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.
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.
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.
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.
Bradford Literature Festival
Bradford City Centre Various venues, BradfordBradford Literature Festival is an annual festival and year-round cultural outreach programme. Encompassing the best of literature, music, theatre, cultural discussions, lectures and family events. Over 500 events take place in historic venues over the course of ten days celebrating the written and spoken word in all of its glorious forms.
Ripon Theatre Festival 2025
ripon Ripon, RiponGet ready for a joyful celebration of live performance, bursting with theatre, music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and plenty of laughs. Ripon Theatre Festival is fast becoming a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar—welcoming audiences of all ages with a programme that’s packed with high-quality performances, friendly faces, and magical moments. We’ll be popping up in streets, gardens, museums, and surprise locations all across our glorious city. Expect big laughs, bold ideas, and brilliant memories—and with many events free to attend, it’s the perfect way to kick off your summer.
Tennants Valuations Day at Leighton Hall
Leighton Hall CarnforthFree valuation event, hosted by Tennants Auctioneers. Specialists will look at items including jewellery, ceramics, antiques and paintings.
TK MAXX PRESENTS LYTHAM FESTIVAL 2025
Lytham Green Lytham St. AnnesThe North West's Largest live festival. Kings of Leon, Stevie Wonder, Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake and Simple Minds and Texas will all headline TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2025.
Living the Life of Riley
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonStarring Vicky Entwistle - Living the Life of Riley is a heart-warming, heart-breaking and hilarious tale of a family, trying to negotiate their way through teenage tantrums, autism, and Grandma.
The Highwayman
Matcham Auditorium Drury Lane, WakefieldThis July, West Yorkshire playwright John Godber is bringing his hilarious new play 'The Highwayman' to Theatre Royal Wakefield for three exclusive shows! You will not want to miss out on this brilliant production! It’s 1769, and everyone is flocking north; every ale house is packed with the great and the bad. Yorkshire is the place to be; a region drunk on making money, social climbing, gambling and gin, but with wealth in abundance, the temptation is great. The Highwayman is a thrilling theatrical adventure from John Godber, told in the style of his infamous Bouncers, is visceral, venal and very funny. The Highwayman’s creed is simple; look after number one and to hell with the hangman! Written and directed by John Godber, with music from Ruby Macintosh and starring a collection of emerging actors history will have never felt more alive, and theft never so attractive! Tickets on sale now for 'The Highwayman' at Theatre Royal Wakefield: https://www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk/events/the-highwayman-2025
Rock of Ages
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneRock of Ages presented by Accrington Theatre Group tells the story of a small town girl, a city boy and a rock n roll romance story on the sunset strip. When Dupree's Bourbon room is set to be demolished, its up to the wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day, and the music.
Nanna Mo’s Botox and Bum Lifts
The Met Market Street, BuryAfter doing an online course in cosmetic procedures Nanna Mo has started earning a few quid by giving Botox jabs and Brazilian butt lifts to the fellow residents of her care home. A New Comedy by MaD Theatre Company. £14/£16.
VOULEZ VOUS – THE DINNER PARTY
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyVoulez Vous - The Dinner PartyPresented by LaughlinesLove the sensational music of ‘ABBA’, combined with good food, drink and a great fun night out then the smash hit show - Voulez Vous.
5 Mistakes that Changed History
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxWe all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of history. 5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious historical storytelling show performed by historian and comedian, Paul Coulter, about five people and how their mistakes (big and small!) changed the world. £22.25 - £24.25.
Twisted! The Musical
The Muni Theatre ColneThis brand-new musical is an intriguing continuation of Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver Twist, shedding new light on beloved characters in a thrilling story of redemption, justice and the enduring power of love. Set in the heart of Victorian London, "Twisted! The Musical" follows Oliver Brownlow, now a young man, as he becomes intertwined with Jane, a working-class flower girl battling the harsh realities of life with an alcoholic uncle. This two-hour production combines live music, dynamic performances, and captivating choreography to explore profound themes of resilience, love, and social justice. Developed as a musical reimagining, "Twisted!" gives lovers of "Oliver Twist" a chance to see where Oliver's life has taken him and how he navigates the complexities of adulthood in a world that challenges his ideals. Select performances will feature a Q&A session with the writers, director, and principal cast, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the story and its themes. Age: 12+ Parental Guidance required
Skipton Comedy Live
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonGet ready for a night of non-stop laughter at Skipton Comedy Live! The Hub bar will be open from 7pm with regular drinks intervals throughout the show.
Arctic Numpties
The Met Market Street, BuryExperience the ultimate Arctic Monkeys tribute with Yorkshire's own Arctic Numpties! This passionate band meticulously recreates the Sheffield icons' sound and look, covering hits from all seven albums. £18/£20.
National Festival of Making 2025
Blackburn Town Centre King William Street, BlackburnThe National Festival of Making is a free festival for all to enjoy, taking place in over 20 venues and public spaces across Blackburn town centre over one incredible weekend. Expect to find creative workshops and live street performances for all ages, remarkable exhibitions, talks, film screenings, delicious food from local artisan producers, makers markets, and much more.
Langcliffe Singers
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleLangcliffe Singers return to Victoria Hall to present a fun-filled evening of ballads, songs and snatches from the masters of operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan.
Picture You Dead
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordSuperintendent Roy Grace is back in a brand-new Peter James stage adaptation and world premiere of the bestselling Picture You Dead, which has opened to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Various times & prices.
The Great Yorkshire Show
Great Yorkshire Showground HarrogateThe Great Yorkshire Show is the country's leading agricultural event. Each year the Great Yorkshire Show attracts in excess of 125,000 visitors. A great day out for all the family. Adult £36.50, child £13,under 5s free, family £89.
