ELF
Chorley Theatre Dole Lane, ChorleyBig Screen Christmas comedy for the whole family. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human being who has spent his whole life believing himself to be an elf. But when his ungainly size starts to become a liability in the elf-sized working environment, Santa suggests that Buddy head to New York City to find his real father (James Caan) and soon the good-natured Buddy finds himself in all sorts of scrapes as he gets used to his new family and surroundings. Screening 1.30pm 4.30pm & 7.30pm. Adult £5, child £3.
THE NUTCRACKER – NORTHERN BALLET
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsA ballet by David Dixon OBE and presented by Northern Ballet. Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince into an enchanting winter wonderland. Don’t miss dazzling dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and the notorious Mouse King in the ultimate festive entertainment. 2pm & 7pm. £43 - £57.
MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Chorley Theatre Dole Lane, ChorleyCinema - Michael Caine plays the old miser Scrooge with Kermit as his long-suffering but ever-hopeful employee Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Cratchit’s wife, and a host of Muppets (including the Great Gonzo as an unlikely Charles Dickens) taking other primary roles in this bright, playful adaptation of the classic tale. Adult £5, child £3.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL: Sing-a-long
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonThe Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets — Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases — past, present and future.
VIKING YULE
Royal Armouries Museum Armouries Drive,, LeedsCome along to the Mead Hall to celebrate the midwinter festival of Yule. Viking combat demonstrations (of bitter, bloody battle) Viking songs and stories (of bitter, bloody battles), Viking axe-throwing practice (for taking part in bitter, bloody battles). Everything you wanted to know about Vikings but were afraid to ask (lest you end up in a bitter, bloody battle).This is a free event but please pre-book your tickets.
WINTER WARM UP AT BOLTON STEAM MUSEUM
Bolton Steam Museum Mornington Road Off Chorley Old Road, BoltonVolunteers from the Northern Mill Engine Society have rescued and restored 30 old stationary steam engines - some of the engines which one powered the cotton mills and woollen mills of Lancashire & Yorkshire. Most will be running in steam on these 2 days only. Our oldest engine is now over 180 years old, and most are well over 100 years old! Come and see these magnificent examples of British Engineering restored and running one again! Free, donations welcome.
FLAMBOROUGH FIRE FESTIVAL
Mereside Mereside, Flamborough, United KingdomThe Flamborough Fire Festival is held to raise much needed funds for the Festival’s official local community groups and charities. This year's Festival promises to be one of the best ever!.. with the addition of 1,200 Viking Torches, Flamborough Fireballs, Strongest Viking, Viking Longship Parade, Battle for Flamborough and Fireworks Spectacular it’s going to be a fantastic evening for all the family. The Flamborough Fire Festival is one of the most unique events in the UK taking place on New Year’s Eve with approximately 2,000 visitors attending, from all over the country, who love the spirit of the occasion and the amazing Festival atmosphere! The Festival is a wonderful way of celebrating the New Year with all your friends and family!
Drawing for Relaxation with Lancashire Adult Learning
Clitheroe Library Church Street, ClitheroeThis course is designed to encourage confidence and take the stress out of drawing in order that it can be embraced as a relaxing and mindful activity. Learners will be introduced to a range of drawing exercises that alter perceptions of drawing whilst encouraging observational skills that help them take notice of the world around them. This event is free to all adults over 19. Enrol online. please telephone, e-mail or pop into the library to book.
Happy Birthday Elvis
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnHappy Birthday Elvis takes you through the career of the King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley from the hits of the 50s and 60s to the concert shows of the 70s.
The Magic of Motown
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsGet ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular. £35 - £45.
GUYS AND DOLLS
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyGuys and Dolls is a classic and one of the greatest musicals ever written. This production promises a joyous evening of vitality, energy, and pure pleasure. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £8 - £17.
Let’s Play Scrabble
Colne LibraryScrabble and other traditional board games are enjoying growing popularity in our digital age. Why not come and enjoy a game of Scrabble with good company and a cuppa? Free.
Floodlit Swans
WWT Martin Mere Fish Lane, Burscough, Nr OrmskirkHave an unforgettable experience and see one of nature's most beautiful spectacles of up to 2,000 whooper swans on the mere. You'll be joined by a warden in the Raines Observatory, who will provide a fascinating live commentary. Adult £12.33, child £6.60, concs £10.51.
