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

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

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

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

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

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

29 October to 24 December
THE ELF EXPLORER
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
Step into a world of festive wonder with The Elf Explorer – a heart-warming steam train journey packed with Christmas cheer, mischievous elves, and a visit from Father Christmas himself. 29 October to 24 December. kwvr.co.uk

30 October to 8 November
THE UNFRIEND
Ilkley Playhouse, Weston Road, Ilkley
When Peter and Debbie meet the super-friendly, lifeloving, Trump-supporting Elsa on a cruise, they politely agree to stay in contact – because that’s the polite thing to do, isn’t it? But when Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to do some research into their uninvited guest… and uncover Elsa’s shocking hidden past. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm. £5 - £14. 30 October to 8 November. ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk

30 October to 23 November
Matilda
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
This anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has won over 100 global awards, including 24 for Best Musical. Various times & prices.     30 October to 23 November. bradford-theatres.co.uk

30 October to 1 November
HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAINS
East Lancashire Railway, 23a Bolton St, Bury
Are you ready for a fang-tastically frightening time on board the Halloween Ghost Trains? Count Brian the Vampire, his trusted henchman Bogeye and the whole monster squad are just dying to meet you at the East Lancashire Railway to celebrate the Year of the BAT this October! 30 October to 1 November. eastlancsrailway.org.uk

30 October
The World Adventure Dance Showcase
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Blackburn
A wanderlust across the planet into culteral diversity through beauty of dance presented by House of Fusion. £19.50. 6:30 pm. blackburnempire.com

30 October
CHRIS WHILE & JULIE MATTHEWS
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, , Barnoldswick
Chris While & Julie Matthews are the longest-lasting female duo in Britain and have played more than 3,000 gigs, appeared on over 100 albums, written hundreds of original songs and reached millions of people around the world. £25. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com

30 October
Amadeus Live In Concert
Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds
Experience the multi-Academy Award-winning film Amadeus with Mozart’s music performed live by the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North. £31.50 - £59. 7:30 pm. leedsheritagetheatres.com

30 October
RAVE ON – THE ULTIMATE 50S & 60S EXPERIENCE
Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate
Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical sensation sweeping the nation. Charting the meteoric rise of rock and roll, this is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. £28. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. harrogatetheatre.co.uk

31 October
How Sweet It Is
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate , Lancaster
The Greatest Hits of Motown – How Sweet It Is. This Stunning 100% live show combines first class music with slickest choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performance for the best Motown experience you will ever have! £29. 7:30 pm. https://lancastergrand.co.uk/

31 October
WHEN RIVERS MEET
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
When Rivers Meet are gearing up for a massive 2025 with the release of their brand-new album Addicted To You—and they’re hitting the road to celebrate! £27.50. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

1 November
GUNPOWDER PLOT AT HOGHTON TOWER
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, Preston
Step back into 1605 and walk the treacherous path with Guy Fawkes and the conspirators in this immersive, theatrical tour. £25. 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. hoghtontower.co.uk

1 November
Boo at the Zoo
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, Hale, Milnthorpe
Join us for our spooky late-night lock-in. Discover the zoo in a completely different light, with some animals just waking up and others heading to sleep. With hair-raising howls, come along in fancy dress to be entered into a free prize draw. Plenty of late night animal talks and feeds, creepy cakes in the café, interactive hands-on activity tables and lots more. Normal entrance prices apply, members receive 20% discount on entry. 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. wildlifeoasis.co.uk

1 November
PINKED FLOYD
Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley
Stunning guitar riffs, spine-tingling keyboards, saxophone solos, beautiful female vocal harmonies, thumping bass and rhythm lines, all held together by charismatic front man Russ Samuels. £29. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. blcgroup.co.uk

1 November
HAUNTINGS, HANGINGS AND HORRID HAPPENINGS TOUR
LANCASTER CASTLE, Castle Parade, Lancaster
Join an evening tour, exploring the spooky and sinister side of Lancaster's past, with tales of the ghoulish, the ghastly, the gloomy and the grim.  These walking tours depart from Lancaster Castle's main entrance, the John O'Gaunt Gatehouse and end in Dalton Square around two hours later. £10. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. linktr.ee/lancasterguide

1 November
SOMETHING ABOUT GEORGE: THE GEORGE HARRISON STORY
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
The musical biopic tribute about the so-called 'quiet' Beatle is back following a hugely successful 2024 UK and Ireland tour. £27. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

1 November
BONFIRE NIGHT TOD
Todmorden Cricket Club, Burnley Rd, Todmorden
Bonfire and professional firework display. 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. todmordencc.com

