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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Katharine Holmes and Three Generations of Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage
The Folly, Victoria Street, Settle BD24 9EY The Folly, Victoria Street, SettleThis exhibition explores Katharine Holmes’s stunning modern paintings alongside the work of her mother and grandmother, Phillipa Holmes and Constance Pearson. Selected works by Katharine Holmes will be for sale. Runs until Sat, 3 January 2026
BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL
Various Venues KnareboroughBritish Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it.
OFF THE SHELF FESTIVAL OF WORDS
Sheffield City CentreThe month-long celebration of books, words and ideas will bring leading literary voices, cultural figures and performers to venues across the city.
SKIPTON MONSTER TRIAL
High Street, Skipton SkiptonTen monsters are hiding around town. Are you brave enough to find them? Find the monsters hidden in shop windows around the town centre and write down the letters they are hiding. Find the hidden word to be entered into a prize draw.
Bradford International Film Festival
Various Venues across BradfordBradford International Film Festival (BradIFF) is back! Celebrating the creativity of Bradford’s filmmakers alongside outstanding films from across the UK and beyond, BradIFF brings the magic of cinema to the heart of our UNESCO City of Film. With a rich filmmaking heritage and a thriving creative scene, Bradford has long been a powerhouse for film and television—and in 2025, the city shines even brighter as the UK City of Culture.
THE ELF EXPLORER
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway The Railway Station, Station Road, HaworthStep into a world of festive wonder with The Elf Explorer – a heart-warming steam train journey packed with Christmas cheer, mischievous elves, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
THE UNFRIEND
Ilkley Playhouse Weston Road, IlkleyWhen Peter and Debbie meet the super-friendly, lifeloving, Trump-supporting Elsa on a cruise, they politely agree to stay in contact – because that’s the polite thing to do, isn’t it? But when Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to do some research into their uninvited guest… and uncover Elsa’s shocking hidden past. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £5 - £14.
Matilda
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordThis anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical. Various times & prices.
THE RAILWAY 200 EXHIBITION TRAIN
Blackpool North Station Talbot Road, BlackpoolSporting an eye-catching livery, visitors, young and old, will go on a journey of discovery exploring the railway’s 200-year story of innovation, brought to life by interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities.
BONFIRE NIGHT COLNE
Colne Cricket Club Byron Rd, ColneAn unforgettable bonfire and firework display! Ticket details to be released.
ABBAMANIA
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenEurope's leading ABBA tribute, ABBAmania, continues to entertain audiences with its outstanding vocals and musical performances live on stage.
THE BIG CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY 2025
Lancaster Grand Theatre St Leonardgate, LancasterStep into the Christmas spirit with James B Partridge and his The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 show. This festive event promises a joyful evening of sing-along classics, taking you back to the nostalgia of Christmases past.
Dear England
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsThe National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to Leeds in a highly anticipated tour. From multi-award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), this five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager, in a ‘gripping’ (Times) examination of nation and game. 7.30pm. Wed & Thurs mat 2pm. £33 - £68.
SHED STORIES
Wesley Methodist Church 28 Oxford St, HarrogateUniquely blending theatre, movement and documentary, Shed Stories is a heartwarming performance that brings to life the world of ‘Men’s Sheds’; community groups where people can come together to make, repair and repurpose as well as improve their wellbeing and mental health.
SKIPTON MUSIC PRESENTS: JUNYAN CHEN
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonJunyan Chen, second prize winner at the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition, is a rising star known for her versatility and passion for contemporary music.
AFTERLIVES OF THE BRONTËS
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthThis online course, led by Gothic literature expert Dr Sam Hirst, will explore different aspects of this question. Examine the histories of publication and discovery, look at the ‘afterlives’ of the Brontës in biographies and biopics – as well as claims of the Brontës’ afterlife return! Six-week course.
THE OVERTONES CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportExpect a perfect mix of classic Christmas hits with the best feel-good hits from disco, soul, Motown and pop, all with The Overtones' unique twist and delivered with the charm and charisma that has made them a household name.
SNOW WHITE
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordMirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest panto of them all! Bring a touch of fairytale sparkle to your festive season with this year’s magical pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!
LIGHT UP LANCASTER
Town Centre, Lancaster LancasterThis year’s theme has been announced as ‘In The Blink of an Eye’. Audiences will experience a festival where shapeshifting, illusion and the ever-changing will be reflected in fun, engaging and clever light artworks.