TEA AND TABLETS
Silsden Town Hall Main Street, SilsdenFree weekly beginners group for over 50s. Here to help with your IT problems. Learn how to use a computer tablet, bring your own or borrow one of ours with free training from Worth Connecting. Drop in. Free tea and biscuits.
DIY Tie Dye and Block Printing
Queen St Mill Textile Museum Harle Syke, Burnley, United KingdomCreate your own unique t-shirts or fabrics using Tie Dye in the first of Queen St Mill's two workshops. Learn how to tie dye 100% cotton fabrics, discovering different techniques to fold, manipulate and secure the fabric. Fabric will be provided. Choose from a selection of coloured dyes to immerse your fabrics in. Workshop 1 (11 Jan) - £12. Workshop 2 (18 Jan) - £5. Booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve your place please call or email the museum.
WE’RE STRANGERS HERE
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonThe play written by Eric Chappell and directed Dennis Yardley follows two couples who meet at a Spanish hotel on holiday. Presented by Preston Drama Club.
Snow White
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportAll Souls Dramatic Club present a brand new adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale - Snow White. A modern day pantomime. Various times. £14.50, concs £12.
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyRenowned for their high quality shows, the award winning Burnley Pantomime Society are set to thrill audiences once again with one of the most popular tales ever told. Packed with comedy, great music, stunning scenery, wonderful costumes, heroes, villains, audience participation and all the excitement that only pantomime can provide. Various times. £12/£14.
GO YOUR OWN WAY -The Fleetwood Mac Legacy
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterGo Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac. Their rock n roll legacy is beautifully performed by a highly talented and acclaimed ensemble of musicians who will take audiences on a powerful journey through their incredible song book.
GISELLE
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolThe moving story of delicate Giselle is a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. £11.75 - £51.
Headingley Farmers’ Market
Rose Garden North Lane, Headingley, United KingdomHeadingley farmers market is a highly successful Farmers Market in North West Leeds. The Monthly market has over 20 food stalls and there is music provided by a range of local groups.
Poured Candles Workshop With Kim Searle
The Craft House 109 - 111 Main Street, BingleyJoin artist and maker Kim Searle to create your own poured candles* using soy wax, essential oils and scents, decoration, jam jars, vintage tea cups and more. All materials used in this workshop are vegan-friendly!
THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonThe Ultimate Classic Rock show, dust off your air guitars for an evening of the best classic rock anthems.
Music At The Museum – Hattrix Big Band
Cliffe Castle Museum Spring Gardens Lane, KeighleyCome along to the Bracewell Smith Hall and enjoy music from local bands. A season of monthly Sunday afternoon concerts. 2pm.
THEY DON’T PAY? WE WON’T PAY!
Bingley Arts Centre Main Street, BingleyThis hilarious and very timely comedy is a fast-paced, exceedingly funny adaptation of Dario Fo’s play Can’t pay, Won’t Pay presented by Bingley Little Theatre. £5 - £10.
Lancashire Archives
Rawtenstall Library Queen's Square, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall,, Rossendale, Lancashire,, United KingdomLearn more about the local collections held by your nearest library. An archivist will also be available during library opening hours on the day to provide a drop-in service for enquiries and advice. At 2pm there will also be an introductory talk about the work of Lancashire Archives. Booking not necessary, just drop in on the day.
SKIPTON MUSIC PRESENTS: Bones Apart
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonWonder Women: Muses, Queens and Warriors. The quartet brings to life music by female composers and songwriters as well as exploring historical female trailblazers from Boudicca to Cleopatra to Calamity Jane! £25 under 30yrs £10, under 19yrs £2.
Nativity the Musical
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColnePendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre present Nativity the Musical. 7.30pm, Sat & Sun mat 2.30pm. Adult £12, concs £10, family £40.
PUSS IN BOOTS
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsBringing a modern spin to the traditional world of pantomime, the award winning Lidos presents this family-fun, amateur pantomime that is a must see in 2023! Various times. £15 - £20.
WATERLOO – THE BEST OF ABBA
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolWaterloo - The Best of Abba looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of the Swedish pop group Abba and recreates it impeccably for fans old and new.
Wildlife Photography Workshop
WWT Martin Mere Fish Lane, Burscough, Nr OrmskirkHeather Beckett is delighted to offer this beginner-friendly photography workshop at Martin Mere. Once the basics are covered, it’s straight outside to put learning into practice and be taught as you go. You’ll go on a tour of the centre, stopping as and when to start.