1 November
BONFIRE NIGHT BLACKBURN
East Lancs CC, Dukes Brow, Blackburn
RBL Blackburn Branch are hosting a family fireworks and bonfire evening with fairground rides, food and bar. Tickets are £3.50 if booked in advance or £5 if paid at the gate. £3.50. 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. facebook.com/blackburnfamilyfireworksandbonfireevening

2 November
THE RAILWAY 200 EXHIBITION TRAIN
Blackpool North Station, Talbot Road, Blackpool
Sporting an eye-catching livery, visitors, young and old, will go on a journey of discovery exploring the railway’s 200-year story of innovation, brought to life by interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities. Free. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. railway200.co.uk

2 November
BONFIRE NIGHT COLNE
Colne Cricket Club, Byron Rd, Colne
An unforgettable bonfire and firework display! Ticket details to be released. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. colnecricket.co.uk

2 November
ABBAMANIA
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street, Darwen
Europe's leading ABBA tribute, ABBAmania, continues to entertain audiences with its outstanding vocals and musical performances live on stage. £29. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. bwdvenues.com

3 November
THE BIG CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY 2025
Lancaster Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate, Lancaster
Step into the Christmas spirit with James B Partridge and his The Big Christmas Assembly 2025 show. This festive event promises a joyful evening of sing-along classics, taking you back to the nostalgia of Christmases past. £27.50. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. lancastergrand.co.uk

4 November to 8 November
Dear England
Leeds Grand Theatre, New Briggate, Leeds
The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to Leeds in a highly anticipated tour. From multi-award-winning writer James Graham (Sherwood, BBC) and director Rupert Goold (Patriots, Cold War), this five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager, in a ‘gripping’ (Times) examination of nation and game. 7.30pm. Wed & Thurs mat 2pm. £33 - £68. 4 November to 8 November. https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/

4 November
Real Food Ilkley Market
Real Food Ilkley Market, The Grove, Ilkley
Real Food Ilkley Market offers produce from fresh bread, cakes and gluten free bakes to curry sauces, cheeses, condiments and crepes.  Stalls also include organic meat and veg, brownies, truffles and herbs from local producers and independent retailers.  First Sunday of every month.     10:00 am to 3:00 pm. https://realfoodmarkets.co.uk/

4 November
SHED STORIES
Wesley Methodist Church, 28 Oxford St, Harrogate
Uniquely blending theatre, movement and documentary, Shed Stories is a heartwarming performance that brings to life the world of ‘Men’s Sheds’; community groups where people can come together to make, repair and repurpose as well as improve their wellbeing and mental health. £16. 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. harrogatetheatre.co.uk

4 November
SKIPTON MUSIC PRESENTS: JUNYAN CHEN
Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton
Junyan Chen, second prize winner at the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition, is a rising star known for her versatility and passion for contemporary music. £25. 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. skiptontownhall.co.uk

5 November
AFTERLIVES OF THE BRONTËS
Bronte Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth
This online course, led by Gothic literature expert Dr Sam Hirst, will explore different aspects of this question. Examine the histories of publication and discovery, look at the ‘afterlives’ of the Brontës in biographies and biopics – as well as claims of the Brontës’ afterlife return! Six-week course. £150. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. bronte.org.uk

5 November
THE OVERTONES CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
Expect a perfect mix of classic Christmas hits with the best feel-good hits from disco, soul, Motown and pop, all with The Overtones' unique twist and delivered with the charm and charisma that has made them a household name. £36. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. theatkinson.co.uk

6 November
SNOW WHITE
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest panto of them all! Bring a touch of fairytale sparkle to your festive season with this year’s magical pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! £27 – £45. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. bradford-theatres.co.uk

6 November to 8 November
LIGHT UP LANCASTER
Town Centre, Lancaster , Lancaster
This year’s theme has been announced as ‘In The Blink of an Eye’. Audiences will experience a festival where shapeshifting, illusion and the ever-changing will be reflected in fun, engaging and clever light artworks. Free. 6 November to 8 November. lightuplancaster.co.uk

7 November
BONFIRE NIGHT BACUP
Bacup Cricket Club, Lane Head Lane, Bacup
Gates open at 5 pm. The Bonfire will be lit at 5.30 pm. "Silent" fireworks at 6.30 pm, followed by the main display at 7.30 pm. There will be lots to do to entertain the whole family, including Fairground Rides and Children's Stalls, which will run until 9 pm. Early bird £12. £12. 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. bacupcc.com

7 November
BONFIRE WEEKEND THORNTON HALL
Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick
This sell-out spectacular returns – bigger, brighter, and louder than ever before! Get ready for a blazing bonfire, jaw-dropping fireworks, and a night packed full of crackling excitement, tasty treats, and sparkling family fun. £19.95. 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. thorntonhallfarm.co.uk