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
6 September to 31 December
Bradford on Foot
Bradford on Foot ,
Bradford
Discover 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.
6 September to 31 December.
bradford2025.co.uk
10 September to 13 November
Woven Through Time: Bradford’s Textile Industry – Past and Present
Bradford Industrial Museum,, Moorside Road,
Bradford
Born 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.
10 September to 13 November.
bradfordmuseums.org
13 September to 26 November
A Good Yarn
Bradford Industrial Museum,, Moorside Road,
Bradford
A 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.
13 September to 26 November.
https://bradford2025.co.uk/
22 September
WISHBONE ASH
Lowther Pavilion, Lowther Terrace,
Lytham St, Annes
Wishbone Ash return to the UK with a show featuring much-loved classics from their multi-million selling albums such as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword & Blowin' Free.
£34.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
lowtherpavilion.co.uk
23 September to 27 September
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street,
Bradford
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 Bradford. Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits. 7pm. Wed mat 2pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. £18.75 - £58.75.
23 September to 27 September.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
23 September
Otherhood at The Beacon
The Beacon, Lister Park, ,
Bradford
Join Old Bird Theatre for an immersive theatre experience and soundscape mixed with real life stories. Otherhood switches between the here and now and an audio storytelling realm where we travel in time to an imagined fantastical Bradford.
£10.
7:30 pm.
booking.bradford2025.co.uk
24 September
HUSH HUSH – A Bletchley Story
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
Mikron invites you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3. In a non-descript mansion house, in a non-descript town, a group of extra-ordinary men and women worked to provide intelligence that would help to win the war. But shhhhhh, you’d better keep it under your hat, because as far as the rest of the world is concerned, Bletchley Park doesn’t exist. £16/£14.
7:30 pm.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
25 September
More than a Mum
Bradford Playhouse, 4 – 12 Chapel St,Little Germany,,
Bradford.
Join Susie for a hilarious one-woman comedy show that dives into what it is to be a mother. Have any of us worked it out? Who has the answer?
£14.50.
7:30 pm.
bradfordplayhouse.org.uk
26 September to 27 September
Opera North’s The Secret Of The Black Spider
Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate,
Leeds
Join the Opera North Youth Chorus and Youth Orchestra for a performance which will delight the whole family. Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm. £10 - £16.
26 September to 27 September.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/
26 September
BOB MARLEY: HOW REGGAE CHANGED THE WORLD
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
Join Duane Forrest on an acoustic journey through the roots of reggae to the global influence of Bob Marley.
£8.
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
spotonlancashire.co.uk
26 September
10CCLO: The Greatest hits of 10CC and Electric Light Orchestra
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
Dreadlock Holiday, Mr Blue Sky, I’m Mandy Fly me, Livin’ Thing, Evil Woman, The Things We Do for Love, Wild West Hero, Life is a Minestrone, Art for Art’s Sake, Turn To Stone, I’m not in Love, Roll Over Beethoven, Rubber Bullets… Just a few among the many massive hits that make up the timeless repertoire of 10CC and The Electric Light Orchestra.
£21.
7:30 pm.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
27 September to 28 September
Festival of History
Heskin Hall, Wood Lane,
Chorley
Festival of History is our annual celebration of all things in our country’s history. A multi period event featuring living history displays and exhibitions. These are from various eras presented by some friendly and knowledgeable re-enactors. There will be stalls, live entertainment, cafe & bar.
27 September to 28 September.
heskinhall.com
27 September to 28 September
Twentieth Century Diva: Julie Andrews at 90
The National Science and Media Museum, Pictureville,
Bradford
During the week of her 90th birthday, Widescreen Weekend at National Science & Media Museum, Bradford presents Twentieth Century Diva: Julie Andrews at 90, a celebratory programme honouring her cinematic legacy. Various times.
27 September to 28 September.
scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk
27 September 2025 to 3 January 2026
Katharine Holmes and Three Generations of Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage
The Folly, Victoria Street, Settle BD24 9EY, The Folly, Victoria Street,
Settle
This 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
27 September 2025 to 3 January 2026.
https://thefolly.org.uk/event/katharine-holmes-and-three-generations-of-painting-and-living-in-a-malham-cottage/
27 September
COLNE 70S FESTIVAL
Colne High Street ,
Colne
For the first time, Colne BID present a 70s Festival for all those who love the decade.
Free.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
cometocolne.co.uk
27 September
Jive Talkin’ perform The Bee Gees Live in Concert
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and the only Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees!
£26.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
27 September
GRATEFUL DUDES
The Trades Club ,
Hebden Bridge
Playing the music of The Grateful Dead, the Dudes explore the songs and improvisations from their vast repertoire, emulating the sound, style, freedom and adventure of their live shows.
£15.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
thetradesclub.com
27 September
THE MEL OUTSIDER REFORMATION
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Mel Outsider is a prominent figure in the UK music scene, particularly in Lancashire, where he has been active for over five decades. He is recognised as a flamboyant frontman and songwriter, having collaborated with various notable artists and produced numerous albums. His work reflects a positive and upbeat attitude, often infused with a touch of magic.
£14.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
themuni.co.uk
28 September
The Vintage Home Show
Pudsey Civic Hall, ,
Leeds
A fantastic selection of Vintage interior styling from 40 specialist dealers at our Leeds venue, Pudsey Civic Hall. Shop Furniture, Ceramics, Art, Homewares and Records.You’ll find unique and fabulous items from the 1930’s-1990’s. Prices from £1 to £1000’s.