BONFIRE NIGHT BACUP
Bacup Cricket Club Lane Head Lane, BacupGates open at 5 pm. The Bonfire will be lit at 5.30 pm. "Silent" fireworks at 6.30 pm, followed by the main display at 7.30 pm. There will be lots to do to entertain the whole family, including Fairground Rides and Children's Stalls, which will run until 9 pm. Early bird £12.
BONFIRE WEEKEND THORNTON HALL
Thornton Hall Country Park Thornton in Craven, BarnoldswickThis sell-out spectacular returns – bigger, brighter, and louder than ever before! Get ready for a blazing bonfire, jaw-dropping fireworks, and a night packed full of crackling excitement, tasty treats, and sparkling family fun.
FOCUS
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportThe band from the 1960s/70s that just keeps giving. Fresh from a successful 2024, which included the release of their new studio album Focus 12, they will traverse Europe to give their loyal fans what they always want: a good time and timeless music.
Colne Orchestra – Man and Machine
The Muni Theatre ColneThe David Foulds Memorial concert will be held in memory of our long service member, committee member and President. As a renowned local business owner of Foulds Lifts, with a long standing and proud family heritage of engineering and machine will therefore see the concert cover a varied programme of music inspired by or about machines!Under 16s free.
HANGAR GUIDED TOURS
The Spitfire Visitor Centre Hanger 42, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, LancashireTicket only day at the Spitfire Visitor Centre. These tours are suitable for children aged 10 years and above. The WW2 Themed Cafe will be open, serving Hot Drinks and a selection of Cakes and light snacks.
WALLACE & GROMIT WITH LIVE BRASS BAND
Life Church BurnleyAfter the sell-out success of the last live-to-picture performance, presenting The Wrong Trousers with live brass band at Life Church.
The Wittering Whitehalls: Barely Alive
St George's Hall Bridge St, BradfordJoin Michael and Hilary for an exclusive show as they bring their hit podcast to the stage. Take a comfy (-ish) seat and garner their thoughts on everything from workouts to weddings, seaside towns to social media and everything in between!
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyBased on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
ENCHANTED – THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
The Muni Theatre ColnePerformed by a cast of talented live singers from the world of Musical Theatre, this concert features beautifully arranged music from timeless classics such as Frozen, Tangled, Moana, Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, and many more.
COUNT ARTHUR STRONG IS CHARLES DICKENS IN ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsCount Arthur Strong takes on one of the literary greats, the famous Charles Dickens, and then presents his one-man interpretation of A Christmas Carol.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL
The Grand Theatre 18 York Street, Clitheroe9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the 1980 hit movie. This hilarious story of friendship and revenge is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic!
From Gold To Rio
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonThe Greatest Hits of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran. Two of the UK's most iconic bands will be brought to life in one power packed tribute show.
SAOS: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, SettleGo Go Go ! …… Settle Amateur Operatic Society perform one of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 7pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. Adult £18, child £12.
PACK OF LIES
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnThe Jacksons are a nice middle-aged English couple. Their best friends are their Canadian neighbours, the Krogers. All is blissful in their world until a detective from Scotland Yard asks to use their house as an observation station to try and foil a Soviet spy ring operating in the area.
YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET 2025
Parliament Street YorkYork's award-winning Christmas Market is back from 13th November to 21st December 2025, bringing festive cheer to the heart of the city. Support local businesses while enjoying a magical Christmas!
THURSDAY TALK: THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ELIZABETH GASKELL AND CHARLOTTE BRONTË
Bronte Parsonage Museum Church Street, HaworthThis Thursday Talk will be delivered by Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Elizabeth Gaskell Society and a dedicated advocate for literary access across communities.
THE NUTCRACKER
Royal Hall, Harrogate Ripon Road, HarrogateFollowing last year’s phenomenal success, Imperial Classical Ballet® is delighted to return to the UK with their breathtaking production of The Nutcracker.
SUZY HOMEMAKER
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonSuzy Homemaker was a line of miniature functional toy household appliances produced by Topper Toys, and launched in 1966, teaching girls how to be the perfect housewife. In this performance we see women throughout history trapped in a role they did not ask for, and had no choice in.
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonDust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present! Over two hours of classic rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, Eagles and Jimi Hendrix to name but a few!
MUTTON
West Park United Reform Church West Park, HarrogateMutton is a new dark comedy from Brave Words, exploring the life and times of the Yorkshire Witch. How the desperation of ordinary folk in the early 1800s is paralleled today.
Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre New Market Street, ColneEach year, the theatre is transformed into a major exhibition hall and regularly features over 70 local crafters and artists. There are always new and unusual crafts to see, along with all our regular exhibitors.