Blogs.
A guide to West Yorkshire’s Cultural Highlights
26th July 2023
The next three years will be all about celebrating culture in West Yorkshire! This year is Leeds 2023 Year of Culture and Kirklees Year of Music. Followed by Calderdale Year of Culture and Wakefield Year of Culture 2024, and of course Bradford is UK City of Culture in 2025. We’ve worked with our West Yorkshire partners Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale, Kirklees Council and Experience Wakefield to celebrate our joint cultural heritage and amazing experiences across the region.
Bradford
Saltaire
Take an adventure to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, situated 4 ½ miles from Bradford. The village, conceived by the Victorian wool baron Sir Titus Salt, and built of honey-coloured stone in a neo-Italianate style is an exceptional example of a Victorian “model village”. Today, Saltaire is a magnet for art enthusiasts. Salts Mill in the heart of the village, houses one of the world’s largest collections of works by Bradford-born artist David Hockney. www.visitsaltaire.com
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Spend a magical evening at the Alhambra Theatre, the jewel in Bradford’s crown and the vision of Francis Laidler, a local impresario, and officially opened in 1914. The city comes alive with ballet, drama, comedy, and the annual pantomime at Britain’s best-preserved Edwardian theatre, which presents popular West End shows and the UK’s most thrilling touring theatre troupes. Make your visit even more special by dining in the theatre’s 1914 Restaurant, a luxurious space that matches the grandeur of the auditorium and overlooks City Park.
https://www.visitbradford.com/things-to-do/alhambra-theatre-p1620771
Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth
Visit for inspiration, the Brontës are the world’s most famous literary family and the Haworth Parsonage, their former home, is now a museum of artefacts and exhibitions about their lives. There is also an exciting year-round contemporary arts programme featuring prominent authors, film screenings, creative workshops and more. The Yorkshire moor surrounding Haworth served as inspiration for the literature of the Brontës, which remains revered to this day through a number of film and television adaptations of their works and lives, including the recent British biographical drama film ‘Emily’ directed by Frances O’Connor.
https://www.visitbradford.com/things-to-do/bronte-parsonage-museum-p1620681
Cartwright Hall, Bradford
Discover Cartwright Hall, Bradford’s civic art gallery, built in 1904 in the Baroque style. The collections offer an exciting exhibition programme and include 19th and 20th century British art with strong collections of international contemporary prints and South Asian arts and crafts. In the gallery’s atrium, you’ll find ‘Turning The World Inside Out’, a spherical stainless steel art installation by Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor. Take time to explore Cartwright Hall, located in the magnificent Green Flag grounds of award-winning Lister Park, with its boating lake and Mughal Gardens.
https://www.visitbradford.com/things-to-do/cartwright-hall-art-gallery-p1620691
Literature Festivals
If literature is your passion, Bradford District is the place to be the Bradford Literature Festival has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most diverse literary festivals. While the Ilkley Literature Festival, the liveliest and most prestigious literary festival in the north of England, attracts the biggest names in literature. 2023 will mark the festival’s 50th anniversary with exciting plans to mark the milestone with top authors, readings, performances and workshops.
