Soak up some culture, find something different to do in Bradford & District in October with our guide to the month.
There is another feast of literary treats in store at this year’s Ilkley Literature Festival which, over 17 days, presents a packed programme of 250 events featuring novelists, broadcasters, poets, journalists and performers. The Children’s Festival is headlined by BBC Radio 1’s Greg James and Chris Smith and includes fantastic events for anyone ages 3-12 including Ben Faulks, Nadia Shireen, Robin Stevens and Festival favourites tutti frutti. Plus there are workshops and masterclasses with leading writers and the Festival Fringe.
Our Hotpick! Don’t miss Illuminate Bradford (13 -15 October) experience three days of magical acts at a mini festival packed with amazing performances, interactive installations and colourful street theatre. See The Luminarium, Zamana and Illuminares in City Park then wander out and discover surprising happenings around the city centre.
We’re really looking forward to this year’s Golden Years Film Festival, with an exciting line-up of screenings, talks and events – all celebrating life through film. The six-day festival, hosted by Bradford UNESCO City of Film in partnership with Picturehouse at the National Science + Media Museum. Takes a special look at the Brontës sisters and exploring Bradford’s 100-year film heritage.
The Brick Box Ladies return, bringing Ivegate to life ( 13-14 October) with a “River of Light” event. Beautiful light installations and activities, followed by tunes and dancing till your feet get tired.
Bolling Hall Museum invites you to join them for a Historical Civil War Re-enactment on Sunday 1 October. With the Lord Montagu’s Regiment of Foote being part of the English Civil War Society. Enjoy displays of 17th century cooking, sewing, spinning, weaving and wood working.
Real Food Ilkley at South Hawksworth Street on Sunday 1 October (10am to 3pm) The open-air market celebrates the rich variety of locally produced food and drink.
Music, real cider, and great sausages – Haworth Sausage & Cider Festival takes place at the Old Brontë School Rooms (Friday 6 – Sunday 8 October.) You’ll be spoilt for choice with a range of ciders & ales to help wash down those sizzling sausages.
Bradford Comic-Con is back on October 8th at Bradford City Football Club, Valley Parade. 50 awesome traders: Comics, Graphic Novels, Books, Apparel and more…
Widescreen Weekend (12-15 October) is a unique festival, enjoy a long weekend of big, bold and wide cinema experiences—glorious 70mm screenings, new Cinerama restorations and great guests to remind you why going to the movies is so magical.
Haworth Festival is branching out with a weekend of special activities in the village’s Old School Rooms from October 13 to 15. New York singer/songwriter Todd Carey will headline on Sunday with one of only two public gigs in the UK for his Future Throwback tour.
Returning for another year, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Beer & Music Festival (19-22 October) is set for another great occasion. There will be live music at Oxenhope from Friday to Sunday, where approximately 15 bands will perform with a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and country – there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Look out for! Sew Near-Sew Far a collaboration between the Brontë Parsonage Museum and artist Lynn Setterington. Pieces of large-scale, textile art will be installed at locations along the Brontë Way – each celebrating the famous signatures of the literary sisters. The completed work will be displayed 1 – 13 October, near the Brontë Bridge and Waterfall, in the museum’s first outdoor exhibition.
Hit the theatre! The Band – Take That’s New Musical (17 – 28 October) is playing at The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford. Featuring the music of Take That, Britain’s most successful boy-band of all time, whose songs include Never Forget, Back For Good, A Million Love Songs, Greatest Day, The Flood, Relight My Fire, Shine & Rule the World, the show stars the winners from the BBC’s Let it Shine, Five to Five.
There will be a range of events for families taking place during the October half term, including The Big Draw & Spooktacular Halloween activities.
So visit Bradford & District in October, we look forward to seeing you!
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