What's On In October

This month, Bradford is brimming with a variety of exciting events for all ages. Whether your kids are on half-term break, you're gearing up for Halloween or you want to enjoy the autumn atmosphere and seasonal treats, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Get ready to embrace everything the Bradford district has to offer! Here’s a brief look at some of the events happening:

Watch hilarious chaos unfold over dinner at the Alhambra Theatre’s 1914 restaurant in Bradford on Wednesday, 2^nd October when the Faulty Towers Dining Experience arrives. Expect your fabulous three-course meal to be served with a side of mayhem in this loving tribute to the classic comedy.

It’s time to celebrate the written word at the Ilkley Literature Festival from 4^th-20^th October, enjoy talks from literary stars like Prue Leith, Gyles Brandreth, Julian Clary and Safiya Kinshasa. Don’t wait—check out the full programme and book your tickets today!

Dance the night away at the Silent Disco hosted at NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley on Friday, 4^th October. You can select from three different music channels to enjoy through your personal headphones and discover your unique rhythm on the dance floor.

Meet local artists at the Ilkley Arts Open Studios on 5^th-6^th October. Explore their creative spaces, learn about their artistic journeys and perhaps you’ll even find a piece or two you just have to take home with you!

Dust off your top hat and head to Haworth on 11^th-13^th October for the Haworth Steampunk Weekend. Watch sensational live entertainment, join dog show classes to see if you can teach an old dog new tricks and enjoy a day in the picturesque village full of people in amazing fancy dress.

Enjoy the best fruit of the year at the Apple-y events on 12^th October at NT East Riddlesden Hall and 26^th October at Cliffe Castle. With plenty of tasty and fruity activities happening throughout the day, the whole family will have a delicious afternoon.

Spot wildlife on the move at Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon on Saturday, 12^th October. On this guided walk you’ll be on the lookout for birds flying overhead to migrate for the oncoming winter while you learn about the conservation efforts that are ongoing at the reserve.

Sup a pint or two as you listen to brilliant live music at railway stations along the Keighley & Worth Valley on 17^th-20^th October. The annual Beer and Music Festival features brilliant bands and real ales in an event that spans every station along the 5-mile line.

Uncover the fascinating history of the humble typewriter at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley on Saturday, 19^th October. The whole family will enjoy having a play on some working examples, joining in with themed arts and crafts activities and even entering a competition to win a typewriter.

Indulge in a little nostalgia at the Saltaire Record and Retro Fair. On Saturday, 19^th October the Caroline Street Social Club will be filled to the brim with stalls replete with rare records and pop culture memorabilia just waiting for you to discover it.

Join the Intercultured Festival in Bradford on 21^st October-2^nd November. Showcasing diversity and culture within the district, the festival includes wonderful food and drink events, live performances of music, dance, poetry and much, much more.

After almost 10 years the Bradford International Film Festival is returning to the UNESCO City of Film! From 23^rd-27^th October, venues across the district will celebrate short films by filmmakers from Bradford, the UK and across the globe.

Get stuck into some family fun this half-term! Enjoy creative crafting and autumn adventures at Bradford district museums or check out the Family Learning Festival, among many more exciting activities on their way to help little ones have the times of their lives until school starts up again.

Dare you board the Scare Train on Halloween night on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway? Even the ghouls and goblins are staying away from this ghostly train, so be careful before you step off the platform – you might not return! Discover even more spooky Halloween events taking place across the district. Local businesses and attractions are getting into the spirit of the season, offering themed events, autumn trails and family-friendly festivities that are sure to delight and fright.

Throughout October a variety of incredible performances and shows will be headed to Bradford. Monty Python legend Michael Palin will take to the stage at the Alhambra Theatre to discuss his diaries before Rodney and Del Boy unleash chaos in Only Fools and Horses the Musical. Over at Silsden Town Hall, Nikky Smedley will spill all the gossip about working on the Teletubbies, while at St. George’s Hall in Bradford, Max Fosh will have you in stitches with his unique comedy and you’ll be thoroughly amazed at sensational performances at An Evening of Burlesque.

Music lovers will adore faithful tributes to Abba at King’s Hall in Ilkley and Adele at Bradford Cathedral. The Live Room in Saltaire welcomes Hannah Scott and Amanda Rheaume for a brilliant musical evening while Will Finn and Rosie Calvert play at the Ilkley Manor House. Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, meanwhile, invites you to a lively folk/rock concert by Fred’s House.

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

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