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

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

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

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

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

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

16 October
GILL LANDRY
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, , Barnoldswick
Gill Landry is a two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist. Gill's latest album, 'Cinnamon Canyon Blues,' is out now. £15. 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com

16 October
CALENDAR GIRLS
St George’s Hall, Bridge St, Bradford
Based on the incredible true story of eleven lovable and brave WI members in Knapley, Yorkshire, Calendar Girls is a sensitive, emotional, beautiful and heartwarming story about life, loss, aging, true friendships, and the power of a community. £33. 7:30 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

16 October
FUNNY STUFF
The Muni Theatre , Colne
Sue Ryding is one half of the legendary comedy duo LipService. In 2022, her comedy partner Maggie Fox died, and Sue was left with a shipping container full of stage props, costumes, wigs, hats, shoes, sheep, you name it. £15. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. themuni.co.uk

18 October
CAR RAFFLE 2025
Pendleside Hospice, Colne Road, Burnley
One lucky winner will have the choice between a brand-new 25-plate Hyundai i10 Advance or a £10,000 cash prize! Entries close: Monday, 29th Sept 2025. Raffle tickets available online. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. pendleside.org.uk

18 October
Guided Walk: Five Rise Locks
Bingley Railway Station , Bingley
Join us for our free guided circular walk from Bingley train station to the Five Rise and back as part of Bradford on Foot.  Tel: 07771030334 to book.  10:30 am to 12:00 pm. visitbradford.com

18 October
Dirty Dusting
The Muni Theatre , Colne
Production company Entertainment Unlimited have embarked on another UK wide tour in 2025 with the laugh out loud comedy, Dirty Dusting. THIS IS AN EVENING OF PURE THEATRICAL VIAGRA Gladys, Olive and Elsie are three “vintage style” cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an ‘unconventional’ way of earning some extra cash. A wrong number requiring a Sex Chat Line rings into the office and gives them a great idea… “Why not start their own Sex Chat Line?” After all, their age and appearance won’t matter on the telephone and providing they can keep this a secret from Dave, their boss…they could be onto a winner! What could possibly go wrong???? Written by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, this production is directed by Leah Bell who injects this hilarious play with a fresh and lively approach coupled with her own unique comedic style. £27. 7:30 pm. www.themuni.co.uk

18 October
Songs From The Rat Pack
City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate, Leeds
It’s all systems go for Yorkshire’s premier big band, The Northern Swing Orchestra, as they gear up for an electrifying performance. With their sensational Songs From The Rat Pack show, this will be an event to remember! £30. 7:30 pm. https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/

19 October
CLASSIC CAR RALLY AT HESKIN HALL
Heskin Hall, Wood Lane, Chorley
Monthly classic vehicle (all types welcome) rally. Prize for winner.  £3 to enter.  Free for those visiting to look around. £3. 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. heskinhall.com

19 October
HEATHER FINDLAY
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, , Barnoldswick
Known for her magical, evocative voice and an ability to interpret and inhabit a range of styles with a mix of power and feeling, Heather Findlay is one of the finest vocalists working in music today. £17.50. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com

20 October to 25 October
DRACULA
Keighley Playhouse, Devonshire Street, Keighley
A comedy by John Nicolson. 20 October to 25 October. keighleyplayhouse.co.uk

20 October
EQUINE CARE & CAKE CLUB
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
Are you passionate about horses or eager to learn equine care basics? HAPPA’s Equine Care & Cake Club is the perfect opportunity to gain essential knowledge about horse care in a welcoming, social setting. £12.50. 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. happa.org.uk

21 October
SU POLLARD
The Muni Theatre , Colne
Su Pollard: Still Fully Charged celebrates Su’s 50 years in show business in a one-woman variety show packed with fabulous songs, hilarious stories, and much-loved characters. £31.50. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. themuni.co.uk

21 October
THE PHANTOMS STARRING LEE MEAD
St George’s Hall, Bridge St, Bradford
In this spellbinding night of music celebrating the most beloved musicals of all time, The Phantoms take you on a magical journey through iconic shows such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, and of course, The Phantom of the Opera. £38. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

21 October
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. £21.50. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

22 October
KERRY ELLIS: QUEEN OF THE WEST END
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Misérables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre’s biggest roles, making shows her own and earning her numerous awards. £30. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

