1 January to 31 December
UK City of Culture 2025
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. 1 January to 31 December. https://www.visitbradford.com/

11 January to 28 September
ENGINEERY EXHIBITION
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.       11 January to 28 September. https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/

1 February to 31 December
From Haworth To Eternity: The Enduring Legacy Of The Brontës
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. 1 February to 31 December. bronte.org.uk

11 February to 5 November
THE BLACKPOOL TOWER CIRCUS
Blackpool Tower Circus , Blackpool
Experience stunts, comedy, and legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo at this historic circus. 11 February to 5 November. theblackpooltower.com

24 March to 31 December
Axe-Throwing
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. 24 March to 31 December. https://www.axestoashes.com/axe-imperium

29 March to 31 December
Life Goes On – Exhibition
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.   29 March to 31 December. saltsmill.org.uk

2 April to 2 November
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. 2 April to 2 November. lancashire.gov.uk

5 April to 1 November
Trial By Jury
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. 5 April to 1 November. bradfordpolicemuseum.com

13 April to 14 December
Saltaire Farmers Market
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. 13 April to 14 December. https://realmarkets.co.uk

20 April to 19 October
Monthly Classic Car Rally at Heskin Hall
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. 20 April to 19 October. heskinhall.com

10 July to 13 September
Hot Ice Show XS
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.           £10. 10 July to 13 September. bookings.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

16 July to 7 September
The Railway Children
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. 16 July to 7 September. https://kwvr.co.uk/

19 July to 31 August
Wild West Trail
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. 19 July to 31 August. www.happa.org.uk/events

29 July to 2 August
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Opera House, Winter Gardens , Blackpool
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Blackpool. 7.30pm, Wed, Thurs & Sat mat 2pm. Various prices. 29 July to 2 August. wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

1 August
YORKSHIRE DAY 2025
Yorkshire City Centre
Every year on the first weekend of August, York City Centre buzzes with the spirit of Yorkshire as we celebrate Yorkshire Day! This grand event takes place right in the heart of the city, bringin' together York folk and visitors for a series of excitin' activities and events. Free. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. https://visityork.org/yorkshire-day

1 August to 3 August
YORKSHIRE DAY CELEBRATION WEEKEND 2025 – ILKLEY
Ilkley Town Centre, Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, Ilkley
The 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. Free. 1 August to 3 August. ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk

1 August
YORKSHIRE DAY CELEBRATION – SKIPTON
Skipton Town Centre
Celebrate the magnificence of God’s Own County! Free. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. welcometoskipton.com

1 August to 31 August
Hidden Hoards and Fascinating Finds
Clitheroe Castle, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Explore 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. 1 August to 31 August. http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle

1 August to 31 August
Enchanted Summer
Clitheroe Castle & Museum, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Visit 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 1 August to 31 August. http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle

2 August to 3 August
Day Out with Thomas at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway, 23a Bolton St, Bury
Take 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.             2 August to 3 August. eastlancsrailway.org.uk

2 August
FOREST FAMILY FUN
Harwes Farm, Foulridge, Colne
Forest Family Fun will be led by qualified Forest School practitioners and will flow along a Forest School approach. This event is for families, children are 0-18 years and grown-ups get a chance to play out for free too! Free. 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. harwesfarm.org

2 August
BRONTËS, BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES: A FAMILY DAY AT THE PARSONAGE
Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
Take over the beautiful meadow behind the Brontë Parsonage Museum for a day of fun, free activities for all ages. Come along for storytelling, writing workshops, street theatre, a meadow trail and hands-on activities. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy in Parson’s Field! Free. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. bronte.org.uk

2 August
THE HANDLEBARDS – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston
Join the troupe at in the Wilderness Garden at Hoghton Tower for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ like you’ve never seen before. In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter. Various prices.   6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. hoghtontower.co.uk

2 August
Steak Night at The HAPPA Café
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
A delicious evening out for grown-ups! Enjoy a relaxing night in the HAPPA Café with your choice of locally sourced steaks, a full menu of sides, sauces and desserts, and the option to bring your own bottle. Pre-booking essential — more details at happa.org.uk. £42.50. 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. happa.org.uk

