What's On In April

Spring is here, and like the blossoming flowers in the Bradford district parks, incredible events are opening across the district for you to make the most of the delightful weather. Take a look at some of the upcoming events taking place this month:

Celebrate ‘National Afternoon Tea Month’ in style on Monday, 1^st April at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and spend the bank holiday rolling along the rails with a delicious afternoon tea served in the carriage. The tasty cakes, sandwiches and drinks will be the perfect accompaniment to the marvellous view.

Search high and low for hidden Easter eggs at Nell Bank in Ilkley on 4^th and 5^th April. You never know where they might be hidden! As well as egg-hunting kids will be able to play to their hearts content in the adventure playground and water play area. 

Explore the relationship between mankind and nature in the new outdoor exhibition ‘Spirits of the Wild’ at the South Square Centre in Thornton starting 12^th April. Marvellous new concrete sculptures by Paul Stockley speak about our care but also about our disregard for our fellow creatures.

Pick up something delicious for dinner at the Saltaire Farmers Market on Sunday, 14^th April. There’ll be plenty of fresh breads, cakes, cheeses, meats, coffees and more, all from local, specialist, and independent producers.

Join the RSPB for a walk around the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon to discover the varied flora and fauna that call the area home. The walk is perfect for seasoned birdwatchers and people looking for a casual stroll alike and there will be lots of incredible things to see.

Meet author Ellie Keel at Wave of Nostalgia in Haworth on Wednesday, 17^th April. She’ll be giving readings, signing, and answering your questions about her fantastic debut novel ‘The Four’ on this special evening.

Grab yourself a tasty pint or two at the Haworth Beer Festival at the Old School Rooms on 18^th-21^st April. You’ll find plenty of craft beers, gins, wines and rums to sample along with a brilliant array of live music and delicious street food.

Cheer on your chosen squeaky champion at the Great Ilkley Duck Race, which starts at the New Brook Street Bridge on Saturday, 20^th April. This exciting charity event will be the highlight of your day out in Ilkley as you line the riverbank to see which duck will prove victorious.

Experience an amazing evening of fine dining within Ilkley Manor House on 26^th-27^th April. Following the success of the Christmas dining event, Good Food Story will serve up a spring taster menu served against the backdrop of the Manor House’s exhibitions.

Marvel at nature’s beauty at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Bolling Hall on Sunday, 28^th April. Plant summer bulbs to take home, search the gardens for fairies and spring creatures and meet special guests like Frances Tempest and the Booksmart Bear.

Celebrate World Heritage Day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire on Saturday, 27^th April. Bring your family along for a day filled with live music at the Bandstand, street theatre, traditional fairground rides and so much more!

This month is the perfect time to plan a trip to the theatre as the multi-award-winning Wicked lands at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford to show audiences how to defy gravity. Crime and cookery combine in Crime Bruleè at The Bradford Playhouse and an unexpected visitor interrupts a long-awaited holiday at Ilkley Playhouse in Ladies Unleashed. Alan Titchmarsh will talk about life and gardening at King’s Hall in Ilkley, while Sophie McCartney will be at St. George’s Hall in Bradford to venture into the perilous world of parenthood.

Music-lovers will be treated to a trio of tribute acts, with Taylormania paying homage to Taylor Swift at St. George’s Hall, You Win Again honouring the BeeGees at King’s Hall and a candlelight concert filled with the music of Elton John at Bradford Cathedral. The award-winning Jenny Colquitt plays beautiful melodies at Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury. For a full day of lively music you can head to the Underground in Bradford where plenty of bands will be performing at the Paint the Town Festival.