23 October
SWAN LAKE
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
After last year’s successful tour, Crown Ballet® returns this year to the UK to enchant you with the delightful production of Swan Lake. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

24 October
CATTERALL LEGSTRETCHER
Catterall Village Hall, Garstang Road, Catterall
Join Wyre Coast & Countryside Service for a pleasant walk around the local countryside, starting from Catterall, south of Garstang. Free. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. forestofbowland.com

24 October
BROOMSTICK HIDE & SHRIEK COMPETITION HUNT
Clitheroe Castle, Castle Hill, Clitheroe
Have some Halloween fun by spotting the tiny broomsticks hidden all around the museum! Enter our competition for a chance to be the lucky winner of a goody bag of great souvenirs from our shop. £5.10. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. lancashire.gov.uk

24 October
KING HAROLD’S MOTHER
Skipton Little Theatre, Clifford Street,, Skipton
A one woman performance bringing the life and thoughts of Danish Gytha to a modern audience. The performance will be followed by a question and answer session with Heather Leech who will be performing the part of Gytha. £13.17. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk

24 October
THIS FLIGHT TONIGHT: SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
An intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell, with a full and comprehensive performance of Joni's most beloved album, Blue, in its entirety. £25. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

24 October
THE NUTCRACKER
Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton
After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet® is returning to the UK to mesmerise audiences with their enchanting production of The Nutcracker. £22. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

24 October
THE HAPPA HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR PARTY!
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
Get ready for a night packed with family-friendly entertainment, including a lively disco, glitter tattoos, exciting party games and a fancy dress competition with fantastic prizes up for grabs. £12.95. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. happa.org.uk

25 October to 2 November
SKIPTON MONSTER TRIAL
High Street, Skipton, Skipton
Ten monsters are hiding around town. Are you brave enough to find them? Find the monsters hidden in shop windows around the town centre and write down the letters they are hiding. Find the hidden word to be entered into a prize draw. Free. 25 October to 2 November. welcometoskipton.com

25 October
Crown Ballet presents – The Nutcracker
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate , Lancaster
After last year’s acclaimed tour, Crown Ballet® is delighted to return to the UK to mesmerize audiences with their enchanting production of The Nutcracker. The Magic of Classical Ballet – Performed Live on Stage. Adult £25, Concs £23, Child: £18. 2:30 pm. https://lancastergrand.co.uk/

25 October
ROMEO’S DAUGHTER ACOUSTIC
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, , Barnoldswick
In January this year, the band recorded their new live album at Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre. You have the chance to purchase the album before it hits the shops. £30. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com

26 October to 1 November
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
Join Skipton Musical Theatre Company as they bring the smash-hit Shrek The Musical to life this autumn in a spectacular production filled with laughter, heart, and a whole lot of ogre-sized fun! Various times. £22. 26 October to 1 November. skiptontownhall.co.uk

26 October
The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn
All aboard for a swashbuckling adventure like no other! From the award-winning team behind Sleeping Beauty and The Wizard of Oz comes a brand-new family spectacular – The Pirates of Buccaneer Bay! Packed with laughs, thrills, and jaw-dropping surprises, this is the high-seas panto experience you won't want to miss. Various prices. 1:00 pm. blackburnempire.com

26 October
VILLAINS UNLEASHED
Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton
This devilishly fun show brings together all your favourite Villains for the ultimate Halloween party. £12. 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. alberthalls-bolton.co.uk

26 October
ROSSENDALE MALE VOICE CHOIR
St Paul’s Church, Clitheroe, Edisford Road, Low Moor
Straight from the stage of Britain's Got Talent, the renowned choir is bringing their powerful, soul-stirring performance to St Paul's Church. 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

28 October to 2 November
Bradford International Film Festival
Various Venues across Bradford
Bradford International Film Festival (BradIFF) is back! Celebrating the creativity of Bradford’s filmmakers alongside outstanding films from across the UK and beyond, BradIFF brings the magic of cinema to the heart of our UNESCO City of Film. With a rich filmmaking heritage and a thriving creative scene, Bradford has long been a powerhouse for film and television—and in 2025, the city shines even brighter as the UK City of Culture. 28 October to 2 November. www.bradiff.com

28 October
CHILDREN’S PRINCESS AFTERNOON TEA
Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford
Enjoy delightful treats, enchanting activities, and meet your favourite princesses in a beautiful setting. £22.50. 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. parkhillbarn.co.uk