet delightful people, enjoy tempting shops, restaurants, crown bowling, dancers, singers, steam trains, museums, cafés and market stalls, in this historic town in the heart of Bronte Country. The event raises vital funds for the Sue Ryder's Manorlands Hospice.
Real Food Ilkley Market
The Grove IlkleyReal Food Ilkley offers produce from fresh bread, cakes and gluten free bakes to curry sauces, cheeses, condiments and crepes. Stalls also include organic meat and veg, brownies, truffles and herbs from local producers and independent retailers. First Sun of every month.
Ilkley Carnival 2025
Ilkley Town Centre Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, IlkleyIlkley Carnival 2025 starts at 11am on Monday 5th May with its spectacular parade beginning on The Grove and finishing at East Holmes Field showground which will be home to headline acts. With all profits made from ticket sales going back into the local community. Adult £8/£6, child £2.
Levison Wood: Walking The World – A Life Of Exploration And Adventure
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesThis brand-new show will celebrate Levison’s remarkable adventures from the past 20 years from the icy landscapes of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of Arabia.
The Thrill of Love
Keighley Playhouse Devonshire Street, KeighleyTrue drama by Amanda Whittingham. Ruth Ellis was the last woman to be hanged in Great Britain in 1955 after being convicted of shooting her lover David Blakely in cold blood.
The Don Banks Afternoon Variety Show
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenCome along on a nostalgic journey down memory lane back to those good old days for an afternoon of uplifting songs, stories and laughter. £4.50/£5.50
All Things McCartney – Unplugged
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenA unique acoustic celebration of the music of Paul McCartney, Wings, and of course The Beatles. Steve Littlewood’s performance is pivotal and engaging as he hosts and charms with his captivating portrayal of the great man.
And Finally… Phil Collins
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesChris O’Connell brings the charisma and style of the man who fronted Genesis and sold over 150 million albums world-wide in his magnificent solo career.
Menston Art Club Exhibition
Kirklands Community Centre MenstonCome and join us for our next exhibition on 10th & 11th May 2025 in Kirklands main hall. Members paintings and crafts will be available to admire and purchase. Free entry. Cafe open during exhibition for drinks & cakes.
Brontë
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyIn a collision of dreams, imaginings and memories, playwright Polly Teale shows how three great writers emerged, three sisters, three landmarks of the Yorkshire moors, entwined by ties of family, isolation and a passion for the written word. 7.30pm. Adult £10, concs £6.
Simon Reeve – To The Ends of The Earth
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolSimon Reeve is an author and TV presenter, and one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. His journeys have taken him to more than 130 countries, across jungles, deserts, mountains and oceans, and to some of the most beautiful, dangerous and remote regions of the world.
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.
Conservation In Action
East Riddlesden Hall Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.Come along and watch the Collections Team clean and care for the historic items in the Hall, find out more about the techniques they use and how they help. Free with entryto the hall.
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."
Kate McDonnell – UK Tour 2025
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonSinger, guitarist, songwriter and recording artist from Albany, NY, USA, Kate McDonnell has captivated audiences around the globe for decades with her award-winning songwriting skills, unique and jaw-dropping “upside down and backwards” guitar style, her infectious personality and stunning voice. £12.50, under 18s £8.