Music | Music Month

Handel’s Messiah

15 Nov 2025

19:00 - 22:00

St George’s Hall

Experience the majesty and timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah. Performed by the renowned Bradford Festival Choral Society, this promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.

With an exceptional lineup of soloists and a superb professional orchestra, Handel’s glorious oratorio will inspire and uplift from the powerful opening overture to the triumphant Hallelujah chorus. This is music that resonates deeply, stirring the soul and celebrating the wonder of the human spirit.

Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days, driven by such creative fervor that, upon finishing the famous Hallelujah chorus, he reportedly exclaimed, “I thought I saw all of heaven before me!”

Now, in our City of Culture year, join Bradford’s iconic choir as they bring one of the greatest works in the choral repertoire to life in their historic home.

Conductor: Thomas Leech

Ticket Information

General £17.75 - £35.75

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Music | Workshop

Come and Sing: Carmina Burana & This Love Between Us

8 Mar 2025

10:00 - 19:00

Beckfoot School, Bingley

Embrace the thrill of choir in our vocal workshop.  In an informal and relaxed atmosphere, our BFCS Musical Director Thomas Leech, will take us through a selection from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Reena Esmail’s This Love Between Us.

Sing along with our friendly and supportive choir!

More about the music: This Love Between Us is a stunning piece by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail that bridges Indian and Western musical traditions in a celebration of unity.  Its seven movements juxtapose the words of seven major religious traditions of India (Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Jainism and Islam), and specifically how each of these traditions approaches the topic of unity, of brotherhood, of being kind to one another.

Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana is packed with fiery intensity and unforgettable rhythms. The iconic opening chorus, O Fortuna, sets the tone for an electrifying journey through medieval poetry on life’s pleasures and trials. Under the direction of Bradford Festival Choral Society’s Musical Director Thomas Leech, this workshop offers a chance to engage with both deeply meditative and powerfully expressive musical worlds. In this full day workshop, we’ll also be joined by two expert vocal coaches who will provide expert technical input, working with smaller sections of the chorus.

Some music-reading ability and a little choral experience will help you get the most out of the day.  Join us to explore, sing, and celebrate the transformative power of these iconic works!

Do book your friends and family in for our informal performance at 6pm – we will sing better with an audience!

Music scores for the day: we recommend you use our copies for this workshop (included in the workshop price).
The Carmina version we will use: https://www.scorestore.co.uk/choral/carmina-burana-vocal-score-orff-choir.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawHQ4NNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHStpDqoTgjI3XmwrRJlnwlJjfwam48ZrGh_ebGJl0RAx82mGYmRxZBRqSg_aem_dXpq7MI5jGcde9nQsjjdcw

The Esmail piece is not available for sale but you can view the composer’s website here: https://www.reenaesmail.com/

There is no dress code.
Here’s the outline plan for the day:
10am Registration & Coffee/Tea
10:30am  Vocal Warm Up
11am Sectional Training & Vocal Coaching
1:15 Lunch Break (lunch not provided)
2:15 Full rehearsal (some sectionals may continue for part of this)
4:45 Vocal Warm Down
5pm Tea Break – Buffet provided, including cake!
6pm Performance
7pm Finish

About the venue: the school has ample car parking, and level access.  We will be using raked seating in the hall but seating can be added as needed for those who can not use the steps.

Age Guidance
Under 18s welcome with accompanying adult

Ticket Information

General £35
Student £15
Audience from 6pm £5
Audience under 18s from 6pm FREE

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Venue Details

Beckfoot School, Bingley

58, A650, Bingley, England, BD16 1WA, United Kingdom,

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Art | Exhibition

Faces of Bradford – Then and Now

1 - 23 Mar 2025

11:00 - 16:00

Ilkley Manor House

Faces of Bradford: Then and Now is a compelling photo exhibition by local artist Laura Mate, curated by art producer and curator Andreea Chitan-Woodier. This exhibition celebrates Bradford’s rich cultural heritage and diversity through the art of portrait photography.

By bridging Bradford’s cultural past and present, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the city’s evolution and celebrate its multicultural identity. It offers a meaningful and inclusive space for reflecting on Bradford’s heritage while honouring its vibrant, diverse community.

As part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture initiative, this exhibition highlights the city’s rich history and contemporary identity. It showcases local talent and fosters stronger cultural connections between Ilkley and Bradford, underscoring the importance of community and creativity in shaping the region’s future.


 

This exhibition runs from 1 to 23 March. Ilkley Manor House is open on weekends from 11am to 4pm. Entry is free unless stated otherwise; no booking is required. Please check the website and our social media for the latest updates before visiting.

