Northern Life Magazine

UK City of Culture 2025
2025-01-01 - 2025-12-31 | Various venues Bradford
Bradford 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
2025-01-11 10:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00 (Europe/London) | Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Leeds
On 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
2025-02-01 - 2025-12-31 | Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
The 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
2025-02-11 00:00 - 2025-11-05 00:00 | Blackpool Tower Circus, Blackpool
Experience stunts, comedy, and legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo at this historic circus.

Axe-Throwing
2025-03-24 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00 | The Axe Imperium, The Fun House, Colne
Axes 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
2025-03-29 - 2025-12-31 | Salts Mill, Saltaire, Shipley
An 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
2025-04-02 - 2025-11-02
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
2025-04-05 14:00 - 2025-11-01 16:00 | Bradford Police Museum,, City Hall, Centenary Square,, Bradford
Experience 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
2025-04-13 10:00 - 2025-12-14 15:00 | Roberts Park, Higher Coach Road, Saltaire
The 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
2025-04-20 10:30 - 2025-10-19 15:00 | Heskin Hall, Wood Lane, Chorley
Monthly 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
2025-07-10 - 2025-09-13 | The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 525 Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool
Thirty 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
2025-07-16 - 2025-09-07 | Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
The 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
2025-07-19 11:00 - 2025-08-31 16:00 | Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
The 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
2025-07-20 - 2025-07-21 | Roberts Park, Higher Coach Road, Saltaire
The 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.

Colne Grand Prix
2025-07-22 17:00 - 21:30 | Colne Town Centre, Colne
The race is part of the British Cycling Elite National Circuit Series and utilises a closed-road 800m circuit around Colne’s one-way system, making for a fast and exhilarating spectacle. As a round of the National Elite Series, the top riders in the country come to Colne to take part in this prestigious event.

GARSTANG SHORT WALK
2025-07-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Garstang, Preston
Join Wyre Coast & Countryside Service volunteer walk leaders for a relaxed walk along the footpaths and tracks of Garstang’s countryside and historic Market Town.

FESTIVAL OF FUN
2025-07-23 10:00 - 16:30 | Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick
Set sail on a swashbuckling quest with the legendary Pirates of Swashbuckle Bay‍, then step into a land where fairytales come to life and princesses await!

WILD WEDNESDAY!
2025-07-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
Popular Wednesday workshops that are a great opportunity to sit down for a while with a local artist and make something Brontë-inspired to take home with you. Perfect for children, but all ages welcome!

CHOCOLATE ROCKS
2025-07-23 11:00 - 15:30 | National Coal Mining Museum, New Road, Wakefield
Explore the three main rock types, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, through hands-on classification. Then model the rock cycle with a fun, edible chocolate experiment!

FANTASTIC MR. FOX (2009) WITH CRAFT ACTIVITY
2025-07-24 09:45 - 12:00 | Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
As part of our Wes Anderson double-header, join us for a wild, witty adventure with Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Anderson’s stop-motion masterpiece based on the beloved Roald Dahl book.

Pony Squad
2025-07-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
If your child loves horses and wants to learn more about them in a fun and interactive environment, the Pony Squad at HAPPA is the perfect opportunity. Tailored for children of all experience levels, this program offers a chance to develop equine skills while making new friends and having fun! 10am – 12pm for ages 6-10. 1pm – 3pm for ages 11-16.

BUSY LIKE THE BRONTËS!
2025-07-24 11:00 - 15:00 | Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
The Brontës sketched, painted, embroidered and loved to create amazing tiny books to tell imaginary stories as children. Join us to have a go at a range of activities inspired by Brontë busy-ness.

Shakespeare in the Garden at Leighton Hall
2025-07-24 18:00 - 23:00 | Leighton Hall, Carnforth
This years’ alfresco performance, set in Leighton Hall’s beautiful gardens, is As You Like It. Performed by The Festival Players. Tel: 01524 734 474.

Sky Full of Stars - A Tribute to Coldplay
2025-07-24 19:30 | The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
Get ready for an electrifying night of music and fun at A Sky Full of Stars, the ultimate tribute to Coldplay! Join us for an unforgettable evening that captures the exhilarating essence of one of the world’s most iconic bands! £32.75 – £34.75.

One Night in Dublin
2025-07-24 19:30 | The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax
Receiving rave reviews for its incredible musicians and great song choices, Middi and his award-winning tribute band cover all of your favourite sing-along Irish classics – including ‘Galway Girl’, ‘Tell Me Ma’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Dirty Old Town,’The Black Velvet Band’ and many more!

SeekOut Arts & Music Festival
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27 | Gisburn Forest, Stephen Park, Ribble Valley
Located in the breathtaking woodland setting of Gisburn Forest, this one-of-a-kind micro festival offers high quality live music, DJ’s, interactive art, theatre, well-being activities and much more! Various prices. Doors open 1pm.

DIG & DISCOVER: FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY
2025-07-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
The theme of this year’s festival is Archaeology and wellbeing so come along and join us in our Castle Critters room for a range of archaeology-based family activities.

Chorley Flower Show 2025
2025-07-25 10:00 - 2025-07-27 17:00 | Astley Park, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1XA
Don’t miss a blooming marvellous day out at Chorley Flower Show, as it returns for its 10th anniversary. Set to captivate families, flower enthusiasts and gardening fanatics, there’s plenty to enjoy for everyone, including your canine companions, at Chorley Flower Show.

Cirque: The Greatest Show - Reimagined
2025-07-26 | The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax
Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights. 3pm & 7pm.

Own a Pony Day
2025-07-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
A special experience for children aged 6–16 to learn the ins and outs of pony care and build a bond with one of our residents.
