What's On In May

As we head into May, spring is in full swing in the Bradford district and there are loads of fantastic activities to get stuck into as the sun starts to shine even brighter. Here is just a taste of what you can look forward to.

Start the month with the launch of the first event that’s paving the way to Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture in 2025. ‘Where It Began’ is a new exhibition from artist Osman Yousefzada on display at Cartwright Hall from 3^rd May until 13^th October, which looks at migration, identity and culture.

Head into Haworth on 3^rd-4^th May because the Steampunks have come early this year. See people dressed in incredible attire (feel free to dress up for the occasion yourself), watch live entertainment, visit the market and more on your adventure into the world of steam.

Explore the Saltaire Arts Trail from 4^th-6^th May and discover an incredible array of contemporary artwork. Whether you’re visiting the open village, perusing the maker’s fair or wandering through the galleries at Salts Mill, you’ll be surrounded by amazing artwork at every turn.

Celebrate the re-opening of the Keighley Bus Museum on Sunday, 5^th May at their open day. The event coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the world’s oldest surviving double-decker trolleybus and will feature free bus rides, stalls and live entertainment.

Join the crowd at the Super Soapbox Challenge, which returns to Bradford on Sunday, 5^th May. Teams from around the district will be racing down the hill as you cheer them on. If you need a break from the thrilling action, you can also head to the funfair or watch the live music acts that will be performing throughout the day.

Visit NT East Riddlesden on Sunday, 5^th May for their debut Summer Fête. Local craftsmen, traders and vendors of tasty food and drink will be on hand with all kinds of good to purchase and there will be plenty of fun activities for youngsters to get involved with in the surrounding fields.

Get into the Mardi Gras spirit at the Ilkley Carnival on Monday, 6^th May. The annual event returns next bank holiday packed with fun, including a parade, trade stalls and a dog show for a day out that’s fun for all the family.

Lace up your hiking boots and join one of the guided walks running through Bingley on Monday, 6^th May, at the Bingley Walking Festival. Bingley Walkers Are Welcome is hosting five walks that will take you to see some of the best sights in the area. since May is National Walking Month, it’s the perfect time to go explore the district!

Discover loads of family fun at the Brontë Vintage Gathering on 11^th-12^th May in Cullingworth. This year will see fantastic displays from Atkinsons Action Horses and SMJ Falconry as well as a dog show, ferret racing, a fairground and much, much more.

Delve into the final novel of Charlotte Brontë on Thursday, 16^th May. The Brontë Parsonage Museum will be holding a special talk on Villette, its writing and its impact. The event is included with your entry to the museum, making this the perfect day to visit for literary aficionados.

Enjoy a tasty pint or two at the Great Baildon Beer Festival on 17^th-18^th May on West Lane. Over 48 beers brewed in the UK will be on hand to sample and your ticket price includes a drink and a special commemorative glass.

Visit Myrtle Park in Bingley on 24th-26^th May to join the Challenge Festival. This new music festival has loads to get stuck into, including incredible live music performances, dance and theatrical displays, a light parade and much, much more.

This May will be marvellous for lovers of music and theatre. Class is in session at the Ilkley Playhouse whilst Anuvab Pal discusses the Department of Britishness at the Studio Theatre in Bradford. Burlesque show Salt and Shake returns to the Caroline Street Social Club in Saltaire and the spooky ghost story 2:22 plays out at the Alhambra Theatre. John Bishop is ‘Back At It’ at St. George’s Hall and there’s even more comedy on the way from Howard Walker and Friends at Silsden Town Hall.

The incredible music of 007 is being played at St. George’s Hall, which will also shake to the beating of the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers. The Pitman Poets are taking their final tour to King’s Hall in Ilkley, while American folk singers The Hackles will perform at The Live Room at Saltaire and Slovenian rockers The Hellcats take to the stage at Nightrain in Bradford.

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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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