THE LADY IN THE VAN
Keighley Playhouse Devonshire Street, KeighleyComedy drama by Alan Bennett. The Lady in the Van tells the story of Miss Mary Shepherd, whom Alan Bennett first came across when she was living in the street near his home in Camden Town. Taking refuge with her van in his garden originally for three months, she ended up staying fifteen years.
RAMBERT – Peaky Blinders
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordThis new dance theatre event, firmly rooted in the world of Peaky Blinders, is written by the creator of the global hit television series. The performance features dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatization, with an iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack, and a live on-stage band. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £24 - £44.
Guided Walk- Middleton Moor, Langbar and Nesfield
Ilkley Swimming Pool Denton Road, Ilkley.Meet Howard Lloyd at 11am at Ilkley Swimming Pool, Denton Road, Ilkley. A gradual ascent brings you on to open moorland with excellent views followed by a descent through the scattered village of Langbar and the picturesque community of Nesfield. This walk will be 7.5 miles long.
TALES FROM ACORN WOOD
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkJulia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Thurs 4pm, Fri 11am & 2pm. Adults £15, Under 16 £13
THE CRUCIBLE – NT LIVE
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenA witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma). Captured live from the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.
National Theatre: The Crucible (Screening)
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsA witch hunt is beginning in Arthur Miller’s captivating parable of power with Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Brendan Cowell (Yerma). Recorded on the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.
MADAM BUTTERFLY – Ellen Kent
Opera House, Manchester ManchesterSenbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Production featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. £13 - £58.75.
Johnny Cash Roadshow
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnThe Johnny Cash Roadshow is back and better than ever. Award winning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s career as the Man In Black, alongside his iconic wife June Carter (Meghan Thomas) and a genuine top of the league band playing double bass, fender telecaster and acoustic guitars, drums, piano, trumpet and four part vocal harmonies.
ABBA Sensation
Halifax Playhouse King Cross Street, HalifaxABBA Sensation is widely considered to be one of the best ever Abba Tribute Acts, they play to packed theatres and festivals throughout Europe. A great evening’s entertainment is guaranteed for all age ranges. £17, concs £15.
THE HISTORY OF SOUL
Civic Arts Centre & Theatre 155 Union Road, AccringtonThe History of Soul is a celebration of Soul music through the decades. Experience this iconic music brought back to life by an exceptional nine piece band consisting of some of the finest musicians and performers from around the world.
NORTHERN LIVE – Do I Love You
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyKeeping the Faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the Nation including an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists performing over 30 original hits.
The Rob Dylan Band
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyThe Rob Dylan Band is the UK’s greatest tribute to the music of Bob Dylan. Formed by a group of musicians who bring their own unique and dynamic interpretation to the music of one of the world's greatest songwriters our ‘Rolling Thunder Revue” show takes you on a journey through Dylan’s most popular songs.
The Green man carving weekend
Shaw Lodge Mill Boys Lane, HalifaxCome and have a go at stone carving. No experience necessary. Carve your own Green man in Maltese Limestone under expert tuition in a fully equipped workshop in Halifax. All tools and stone are provided.
Clash of Steel
Royal Armouries Museum Armouries Drive,, LeedsAn action-packed weekend of sword-fighting demonstrations, handling sessions and in-depth presentations. Sessions include: The Medieval Sword Master, Two-handed Sword Combat, Battō-jutsu Demonstration, Swords of Ancient China, Romans: Swords of the Empire (Sat only), Elizabethan Swashbuckler (Sun only). This is a free event but please pre-book tickets to guarantee your visit.
JERSEY BEATS – Oh What A Nite!
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenIt’s the show night out not to be missed – wowing crowds in Blackpool since 2014, and now touring the country – Oh What A Nite! is a different style of tribute show to any other that you will have seen or heard of before. Matt Andrews leads our vocal quartet as our tribute to Frankie Valli.
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE – Music and Tribute to Neil Diamond
Lancaster Grand Theatre St Leonardgate, LancasterFisher Stevens celebrates the music and tribute to Neil Diamond.
Ray Quinn: King Of Swing
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportLed by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn, this concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack. £25, concs £23.
Limehouse Lizzy
Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. The band have also added a tribute into their show to ex-Thin Lizzy guitarist (and world renowned solo artist) Gary Moore.
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: SPEAKY BLINDER
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyStar of the Royal Variety Performance, Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News for You, QI, and Live at the Apollo... One of the UK's top stand-ups Chris McCausland is on tour with a stand-up show about life, family, and loads of other nonsense as well!