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
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
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
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/
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
22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Snow White – Christmas Pantomime 2025
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd,
Blackburn
Tom Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be back with a brand new production bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, sensational singing, beautiful scenery, and the coolest Magnificent Seven ever! Various times & prices.
22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
blackburnempire.com
28 November to 28 December
Snow White Family Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate ,
Lancaster
Get ready for a magical adventure as Lancaster Footlights proudly presents: Snow White – The Fairest Panto in All the Land! Bursting with humour, dazzling costumes, and toe-tapping songs, this traditional tale comes to life with all the charm and sparkle you’ve come to expect. Various times & prices.
28 November to 28 December.
https://lancastergrand.co.uk/
28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
City Varieties Music Hall, 46 New Briggate,
Leeds
This isn’t your average Christmas pantomime – this is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime! Imagine the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud audience participation, hilariously cheesy jokes, and a high-energy jukebox bursting with iconic rock anthems and chart-smashing hits. And the best part? Every note is performed live on stage by a showstopping cast of multi-talented actor-musicians. It’s a festive extravaganza like no other! Various times. £20.50 - £40.
28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/
29 November to 31 December
THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
The celebrity and West End cast will leave you believing in the power of magic in this perfect festive treat that features all the best elements of a traditional pantomime. Various times. £18 - £22.
29 November to 31 December.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
13 December to 24 December
Santa Live!
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
Join our magical elves as they help Santa save Christmas and fix Muddles’ mistake and deliver the presents to lots of exciting characters the meet along the way. Various times.
£12.
13 December to 24 December.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
29 December to 30 December
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Skipton Town Hall, High Street,
Skipton
This year, Same Difference invites you on a festive adventure like no other. Jack and his mum is busy preparing their annual Christmas offering to keep the Giant away from the village—but disaster strikes when the cupboards are bare!
£9.
29 December to 30 December.
skiptontownhall.co.uk
31 December
The HAPPA Café and HAPPA Direct Shop
Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,,
Burnley
The HAPPA Café, open seven days a week including until 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, serves a selection of food and drinks, including Walling’s Ice Cream and a variety of cakes and treats. The onsite tack and gift shop offers a fantastic selection of toys, second-hand and new equipment for your horse, and gifts for your dog.
8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.happa.org.uk
31 December
LANCASHIRE READING TRAIL BOOK CLUB
Burnley Library, Grimshaw Street,
Burnley
Children ages 6 - 12 are invited to join the book club, where they will be challenged to read a book by a specific author every four weeks, then meet up to chat, share reviews, craft, and become one step closer to completing the Lancashire Reading Trail.
Free.
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.
lancashire.gov.uk
3 January 2026 to 18 January 2026
Aladdin
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Join our hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the evil Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world. Various times. From £16.50.
3 January 2026 to 18 January 2026.
4 January 2026
MEET FRANCES TEMPEST AT BOLLING HALL
Bolling Hall Museum, Bowling Hall Rd,
Bradford
English Civil War, 1642 – 1649. Bolling Hall was the temporary Royalist Headquarters after winning a great battle against the Parliamentarians under Oliver Cromwell, the Battle of Adwalton Moor in June 1643. Frances, as mistress of the house, would protect herself & her family by always having 2 Flintlock Pistols at the ready, “keeping her powder dry” under her apron. Every Sunday.
Free.
11:00 am to 3:30 pm.
bradfordmuseums.org
6 January 2026 to 14 February 2026
WINTER LIGHTS YORK
York City Centre
The Winter Lights adorn more than 50 streets in York. Miles of swags add yet more fairy-tale whimsy to this enchanting city. The Tree of Light captivates with its ever-changing display, using the latest Twinkly LED technology.
Free.
6 January 2026 to 14 February 2026.
theyorkbid.com
7 January 2026
IN LOVING MEMORY
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park,
Halifax
Death is something that affects us all, and the need to remember those we have lost is an important part of being human. Featuring displays of mourning wear, jewellery and imagery, this exhibition explores our changing attitudes towards death and the ways in which we cope with loss.
Free.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
8 January 2026
TROUBLE AT MILL: THE RADICAL WORLD OF ETHEL CARNIE HOLDSWORTH EXHIBITION
Queen St Mill Textile Museum, Harle Syke,
Burnley
Don't miss a truly unique and beautifully presented exhibition celebrating local writer Ethel Carnie Holdsworth and the Rickard Sisters’ new graphic novel adaptation of her radical story, This Slavery.
