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.
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.
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.
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.
YORKSHIRE DAY CELEBRATION WEEKEND 2025 – ILKLEY
Ilkley Town Centre Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, IlkleyThe activities will run from Friday 1st August to Sunday 3rd August with three fun-packed days of live music, food, drink, family fun, poetry, drama and lots of civic pride.
Hidden Hoards and Fascinating Finds
Clitheroe Castle Castle Hill, ClitheroeExplore this fantastic new exhibition showcasing some of Lancashire's best archaeological finds. With objects spanning thousands of years this exhibition delves back through Lancashire's history, exploring the stories surrounding these objects and how they came to be buried in the ground. Entry included with museum admission.
Enchanted Summer
Clitheroe Castle & Museum Castle Hill, ClitheroeVisit Clitheroe Castle museum this August and enjoy our enchanted summer activities. Join the enchanted trails competition and search the museum galleries for the hidden knights and princesses. Find them all and you could be a winner of a fabulous goody bag. Free with museum admission. Why not create a feathered fortress, or other knightly craft, whilst you're here? Choose from a number of themed crafts and get creative making your own souvenir to take home and enjoy. Prices start at £1, museum admission does not apply. Daily drop in events, no need to book. Find out more and plan your visit at http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle
Day Out with Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryTake a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day out with Thomas. It’s all aboard the famous blue steam train for a magical ride on Thomas the Tank Engine. Adult £24.97, child £14.85.
1635 HOUSEHOLD
Skipton Castle SkiptonJourney back to the 17th Century and see a glimpse of Skipton Castle's household life.
Woof Shack
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyOn the first Sunday of every month there is a monthly dog socialisation group – Woof Shack! Enjoy group walks around one of the local dog-friendly routes at HAPPA, games, specialist talks, advice and much more!
MOORS FOR THE FUTURE: BOGTASTIC VAN
East Riddlesden Hall Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.Join the team from Moors for the Future Partnership as they bring the Bogtastic van to East Riddlesden Hall. Experience this ‘bog in a van’, with its interactive displays, gully blocking model and bouncy bog floor!
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+.
Castle Craft – Creative Fun Every Wednesday!
Clitheroe Castle & Museum Castle Hill, ClitheroeLooking for something magical to do with the kids this summer? Join us at Clitheroe Castle Museum for Castle Crafts, bookable children's craft sessions running every Wednesday in August! Get hands-on with themed activities inspired by knights, princesses, and medieval life. Perfect for kids of all ages. Unleash your child’s creativity in a wonderful historic setting! Booking essential – spaces are limited! Find out more and secure your place at http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle Every Wednesday from 11:30am.
JIM JONES ALL STARS
The Trades Club Hebden BridgePut simply, Jim Jones All Stars are one of the most thrilling and exciting live acts on the circuit today.
First Thursday Comedy
The Met Market Street, BuryHilarious comedy at The Met on the First Thursday of every month. Featuring Freddy Quinne, Sully O’Sullivan, Sam Ayinde and MC Hayley Ellis.
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR – Outdoor Theatre
Lytham Hall Ballam Rd,, Lytham St Annes,, LancashireIllyria return with a different cast to present one of Shakespeare’s most amusing comedies as the penniless Sir John Falstaff plots to find one, or two, rich women to assist. Adult £18, Senior/Students £15, child £9.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Rufford Old Hall 200 Liverpool Road, RuffordJoin Chapterhouse Theatre Company as they bring the bard’s beloved tragedy to life in the grounds of Rufford Old Hall. The tragedy that follows is one of the world’s most enduring love stories. Adult £20, child £14, family £60. Tel: 01704 821 254.
THE COURETTES
The Trades Club Hebden BridgeThe Courettes is an explosive rock duo from Denmark and Brazil who found the perfect blend between Garage Rock, 60s Girl Group, Wall of Sound, R&B, surf music and Doo Wop.
CLITHEROE FOOD FESTIVAL
Town Centre, Clitheroe ClitheroeClitheroe Food Festival returns on Saturday 9th August 2025. The focus of the festival is on the finest food and drink producers in Ribble Valley and Lancashire but also offers food and drink from different parts of England. The ultimate celebration of local food. Entry free.
Halifax Agricultural Show
Savile Park. Savile Park, HalifaxA great family day out in West Yorkshire with both traditional and modern classes and entertainment. There are thousands of exhibits covering competitions for horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, vintage vehicles, horticulture, handicrafts, bees and their popular dog show. There will be 60+ trade stands, craft stalls, food court and beer tent.
Ripley Show
Ripley Castle Ripley, HarrogateThere will be the usual classes including cattle, sheep, fleeces, horses and ponies, heavy horses, donkeys and driving classes. In 2025 we will be introducing classes for Concours D’Elegance and Rescue Horses and for Valais Blacknose Sheep. Loads of attractions for all the family including an amazing BMX display, a fun dog show, terrier racing, giant tortoises, heavy horses, hound parade and vintage cars and tractors.
An Evening With Professor Alice Roberts
St George's Hall Bridge St, BradfordJoin Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another.
