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26 Reasons to Visit West Yorkshire in 2024
14th March 2024
To mark English Tourism Week, we’ve teamed up with our West Yorkshire partners to highlight some of the festivals, events and experiences across the region this year. Fresh on the back of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture and Kirklees Year of Music 2023, this year Wakefield celebrate ‘Our Year’ and Calderdale have launched ‘Culturedale’, all to be followed by Bradford City of Culture 2025! It’s never been a better time to visit West Yorkshire.
LEEDS
North Leeds Food Festival
Location: Roundhay Park
The North Leeds Food Festival, 11 – 12 May, is a family friendly celebration of international influence and local talent, expressed through international food, independent drink, live music, arts and performance. The festival takes place in Roundhay Park, Leeds – a stunning location, and one of Europe’s biggest urban parks. Having attracted tens of thousands of attendees, the festival will be returning for its eighth year in 2024.
Leeds Pride
Location: City-centre
Bolder, brighter and bigger than ever! Leeds Pride 2024 (Sunday 21 July) promises to be the city’s best pride celebration to date. Leeds Pride is one of the biggest one-day festivals in Leeds City Centre. Last year saw the biggest ever parade with over 167 organisations in attendance throughout the day. Leeds Pride attracts people from all over the world, and is proud to be the UK’s friendliest pride as well as the largest free pride in the UK.
Millennium Square Summer Series
You can’t beat summer in the city, with live music, good times and happy crowds of revellers. So we’re delighted that one of Leeds’ biggest gig series will return to takeover Millennium Square in the heart of the city from 3 July – 6 August. Acts already announced are Anne Marie, Tom Grennan, Paloma Faith, Manic Street Preachers, Busted, Suede and Hacienda Classical, and watch this space for more.
Leeds West Indian Carnival
Location: Parade starts in Potternewton Park
A true celebration of Caribbean culture, colour and mesmerising costumes, Leeds West Indian Carnival (26 August) is always a spectacle that sees people travelling from all over the city and beyond for what is Europe’s Oldest Authentic Caribbean Carnival.
Leeds Dock and Water Taxi
To truly experience a unique side of the city take one of our water taxis (called twee and dee) to Leeds Dock. Here you’ll find the Royal Armouries, a free museum housing one of the world’s largest collections of arms and armour, as well as a stunning selection of cafes and bars to soak up the atmosphere. A must-visit at Leeds Dock is Hold-Fast – a floating bookshop housed in a barge.
Leeds Food and Drink Tours
Take a tour of Leeds’ best independent food venues and discover why Leeds has the reputation of Foodie capital of the North. It’s a perfect way to eat like a local and discover some real hidden gems. Discover Leeds Food Tours here.
BRADFORD
The Bradford district is a must-visit destination in 2024 and beyond. With its vibrant cultural scene, delicious dining options, and the exciting prospect of becoming the UK City of Culture in 2025, there’s never been a better time to explore all that this dynamic city has to offer.
(Saltaire Arts Trail by Karol Wyszynski)
Saltaire Arts Trail
Location: UNESCO World Heritage Site Saltaire, BD18 3JW
Exciting news! The Saltaire Arts Trail is back 4-6 May 2024. Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art, craft, and design as you tour the unique spaces of Saltaire and Shipley. Discover the Open Village, visit the Saltaire Makers Fair, and don’t miss MAKE IT Bradford. Get ready for a weekend full of creativity and inspiration! As you stroll through the picturesque village of Saltaire, be sure to stop at one of the many delightful cafés or restaurants for a bite to eat.
Ilkley Food & Drink Festival
Location: East Holmes Field, Ilkley, LS29 0BZ
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds at the Ilkley Food & Drink Festival, 15-16 June. With the beautiful backdrop of the tranquil riverbank, this festival is a foodie’s dream come true. From traditional Yorkshire dishes to exotic international flavours, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Go see the artisan markets and enjoy live music while indulging in the irresistible offerings at the food stalls.
(Bradford Literature Festival by Phil-Jackson)
Bradford Literature Festival
Location: Across Bradford City Centre, BD1
Mark your calendar for the Bradford Literature Festival, 28 June – 7 July. Now in its tenth year, this incredible event brings together literary legends from all corners of the globe. Join in on the fun with activities like Poetry with a Punch, Family Fun Days during both festival weekends, an Evening of Comedy, Lyrical Mehfil, and special events dedicated to the Brontës and David Hockney. Go on a literary adventure like no other!
Experience the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR)
Location: The Railway Station, Station Rd, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8NJ
All aboard the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Yorkshire countryside. Treat yourself to a nostalgic cream tea or afternoon tea and experience the best of British delights. But that’s not all! The railway hosts many flavoursome events throughout the year, including the Beer and Music Weekend and the Haworth Haddock. Stay longer, relax in a charming pub, and walk down Main Street Haworth to explore more. Take an amazing journey full of train rides and tasty food with the KWVR!
Bradford Curry Capital of Britain
Location: Discover the Curry Guide.
After a day of exploring Bradford’s events and attractions, it’s time to treat yourself to a mouth-watering curry. As the Curry Capital of Britain, this city boasts a wide selection of options when it comes to this popular dish. Whether you prefer traditional biryanis and baltis from the International or a modern twist on curry from MyLahore, you’ll find it all here. Let the tantalising aroma of spices keep you coming back for more.
Looking for the ultimate guide to Bradford? Check out visitbradford.com for a complete list of events and yummy dining spots.
CALDERDALE
Hebden Bridge Film Festival
Location: Hebden Bridge Town Hall & Hebden Bridge Picture House.
The Hebden Bridge Film Festival brings three days, 15-17 March, of wonderful World Cinema, UK and US independent films to engage, challenge and excite you. You can also enjoy Q & A’s, Panels and film Masterclasses.
With Hebden Bridge Town Hall as the Film Festival Hub and screenings at the beautifully restored, state-of-the-art Hebden Bridge Picture House cinema – join Filmmakers and fellow Film lovers to experience the wonderful community spirit that Hebden Bridge is famous for. The Festival’s opening night film is COPA71, telling the extraordinary story of the 1971 Women’s Football World Cup, which has been written out of sporting history – until now. You will find details of the full Festival programme on the Film Festival’s website from March 1st.
Shibden Hall Ghost Hunt
Location: Shibden Hall
Join Haunted Rooms for an unforgettable night of ghost hunting at the historic Shibden Hall in Halifax, 8pm 15th – 2am 16th March – take part in an actual paranormal investigation as an expert team guides you through the Hall, unearthing the hidden secrets and chilling encounters that lie within.
It is said that the spirits of Shibden Hall’s former residents roam its shadowy halls and rooms long after nightfall. Frequent sightings of the Grey Lady, mysterious footsteps, and disembodied voices echoing through empty corridors all contribute to the chilling aura that descends upon the estate.
(Wainhouse Tower credit Yorkshire Frontiers)
Ascents of Wainhouse Tower
An opportunity to ascend to the top of the tallest folly in the world and take in the stunning views from the ornate viewing platform at the top on 16 March. Wainhouse Tower, known locally as the ‘Tower of Spite’, was originally commissioned as a chimney for the local dye works by John Edward Wainhouse in the late 19th century. The structure was never used as a working chimney and became a focal point of a long-running feud between Wainhouse and his wealthy neighbour, Sir Henry Edwards. For those brave enough to tackle the 369 steps to the viewing gallery 77 metres (253 feet) at the top, the panoramic views make it well worth the climb!
Halifax Borough Market
This splendid Grade II* listed Victorian market hall has been voted the best in Britain. Come and enjoy the hustle, bustle and traditional splendour of Halifax Borough Market, a thriving retail market with a warm and friendly atmosphere and eat your way around the world with delicious food and drink. You can refuel with a cuppa and butty (go on, have cake too), a Full English, or indulge yourself with Thai, Mexican, Tapas, Burgers, Vietnamese, Pizza, Paninis, Pasta, Pie & Peas, Craft Ales & Beers and more!
Porcus
Porcus brings you high welfare, free range, rare breed pork from the Pennines – real food, made by real people with real provenance. The highest welfare standards are afforded to all of the pigs – who are slow grown and free range on pastures above the market town of Todmorden, allowed to do all the things pigs love to do in the beautiful outdoors. In return amazing tasting meat is produced with only the finest, freshest ingredients – hand-made Artisan Sausages, Bacon, Charcuterie and ‘Meals in a Jar’ (proper home-cooked food to eat when you need that bit of culinary help). Porcus supply restaurants, hotels, stores and supermarkets across Calderdale, Cumbria and Lancashire. You can buy direct from their farm shop (Height Top Barn, Tower Causeway, Todmorden, OL14 7JE) Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 4pm or from their website.
KIRKLEES
Kirklees is home to many exciting attractions, events, and venues that appeal to people of all ages. The following is just a taste of what Kirklees and the wider West Yorkshire region have to offer. To get monthly updates of events from across Kirklees, you can sign up for their free new Events Roundup Bulletin.
International Market – Huddersfield
Kirklees Markets have partnered with Market Place (Europe) to bring the popular International Market back to Huddersfield 10am – 5pm, Thursday 21 March – Sunday 24 March. The event will feature traders from around the world with market stalls along a walkway through the town centre, starting at Market Place and extending along New Street. Visitors will find a variety of mouthwatering street foods and sweet treats, and interesting crafts and gifts from Europe and beyond. From crepes and galettes to New York Cheesecake and Moonshine from Berlin – shoppers will be spoilt for choice with an array of global delicacies. The International Market will be held on New Street, Huddersfield from Thursday 21 March to Sunday 24 March. Opening hours will be from 10am to 5pm on Thursday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Kirklees Concert Season: Organ Concert: David Pipe (Kirklees Organ Curator)
Head to Huddersfield Town Hall at 1pm on Monday 25 March for this spectacular organ concert (tickets £5 plus booking fee). The Kirklees Concert Season is a unique partnership between Kirklees Council and Opera North in which the Orchestra of Opera North brings world class music to Kirklees with its sumptuous orchestral concerts and uplifting chamber concerts. Together, with our series of relaxed and friendly organ concerts, we deliver a world-class programme of concerts to Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Halls.
The season’s final recital opens with Howells’ Psalm Prelude on Psalm 33: ‘Sing unto Him a new song’. Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in A minor is followed by Arno Landmann’s inventive variations on Handel’s famous Sarabande. Ad Wammes’ jazzy Vallée des danses suite closes the recital with a swing!!
Treat yourself to Lunch before the performance, Soup, Sandwiches, Cakes, Tea and Coffee available from 11:15am at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Cliffe House – Easter Activities
Get outdoors and enjoy fun Easter Activities at Cliffe House. Easter Trails, Archery, Bushcraft activities and much more happening from Monday 25 March – Monday 8 April. Visit the Town Halls website and filter by Cliffe House for more information and to book.
Easter Trail
Wind your way through our wonderful woodland, uncovering clues that lead to a magical word before collecting your Easter Egg prize from the food kiosk in the adventure playground. The trail is family and buggy friendly, something the whole family can enjoy.
Bushcraft
Book on for our fantastic instructor led Bushcraft activity. This is the perfect family activity for all to sit around a campfire toasting marshmallows, making & cooking your own garlic bread twist, all washed down with a warming hot chocolate. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements. No need to worry about the damp conditions – this session is based under cover within our woodland.
Archery
Join our activity instructors in learning how to draw the arrow, balance the bow & fire at a distance target – Challenge your family members as to who can score the greatest points. All under cover so no need to worry about damp conditions.
Natural Arts and Crafts
Explore our woods and paths to collect materials to create naturally inspired arts and crafts for you to take home.
Woodcraft
Using traditional woodcraft tools, you will learn to construct a woodland sculpture to take home with you.
Night Market at Valveworks
The Night Market at Valveworks is a monthly event showcasing the best of the best of UK Street Food alongside local and regional Live Music artists & DJs that Huddersfield has to offer. Revitalising an old Industrial unused space their market pops up with a rotating line up of vendors. This month’s event on the 29, 30 and 31 March sees 7 Food Vendors, and 12 Music artists and DJs over the course of the weekend. This Month’s food traders feature Middles Eastern mezzes, Thai, Bubble waffles and loads more! (Open Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 11pm)
Yummy Yorkshire
A warm welcome awaits you at Yummy Yorkshire. Relish in a delicious seasonal menu packed full of family favourites, enjoy a full Yorkshire breakfast, hearty lunch or afternoon tea in the Hide & Hoof. Sweet tooth? Visit the ice cream parlour for a great selection of sweet treats, enjoy your choice of a scoop or two of Yummy Yorkshire’s award-winning ice cream, devour a freshly made waffle or ice cream sundae, or simply relax with a barista made coffee and a slice of homemade cake. Open daily 9am – 5pm.
Home to Market on the Farm, a regular Sunday makers market, which is the perfect place to shop an array of unique wares created by talented local artists, creatives and makers. And with plenty of lovely walks locally Yummy Yorkshire is the perfect place to enjoy a day out in Kirklees.
WAKEFIELD
Pontefract Liquorice Festival
Location: Pontefract town centre (WF8 1BD)
Pontefract Liquorice Festival is back on Sunday 14 July – and what a sweet treat it is! Get ready for a confectionary-themed bonanza celebrating Pontefract’s historic link with liquorice. Browse the colourful market stalls (with many stalls offering liquorice themed products!), enjoy stage performances from community acts and top local talent, and keep your eyes peeled for walkabout entertainment. Bringing the kids? They’ll love the kids’ zone, packed with workshops, face painting, crafts and more. Make sure you stick around for the parade; it’ll be allsorts of fun!
The Hatchling
Location: Wakefield city centre (WF1 1HG), Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August, Pugneys Country Park (WF2 7EQ), Sunday 25 August
A dragon is coming to Wakefield! Our beautiful visitor, The Hatchling (the world’s largest human-operated puppet), emerges from her egg, builds herself a nest and then attempts to take to the skies in a bid for her freedom.
Along the way she explores the area, and as she roams, she encounters a series of events: from intimate interactions to city-wide performances. At the end of her journey our hatchling will undergo an incredible metamorphosis, unfurl her wings, and attempt to soar over Pugneys Country Park as the sun sets.
Light Up
Location: Wakefield city centre (WF1 1HG), Friday 15 – Sunday 17 November, Castleford town centre (Tuesday 19 November), Pontefract town centre (Sunday 24 November)
It’s back! This year’s Light Up Wakefield weekend invites you to see a spectacular trail of installations and experience the city in a whole new light. Take part in three days of incredible light installations, try your hand at fun craft activities, pick up gifts in the Christmas Craft & Gift Market, enjoy street entertainment and much more!
November also sees the return of Castleford and Pontefract Light Up, featuring festive markets, funfair rides, live music and the all-important Christmas lights switch-ons, the perfect way to start the yuletide season.
Peddler Market
Location: Tileyard North, WF1 5FY.
Peddler Market is one of the country’s leading street food events, synonymous with award-winning cuisine, independent craft drinks, live music and entertainment. Consistently recognised as one the nation’s best street food events, Peddler Market represents an abundance of culinary talent in the UK, celebrating diverse cuisines, proud heritage, and the best quality produce. The team behind the event in Sheffield have now teamed up with the brains behind Tileyard North in Wakefield to bring the very best in street food, live entertainment and craft beer to the stunning new event space in the city.
Dates: 19-20 April, 21-22 June, 16-17 August, 18-19 October, 20-21 December.
Recent Beans
Location: 97-99 Westgate, Wakefield, WF1 1EL. Queen’s Mill, Castleford, WF10 1JL
Recent Beans is a true Wakefield success story. This superlative coffee roastery opened in Castleford’s Queen’s Mill in 2020, and has gone from strength to strength since, having opened their new Westgate shop in 2023. They roast their coffees daily, on small-batch speciality coffee roasters, meaning it’s always at its best. It’s so good that they’ve become a key part of the local coffee culture, supplying both customers and numerous local businesses (including many of the district’s cafés) with freshly roasted goodness. They also stock a range of gifts, from roasting experiences to coffee subscriptions – and even a coffee advent calendar! Freshly roasted just tastes better. Give them a go, change your coffee game.
Find out more about West Yorkshire – where else can you find vibrant cities, quaint villages, industrial heritage, serene valleys, and expansive moorlands all coexist in harmonious contrast.