Please note this exhibition takes place upstairs in the Western Gallery, accessible via a staircase of 18 steps.

Ticket Information

General Free

Venue Details

Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard
LS29 9DT

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Arts & Crafts | Official City of Culture 2025 Event | Talk | Workshop

Calligraphy Lecture and Workshop

8 Feb 2025

13:00 - 15:00

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Learn new skills in this hands-on calligraphy session.

Join acclaimed Calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq in this workshop where you will explore the early Qur’an manuscripts on display in the exhibition, then take part in a practical calligraphy session based on the scripts you have seen.

Ticket Information

General £20

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Venue Details

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Cartwright Hall, Lister Park
BD9 4NS

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Family | Free Event | Official City of Culture 2025 Event

Fighting to Be Heard: Big Celebration Day

18 Jan 2025

11:30 - 15:30

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Explore the themes of the new exhibition Fighting to Be Heard, with family-friendly crafts, performances, and boxing skills.

We will be joined from 11.30 – 12.30 by exhibition co-creators, including World Champion Boxer Tasif Khan, calligrapher Razwan Ul-Haq and Daniel Lowe, Curator of Arabic Collections at the British Library who will talk about the making of Fighting to Be Heard.

Activities for all including family calligraphy workshop, Mehndi designs, recitals by young people from the Al-Mustafa Centre in Girlington and the chance to try boxing skills with the Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy.

How to book

Call Bradford Museums on 01274 431212 to book a place on the family calligraphy workshop as places are limited.

Ticket Information

General Free

Venue Details

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Cartwright Hall, Lister Park
BD9 4NS

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Family | Free Event | Official City of Culture 2025 Event

Grue: Family Craft Workshop

18 Jan 2025

10:00 - 12:00

Bingley Arts Centre

Help build a fabulous walk-through experience for one Bradford’s iconic mills.

Grue – a fabulous walk-through experience for all the family – is coming to Damart Mill, Bingley in February 2025, and we need your help to build this enchanted world!

Have fun at Bingley Arts Centre, turning recycled cardboard and materials into something magical alongside experienced artists and facilitators. All welcome, no experience needed, only a willingness to try something new and get involved.

This is a drop in session meaning you can turn up and stay for as long as you like. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials provided.

Ticket Information

General- no need to book Free

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Venue Details

Bingley Arts Centre

Main Street
BD16 2LZ

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Family | Free Event | Official City of Culture 2025 Event

Grue: Family Craft Workshop

11 Jan 2025

10:00 - 12:00

Bingley Library

Help build a fabulous walk-through experience for one Bradford’s iconic mills.

Grue – a fabulous walk-through experience for all the family – is coming to Damart Mill, Bingley in February 2025, and we need your help to build this enchanted world!

Have fun at Bingley Library, turning recycled cardboard and materials into something magical alongside experienced artists and facilitators. All welcome, no experience needed, only a willingness to try something new and get involved.

This is a drop in session meaning you can turn up and stay for as long as you like. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All materials provided.

Ticket Information

General- no need to book Free

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Venue Details

Bingley Library

5 Rise Shopping Centre, Myrtle Walk, Bingley
BD16 1AW

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Theatre

Sleeping Beauty

25 Jan - 1 Feb 2025

13:15

Victoria Hall

Keighley Musical Theatre Company present their annual pantomime!

A great traditional pantomime, but a refreshing break from the more conventional format, this cracking new version of Sleeping Beauty is right on the money! An extra-large portion of comedy and some very original twists and turns along the way make for a novel and artistic production. Nurse Hettie Harpic, the puddle-brained Muddles and two hapless heralds, Fetch and Carrie, ensure the laughs come thick and fast, especially when they meet head-to-head in a hilarious schoolroom scene.

Contact Name: Keighley Musical Theatre Company

How to Book

boxoffice@keighleymtc.com or via the link

Ticket Information

General From £11

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Venue Details

Victoria Hall

Sand Beds
Bradford BD13 1AB

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Quizzes & Games

Blood on the Clocktower

12 Jan 2025

13:00 - 19:00

Groove Pad & Studio 48

Back at the groove pad monthly games of Blood on the Clocktower for those interested.

