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.
Exhibition – Ilkley Art Club
Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, IlkleyIlkley Art Club is an inclusive and welcoming group whose members have varying styles and approaches to their art, enjoying practical sessions, including working from the figure, lectures, discussions and demonstrations. Exhibition Sat & Sun. Free.
CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: YONKS!
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyComedy - You might have seen him on Strictly Come Dancing, Would I Lie to You, Have I Got News for You, The Royal Variety, QI, Blankety Blank, The Last Leg, and tons more as well.
My Fair Lady
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxMy Fair Lady is a beautiful musical based on George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion. Presented by All Souls' Operatic Society. 7.15pm. Sat mat 2.15pm.
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.
Day Of Reckoning
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonComedy drama by Pam Valentine. £12, concs. £11.
21st Century Tennessee
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyThe ultimate must-see modern day country show, combining all your favourite contemporary artists and hits into one phenomenal live show.
BOUNCERS & SHAKERS
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterLancaster Footlights Presents: Bouncers & Shakers by John Godber and Jane Thornton.
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.
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).
Harry Baker: Wonderful
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonAfter a sellout Edinburgh Fringe Run and subsequent 40-date UK Tour, World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker is back with a brand new show celebrating the wonder that is being alive. £15, concs £12.
Walk Like A Man
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonWalk Like A Man is the ultimate celebration of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, recreating the iconic powerful falsetto with perfection.
Woof Shack
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyBring your dogs to this free, social event, to enjoy a talk by Alan Cope from Ginger Pig Pet Services. Talk on predatory motor pattern and Premack principle. Understand your dog's natural drive and how to work with it, not against it.
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 Choral Pilgrimage 2025
Blackburn Cathedral Cathedral Close, BlackburnIn an age of resurgent conflict and frenetic demands on our attention, the 2025 Choral Pilgrimage: Angel of Peace offers a slice of tranquility in many forms courtesy of luminous, purifying music traversing six centuries.
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.
The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience
The Muni Theatre ColneIn a show that has been described as “absolutely amazing” and “truly authentic”, take a trip down memory lane as you re-live the story lines and all the brilliant music of both classic films of The Commitments and the The Blues Brothers in a full live-band experience, where Chicago Blues meets Dublin Soul. £26, concs £22.
The Yorkshire Gypsy Swing Collective
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyThe Yorkshire Gypsy Swing Collective! feature some of the region’s hottest gypsy jazz and swing players live at the Ilkley Playhouse.
Prince, Princess and Dragon Day
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyAn epic adventure in a world filled with fire and legends. Prepare for tales of bravery and magic. Dress up and enter the fancy dress competition, meet the mythical dragon in the Dragon Show and then have your face painted or get a glitter tattoo, also enjoy crown or sword making in the activity room.
Build a Chocolate Bar with Jacqueline’s Chocolates
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyBuild a 100g bar of handmade chocolate in the HAPPA Café and add toppings of your choice. All bars made will raise funds for the Charity.
Breathing Corpses – A dark comedy by Laura Wade
Bingley Little Theatre Bingley Arts Centre, BingleyThis black comedy opens with a hotel chambermaid’s discovery of a dead body; and, as the play tracks back in time, each scene explains its predecessor.
Six – Musical
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordFrom Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Vaious times and prices.
Handbagged
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolThe Iron Lady vs. The Crown: It’s a handbag-off for the ages! Moira Buffini’s clever and fiercely funny comedy is a fly-on-the-wall look at what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher came face-to-face in the privacy of the palace. 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat mat 2.30pm. £15 - £43.
Easter Half Term Family Activities
Bradford Cathedral 1 Stott Hill, BradfordFamilies are invited to enjoy a variety of free activities during the Easter holiday, including crafts, colouring, trails, quizzes, and plenty of fun for all ages. 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm. Family-friendly guided tours will be held at 11am, and 2pm, or visitors can explore the Cathedral on their own with a self-guided tour.
Pony Grooming Sessions
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyHave you ever wanted to groom a horse or pony? Now is your chance at HAPPA. These sessions allow visitors to groom one of HAPPA’s gentle horses under staff supervision. Suitable for ages 4+.
