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.
WAR HORSE
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsBased on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, and directed by Tom Morris, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.
MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD
Keighley Playhouse Devonshire Street, KeighleyA drama by Charlotte Keatley.
Calamity Jane – Musical
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordBased on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables). Various times & prices.
The Makings Of A Murder 2
St. George's Hall BradfordJoin us for a chilling, thrilling night at the theatre as Colin Sutton, who was head of a Metropolitan Police murder squad tells us the stories of how he caught some of the UK’s most evil murderers.
A PARTICULARLY NASTY CASE: A MURDEROUSLY FUNNY EVENING WITH ADAM KAY
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsJoin BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Adam Kay for an evening of hilarious and horrifying anecdotes, as well as a unique insight into the British healthcare system as he takes the audience behind the blood-splattered blue curtain.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
The Palace Theatre ManchesterSet in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub.
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall, LeedsDiscover the world of craft beer at Leeds International Beer Festival, featuring breweries, live music, and street food in a lively setting.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: INTER ALIA
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleLive screening from National Theatre Live. A new play by Suzie Miller. Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind Prima Facie.
JAKE XERXES FUSSELL
The Trades Club Hebden BridgeJake Xerxes Fussell is a singer, guitarist, and composer based in Durham, NC. His intuitive creative process often draws from traditional music and archival field recordings – incorporating elements of songs from the past into new work.
SECRET SHIBDEN TOUR
Shibden Hall Lister's Road, HalifaxDiscover the hidden treasures of Shibden Hall with the exclusive ‘Secret Shibden’ tour. This unique guided tour offers a rare glimpse into the historic and often unseen parts of the hall, including ornate wall paintings and the Tower Library.
The Fleetwood Mac Legacy – Go Your Own Way
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonGo Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac.
Bradford on Foot
Bradford on Foot BradfordDiscover Bradford on Foot, a collection of themed walks and tours exploring hidden streets, scenic countryside, and local heritage. Curated for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, these routes have been selected by walking groups, historians, schoolchildren, artists, and locals. All available to download or pick up in paper format at Bradford libraries.
OKTOBERFEST AT PLEASURE BEACH RESORT
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ocean Boulevard Promenade, BlackpoolIncluded with your eticket, Oktoberfest will be in the Hub every Saturday in September and will offer everything you’d expect, from traditional Bavarian sausages, pretzels, and steins of beer to the resident oompah band, The Amazing Bavarian Stompers.
Keighley & District Agricultural Show
KEIGHLEY & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOW Marley Fields, Aireworth Road, KeighleyGet ready for a fun-filled day at the Keighley & District Agricultural Show! There are traditional Cattle and Sheep classes, over 100 classes will be available in the Horticulture section for novices and experienced gardeners alike. A wide range of Equestrian, Driving and Donkey classes will also be running throughout the day, from Heavy Horses to Shetlands and everything in between. Also it’s non-stop, thrill-a-minute with this year’s Special Attraction, Dangerous Steve’s Quad Bike and Motorbikes.
THE BURNING HELL
The Trades Club Hebden BridgeThe Burning Hell is the ongoing musical project of songwriter Mathias Kom and multi-instrumentalist Ariel Sharratt, often including additional comrades and collaborators.
BACKYARD CINEMA’S ROMEO + JULIET
Albert Hall Manchester 27 Peter St, ManchesterA live choir will perform stunning interpretations of iconic songs from the soundtrack, including Young Hearts, Everybody’s Free, Kissing You, and Doves Cry.
THE BAY CITY ROLLERS
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, BarnoldswickCome on down to Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre for an amazing Retromania trip that you won’t forget.
BBC Proms: Angelique Kidjo: African Symphony
St. George's Hall BradfordFive-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo presents a special concert in Bradford as part of BBC Proms. £11 - £31.
Tony Christie – The Great Farewell Tour
City Varieties Music Hall 46 New Briggate, LeedsThe legendary crooner continues his great farewell unplugged tour, entertaining audiences around the world with incredible showmanship, an unmistakable powerful vocal that has captivated generation after generation, and a set list that packs a punch. £29/£36.
THE GOOD LIFE – Bingley Little Theatre Production
Bingley Arts Centre Main Street, BingleyWhen Tom and Barbara Good decide to exchange the pressures of the rat race for an alternative, more sustainable way of living, they set about turning their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. It’s the good life for them – but not for Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, who live next door, and are desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm.
Autumn Tea Dance
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonBring your dancing shoes to the Autumn edition of the ever popular Town Hall Tea Dance! You will be entertained by Blackpool Tower resident organist, John Bowdler.