£3.
11:00 am to 3:30 pm.
visitleeds.co.uk
28 September
Songs From The Rat Pack – The Northern Swing Orchestra
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd,
Blackburn
It’s all systems go for Yorkshire’s premier Big Band, The Sixteen Piece Northern Swing Orchestra, as they gear up for an electrifying performance.
£27.
7:30 pm.
https://blackburnempire.com
28 September
KIM CARNIE
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Award-winning singer and composer, Kim Carnie, has featured not only on some of the UK’s biggest stages, but across the world via film and computer game soundtracks, including Netflix’s Outlaw King, Black Mirror and The Bard’s Tale.
£19.50.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
28 September
TOM HICKOX
The Trades Club ,
Hebden Bridge
Tom Hickox is a singer, songwriter and composer specialising in the art of storytelling through music.
£15.
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
thetradesclub.com
1 October to 31 October
CUTE & CREEPY HALLOWEEN CREATIONS
Clitheroe Castle, Castle Hill,
Clitheroe
Make something spooktacular this month! Your little monsters can decorate a Wicked Wooden Halloween tealight (£3.50) or a Frightfully Fun Treat Bag (£2.50).
£5.10.
1 October to 31 October.
lancashire.gov.uk
1 October
SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE® HAMLET
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
Featuring a cast of professional Shakespearean actors, this unique production takes an unpredictable twist each night as one performer is chosen to be deliberately intoxicated for up to four hours before showtime.
£26.25.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
1 October
SANDI TOKSVIG: FRIENDS OF DOROTHY
St George’s Hall, Bridge St,
Bradford
Come and join the comedian, broadcaster, campaigner (and tiny Danish beacon of hope) for an evening celebrating her love and passion for writers and books.
£32.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
1 October
ABBAMANIA
King’s Hall, Station Road,
Ilkley
One of Europe's leading ABBA tributes continues to entertain audiences with their outstanding vocals and live musical performance on stage.
£30.50.
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
1 October
FILEY FOLK NIGHT
The Imperial, 14 Hope St,
Filey
An evening of traditional and modern folk music, with performances from local musicians.
Free.
8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
2 October to 2 November
BRITISH TEXTILE BIENNIAL
Various Venues ,
Knareborough
British 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.
Free.
2 October to 2 November.
britishtextilebiennial.co.uk
2 October
JOHN GRANT
St George’s Hall, Bridge St,
Bradford
The incomparable singer-songwriter performs his first headline show in the city – exclusively live for Bradford 2025.
£18.
7:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
3 October to 18 October
Ilkley Literature Festival
Various venues in Ilkley
Ilkley Literature Festival, established in 1973, is the longest-standing literature festival in the north of England. Running for 17 days every October, the festival features over 100 events, including talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, performances, writing workshops, and interactive experiences.
3 October to 18 October.
ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
3 October
SECRET SHIBDEN TOUR AT SHIBDEN HALL
Shibden Hall, Lister's Road,
Halifax
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.
£20.
10:00 am to 11:00 am.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
3 October
OKTOBERFEST SHEFFIELD
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road,
Sheffield
With a high-energy live oompah band, hilarious on-stage antics and plenty of opportunities to sing along, this lively event promises laughs, dancing, and plenty of stein swinging.
£32.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
oecsheffield.co.uk
3 October
TALON – THE BEST OF EAGLES 25
Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road,
Burnley
Talon have risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and BUSY BEING FABULOUS ‘25/26 will once again feature the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado and many more.
£33.
7:30 pm.
blcgroup.co.uk
3 October to 11 October
Spiders Web by Agatha Christie
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate ,
Lancaster
Clarissa, married to a top diplomat, loves to spin tales just like a spider spins a web. However, when someone is murdered right in her drawing room, that’s another matter! Live drama is so much harder to cope with! Presented by Lancaster Footlights.
£13.
3 October to 11 October.
https://lancastergrand.co.uk/
4 October to 22 October
Opera North’s Susanna
Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate,
Leeds
Opera and dance combine in this story with a dark heart and strong contemporary resonance. This collaboration between Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre is set against some of Handel’s most memorably melodic music. Various prices.
4 October to 22 October.
leedsheritagetheatres.com
5 October
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
6 October
HAYSEED DIXIE
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, ,
Barnoldswick
Creators of their own musical genre, "Rockgrass", Hayseed Dixie initially formed in 2000, covering classic AC/DC tracks in their own unique style, and hitting the road soon after to play some live shows, chase some women, and drink some beer. And they haven't stopped since.
£40.
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com
6 October
Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook
City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate,
Leeds
Celebrating 60 Diamond Years, the smash-hit show Hello Again is back in 2025 with a brand-new, mind-blowing production – it’s the world’s greatest celebration and tribute to the life and work of Neil Diamond.
£30.50.
7:30 pm.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/
6 October
An Evening with Professor Alice Roberts
St. George’s Hall ,
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. Celebrating the publication of her new book, Domination,
£35.00.
7:30 pm.
bradford-theatres.co.uk
7 October
BOWLAND LECTURE
Cow Ark ,
Ribble Valley
In this lecture, “Are You Lost? The past, present and future of Bowland", Dr Rob St John explores a series of historical moments over the last 150 years to narrate a story of the invention of contemporary Bowland, including, significantly, the designation of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964.
£5.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
forestofbowland.com