Disney’s Aladdin – Chorley Youth Theatre
Chorley Theatre Dole Lane, ChorleyRing bells. Bang the drums. Chorley Youth Theatre presents an exciting stage adaptation of the legendary tale of the lovable thief with the heart of gold. Adult £10, child £8, family £32. Various times.
Little Shop Of Horrors
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonLittle Shop of Horrors is the ever popular dark comedy from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, produced by the award-winning Preston Musical Comedy Society. Various prices.
Hot Ice Show XS
The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach 525 Ocean Boulevard, BlackpoolThirty Olympic and world champion skaters join forces on the ice to create a show of passion, pace and nothing short of pure adrenaline. It’s nail-biting, hair-raising, awe-inspiring and tear-jerking. Various times.
Pride & Prejudice – Outdoor Theatre
Rufford Old Hall 200 Liverpool Road, RuffordJoin Chapterhouse Theatre Company as you step back in time over two hundred years and meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate the mire of manners of regency society. Adult £20, child £14, family £60. Tel: 0344 249 1895.
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Rufford Old Hall 200 Liverpool Road, RuffordStep back in time over two hundred years and meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate the mire of manners of regency society.
80’s Live!
St. George's Hall BradfordDirect from London’s West End, we will be heading down the Atlanta Highway, so bring your jukebox money and get ready to Jitterbug.
Beatles Complete
The Met Market Street, BuryFollowing last year’s triumphant sell-out show at The Met, Beatles Complete return to Bury for another night of Beatlemania packed with massive hits from the most influential band of all time. £21.50 - £23.50.
Broadway to Hollywood
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneEncore Dance School presents Broadway to Hollywood. Come and join Encore’s fabulous students showcase their unlimited talents! 2pm & 7.30pm.
Family Fun Day
Alkincoats Park. ColneHaving proven to be a huge success in previous years, the fun day will once again return in 2025 with an array of fun for all the family on offer. There will be something for everyone to enjoy with much of the entertainment being completely free of charge. In addition there will also be giant inflatables, food vendors, funfair rides plus a huge market.
THE MOST PERILOUS COMEDIE OF ELIZABETH I
Hoghton Tower Hoghton, PrestonElizabethan theatre is thriving, but will a new Tudor musical, featuring Good Queen Bess herself, lead to her rise or mark the start of her fall? This production promises to be historically inspired and hilariously entertaining. Outdoor theatre.
Heroes and Villains
The Grand Theatre 18 York Street, ClitheroeHeroes and Villains presented by The Grand Choir - Heroes and villains are the feature of many songs and musicals – from the blockbuster theme songs of Bond movies through to Elphaba in Wicked to villains such as the murderous Sweeney Todd. £6/£8.
“The Myths of Lytham”
Lytham Hall Ballam Rd,, Lytham St Annes,, LancashireAn A-Z creation about things people are unaware of from the past, by David Hoyle from Lytham Archives. Cash on the door £5 including refreshments.
STORY TOUR – Historical Women of Lancaster
Lancaster City Museum Market Square,, LancasterThis city centre tour by Eleanor Levin focuses on women's words and writing about women, including a nurse writing postcards home from WW1 France, an upcycling artist, a loom-breaking luddite, an anti-slavery campaigner, a child much discussed but little understood, a nun, a duke, and a poet. £10, child £2.50.
The Railway Children
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthThe show begins when you board a steam train at Keighley and then travel the full length of this historic railway. When you reach the end of the line at Oxenhope, you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed - and a new version of the production, which tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned. 1pm & 6.3opm. From £15.
UNSERIOUS BUSINESS
Harrogate Studio Theatre Oxford Street, HarrogateGet ready to laugh out loud with Harrogate’s very own hilariously talented improv troupe!
The Craft House – Talk
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamThis talk by the curator of Gawthorpe Textiles Collection tells the fascinating story of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, who grew up at Gawthorpe Hall and had a passion for textiles and craft.
The Clare Teal Five
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleShe’s back! Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal, who returns with a fabulous new show in 2025 to celebrate 25 years of touring.
Rhythm of the Dance
St. George's Hall BradfordFeaturing world class musicians who play live on stage, star vocalists singing live and world champion dancers, this mesmerising show is a completely captivating experience of pulsating rhythms with slick choreography performed at lightning speed. £30.25 - £37.75.
Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show 2025
Salesbury Hall Salesbury Hall Road, RibchesterThe Royal Lancashire Show is held annually at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester. The show is a popular family event with attractions like show jumping, livestock displays, giant tortoises, bee keeping, vintage tractors, military village, children’s funfair and much more. Various prices.
BUCKINGHAM’S RETINUE
Skipton Castle SkiptonLord and Lady Clifford are hosting a weekend of events that will showcase the life and times of late medieval life. Members of the castle household will take part in friendly competition throughout the weekend, with archery contests and combat displays - make sure to cheer for your chosen champion!
Living History Weekend
Samlesbury Hall Preston New Road, PrestonCome and see what life was like in the 1500's! Samlesbury Hall have the fabulous Sir John Saville's household reenactors over 2 days! Indoor displays, outside combats,Guns & archery, Authentic camp and1500's food display.
Wild West Trail
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyThe horses have gone wild on the ranch! Grab your boots and chaps, saddle up and help keep our horses happy and healthy on this interactive themed trail.
Dragon Boat Festival
Roberts Park Higher Coach Road, SaltaireThe event promises to be a fun filled family festival with dragon boat racing on the river and landside attractions for all to enjoy including children’s entertainment, charity stalls, catering stands, landside games, bar, live acts and much, much more. Great family day out.