“In the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff, residents are in fear after finding their beloved Storyteller, skewered upon the clockhands of the towns clocktower, blood dripping upon the cobble stones. Clearly a demon stalks hidden amongst the townsfolk, aided by their loyal minions intent on destroying the town.” Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game much like werewolves where players either take on the role of good townsfolk desperate to find and execute a demon that has taken form of a local resident, or a group of evil minions and their bloodthirsty demon bring death and madness to the weary town of Ravenswood Bluff. Who will win? Come join in and find out.
Age Guidance
Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Ticket Information

Per Game £2.50
For the Day £6

Venue Details

Groove Pad & Studio 48

48 Saltaire Road
Bd18 3HN

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Free Event | Music

Wednesday@One Organ Recital with Michael Haynes (Hexham Abbey)

8 Jan 2025

12:30 - 13:45

Bradford Cathedral

Our weekly organ recital series showcases top-class performers playing beautiful music from across the centuries in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The season is themed around Music in Times of War.

Entry is free and there is an optional buffet lunch at 12:30pm before the recital for £4. There is also a Retiring Collection towards the costs of the recitals.

You can find out more about the recital – and recitalist – in our weekly ‘Notes from an Organist’ interviews.

Age Guidance
None

Ticket Information

General Free

Venue Details

Bradford Cathedral

1 Stott Hill, Bradford
BD1 4EH

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Music

Fay & Latta Live At the Groove Pad

4 Jan 2025

20:30 - 23:00

Groove Pad & Studio 48

What better way to start the new year than with this soulful acoustic duo live at the Groove Pad preforming originals and acoustic covers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ticket Information

General Free

Venue Details

Groove Pad & Studio 48

48 Saltaire Road
Bd18 3HN

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Music

The Blind Pig Gang Live

28 Dec 2024

21:00 - 23:30

Groove Pad & Studio 48

Blind Pig Gang preforming live on The Groove Pad Stage their blues-based music collective making a name with their box-of-chocolates versatility what a band to see and break up Christmas and New Year

Ticket Information

Free 0

Venue Details

Groove Pad & Studio 48

48 Saltaire Road
Bd18 3HN

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Free Event | Music

Haley Harrison Live at The Groove Pad

27 Dec 2024

20:45 - 23:00

Groove Pad & Studio 48

Haley is at the groove pad Singing a mix of Soul, pop, R&B Motown

Ticket Information

General Free

Venue Details

Groove Pad & Studio 48

48 Saltaire Road
Bd18 3HN

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Music

Handel’s Messiah

15 Nov 2025

19:00

St George’s Hall

Experience the majesty and timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah. Performed by the renowned Bradford Festival Choral Society, this promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.

With an exceptional lineup of soloists and a superb professional orchestra, Handel’s glorious oratorio will inspire and uplift from the powerful opening overture to the triumphant Hallelujah chorus. This is music that resonates deeply, stirring the soul and celebrating the wonder of the human spirit.

Handel composed Messiah in just 24 days, driven by such creative fervor that, upon finishing the famous Hallelujah chorus, he reportedly exclaimed, “I thought I saw all of heaven before me!”

Now, in our City of Culture year, join Bradford’s iconic choir as they bring one of the greatest works in the choral repertoire to life in their historic home.

Conductor: Thomas Leech

Ticket Information

General £17.75 - £35.75
Discounts available

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Venue Details

St George’s Hall

Bridge Street, Bradford
BD1 1JT

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Dance

Christmas with Anton Du Beke

17 Dec 2025

19:30

St George’s Hall

Embark on a dazzling journey into a festive wonderland as Strictly’s one and only Anton Du Beke brightens up your Christmas with show – Christmas with Anton Du Beke.

The Ballroom King and Strictly Come Dancing judge joins forces with his dynamic live band, the incomparable vocalist Lance Ellington, and a troupe of extraordinary dancers, to bring you a magical evening of music, dance and laughter.

Prepare to be enchanted by the charismatic Anton who will deliver a spellbinding performance of his most cherished Christmas songs and captivating dances.

Get into the festive spirit and book your tickets to a fab-u-lous Christmas with Anton!

Age Guidance
10+

Ticket Information

General £34.75 - £57.75
Discounts available

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Venue Details

St George’s Hall

Bridge Street, Bradford
BD1 1JT

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Performance | Theatre

The Dreamer Live – James Phelan

1 Mar 2025

19:30

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

A BRAND NEW MAGIC SHOW FOR 2024 

★★★★★ ‘Magic is in his bones. Disbelief, flabbergasted, stunned’ (Henley Herald) 

Star of The Greatest Magician™, and the BBC’s most broadcast magician of the last decade – the award-winning James Phelan – debuts this breath-taking new magic show. 

