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/

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/

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/

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

7 October
THE DRESSER
Colne Little Theatre, River Street, Colne
Based on the author's own experiences as dresser to Sir Donald Wolfit, this bracing, heartbreaking drama is an elegy to a by-gone era. £10.78. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. facebook.com/ColneLittleTheatre

8 October
TALK ON: WITCHES, DARK ARTS AND DEMONOLOGY
Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham
Popular speaker Dr Colin Penny is back with a new talk about why there was a moral panic about witches and what were the horrors of the supernatural in the 1600s? £8. 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. nationaltrust.org.uk

9 October to 12 October
LOVE LANCASTER LIVE
Town Centre, Lancaster , Lancaster
A weekend of live music taking place throughout Lancaster city centre. Over 50 venues will host performances alongside a packed schedule of live local acts performing a free show in Market Square to ensure the festival is accessible to all. 9 October to 12 October. lancasterbid.org

10 October to 12 October
HAWORTH STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
Butt Lane, Haworth , Haworth
Set against the backdrop of the historic town of Haworth, home of the Brontë Sisters, this event brings together vibrant steampunk culture and a great cause, raising vital funds for Sue Ryder’s Manorlands Hospice . Free. 10 October to 12 October. facebook.com/haworthsteampunkweekend

10 October to 10 November
OFF THE SHELF FESTIVAL OF WORDS
Sheffield City Centre
The month-long celebration of books, words and ideas will bring leading literary voices, cultural figures and performers to venues across the city. 10 October to 10 November. offtheshelf.org.uk

10 October
WINE TASTING EVENING
Trawden Community Centre
Hosted by Byrnes Fine Wines. Fabulous appetisers and nibbles to pair with the wines. Tickets are available at the Community Shop. £16. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. trawdenforest.com

11 October
Pendleside Abseil
Pendleside Hospice, Colne Road, Burnley
An unforgettable abseil down Burnley College in support of Pendleside Hospice. £50 per person. Minimum sponsorship of £150 per participant. Places are limited. Register online. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. pendleside.org.uk

11 October
BACK TO THE 1940S
Eden Camp , Malton
Set within the atmospheric surroundings of an original WWII prisoner of war camp, the event recreates the sights and sounds of wartime Britain with re-enactments, vintage vehicles, authentic uniforms, and live 1940s entertainment. £19. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. edencamp.co.uk

11 October
ALL-TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR TASTER DAY
Sabden , Clitheroe
A fantastic chance to try out an all-terrain wheelchair on this autumn guided walk above the village of Sabden. £5. 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. forestofbowland.com

11 October
PONY SQUAD
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! 10 am – 12 pm for ages 6-10. 1 pm – 3 pm for ages 11-16. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. happa.org.uk

11 October
CBEEBIES PANTO – CINDERELLA
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
Featuring a host of CBeebies’ stars and specially adapted by Bradford’s own Chris Hannon, expect singing, dancing and laughs for the whole family. Various times and prices. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

11 October
WORLD FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP BLACKPOOL
Blackpool Centre
Over the years, the firework events have become one of the resort’s biggest draws with the displays, all synchronised to music, being launched from the beach in front of The Blackpool Tower. Free. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. visitblackpool.com

12 October
ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY LEEDS MEMORY WALK 2025
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds
People across Yorkshire & Humber are being invited to take part in this year’s Alzheimer's Society Memory Walks, joining thousands across the UK walking together to help fund vital dementia support and groundbreaking research. Free. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. alzheimers.org.uk 

12 October
LOUISE JAMESON PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE’S MISTRESS
Harrogate Studio Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate
Shakespeare’s Mistress is Louise Jameson’s ‘desert island disc’ choices from Shakespeare’s canon, which she shares with you alongside her very personal memories of the last 50 years. From Shakespeare to TV Soaps, from the National to stand-up – a life in performance… £16. 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm. harrogatetheatre.co.uk

13 October
An Audience with cricketing legend Sir Alastair Cook
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate , Lancaster
An Audience with cricketing legend Alastair Cook. Hosted by ex England cricketer & England cricket selector Geoff Miller. One of the leading Test run scorers of all time, Alastair played in 161 test matches scoring 12,472 runs. £32.50. 7:30 pm. https://lancastergrand.co.uk/

13 October
Dirty Dusting
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn
Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three “vintage style” cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an ‘unconventional’ way of earning some extra cash. Starring Crissy Rock (Benidorm) and Leah Bell (Stage Award Winner) alongside Vanessa Karon and Paul Dunn. £26.50. 7:30 pm. blackburnempire.com

14 October to 15 October
Cirque Éloize iD Reloaded
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
Dance Consortium presents Cirque Eloize: iD Reloaded. Directed and curated by Jeannot Painchaud. Mixing urban dance, daring stunts and dazzling acrobatics. iD Reloaded, inspired by iD, Cirque Eloize’s ground-breaking and breath-taking West End and international hit, is an intoxicating blend of circus arts and urban dance music; b-boying/b-girling, breakdance, hip hop and more. £20. 14 October to 15 October. bradford-theatres.co.uk

15 October to 1 November
LIGHTPOOL FESTIVAL 2025
Blackpool Centre
The exciting programme features a spectacular mix of stunning light installations, captivating live performances, and mesmerising 3D projection shows. Free. 15 October to 1 November. lightpool.org.uk

15 October
KING OF POP
The Muni Theatre , Colne
This incredible production stars the world ’s leading MJ tribute artist Navi who is joined on stage by Michael Jackson’s iconic guitarist – Jennifer Batten. £26. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. themuni.co.uk