HAPPA
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyA hidden delight set in acres of green space, overlooking the Thursden Valley in Burnley. Although primarily the home of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association), the site provides everything that you would expect from a first-class award-winning tourist attraction destination. An onsite café serves delicious homemade food and cakes. Keep your children entertained by playing on the outdoor park or find HAPPA Fergus on the Facts With Fergus Trail. Open daily.
THE LION KING
The Palace Theatre ManchesterThe Lion King Musical transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba - the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. £20 - £85.
VAN GOGH ALIVE
Regency Hall BradfordThis autumn, Bradford’s Grade II listed heritage events space, Regency Hall, will host the Yorkshire premiere of Van Gogh Alive, ‘the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience’ that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist. Experience over 3,000 images from the artist that are spectacularly presented with stunning detail, including iconic works like Starry Night, Sunflowers and lesser-known paintings that were inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints. Various times and prices.
YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM
Yorkshire Air Museum Halifax Way, Elvington, YorkYorkshire Air Museum has a lot to offer, take a look round and discover the museum and the surrounding areas. From squadrons to sandwiches and everything inbetween. Gift shop and cafe. Open daily except Wednesdays. (Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.) Adult £12, child 4 - 17 yrs £5, family £30. Tickets offer free re-entry for 12 months.
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsRoald Dahl’s devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and wild confectionary wizard Willy Wonka will take you to a world of pure imagination this festive season. This dazzling reinvention of the successful West End and Broadway musical transports the show to mouth-watering new heights. Various times. £14 - £55.
STARGAZING BENEATH INGLEBOROUGH
Ingleborough Cave IngleboroughJoin Pete Collins from Diamond Skies for a guided tour of the Dales night sky, and experience the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail as never before. The evening will commence in The Old Sawmill Café, at the entrance to the trail, with a talk by Pete. 19th Nov, 14th Jan & 11th Feb. The event is suitable for children.
ALADDIN
Harrogate Theatre Oxford Street, HarrogateHarrogate – your magical carpet ride awaits! Times are tough for Aladdin and his poor mum Widow Twankey. That is until Aladdin finds an enchanted lamp with magical powers that can make all his wishes come true. Various times & prices.
ROBIN HOOD
The Dukes Moor Lane, LancasterRobin Hood is hot on the Sheriff’s heels and needs you to join his merry gang and help defeat the evil Sheriff. Are you ready for battle? Then join us for a tale featuring swords, sorcery and song! Romance and robbery! Archery and acrobatics! Derring-do and sheep pooh! Not to mention the infamous sea serpent of Morecambe! Various times & prices.
DICK WHITTINGTON – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsPresented by Leeds Heritage Theatres you’ll be wowed by this breath-taking production which mixes traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by our ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians. Various times. £30 - £14.
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonPolka Dot Pantomimes in association with the Albert Halls present Jack and the Beanstalk - the hilarious Pantomime adventure. With a fabulous cast and the biggest Giant in pantoland it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans to see the best traditional family pantomime that is guaranteed to be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone! Various times. £18 - £22.
ALL NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkAll New Adventures of Peter Pan, co-produced with Evolution Productions and starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell. Join us for a fun-packed swashbuckling family adventure with an extra sprinkling of fairy dust magic. Expect laughter, music and family fun galore. Various times £13 - £34.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Lawrence Batley Theatre Queen's Square, Queen St, HuddersfieldWith spectacular effects, a side-splitting script and musical numbers to get you mooo-ving, come join Jack as he climbs up the beanstalk in this enchanting Christmas adventure of epic proportions! Various times & prices.
CINDERELLA – Christmas Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterPresented by Lancaster Footlights - Cinderella is a traditional family pantomime enhanced by lots of fantastic musical numbers, dancing, dazzling costumes and audience participation. Expect mayhem and magic. A Christmas treat not to be missed! Various times. £9.50/£10.50.
BETTY! A SORT OF MUSICAL
Royal Exchange Theatre St Ann’s Square, ManchesterAs the first female speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd is a Dewsbury girl to celebrate, and the six ladies (plus Calvin) of The Dewsbury Players are going to do just that... through the medium of musical theatre! 'Here's to a woman who conquered the murky world of Westminster with nothing but wit and gumption.. and enough hairspray to turn a tsunami into a kiss curl.' 7.30pm. Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm. Various prices.
