THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, BarnoldswickThe Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments.
FRANKLY, THE SMITHS
The Muni Theatre ColneThe band has a dedicated, ever-increasing following; their fans agree that this is the tribute act to see for the definitive Smiths experience. Come and see what all the fuss is about!
THE BIG SPRING STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
Heskin Hall Wood Lane, ChorleyThe Big Spring Steampunk Weekend is our annual spring foray into all things Steampunk. Your chance to join in with your spendiferous attire (or not ). Live entertainment. Alternative, goth & more welcome.
1984
The Atkinson Lord Street, Southport‘To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free: From the age of uniformity, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink… greetings!’ Award winning Box Tale Soup present a stunning new adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian classic. Known for their ingenious sets and slick storytelling, Box Tale Soup’s unique puppetry becomes a striking metaphor for Orwell’s chilling vision of power and control. The year is 1984, perhaps – it is impossible to tell for certain. We are being watched, Big Brother is everywhere, truth changes daily, and everyone conforms. But for Winston Smith, insignificant cog in the Party’s vast machine, this half-life is not enough. He dreams of freedom, but is he the only one? Dreams can be deadly when rebellion begins with a thought. Featuring the voices of Sophie Aldred & Joanna Lumley, with Simon Russell Beale as the voice of Big Brother.
Photo North Festival
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsPhoto North Festival returns to Leeds from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, taking over the Carriageworks Theatre for its seventh edition. This acclaimed photography festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and passionate enthusiasts for a weekend of exhibitions, talks, screenings and creative connection. With access to all exhibitions and events included in the ticket price, it offers an inspiring cultural experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
Silsden Beer Festival 2026
Silsden Town Hall Main Street, SilsdenA day filled with delicious brews and good vibes. Get ready to sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for everyone.
CARD FEST 2026
UCLAN Student Union Flyde Rd, PrestonTrading card show featuring Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Lorcana and One Piece vendors. Kids Zone, music, food and great cards!
Hebden Bridge Duck Race
Hebden BridgeAnnual duck race to raise money for The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.
Bloom Festival
Horseshoe Glamping Back Lane, Charnock Richard, ChorleyCelebrate the May bank holiday at Bloom Festival, a weekend of fun, relaxation and trying new experiences. Set in beautiful countryside with glamping.
Ilkley Carnival 2026
Ilkley Town Centre Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, IlkleyThe volunteer-run May Day extravaganza over the past four events has raised more than £100,000 for local community groups which supports organisations including schools, sports clubs, scouts and guides and local charities including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Stroke Group and AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource). With a spectacular parade which starts on The Grove and attracts more than 1,000 participants from local schools, organisations and theatre groups, the highlight of every Ilkley Carnival is the day of family fun that unfolds on our fabulous showground which brings something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Ilkley for the day or part of the neighbourhood which makes this wonderful event the success it is today, Ilkley Carnival is a not-to-be-missed annual event which kickstarts a season of festivals and family celebrations in this wonderful town. With all profits made from ticket sales going back into the local community, Ilkley Carnival is so much more than a one-day festival – with your support and that of the teams of volunteers who make it happen, it’s an event that makes a difference to many lives all year, every year.
HuddLitFest
Huddersfield Town Hall HuddersfieldHuddLitFest is an award-winning Festival taking place annually in May, with community, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. Join us in venues and online for a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance – and much more. Meet your favourite authors, discover new talent and hone your own skills. Many free or low-cost events, including some hybrid and online events and some with live subtitling by Stagetext.
BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL
King's Hall & Winter Gardens Station Rd, IlkleyThe Blackpool Dance Festival began in 1920 in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams. 2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival.