What's On In February

We’re now well into 2024 and February is almost here.  So, it’s time to look forward to all the brilliant events happening next month on the way to spring. Here’s just a sample of what you can do in the Bradford district.

Discover new exhibition The Ridings: Bradford Working-Class Family Life, Loss & Landscape: 1970s-1990s by Emma Conally-Barklem at the South Square Centre in Thornton, from 2^nd February-30^th March. This exhibition beautifully captures the essence of family, grief, and the West Yorkshire landscape through photos, letters, personal items, and excerpts from 'The Ridings'. Immerse yourself in the past and take a nostalgic journey through history.

Shop for some delicious fresh ingredients at the Real Food Market in Ilkley on Sunday, 4th February. Find traders in the Grove selling all kinds of amazing local produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, and cakes.

Celebrate all things woolly at the annual Blaise Wool Festival at the Bradford Industrial Museum on Sunday, 4^th February. Listen to live music, join craft workshops, and listen to the tales of Bishop Blaise as he spins yarns from the past.

Delve into the relationship between vampires and the Brontës at the Brontë Parsonage Museum on Thursday, 8^th February. This fascinating talk will consider how Emily Brontë played a crucial role in the legacy of vampire fiction from the nineteenth century all the way to the present day.

Come and experience a wide variety of fantastic beers, ales, ciders, and gins at the King's Hall in Ilkley on the 9th-10th February. Don't miss out on the first of two incredible beer festivals this month. Get your tickets now for a great weekend filled with delicious food, excellent drinks, and live music.

Join the West Yorkshire Organic Group at Shipley College on Saturday, 10^th February for the annual Potato Day. Choose from over 30 varieties of spuds to plant in your garden or allotment to make tasty homegrown dishes with later this year.

Take advantage of the half term break in February to unwind, rejuvenate, and discover new places. Whether it's a fantastic train journey on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway or the extraordinary Circus Spectacular!, the Bradford district offers many activities to enjoy at this time of year.

Enjoy a quiet morning at the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon on Thursday, 15^th February. Take the whole family and teach the kids some bird watching tips they can use at home over half term. Explore the beautiful reserve and be sure to tell us about all the beautiful birds you spot.

February is known as the month of love and what better way to celebrate than by spending Valentine's Day in the Bradford district. This special day falls on Wednesday,14th February, but why limit the celebrations to just one day? Spend a romantic evening at the Airedale Barn at NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley on Friday, 16^th February. Live music will provide an intimate atmosphere as you enjoy an amazing three-course meal with your loved one.  If you're looking for a short break, look at ‘Stay and Explore’ inspiration for a romantic weekend escape.

Lace up your hiking boots for an intense walk up to Pinfold Hill on Tuesday, 20^th February. Your guide Daphne Allen will meet you in Keighley to lead you along the 6.5-mile route in the crisp, refreshing winter air to spot some brilliant views.

Discover over 100 real ales, ciders and craft beers at the Bradford Beer and Cider Festival at the Victoria Hall in Saltaire from the 29^th February-2^nd March. Enjoy a pint or two with tasty food from a local brewery while listening to wonderful live music including, tunes played on the hall’s Wurlitzer organ.

There are loads of unmissable shows in the Bradford district this month. The ever-popular Vampires Rock returns to fill St George’s Hall with classic rock anthems before the hilarity ensues with the Drag Panto: Alice in Wonderland. Madagascar the Musical escapes to the Alhambra theatre for half term. Meanwhile, there’s some hilarious comedy on hand courtesy to comedians at the Stagefright Comedy Club at Ilkley Playhouse and a performance of Love Actually at the Bingley Little Theatre.

Music lovers will be thrilled to incredible performances, including classic rock and blues at the Underground in Bradford and an evening of smooth jazz at the Bradford Latvian Club. Folk duo The Breath play at the Live Room in Saltaire and Tom Bliss takes to the stage at the Topic Folk Club in Shipley. Official Queen tribute band Queen Extravaganza will rock St George’s Hall and Bradford Cathedral hosts a magical tribute to Adele played by candlelight.

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Enjoy your time in Bradford district and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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