£5.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
lancashire.gov.uk
9 January 2026
LITTLE SCIENTISTS
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Discover Abbey House Museum's three Victorian streets in a new way using the magic of science! Explore Abbey Fold, Harewood Square and Stephen Harding Gate and learn some simple science on the way. This discovery session is perfect for under-5s.
£7.15.
10:00 am to 11:15 am.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
10 January 2026
WINTER ILLUMINATIONS
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Ln,,
Doncaster
Discover the magic Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Winter Illuminations, the most magical winter lantern trail. Winter Illuminations is one of the UK's most magical Christmas light experiences and perfect for all the family or a festive date idea!
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
14 January 2026
BRONTË BABIES – THORNTON
South Square Centre, Thornton,
Bradford
These relaxed sessions for little ones aged 0-walking feature sensory play, song, and stories and a chance to meet other parents and carers. Each session draws inspiration from the Brontë Parsonage Museum’s collection and the lives of the Brontës.
Free.
10:00 am to 11:00 am.
bronte.org.uk
14 January 2026
HAROLD GOSNEY: MATERIALS AND MAKING
York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square,
York
This retrospective celebrates over six decades of creative work by Yorkshire sculptor Harold Gosney (born 1937), an artist renowned for his inventive use of materials and his deep connection to the region.
£8.50.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
yorkartgallery.org.uk
14 January 2026
The Don Banks Afternoon Variety Show
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
Join us on a nostalgic journey down memory lane back to those good old days for an afternoon of uplifting songs, stories and laughter. £5/£6.
2:00 pm.
bwdvenues.com
16 January 2026
Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown Show
Albert Halls, Victoria Square,
Bolton
50 plus years In Entertainment/comedy , Roy Chubby Brown is still going strong , entertaining thousands and thousands of fans annually up and down the country , Roy is the undoubted King of Comedy.
£28.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
17 January 2026 to 25 April 2026
RORY’S SATURDAY CLUB
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square,
Leeds
Come down to Leeds City Museum for our Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Drop-in, no need to book. Until 25th April. Give what you can.
17 January 2026 to 25 April 2026.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
17 January 2026 to 28 February 2026
DEMONSTRATIONS OF VICTORIAN HAIRWORK
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park,
Halifax
The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths.
Free.
17 January 2026 to 28 February 2026.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
17 January 2026
Women in Rock
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate ,
Lancaster
Get ready to crank up the volume and feel the power for Women in Rock, the electrifying live show dedicated entirely to the trailblazing women who shattered the ceilings and redefined rock music forever.
£27.
7:30 pm.
lancastergrand.co.uk/
19 January 2026
HOME EDUCATION: AMAZING ANIMALS WORKSHOP
Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Rd,
Leeds
Get up close to animals from around the world. In this workshop, you'll learn about adaptations, habitats and evolution by investigating a variety of birds, insects and exotic animal skeletons. Then you'll take a look at the purpose-built collection store, which houses over 800,000 natural science specimens.
£5.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
19 January 2026 to 24 January 2026
BLT: Folk
Bingley Arts Centre, Main Street,
Bingley
“A hilarious story of hope and a celebration of the different forms that love can take.” Presented by Bingley Little Theatre.
£12.
19 January 2026 to 24 January 2026.
bingleyartscentre.co.uk
21 January 2026
WHAT WE WORE
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park,
Halifax
A collaborative exhibition with Calderdale Dementia Hub and Bankfield Museum exploring fashion memories.
Free.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
museums.calderdale.gov.uk
22 January 2026
National Theatre Live: Hamlet
Settle Victoira Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Live screening from National Theatre Live. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
£17.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
23 January 2026
Waiting Room: Footlights on Tour at Settle Victoria Hall
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
In this gripping original play, a group of strangers find themselves in a deserted railway station waiting room. Initially believing it to be just another stop on their journeys. As they settle in and wait for a train that never arrives, they soon realise something unsettling – none of them can remember where they’re going or where they’ve come from.
£15.
7:30 pm.
lancastergrand.co.uk/
26 January 2026 to 31 January 2026
Educating Rita
Keighley Playhouse, Devonshire Street,
Keighley
Set in the 1980's in Liverpool, Rita, a young hairdresser, seeks to break away from her working-class roots and pursue an education. Comedy drama by Willy Russell. 7.30pm. Sat mat 2.30pm.