Most infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, and described as ‘Joel Dommett meets Derren Brown’ – The Dreamer is a celebration of the impossible becoming possible. 

With ‘heartwarming story-telling’ (The Standard) and unparalleled ‘mind-blowing magic’ (Herald) – you’ll find yourself swept into a wonderful world of amazement, laughter and mystery. 

The Dreamer is an astonishing, enigmatic, five star rated spectacle that will leave you aching with laughter and dizzy in disbelief. You can’t afford to miss it. 

‘One to watch in the world of magic’ (The List) 

Ticket Information

General £25
VIP £39

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Venue Details

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre, Glusburn Institute
BD20 8FQ

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Family | Film

Christmas Family Film ‘Home Alone’ with Santa’s Grotto

20 Dec 2024

17:45 - 20:00

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

Join us for a fun, festive family night out.

Visit Santa in his grotto, where every child will receive a gift. Then settle down for a classic family favourite ‘Home Alone’. Little Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family dashes off on a Christmas trip.  He is left to defend his family’s home from two bumbling burglars until the relatives return.

Santa’s Grotto 4:45-5:45pm. To help Santa’s Elves manage the queue of excited children, Grotto Passes must be booked with each child’s paid-for admission ticket. Time slot blocks are 4:45-5:00pm, 5:00-5:15pm, 5:15-5:30pm and 5:30-5:45pm.
Film starts 6:00pm

Certificate PG

Run time 1 hour 42 minutes

Age Guidance
Certificate PG

Ticket Information

Adult £7.50
Child £6
Family 2+2 £24

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Venue Details

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre, Glusburn Institute
BD20 8FQ

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Music | Performance

A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel

25 Jan 2025

19:30 - 22:00

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

Back at Glusburn following their sell-out show in 2022!
Experience the magic of Simon & Garfunkel like never before with Tim Chu and Ian Bailey, two exceptional singer-songwriters, composers, who are about to take you on a nostalgic journey. This is not a tribute act, its a study and interpretation of some of Simon’s greatest songs.

For years, audiences have raved about their incredible performances. Their unique take on Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless classics has left fans of all ages in awe.

Tim Chu, a seasoned session musician with a music portfolio spanning TV, film, and radio, has been a lifelong devotee of Paul Simon’s music. Those classic LPs were the soundtrack to his upbringing, and his dream was to share the music with fellow enthusiasts all across the UK. To complete this musical duo, he enlisted the talents of Ian Bailey, a Lancashire-born singer-songwriter acclaimed for his original work.
Together, Tim and Ian bring Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic songs to life in their own distinctive way. No costumes, no wigs, just two exceptional musicians crafting an intimate and relaxed musical experience.
Come along for a night of pure, unadulterated talent and let the music of Simon & Garfunkel take you back down memory lane.

Everyone loves the music of Simon & Garfunkel and for me no one has interpreted it better than Tim and Ian, the concert simply blew me away” – Phil Cool, TV comedian, impressionist and musician…
If you only get to one concert this year, make sure it’s this one” – Glastonbury Radio
What a fantastic show with two great guys, two voices and two guitars delivering the best acoustic interpretations of Simon’s classic songs” BBC Radio.

Ticket Information

General £17.50

Venue Details

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre

Glusburn Community & Arts Centre, Glusburn Institute
BD20 8FQ

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Heritage

The Three Ann(e)s: Celebrating the Brontë Sister in Style!

18 Jan 2025

13:30 - 15:30

St James' Church, Thornton

Join us on Saturday, 18th January (just a day after Anne’s birthday!) at the historic St James’ Church in Thornton. Doors open at 1:30 pm, so come early to soak up some serious Brontë vibes with our display of Brontë artifacts—your chance to explore unique glimpses of the family’s legacy.

The main event kicks off at 2 pm with the dynamic duo of pianist Ann Airton and Brontë buff Anne Powell. Over the course of an hour, they’ll bring Anne Brontë’s voice to life with readings and piano music she would have known and loved. And it’s not just any performance; it’s an experience where Anne emerges as a courageous and pioneering writer, a woman who challenged norms in her quiet but fearless way.

And here’s a little extra excitement! The Three Ann(e)s is helping kick off Bradford City of Culture 2025 right here in Thornton. This event is just the beginning of many celebrations spotlighting the Brontë Birthplace and Thornton’s rich literary history.

After the performance, enjoy refreshments of tea, coffee, and biscuits, with a raffle draw at 3:30 pm to round off the afternoon. Tickets are £10 for adults and just £5 for children up to age 12—a family-friendly way to experience the magic of Anne Brontë and the start of Bradford’s cultural celebrations!

