Northern Life Magazine

RORY’S SATURDAY CLUB
2026-01-17 08:00 - 2026-04-25 17:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

DEMONSTRATIONS OF VICTORIAN HAIRWORK
2026-01-17 10:00 - 2026-02-28 16:00 | Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Halifax
The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths.

Fountains Café: Serving Bradford for Fifty-Five Years
2026-02-13 10:00 - 2027-02-13 16:00 | Bradford Industrial Museum, 235 Moorside Rd, Eccleshill, Bradford, BD2 3HP, United Kingdom
Paul and Mary Georgiou opened Fountains Coffee House in 1968 at Bradford’s John Street Market (later called the Oastler Shopping Centre). Affectionately known as Fountains Café, it was run by three generations of the family and had a close-knit set of regulars. Bradfordians remember being taken there as children, with many returning with their own families later in life. The well-known and much-loved Fountains Café closed in 2023.
After its closure, Bradford District Museums and Galleries acquired some of its iconic and recognisable objects which have been showcased in this display. It also includes illustrations by Clock Tower Studios and memories collected by History in Action and brought to life by Bent Architect Theatre Company.

A CREATIVE WORKSHOP: EXPLORE KIRKSTALL ABBEY
2026-02-24 14:00 - 16:30 | Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall, Leeds
Explore Kirkstall Abbey, your feelings and experience of it, using textures, nature and words to make an artist’s book. With artist Lynette Willoughby and poet Clare Wigzell.

TIME AT BLACKBURN CATHEDRAL
2026-02-24 18:30 - 2026-02-28 20:00 | Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn
Time will transform the entire Cathedral into a fully immersive artwork where you will traverse a series of captivating installations that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with the concept of time.

THE WEIRD WILL OF WILLY WILLIAMS
2026-02-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Preston Playhouse, Market Street West, Preston
The late William Harold Williams – former plumber and keen amateur thespian – had occasionally been known to be a tad eccentric. So when his only surviving relatives, Tim and Jacky, attended the reading of his will, they may well have expected the odd surprise here and there.

THE BLACKHEART ORCHESTRA
2026-02-26 19:00 - 23:00 | Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre,, Barnoldswick
The Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments.

FRANKLY, THE SMITHS
2026-02-28 19:30 - 22:00 | The Muni Theatre, Colne, BB8 0AE
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!

RSC - Hamlet
2026-03-03 19:00 - 2026-03-07 22:00 | The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Bradford with a “must-see” (Guardian) new production of Hamlet.
Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent interval since the death of his father. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality that leads to the ultimate crisis of conscience.

Rebraiding History: Creative Writing Workshop
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
Drawing on Victorian artifacts in the museum’s collection and the streets of Abbey Fold, we will tune into voices of characters who may have lived in Leeds in the 19th Century and find creative ways to weave their history with our present.

THE BIG SPRING STEAMPUNK WEEKEND
2026-03-07 11:00 - 2026-03-08 16:00 | 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.

Pendleside's Got Talent
2026-03-07 13:00 - 17:00 | Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley
Your generous support of this event is much appreciated! Our Hospice needs your help by raising much needed funds to provide vital patient care. We ask that each contestant simply does their best by raising sponsorship whilst taking part in the competition- there is no minimum amount required- every penny counts!

The Robbie Williams Brunch
2026-03-07 14:00 - 17:00 | Park Hill Barn, Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford
Let us entertain you at Park Hill Barn with a feel-good afternoon celebrating the hits of Robbie Williams. Sing along to anthems like “Angels”, “Let Me Entertain You”, “Rock DJ”, “Feel”, “She’s the One” and more while you tuck into a delicious brunch.

John Lydon
2026-03-07 19:30 - 21:30 | The Muni Theatre, Colne, BB8 0AE
He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good.

International Women’s Day: Music Leeds Us
2026-03-08 12:00 - 16:00 | Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds
Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate International Women’s Day with a free afternoon of music, creativity and connection as part of the Music Leeds Us exhibition.
The event features workshops led by Nicky Bray and the Yorkshire Women Sound Network, alongside live performances from local musicians across a range of styles and generations.
The event programme centres around local women in all their diversity, both on stage and behind the scenes.

The Music of Prince – The Candlelight Concert
2026-03-08 19:30 - 22:00 | The Muni Theatre, Colne, BB8 0AE
Immerse yourself in a night of dazzling music, glowing candlelight and pure purple magic. This is more than just a concert – it’s a heartfelt celebration of one of the greatest musical icons of all time. Surrounded by a warm, flickering glow, you’ll be swept into Prince’s world of unforgettable melodies, irresistible grooves and electrifying stage presence.