26 January 2026 to 31 January 2026.
keighleyplayhouse.co.uk
30 January 2026
MONTHLY KIRKSTALL ABBEY TOURS
Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Explore how different parts of the Abbey were used, touching on how the monks of Kirkstall Abbey lived and a potted history of one of Britain’s most complete Cistercian monasteries from foundation to dissolution and beyond.
£5.
10:30 am to 11:30 am.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
31 January 2026
Richard Blackwood Unfiltered
Darwen Library Theatre, Knott Street,
Darwen
No gimmicks. No filter. Just Richard Blackwood at his realest. In this brand-new hour, Richard delivers sharp, fearless comedy with raw honesty - tackling fatherhood, fame, race, ageing and mental health.
£22.
7:30 pm.
bwdvenues.com
31 January 2026
Beatles Complete
Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate,
Settle
Beatles Complete present a night of Beatlemania packed with massive hits from the most influential band of all time.
£23.50.
8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
settlevictoriahall.org.uk
1 February 2026
THE DAZZLING DIAMONDS: COMEDY DRAG SHOW
Lancaster Grand Theatre, St Leonardgate,
Lancaster
The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash-hit comedy variety drag show. This isn’t just any show – these “ladies” deliver a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud spectacle like no other.
£25.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
lancastergrand.co.uk
2 February 2026
THE POPPY HOLIDAY SHOW
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd,
Blackburn
Get ready for a feel-good, toe-tapping afternoon as Poppy & Friends deliver timeless, unforgettable songs direct to your seat!
£7.50.
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
blackburnempire.com
3 February 2026 to 7 February 2026
THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY 2026
The Grand Theatre Blackpool
Buddy tells the enduring story of the musical icon’s meteoric rise from his Southern rockabilly beginnings to international stardom. In just 18 short months, the bespectacled boy from Lubbock, Texas, revolutionised the face of contemporary music and would influence everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones.
£15.
3 February 2026 to 7 February 2026.
blackpoolgrand.co.uk
4 February 2026
MACBETH ALONE
Lowther Pavilion, Lowther Terrace,
Lytham St, Annes
A scintillating new version of one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest plays. Macbeth Alone is a thrilling and visceral reimagining of Shakespeare’s most haunting tragedy — performed by one man alone.
£20.
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
lowtherpavilion.co.uk
5 February 2026
STUDY AFTERNOON: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall,
Leeds
Get up close with crime and punishment-related collections, including truncheons, a police lamp, and some of the ephemera collections, with a focus on crime and punishment in Leeds. Why not try out fingerprinting or learning about other crime-fighting techniques? Includes tea, coffee and cake.
£12.50.
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
5 February 2026
RED GIANT
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, ,
Barnoldswick
Red Giant are one of the most formidable, emerging blues rock bands from the UK. Don't believe it? Then come and see them. You'll soon change your mind.
£15.
7:00 pm to 10:45 pm.
barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com
5 February 2026
Beauty and The Beast – Adult Panto
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
Beauty’s looking for love — but instead finds herself trapped in a castle with a beast with a very big… personality. Packed with outrageous innuendo, dazzling drag, and more sass than you can shake a candle stick at. This is a laugh-out-loud, adults-only twist on the fairy tale you thought you knew.
£31.50.
7:30 pm.
themuni.co.uk/
6 February 2026
BEATLES COMPLETE
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
This show is not to be missed by all Beatles fans, performed by a band who are quickly making a name for themselves due to their musical prowess, boundless energy and easy Liverpool wit. The Beatles were a phenomenon in musical history, Beatles Complete remind you why.
£25.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
themuni.co.uk
7 February 2026
THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC
Blackburn Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd,
Blackburn
Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves!
£26.
2:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
blackburnempire.com
7 February 2026
THE MAGIC OF THE BEE GEES
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd,
Ilkley
Complete with stunning light and video show, prepare to experience the distinct sound of one the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular.
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
8 February 2026
JUSTIN LIVE – JUSTIN TIME TO ROCK
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd,
Ilkley
Get ready to sing, dance and laugh along with BAFTA Award-winning Justin, star of Something Special, Justin’s House, Gigglebiz and Gigglequiz as he and his friends are back in a brand-new live theatre show bursting with music, dancing and plenty of giggles.
£26.15.
11:00 am to 2:30 pm.
wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
8 February 2026
Ultimate Eagles
The Muni Theatre ,
Colne
£31.50.
7:30 pm.
themuni.co.uk/