Woven Through Time: Bradford’s Textile Industry – Past and Present
Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Road, BradfordBorn and raised in Bradford, Ian Beesley is an award winning and internationally acclaimed artist and photographer. During the 1970s and 80s, Ian was given the opportunity to photograph inside the working mills of Bradford. For this exhibition, Ian has revisited Bradford’s textile industry once again, capturing how it has changed in the decades since. Closed Mon. Exhibition ends 16th Nov.
THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyDust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present.
BLACK TIE BALL
Harrogate Theatre Oxford Street, HarrogateBy turns satirical and touching, Godber turns his laser gaze onto the Black Tie Ball in all its sophisticated pomp. Told in his signature visceral style, this hilarious comedy sees the hotel staff recount an entire evening at breakneck speed from arrival at seven to carriages at midnight.
MILITARY WIVES: THE MUSICAL
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkA joyous celebration of female friendship, courage and ‘unsung’ heroes. Get ready for the inspirational story of the Military Wives choir as they change the world one song at a time.
Nigel Slater’s Toast
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyToast is the story of Nigel Slater’s childhood; told through the tastes and smells he grew up with. From making the perfect sherry trifle to waging a war over cakes, from the pressured playground politics of sweets to the rigid rules of restaurant dining, this is a story of love, loss and toast. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £5 - £14.
The Greatest Love of All Starring Belinda Davids
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxWhitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute concert described as “mind-blowingly spot on.” Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – as seen on Britain’s Got Talen
Cloudbusting – The Music Of Kate Bush
King's Hall Station Road, IlkleyFeaturing material from across Kate’s hugely successful catalogue of albums, all delivered with breath-taking vocals from Mandy Watson and superb musicianship from the live band.
ROSIE JONES: I CAN’T TELL WHAT SHE’S SAYING
The Studio Morley Street, BradfordJoin star of Taskmaster Rosie Jones as she heads back out on the road with her brand-new stand-up show. She's talking about the big stuff: being single, the pressures of representing huge sections of the population, and gravy. Oh, and boobs.
Railway 200Yrs Celebration Weekend
East Lancashire Railway 23a Bolton St, BuryEast Lancashire Railway is celebrating the 200th anniversary and the birth of the modern railway. There will be intensive timetable of steam and heritage diesel trains full length of the 12-miles between Heywood, Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, including additional attractions up and down the line. Various prices.
The Story Behind Motown
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnStep into the world of Motown and experience the magic behind the music that defined an era. The Story Behind Motown, founded by the legendary Mr Berry Gordy Jr., takes you on an unforgettable journey back to Detroit City, famously known as Hitsville USA.
The Return of the Legends
St. George's Hall BradfordBrendan, James, Pasha, Vincent and Ian together with a supporting cast are back to create another evening of spectacular dancing, hilarious camaraderie, great music and a huge amount of laughter! £32.50 - £58.00.
Oh What a Night!
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonOh What a Night takes you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Don’t miss the ultimate celebration of one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands!
Northern Ballet’s Merlin
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsThe man, the myth and the legend are brought to life through spectacular sets and costumes, mind-boggling special effects and Northern Ballet’s signature blend of world-class dance and storytelling. 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. £23 - £68.
Heritage Open Day 2025
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterCome along for a free behind-the-scenes experience at Lancaster Grand Theatre as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival! Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or just curious about what lies behind the scenes, this is an event not to be missed. 10am, 12pm & 2pm. Each tour last 90 mins. Free.
Saltaire Festival
Saltaire Village Victoria Road, SaltaireExperience the vibrant spirit of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this autumn at the Saltaire Festival! Enjoy a spectacular lineup of events and activities, including electrifying live music, mesmerising art exhibitions, fun-filled family activities, and delicious food from local stallholders.
Backstage Tour – Heritage Open Day
Bradford Playhouse 4 – 12 Chapel St,Little Germany,, Bradford.Ever wondered what Bradford Playhouse looks like behind the scenes? Find out on one of the free, guided backstage tours this September, part of our Heritage Open Day. 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Booking essential.
A Good Yarn
Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Road, BradfordA Good Yarn is quite the sight – a gigantic yarn ball, three metres high and wide. It was created by 2,500 residents of BD10, who plaited vast quantities of found and donated fabric into a kilometre-long rope and then wound it into a ball. After following its rolls through the streets of BD10 the yarn ball which was the brainchild of Luke Jerram, is now on display at Bradford Industrial Museum.