Spring Equinox Foraged Wreath Workshop
2026-03-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
Join this workshop to make a beautiful foraged wreath to celebrate the spring equinox.

Make a spring wreath from willow and foraged foliage with our tutor in the beautiful Gate House space at Abbey House Museum.

Art Workshops | Delivered by Val Hughes
2026-03-09 10:30 - 12:30 | Happa, Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe,, Burnley
Begin 2026 by reconnecting with creativity, calm and self-care through our Art & Wellbeing Workshop Series at HAPPA, led by Val Hughes – a highly respected local artist, experienced lecturer and published author.
Designed especially for adults, these thoughtfully curated workshops offer a gentle escape from the pace of everyday life. Each session invites you to slow down, learn new creative techniques, and enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment where wellbeing is just as important as the finished artwork.

1984
2026-03-10 19:30 - 2026-03-11 21:00 | 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.

Derren Brown - Only Human
2026-03-10 19:30 - 2026-03-14 22:00 | The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
Derren Brown returns to the stage with his brand-new live show Only Human. Prepare to be astonished!
The multi-award-winning master of mind control and psychological illusion, Derren Brown, returns to Bradford, following his previous sold-out shows. The content of Only Human is still under wraps but we can guarantee you a mind-blowing experience that’ll take your breath away!

Street Tours: Women in Victorian Leeds
2026-03-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
As part of Women’s History Month, come along and join us for a chance to take a guided tour of our Victorian Streets, with a focus on the female residents and visitors who may have been there.
The tour will be led by a member of our knowledgeable museum staff who will share their insights on what life would have been like for women in Leeds during the Victorian period.

Photo North Festival
2026-03-13 10:00 - 2026-03-15 16:30 | 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.

Mothers' Day Special
2026-03-14 08:00 - 2026-03-15 17:00 | Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, The Railway Station, Station Road, Haworth
Step aboard and begin your experience with a glass of Prosecco or fresh orange juice, accompanied by a delightful selection of canapés. Sit back and relax as our steam train carries you on a scenic round trip through the beautiful Worth Valley.
After your journey, enjoy a freshly prepared two-course lunch served in the characterful Old Parcels Office, the perfect setting to continue your celebration.

Mother’s Day (MUMS GO FREE)
2026-03-14 09:00 - 2026-03-15 16:30 | Thornton Hall Country Park, Thornton in Craven, Barnoldswick
As a thank you to all the wonderful Mums, Step Mums, Grandmas, and mother figures, they’re delighted to welcome you to Thornton Hall Country Park for FREE*.
Enjoy a fantastic family day out on the farm with plenty to see and do — and don’t forget to collect your FREE glass of prosecco or orange juice* during your visit.

Make a Felt Flower Bouquet
2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds
Make a felt flower bouquet for Mother’s Day in this workshop.

Join this workshop and make an assortment of felt flowers to create your own beautiful floral bouquet. The bouquet makes a perfect Mother’s Day gift or use it to decorate your home all year round.
Light refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) are included.

SaturDAY Fever
2026-03-14 15:00 - 20:00 | Burnley Mechanics, Manchester Road, Burnley
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to relive the best tunes of the 80s, 90s, and 00s at Saturday Fever, hosted by Pendleside Hospice.

Wallace & Gromit with Live Brass Band - A Grand Day Out
2026-03-14 16:00 - 19:00 | St George’s Hall, Bridge St, Bradford
Enjoy these Wallace & Gromit classics brought to life by live brass ensemble, The KNDS Fairey Band!
A Grand Day Out – blast off with a space-themed programme exploring the scale and wonder of the universe including Wallace & Gromit’s first ever adventure. Expect an out-of-this-world musical journey.

Messe Solennelle - Rossini
2026-03-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Bury Parish Church, Bury
Bury Choral Society presents Rossini’s Messe Solennelle, performed by SATB soloists with harmonium and piano accompaniment. The concert features pianist Jonathan Ellis and is conducted by Juan Ortuño, bringing Rossini’s rich and expressive choral writing to life.

Meet Frances Tempest at Bolling Hall
2026-03-15 11:00 - 15:00 | 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 (near Bradford) 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.

The Woman In Black
2026-03-17 19:30 - 2026-03-21 22:00 | The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford
The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story The Woman in Black returns to Bradford.
One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping production is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, The Woman in Black continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