Come celebrate Anne, the “other” Brontë, whose quiet strength and bold words have been waiting far too long in the shadows. Let’s give her the standing ovation she deserves!

Find out more about The Brontë Birthplace here.

Ticket Information

Adult £10
Children under age of 12 £5

Venue Details

St James' Church, Thornton

298, Thornton Road, Bradford, England, BD13 3AB, United Kingdom,

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Art | Online Event | Talk | Theatre

PROPEL: Production Design Assistant placement with Common Wealth Theatre – Info Session

30 Jan 2025

13:00 - 14:00

ONLINE - REMOTE

Book your place at our online information session on Thursday 30 January 2025 at 1 PM to learn more about this placement, what it involves, and how to apply. If you can’t attend the live time, you can book to receive a recording after the session.

PROPEL is our 40-day paid work placement programme for early-career creatives working in producing, production and programming.

PROPEL has connected emerging talent with top festivals, theatres, and performance companies across the North for over two years. For 2025, we’ve partnered with some exciting new hosts in Bradford and West Yorkshire, offering five hands-on paid placements in production, producing, and programming.

We’re excited to have partnered with Common Wealth Theatre and Bradford 2025 to offer an early-career Bradford creative a 40-day placement working as a Production Design Assistant in 2025.

Age Guidance
18+, for artists and creatives living or making work in Bradford

Ticket Information

General Free

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Venue Details

ONLINE - REMOTE

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Theatre

Call Me Dusty

22 Feb 2025

19:30

Victoria Hall, Saltaire

LYM Productions, in partnership with Out Together, are proud to be bringing their award winning production of Call me Dusty to the Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Saturday 22nd February at 7.30pm.

The play tells the story of Dusty Springfield, one of the finest UK female vocalists, from her troubled childhood, through her beginnings in the music industry with The Lana Sisters and The Springfields, her fame in the 60s, the downward spiral in the 70s and her reinvention with the Pet Shop Boys. An unmissable production.

Ticket Information

General £15+bf

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Venue Details

Victoria Hall, Saltaire

Victoria Hall
BD18 3JS

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Music

Stuart McCallum Quartet @ JATPjazz

10 Jan 2025

20:00

Bradford Latvian Club

A long overdue return for renowned Stuart McCallum’s Quartet with their jazz, alt-folk and electronica. One of the most vital, creative and in-demand musicians of his generation, Stuart rose to prominence writing for and playing with the Cinematic Orchestra and various collaborations with the likes of John Surman, Kenny Wheeler, Ari Hoenig, Ira Coleman and Dan Weisz.
Stuart McCallum – g, electr, Neil Yates – tr, Pete Turner – b & Steve Hanley – d.
https://stuartmccallum.com/ Doors – 19:00

Ticket Information

General -

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Venue Details

Bradford Latvian Club

5, Clifton Villas, Bradford, England, BD8 7BY, United Kingdom,

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Food & Drink | Music

Ilkley Beer Festival

7 - 8 Feb 2025

17:30

King’s Hall and Winter Gardens

Join us at the Kings Hall & Winter Gardens for 2 days of amazing beer, food and entertainment

Back for the 17th year, the Ilkley Beer Festival tickets are on sale now! Run by Ilkley Round Table & volunteers, last years event raised over £50,000 for local charitable causes

It’s not just about the beer – we’re lucky to have hosted some of the best bands on the Ilkley Beer Festival stage to ensure fun for all, day or night!

Friday Evening – The Leathernecks

Saturday Afternoon – TDK

Saturday Evening – Northern Epidemic

Ticket Information

General £20

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Venue Details

King’s Hall and Winter Gardens

Station Road, Ilkley
LS29 8HB

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Comedy

Ladies Of Laughter

17 Jan 2025

19:00

The Studio

The Ladies of Laughter are back, flexing their funny muscles especially for you!

This hit tour returns for a night made for everybody so round up your friends & family and join us for a guaranteed night of hilarity!

Acts:

  • Noreen Khan (BBC Asian Network, BBC 1, BBC Radio 5 Live)
  • Shalaka Kurup (King Gong)
  • Samira Banks (SYTYF Winner)
  • Esther Manito (BBC Live At The Apollo, The Stand Up Sketch Show)

These kick ass comics are certain to leave you in stitches. So leave your worries at the door and join the Ladies of Laughter for a night you won’t forget.

Age Guidance
Age 16+

Ticket Information

General £20.75

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Venue Details

The Studio

Morley Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire,
BD7 1AJ

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