The Wizarding Adventure
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryOne return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall hauled by a genuine heritage (and spell) powered train. An approximately hour and a half wizarding experience with the region’s most pre-eminent enchanters. Wizard themed activities. Ages 5yr - 12yr but anyone is welcome. £20/£17.50.
PINOCCHIO
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyJoin Pinocchio as he sets off on his adventure to Fantasy Island, where he hopes to learn right from wrong and fulfil his dreams of becoming a real boy. 2pm & 6pm. £18, concs £16.
Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders + Accompanying Puppet-making Workshop
The Muni Theatre ColneA beautiful new Hoglets play for pre- and primary-aged children. Featuring beautiful handmade puppets, original songs and music and an age-old message that the love we show to others comes back to us in time.
Chicago: Teen Edition
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneStage Door Youth Theatre present Chicago. Adults: £15, Concessions: £12.
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.
Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterExperience the ultimate tribute to Whitney’s remarkable musical repertoire in an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.
The Big Brass Blowout
Bradford City Centre Various venues, BradfordThe Big Brass Blowout brings together a variety of class brass acts for three glorious days and nights of music across Bradford District. From Black Dyke classics to bhangra mash-ups, come along to celebrate the best in brass. See website for the full programme of concerts and events.
Echoes Of The North
Victoria Hall, Saltaire ShipleyEchoes of the North: Four Chapters in Time captures the North as it’s rarely seen today. Drawn from over 100 fragments of archive film, this evocative silent movie takes audiences down the highways and byways of Northern life in the early 20th century – our communities and industries, our villages and cities, and the landmark moments that defined our lives, with BD1 Brass leading a musical and cinematic celebration of Northern England.
The UK Pink Floyd Experience
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonCelebrating 50 years since the release of the ‘Wish You Were Here’ album, UK Pink Floyd Experience recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live – featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and more than two hours of incredible music
Made In Motor City
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxThe Made In Motor City performance recreates the classic music and sounds of Motown hits from the 1960s/1970s. The show is dedicated to recreating the Sounds of Detroit (Motor City), fronted by the incredible talents of the bands three female vocalists, Alex Schofield, Loise Leather and Kerry-Jo Reed. £18, concs £16.
National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove (Screening)
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsSeven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. 2pm & 7pm.
The Enchanted Princess Ball
The Muni Theatre ColneThis Royal Princess Extravaganza is a fast paced, high energy and engaging musical toe tapping adventure that is perfect for the whole family featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and lots of songs, dance, laughs and audience participation! Fancy Dress to this show is highly encouraged. £20, concs £18.
Far from the Madding Crowd
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenCapricious, independent and beautiful Bathsheba Everdene inherits and manages her uncle’s farm. She is courted by three infatuated suitors: an honest, loyal and capable shepherd; a womanising and charming Sergeant; and a lonely, wealthy farmer. Who will she choose? If any of them?
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.
Lionel – The Music Of Lionel Richie
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesFollowing his appearances with Lionel Richie himself on ITV’s ‘Sunday Night at The Palladium’ and the ‘Graham Norton Show’ for the BBC, Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse and breathtaking performance in this high-octane show celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores. £28 - £30.
Angelica Sprockets Pockets
The Muni Theatre ColneFilled with Folksy’s touch of live music, puppetry, audience interaction and madness! This fun-filled show is the perfect treat for the whole family! Adult £14, concs £12, family £42.
Puppet Spectacular Glow Show
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesJoin us for a Puppet Spectacular Glow Show, a captivating one-hour UV puppet show featuring a cast of colourful characters that will delight audiences of all ages. Adult £13, child £11.
Adventures in Science
Chorley Theatre Dole Lane, ChorleySeriously Silly Science For All Ages. Join 'The Magical Mr West' on an incredible adventure into the world of science! Aided by his corvid companion Crowbert and a collection of curious contraptions. Adult £12, child £10.
La Boheme
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordSenbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent production featuring the Ukranian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra. £30.25 - £48.25.
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.