Welcome to Yorkshire
History • September 2nd, 2026
|The Sunny Bank Mills Heritage Festival is set to open its doors from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026, inviting visitors to step into the rich tapestry of everyday life at one of West Yorkshire’s most historic industrial sites. This year’s festival embraces the theme of ‘Everyday Histories’ and is part of the national Heritage Open Days programme, which celebrates local history and culture across the UK.
Celebrating History
Sunny Bank Mills, founded in 1829, has a remarkable history as a textile mill that once employed over 900 workers, producing high-quality woollen and worsted cloth. The festival aims to bring the stories of these workers and the mill’s evolution to life, showing how the site has transformed from a bustling industrial hub into a vibrant centre for creativity and culture.
Rachel Moaby, the Heritage Director at Sunny Bank Mills, expressed excitement about the festival:
“Heritage Open Days and our Heritage Festival are always a highlight of Sunny Bank Mills’ cultural calendar. This year, we’re inviting visitors to really step into the everyday life of a textile mill - the people, sounds, skills, and stories that have shaped this extraordinary place.”
Activities and Attractions
Visitors can look forward to a variety of engaging activities during the festival:
A special Everyday Histories exhibition will be showcased in the Museum & Archive, featuring objects, photographs, cloth samples, and personal stories that reflect the working lives of those who contributed to the mill's legacy.
Guided Heritage Tours will allow guests to explore previously unseen areas of the Mills, providing a unique glimpse into the historical significance of the site.
A family-friendly Clocking-In Trail will encourage exploration, featuring six ‘Everyday History’ spots with archival photographs and stories.
In addition to these historical insights, the festival will coincide with Leeds Open Studios, allowing visitors to meet nearly 50 contemporary artists and makers working in the Spinning Mill, Twisting Mill, and Red Lane Mill studios. This year, the festival introduces pop-up studios in the Main Yard, showcasing local artists who usually work from home.
Creative Experiences
Art and creativity will be at the forefront of the festival. A new collaborative exhibition by artists Kim Coley and Mel Davies will be displayed in the atmospheric Spinning Mill Loft, adding a modern touch to the historic setting. Visitors can also participate in creative activities, enjoy refreshments, and shop at independent stores, all while soaking in the unique blend of heritage and artistic expression that Sunny Bank Mills offers.
As Rachel Moaby noted, “There’s creativity everywhere you look. From the sights and sounds of a former working mill and the wonderful art in the Gallery’s Magic Show exhibition, to almost 50 resident artists and makers opening their studios, there will be something new around every corner.”
Exploring Textile Heritage
The festival will also highlight the ongoing Dyevolution project, funded by the National Lottery, which aims to revive traditional dyeing methods. Visitors can expect to learn about both natural and synthetic dyes, see how a new dye garden is being cultivated, and discover the secrets behind textile production.
Moreover, there will be opportunities to engage with WOVEN, a local organisation, showcasing the Calico dress alongside free sewing activities that allow participants to experience textile-making first-hand.
Details and Accessibility
The Sunny Bank Mills Heritage Festival runs from 10 am to 4 pm over the weekend of 11-13 September 2026, with Open Studios available on the 12th and 13th. Entry to the main festival activities is free, although guided tours will require a fee.
Sunny Bank Mills is not just a historical site; it has evolved into a thriving cultural hub in the heart of Farsley, Leeds. With an acclaimed contemporary art gallery, a vibrant community of artists, and a rich textile museum, it stands as a testament to the area’s industrial past while celebrating its creative future.
For those interested in exploring local history, art, and community spirit, the Heritage Festival promises to be an enriching experience, perfect for families, history buffs, and art lovers alike. Visitors are encouraged to come along and discover how the stories of the past continue to shape the present at Sunny Bank Mills.
