Autumn events
From some of the biggest names in comedy to outdoor cinema screenings and gigs to remember forever, here’s our run down of the best events in Yorkshire this summer.
1. DAMIEN HIRST:
Homecoming for the artist best known for his formaldehyde cows sees seven of Hirst’s iconic sculptures displayed across the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Leeds Art Gallery as part of the inaugural Yorkshire Sculpture International.
To September 29th, yorkshire-sculpture.org
2. SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE:
Back for a second year, this recreation of an Elizabethan theatre has risen up in the corner of a York car park with four different companies of actors performing Hamlet, Henry V, Twelfth Night and The Tempest.
To September 1st, shakespearesrosetheatre.com
3. TRIBFEST:
Is there a better name for a tribute band than Wrong Jovi? We think not. They will be joined at Sledmere House, near Driffield, by Badness, Green Date, Antarctic Monkeys , Kopycat Killers and many, many more.
August 15th to 18th, tribfest.co.uk
4. OPEN AIR FILM SCREENINGS:
There’s a number of al fresco cinema programmes this summer, but our favourite is at Leeds’ Millennium Square which will see Pretty Woman, Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns screened on consecutive nights.
August 17th to 19th, millsqleeds.com
5. NIGEL SLATER’S TOAST:
Based on the chef’s award-winning autobiography, the stage version, which comes to Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, lovingly recreates his childhood in 1960s suburbia through the tastes and smells he grew up with.
August 19th to 24th, thelbt.org.uk
6. LEEDS FESTIVAL:
There are still tickets available for Yorkshire’s biggest music festival, which this year will see The 1975, Post Malone, Twenty One Pilots and the Foo Fighters play the headline sets at Bramham Park.
August 23rd to 25th, leedsfestival.com
7. SKUNK ANANSIE:
If you remember them for the first time around, prepare to feel a little old as Skunk Anansie, led by the formidable Skin, perform at Leeds O2 Academy to celebrate the release of their 25th anniversary live album.
August 30th, academymusicgroup.com
8. LEEDS INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL:
This celebration of all things craft ale returns to Leeds Town Hall for its eighth year. Alongside the booze there’s also a street food market, live music across three stages and a range of beer-related activities.
September 5th to 8th, leedsbeer.com
9. MALORY TOWERS:
Enid Blyton’s tale of midnight feasts in an all-girls’ boarding school on a Cornish clifftop is given a very modern makeover at York Theatre Royal by the brilliant Wise Children theatre company. Definitely one not to miss.
September 10th to 14th, yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
10. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN:
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel which shifted more than 20 million copies worldwide, the play starring Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth arrives at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre.
September 10th to 14th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
11. BRIAN COX:
Everyone’s favourite physicist added an extra date at Leeds First Direct Arena due to popular demand where he will attempt to explain the origin and evolution of our solar system, the wider universe and everything else in between.
September 11th, firstdirectarena.com
12. PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT:
Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden joins Jason Donovan in the stage version of the hit film at Bradford’s Alhambra. Featuring a non-stop parade of dance floor classics and some impressive costume changes, it’s the campest show in town.
September 17th to 21st, bradford-theatres.co.uk
13. FRANK SKINNER:
He’s now best known as host of Room 101 and his Saturday morning breakfast show on Absolute Radio, but Frank Skinner goes back to his stand-up roots with this new UK tour which stops off at York, Hull and Sheffield in September.
September 18th (Hull), 19th (Sheffield), 22nd (York), frankskinnerlive.com
14. YORK FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL:
From wine tastings to cookery demonstrations, hands-on workshops and street food stalls, head to York for a little foodie indulgence as the city is taken over by a week-long celebration of all things culinary.
September 20th to 29th, yorkfoodfestival.com
15. RUSSELL HOWARD:
Hot on the heels of his critically-acclaimed hit Sky One series, the Bristolian comedian brings his latest live show which attempts to make sense of a world that’s spinning out of control to Leeds First Direct Arena and Sheffield’s FlyDSA Arena.
September 27th & 28th, russell-howard.co.uk
16. OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL:
The programme of short films celebrating the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who chase the crests of waves arrives at the big screen at both York Barbican and Leeds Town Hall on consecutive nights.
September 26th & 27th, oceanfilmfestival.co.uk
17. STAR WARS IN CONCERT:
See The Empire Strikes Back as it was meant to be seen at Leeds First Direct Arena. Screened in impressive HD with a live symphony orchestra playing the score, it’s the only way to feel the force of John Williams’ epic score.
September 28th, firstdirectarena.com
18. JOSH WIDDICOMBE:
The Last Leg presenter and panel show regular returns to York Barbican with a new stand-up show. It might not change the world, but it will tackle those hot political issues like the benefits of pesto and advent calendars.
October 3rd, yorkbarbican.co.uk
19. ILKLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL:
The annual celebration of poetry and prose opens with poet laureate Simon Armitage and over the course of two weeks will welcome the likes of Prue Leith, David Suchet and Clare Balding.
October 4th to 20th, ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
20. MUSHY:
Leeds Playhouse reopens its doors with this play inspired by the true story of Musharaf Asghar who shot to fame along with his teacher Mr Burton in Educating Yorkshire as the pair worked to overcome his debilitating stammer.