Calderdale
The Piece Hall
The Piece Hall is unique – a Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece and the oldest remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world! The Piece Hall is a treasure trove of high-quality boutique and unique shops; an outstanding live music venue and a wonderful place to meet family and friends at its restaurant or one of the many bars and cafes.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/attractions/the-piece-hall/
Shibden Hall
Home of the noted 19th century diarist Anne ’Gentleman Jack’ Lister (1791 – 1840), Shibden Hall was brought into your home by the BBC ONE / HBO drama ‘Gentleman Jack’. The Hall is set in 32 hectares of rolling park and woodland, winner of the Green Heritage Award. You can explore the beautifully restored historic grounds which offer cascades, pools, tunnels, terraced and fruit gardens; a boating lake, miniature railway, walking trails, children’s play area and pause to refuel at the café.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/attractions/shibden-hall-estate/
Eureka! The National Children’s Museum
Eureka! is an extraordinary fun-packed day out for families – the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children aged 0-11 anywhere in the UK. Nothing is behind a glass cabinet! There are over 400 interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire enquiring minds to find out about themselves and the world around them across six unique zones, each with a different theme to explore. A host of events throughout the year mean that there’s a different Eureka! experience for you to enjoy every time you visit.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/attractions/eureka-the-national-childrens-museum/
Wainhouse Tower
Known locally as the ‘Tower of Spite,’ the 253 ft high Wainhouse Tower was originally commissioned as a chimney for the local dye works in the late 19th century. The structure was never used as a working chimney and is regarded by many as one of Britain’s finest follies. 403 spiralling steps take you to a viewing gallery at the top of the tower. The tower is currently not regularly open to the public but it is hoped to open it on certain dates throughout 2023 for ascents to the top to take in the magnificent views. Follow Visit Calderdale on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for news of opening times.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/see-and-do/attractions/wainhouse-tower/
Calderdale on Film & TV
You’ll have seen Calderdale on your TV in some of the funniest, most gripping and popular series of recent years, including Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack, Ackley Bridge, Brassic, Meet the Richardsons and Last Tango in Halifax. And there’s more to come!
In 2023 you’ll see Calderdale join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it features in Marvel Studio’s ‘Secret Invasion’ mini-series on Disney+, (look for the Piece Hall!); six-part BBC thriller ‘Boat Story’; ITV comedy horror ‘Passenger’; and the eight-part Disney+ TV sequel ‘The Full Monty’, with the original cast of the hit film reprising their roles 25 years on, contains scenes filmed in Halifax.
And there’s more to come with six-part BBC thriller ‘Boat Story’ and ITV comedy horror ‘Passenger’.
https://www.visitcalderdale.com/the-cragg-vale-coiners-and-the-gallows-pole/
Kirklees
Castle Hill and Victoria Tower
Huddersfield’s most prominent landmark, the Grade II-listed Victoria Tower sits on the summit of Castle Hill, a scheduled ancient monument overlooking the town of Huddersfield. Steeped in history, human activity on Castle Hill goes back over 4000 years. The present tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Castle Hill offers far-reaching views of the surrounding area. There are also several interpretation panels on footpaths to give an insight into its history and wildlife.
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/castlehill
Oakwell Hall and Country Park
Oakwell Hall is a Grade I Listed Elizabethan manor house, furnished as a family home of the 1690s, complete with its own mysterious ghost! History comes to life as you explore the fine period rooms, in a building surprisingly unchanged in over 400 years, offering a unique insight into a post-English Civil household. Oakwell Hall was also visited by Charlotte Brontë in the 1830s and was immortalised as ‘Fieldhead’ in her 1849 novel ‘Shirley’.
Outdoors, you can explore 110 acres of Green Flag Award-winning country park with period gardens, nature trails, a mountain bike track, playground and picnic areas, a gift shop and a cafe.
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/oakwellhall
Tolson Museum and Ravenknowl Park
Tolson Museum paints a vivid and intriguing picture of Huddersfield and its people, from pre-history to the present day, revealed through unique collections. From Roman finds to textiles, transport to women’s suffrage, Tolson is a treasure trove of the fascinating, the curious, and the amazing. Visitors can see unusual vehicles from the past, learn about ‘the town that bought itself’, and view the First World War and Suffragist exhibitions.
Set in Ravensknowle Park with a playground, gift shop and refreshments.
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/TolsonMuseum
Bagshaw Museum and Wilton Park
A Victorian former mill owner’s house, Bagshaw Museum is now home to a wide range of unusual and exciting collections from around the world. Come face to face with a Ganges crocodile, explore the interior of an ancient Egyptian tomb, try African drumming, or discover more about iconic local institutions Fox’s Biscuits and the Batley Variety Club – all under one roof. The museum is set in the award-winning Wilton Park, with woodland and lakeside walks, a children’s play area and a cafe.
http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/bagshawmuseum
Lawrence Batley Theatre
Located in the Yorkshire town of Huddersfield, the Lawrence Batley Theatre presents a wide-ranging year-round programme of in-house and visiting productions, from drama and contemporary dance to circus and pantomime.