STICK MAN
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsTouching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man. This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and the Flying Doctors, Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. 10.30am, 1pm & 4pm. £14 -£21.
ROOM ON THE BROOM
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordJump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone? Find out in the magical Olivier Award nominated show for everyone aged 3 and up. 10.30am & 1pm.
PETER PAN ON ICE
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ocean Boulevard Promenade, BlackpoolA magical adventure on ice presented by BIDCA. 2.30pm & 7pm. From £10.
THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Opera House, Manchester ManchesterComedy superstar Jason Manford will lead the cast in The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan in the role of Captain Hook, joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Smee. Various times. £13 - £51.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnThis Christmas, you’re invited to a pantomime full of Fe, Fi, Fo & Fun! Join our hero Jack and his mother Dame Trott as they try to defeat the evil Fleshcreep and his master the Giant who lives in the great castle in the sky. Various times. £14 - £19.50.
OLD GRANNY GOOSE
Grand Opera House YorkBerwick Kaler is back with another spectacular pantomime for Christmas 2022 and joining him will be the dastardly David Leonard, side-kick Martin Barrass, principal ‘girl’ Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell. You may not remember the plot, but you will remember the laughs during the winter months. Various times and prices.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordStarring Bradford panto legend Billy Pearce as Farmer Billy, Emmerdale star and King of the Jungle Danny Miller as Jack and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo as The Spirit of the Beans. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, Jack sets out on a quest to climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. £17 - £43.
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordFrom the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman, comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. 7.30pm. Thurs & Sat mat 2pm. £35 - £54.
CLAUS – THE MUSICAL
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordFrom the writer of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes the world premiere of Claus The Musical. Based on the beloved children’s book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum, this brand-new musical is as magical as Christmas itself. Various times & prices.
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.
EXHIBITION: Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife
Spring Antics in the Museum Haslingden Road, RossendaleThe river Irwell was once the hardest working and filthiest river in the world. Now it is an invaluable wildlife corridor within reach of thousands of people. This exhibition will explore the Irwell and its valley, from its source in Rossendale to its final destination at Salford Quays and the Manchester Ship Canal. Paintings, drawings, photographs and film will reveal its post-industrial landscapes and the wildlife which thrives there, often discreet and hidden from view. Free. Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm, late night Thursday until 8pm.
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!
Games & Social Club
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre Colne Road, GlusburnCome along and enjoy an informal afternoon playing your favourite games or just enjoying a drink and a chat. We play chess, rummikub, bridge and table tennis for those feeling energetic! Drinks and biscuits provided.
Windrush Stories: Don’t Give Up
Cartwright Hall Lister Park, BradfordAfter the devastation caused by World War 2, the British Government was keen for more workers to help rebuild the country and revive the economy. In 1948 they passed a law called the British Nationality Act that said all citizens of countries ruled by Britain could live and work in the UK. Many of the earliest arrivals were from the Caribbean. This exhibition seeks to share these stories, Open Wed - Fri 1am - 4pm and Sat & Sun 11am - 4pm.
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.
L.S LOWRY EXHIBITION
The Lowry Pier 8, The Quays, SalfordThe Lowry is named after Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887 – 1976) – an artist who spent much of his life in Salford and whose work is strongly associated with the city. The Lowry Gallery has a permanent L.S Lowry exhibition which is open to all, and free to enter. Tue-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.
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.
Shared Reading Group
Colne LibraryA new type of reading group for bite size readers. No books to borrow or buy and no reading to a deadline. Make friends through reading. Shared reading groups are a new type of reading group. They are very relaxing as there is no reading required before coming to the group. Instead each group has someone who reads aloud to the group and encourages discussion. Meet every Wed.
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.
Paint Along In Water Colours
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre Colne Road, GlusburnSmall friendly group that meet on weekly on Thursday, beginners welcome. Step by step tuition on various subjects. Some materials can be provided to get you started. Refreshments provided.
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.
THE BRITISH COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MUSEUM
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum King Street, LeylandThe Museum generates a unique atmosphere with its wonderfully preserved and presented vehicles, and its showcases full of memorabilia and artefacts related to transport history. There is something for all ages at this unique motor museum. Open Tues - Sun. 10am - 4.30pm. Adult £8, child £4, family £18.
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.