Story Tour: The Georgian & Regency Tour of Lancaster
Lancaster City Museum Market Square,, LancasterThese unique story tours let you discover the local history in a brand new way, through the personal stories of the people who lived it. Starting from Lancaster City Museum, this 1.5 hour walking tour will take you around the city centre. This fun family-friendly tour is led by 'Johnny Eccleston', Lancaster coachman of ill repute (aka expert guide Tom Hudson).11am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 3.30pm. Adfult £10, child £2.50.
CHROMATOGRAPHY ART: STEAM CLUB
National Coal Mining Museum New Road, WakefieldExplore how scientists use chromatography to detect contaminants in water and uncover hidden substances in colourful mixtures.
PADDINGTON IN PERU (2024) WITH CRAFT ACTIVITY
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonPaddington in Peru marks the return of the beloved marmalade-loving bear in his third cinematic adventure.
Colin Manford: Off The Record
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonThe debut performance of Colin Manford‘s brand new show Off The Record! Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or someone who just nods along at parties, Off the Record will make you laugh, cringe, and question everything you thought you knew about music.
Gargrave Show
Eshton Hall GargraveGargrave Show is held in the grounds of Eshton Hall just outside of Gargrave and near Skipton. A great day out for all the family with farm animal, horticulture and handicrafts classes, as well as show jumping, fell running, sheep dog trials and family fun events.
FLORES DE CHEVALERIE
Skipton Castle SkiptonFlores De Chevalerie brings the 13th Century medieval tournament to life, featuring genuine competitive combat combined with historical authenticity.
Lytham 1940s Weekend
Lytham Green Lytham St. AnnesLytham relives the 1940s wartime era with a weekend of forties singing, dancing, weapons displays, historic vehicles, military charities, vintage traders and so much more. Free. Car parking £10.
The Temple Newsam Food Festival
Temple Newsam Temple Newsam Road, LeedsInternational street food, artisan market, live Chef demo's, live music and family entertainment. A great day out for all the family. Adult £6.95, under 16s £4.95, under 5's free.
HAPPA’S FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE
Happa Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, BurnleyDon’t miss the first-ever Burnley Festival of the Horse. Held at Shores Hey Farm in Burnley, this one-day horse festival is a fantastic day out for families, horse lovers, and riders of all levels.
OUTDOOR THEATRE: WRONGSEMBLE PRESENT BREADCRUMBS
East Riddlesden Hall Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.This brand new family show packed full of music, magic and puppetry from Wrongsemble and Gala Durham celebrates how even the simplest story can become the wildest festive fairy tale in the hands of the right storyteller!
A DAY OF KNIGHTS WITH THE SILVER SCHOOL OF ARMS
Clitheroe Castle Castle Hill, ClitheroeEnjoy an exciting day of weapons handling and displays of sword fighting. Demonstrations of medieval combat will take place, so why not drop into this free family-friendly event and meet the experts?
Day of Knights
Clitheroe Castle & Museum Castle Hill, ClitheroeJoin us on Sunday 17 August for an action-packed Day of Knights with the Silver School of Arms. Enjoy an exciting day of weapons handling and displays of sword fighting. Demonstrations of medieval combat will take place between 11am and 3pm so why not drop into this free family friendly event and meet the experts. Children must be accompanied at all times.
BRONTË BABIES
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthBrontë Babies sessions for little ones aged 0-walking, introducing them to the sensory world of the Brontës, using a bespoke ‘High Waving Heather’ collection. There are things to touch, see, hear and smell.
FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY 2025
Clitheroe Castle Castle Hill, ClitheroeMeet local archaeologists and experts who will be on hand to answer your questions and share their knowledge. There will be specialists in a range of eras from prehistory all the way to the industrial era, and in a variety of fields like artifact conservation and archaeological technologies.
Twelfth Night
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleShipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entwined in a hilarious love triangle. Serving Duke Orsino, who secretly loves Countess Olivia, Viola finds herself in a twist when Olivia falls for her in disguise!
Charity Jigsaw Festival
St. Martin’s Church, Church Lane,, Brighouse.View the magnificent display of 1,850 pre-owned and new jigsaw puzzles, as one is sold another replaces it. Fri, Sat, Mon - 10am to 5pm, Sun - 12noon to 5pm. Entry £2, aqcompanied children free.
THE GREAT BRITISH RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL
Colne Town Centre ColneTaking place for the 34th time in 2025, prepare yourselves for three incredible days of live music across the beautiful little town of Colne in East Lancashire. £100 for early bird weekend tickets.
SUMMER OF PLAY: FREE ENTRY DAY
East Riddlesden Hall Bradford Road,, Riddlesden, Keighley.Hear about the exciting summer programme and join in with special free entry day events, including: dance lessons with Bingley Dance Studio, outdoor fun with Get Out More, a henna stand, with Kashmala, inflatable courses and bouncy castles, with play in the park funded by Keighley Town Council.
THE YORKSHIRE HIGHWAYMAN
Skipton Castle SkiptonCome and meet John Nevison, one of Britain's most notorious highwaymen, a gentleman rogue supposedly nicknamed Swift Nick by King Charles II after a renowned 200-mile dash from Kent to York to establish an alibi for a robbery he had committed earlier that day.