Lawrence Batley Theatre is the creative heart of Huddersfield and are here to do their community proud. They share exciting and entertaining stories, encourage creativity, nurture confidence, and develop local and national talent. They want to build a stronger sense of community in their local area of Kirklees.
Kirklees Year of Music 2023
In 2023, it’s all about the music, as Kirklees shines a light on the rich and diverse musical heritage of the region.
Kirklees will be the place to hear world-class music from brass bands to bhangra, singer-songwriters to school choirs, the best in jazz and folk, to music theatre and orchestras. Kirklees Year of Music welcomes visitors from across the district and beyond to a year-long celebration of music that will create a vibrant soundtrack played in the hearts and homes of the area’s towns and villages.
From festivals in parks and town squares, concerts in churches and Town Halls, bands in independent venues and surprising events popping up in hills and valleys, Kirklees Year of Music gives you the opportunity to encounter new and traditional music. Everyone is invited to be part of a community that lives and loves music.
LEEDS
LEEDS 2023
LEEDS 2023 is a year-long festival that celebrates Leeds’ culture and identity as a thriving, creative and inclusive city, and is packed to the brim with exciting events and displays of culture and community. What’s not to love? Summer highlights ‘Smeaton 300’ – a programme inspired by Leeds-born, world-renowned engineer and astronomer John Smeaton, Black Music Festival in August and Afra Eisma: Splashdown Tender exhibition at The Tetley. With the third programme to be announce towards the end of August, expect more amazing events and installations to round of an exciting year of culture.
Leeds’ Street Art Trail
It’s a great way to navigate your way around the city so you can discover or (re)discover Leeds whilst also enjoying fantastic and unique art works. Highlights include Athena Rising, which is just outside of the train station on New Station Street featuring an owl (the city’s mascot), a crown and a moon. This piece is taller than the statue of liberty and was created by graffiti artists Nomad Clan. You&Me, Me&You and Paving the Way on The Calls are two of our most iconic Leeds murals. They were designed by an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University, Anthony Burrill, and are a symbol of unity. And there’s much more, discover the full art trail here: Street Art Gallery – Visit Leeds. Over the Summer period entertain the little ones with a cultural bear hunt; featuring 35 giant hand-painted bears and 50 cubs. Each bear has been designed with its own unique story and Leeds element in mind, with each being situated in its own iconic location in the city. To learn more follow the link here: Leeds Bear Hunt – Visit Leeds.
Millennium Square Summer Series
Leeds is a city that loves a big outdoor cultural event, from Pride to Carnival the city’s streets are alive throughout the summer months all the way up to the spectacular Leeds Light Night in October. This summer we’ve hosted live music from some of the world’s leading artists in Millennium Square including the likes of Kasabian and Blossoms with many more to come including Nik Kershaw, Utah Saints!
What’s On – Millennium Square (millsqleeds.com)
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds is home to a wealth of Museums and Galleries which are mostly free to enjoy. This includes the acclaimed Leeds Art Gallery which houses an impressive collection of art from old masters to new local talent. Currently on exhibition the incredible Sonia Boyce – winner of the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 59th La Biennale di Venezia of 2022 – presents Feeling Her Way (on until November).
Hyde Park Picture House
After three years of closure, The Hyde Park Picture House has recently re-opened its doors! Thanks to the hard work of Leeds Heritage team, funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and support from Leeds City Council, The Picture House Project has restored this iconic cinema back to its former glory. The restoration has had accessibility at its core, making the Picture House a place anyone can enjoy. The refurbishment of this attraction, from the traditional stonework, to the ornate iron lamppost, has left the building glowing and attracted thousands- despite only having recently re-opened. The precision and care behind the re-opening is undeniable, a passion reflected in the film of the two 1960’s Cinemeccanica projectors still in service. And perhaps most notably, the newly renovated space is the only gas-lit cinema left in the country. Be sure to book a screening next time you’re in town!
