26 February
THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA
Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, , Barnoldswick
The Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments. £15. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. barnoldswickmusicandartscentre.com

28 February
FRANKLY, THE SMITHS
The Muni Theatre , Colne
The band has a dedicated, ever-increasing following; their fans agree that this is the tribute act to see for the definitive Smiths experience. Come and see what all the fuss is about! £14. 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. themuni.co.uk

7 March to 8 March
THE BIG SPRING STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
Heskin Hall, Wood Lane, Chorley
The Big Spring Steampunk Weekend is our annual spring foray into all things Steampunk. Your chance to join in with your spendiferous attire (or not ). Live entertainment. Alternative, goth & more welcome. Free. 7 March to 8 March. heskinhall.com

10 March to 11 March
1984
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
‘To the future or to the past, to a time when thought is free: From the age of uniformity, from the age of Big Brother, from the age of doublethink… greetings!’ Award winning Box Tale Soup present a stunning new adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian classic. Known for their ingenious sets and slick storytelling, Box Tale Soup’s unique puppetry becomes a striking metaphor for Orwell’s chilling vision of power and control. The year is 1984, perhaps – it is impossible to tell for certain. We are being watched, Big Brother is everywhere, truth changes daily, and everyone conforms. But for Winston Smith, insignificant cog in the Party’s vast machine, this half-life is not enough. He dreams of freedom, but is he the only one? Dreams can be deadly when rebellion begins with a thought. Featuring the voices of Sophie Aldred & Joanna Lumley, with Simon Russell Beale as the voice of Big Brother. £20. 10 March to 11 March. https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/1984/

13 March to 15 March
Photo North Festival
Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds
Photo North Festival returns to Leeds from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, taking over the Carriageworks Theatre for its seventh edition. This acclaimed photography festival brings together world-renowned artists, emerging talent and passionate enthusiasts for a weekend of exhibitions, talks, screenings and creative connection. With access to all exhibitions and events included in the ticket price, it offers an inspiring cultural experience in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. £28. 13 March to 15 March. https://www.photonorthfestival.co.uk

28 March to 29 March
Silsden Beer Festival 2026
Silsden Town Hall, Main Street, Silsden
A day filled with delicious brews and good vibes. Get ready to sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. £12.50. 28 March to 29 March.

4 April
CARD FEST 2026
UCLAN Student Union, Flyde Rd, Preston
Trading card show featuring Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Lorcana and One Piece vendors. Kids Zone, music, food and great cards! £10. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. https://cardfest.uk

6 April
Hebden Bridge Duck Race
Hebden Bridge
Annual duck race to raise money for The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge. Free. 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. https://www.hebdenbridgeduckrace.uk

2 May to 3 May
Bloom Festival
Horseshoe Glamping, Back Lane, Charnock Richard
Celebrate the May bank holiday at Bloom Festival, a weekend of fun, relaxation and trying new experiences. Set in beautiful countryside with glamping. £150. 2 May to 3 May. https://www.horseshoeglampingtents.com

4 May
Ilkley Carnival 2026
Ilkley Town Centre, Ilkley Town Centre, The Grove, Ilkley
The volunteer-run May Day extravaganza over the past four events has raised more than £100,000 for local community groups which supports organisations including schools, sports clubs, scouts and guides and local charities including Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, Ilkley Stroke Group and AWARE (Airedale and Wharfedale Autism Resource). With a spectacular parade which starts on The Grove and attracts more than 1,000 participants from local schools, organisations and theatre groups, the highlight of every Ilkley Carnival is the day of family fun that unfolds on our fabulous showground which brings something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Ilkley for the day or part of the neighbourhood which makes this wonderful event the success it is today, Ilkley Carnival is a not-to-be-missed annual event which kickstarts a season of festivals and family celebrations in this wonderful town. With all profits made from ticket sales going back into the local community, Ilkley Carnival is so much more than a one-day festival – with your support and that of the teams of volunteers who make it happen, it’s an event that makes a difference to many lives all year, every year. Free. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. https://www.ilkleycarnival.org

6 May to 17 May
HuddLitFest
Huddersfield Town Hall , Huddersfield
HuddLitFest is an award-winning Festival taking place annually in May, with community, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. Join us in venues and online for a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance – and much more. Meet your favourite authors, discover new talent and hone your own skills. Many free or low-cost events, including some hybrid and online events and some with live subtitling by Stagetext. 6 May to 17 May. https://www.huddlitfest.org.uk

16 May to 29 May
BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL
King’s Hall & Winter Gardens, Station Rd, Ilkley
The Blackpool Dance Festival began in 1920 in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Covering a period of fourteen days, the May Blackpool Dance Festival is by far the largest of the five festivals held in Blackpool. The Festival covers Ballroom and Latin American dancing, incorporating the British Open Championships for Adult Amateur and Professional couples, plus Formation Teams. 2026 will see the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Festival. 16 May to 29 May. https://blackpooldancefestival.com