3 August
1635 HOUSEHOLD
Skipton Castle , Skipton
Journey back to the 17th Century and see a glimpse of Skipton Castle's household life. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. skiptoncastle.co.uk

3 August
Woof Shack
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
On 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! Free. 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. happa.org.uk

4 August
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! Free. 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

5 August
Pony Grooming Sessions
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
Have 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+. £5. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. https://www.happa.org.uk

6 August
Castle Craft – Creative Fun Every Wednesday!
Clitheroe Castle & Museum, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Looking 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. 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle

7 August
JIM JONES ALL STARS
The Trades Club , Hebden Bridge
Put simply, Jim Jones All Stars are one of the most thrilling and exciting live acts on the circuit today. £22. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. thetradesclub.com

7 August
First Thursday Comedy
The Met, Market Street, Bury
Hilarious comedy at The Met on the First Thursday of every month. Featuring Freddy Quinne, Sully O’Sullivan, Sam Ayinde and MC Hayley Ellis. £14. 8:00 pm. themet.org.uk

8 August
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR – Outdoor Theatre
Lytham Hall, Ballam Rd,, Lytham St Annes,
Illyria 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.       6:00 pm. lythamhall.org.uk

8 August
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Rufford Old Hall, 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford
Join 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.   7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

8 August
THE COURETTES
The Trades Club , Hebden Bridge
The 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. £11. 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. thetradesclub.com

9 August
CLITHEROE FOOD FESTIVAL
Town Centre, Clitheroe , Clitheroe
Clitheroe 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. 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. clitheroefoodfestival.com

9 August
Halifax Agricultural Show
Savile Park., Savile Park, Halifax
A 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. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. halifaxshow.uk

10 August
Ripley Show
Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate
There 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.       8:30 am to 5:00 pm. ripleyshow.co.uk

11 August
An Evening With Professor Alice Roberts
St George’s Hall, Bridge St, Bradford
Join 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. £35.00. 7:30 pm. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

12 August
Story Tour: The Georgian & Regency Tour of Lancaster
Lancaster City Museum, Market Square,, Lancaster
These 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. All day. visitlancashire.com

13 August
CHROMATOGRAPHY ART: STEAM CLUB
National Coal Mining Museum, New Road, Wakefield
Explore how scientists use chromatography to detect contaminants in water and uncover hidden substances in colourful mixtures. £7. 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. ncm.org.uk

14 August
PADDINGTON IN PERU (2024) WITH CRAFT ACTIVITY
Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
Paddington in Peru marks the return of the beloved marmalade-loving bear in his third cinematic adventure. £4.50. 9:30 am to 11:00 am. skiptontownhall.co.uk.

15 August
Colin Manford: Off The Record
Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
The 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.       £12.50. 8:00 pm. skiptontownhall.co.uk

16 August
Gargrave Show
Eshton Hall , Gargrave
Gargrave 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. 8:00 am. gargraveshow.org.uk

16 August
FLORES DE CHEVALERIE
Skipton Castle , Skipton
Flores De Chevalerie brings the 13th Century medieval tournament to life, featuring genuine competitive combat combined with historical authenticity. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. skiptoncastle.co.uk

16 August to 17 August
Lytham 1940s Weekend
Lytham Green, Lytham St. Annes
Lytham 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. 16 August to 17 August. discoverfylde.co.uk/lytham1940s

16 August to 17 August
The Temple Newsam Food Festival
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds
International 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.   16 August to 17 August. templenewsamfoodfestival.com

16 August
HAPPA’S FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
Don’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. £6. 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. happa.org.uk

17 August
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! Free. 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

17 August
A DAY OF KNIGHTS WITH THE SILVER SCHOOL OF ARMS
Clitheroe Castle, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Enjoy 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? Free. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

17 August
Day of Knights
Clitheroe Castle & Museum, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Join 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. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. http://tiny.cc/EventsAtClitheroeCastle