Leeds Theatre Scene
Leeds is blessed with lots of fantastic theatre venues with the beautiful and ornate Leeds Heritage Theatres, the historic City Varieties Music Hall and the cutting-edge Leeds Playhouse . Leeds Grand Theatre is home to Opera North and also provides a base for Leeds-based Northern Ballet – this year they’re presenting The Great Gatsby – as well as the best in national touring productions such as Jersey Boys, The Bodyguard and Book of Mormon. Leeds Playhouse produces original plays from new work written by local and nationally acclaimed playwrights including this year’s Oliver! Taking place from the 27th of October and running early into next year. In Leeds you’re always guaranteed an unmissable performance in an unforgettable venue.
Wakefield
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Set in more than 500 acres of spectacular countryside, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the largest of its kind in Europe. It is home to a fantastic range of sculptures and artworks by some of the world’s most renowned creatives. Artists on display include Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Andy Goldsworthy, Ai Weiwei, Jaume Plensa and many more. As well as permanent displays, YSP also hosts an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions from acclaimed contemporary artists. The landscape also makes it a great place for nature lovers, and little visitors will love to run and play across the rolling fields, hills, gardens and the hidden forest.
Home | Yorkshire Sculpture Park (ysp.org.uk)
The Hepworth Wakefield
The Hepworth Wakefield is situated Wakefield city centre. The award-winning gallery, named after famous Wakefield sculptor Barbara Hepworth, presents exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art and sculpture, with dedicated galleries exploring Hepworth’s creations and working process.
The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is a carefully cultivated wild oasis of calm amid the bustle of the city centre – pay it a visit to enjoy unique artworks including one from the brand new Wakefield Sculpture Trail a series of sculptures situated across Wakefield city centre, offering the unique opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy world-class art.
National Trust Nostell
National Trust Nostell is a beautiful 18th century mansion, and one of the treasure houses of northern England. Designed by famed Georgian architect Robert Adam, the house is a treasure trove of priceless objects, including sumptuous fabrics, rare artworks and – most impressive of all – an unparalleled collection of Chippendale furniture. Nostell’s 18th century owners commissioned over 100 pieces of furniture from Chippendale, which – uniquely – can still be seen today in the spaces for which they were designed. The mansion is set in stunning landscaped gardens and extensive parkland, with twin lakes, formal lawns and wild woodland to tempt walkers and cyclists.
Nostell | West Yorkshire | National Trust
National Coal Mining Museum
Set in the massive 40-acre site of a former working mine, the National Coal Mining Museum presents the story of mining history in Wakefield (and England itself) through hands-on displays, temporary exhibitions, captivating tours and more.
There’s something to interest everyone, from meeting the pit ponies at the Pony Discovery Centre, and making your own adventures in the playground, to blacksmiths demonstrations, interactive gallery spaces and taking an Underground Tour. These tours take visitors 140m below the surface to the coal face, where charismatic former miners will shine a light – literally – on 180 years of the history of the mining industry.
Home – National Coal Mining Museum (ncm.org.uk)
Theatre Royal Wakefield
Theatre Royal Wakefield’s tagline is “A Great Night Out”, and it certainly lives up to its name! This exquisite 1894 Grade II listed building was designed by visionary 19th century architect Frank Matcham. It’s the smallest surviving Matcham theatre, and for fans of Victorian art nouveau and fin de siècle architecture, it’s a treat not to be missed.
But even if your interest in architecture is nil, visitors will still love Theatre Royal for their outstanding programme, a truly packed schedule of performances, giving space to titans of theatre as well as maintaining a commitment to up and coming, local talent.
Home | Theatre Royal Wakefield
This blog is updated from an original blog published in March 2023.