Christmas Lecture in Silsden

Almost everyone has heard of the Star of Bethlehem. It’s a massive part of the classic Christmas story, right up there with donkeys and shepherds. But what was it, actually? A miracle sent from above? A complete myth? Or could it have been a real celestial event that an astronomer could explain? Well, people in Silsden are about to get some answers. The renowned astronomer Martin Lunn is heading to Silsden Town Hall to give a special festive talk on this very subject. On Sunday, 21st December 2025, he’ll be presenting "An Astronomer's Guide to The Star of Bethlehem," and it sounds like a perfect pre-Christmas treat.

What's the deal with the Star of Bethlehem anyway?

The story goes that a super-bright star appeared in the sky, guiding the Three Wise Men to the stable in Bethlehem. For centuries, people have wondered about it. Was it just a story, or did something genuinely happen up there in space? This is where the world of astronomy gets really interesting. Scientists and stargazers have a few theories. Could it have been a comet, like Halley's Comet, blazing across the sky? Maybe it was a supernova, which is basically a giant star exploding – that would certainly be bright enough to notice. Another idea is that it was a planetary conjunction, where a couple of planets look like they’ve lined up to create one brilliant point of light. This is an astronomer’s view of what the Star of Bethlehem could have been. It’s a proper cosmic mystery, blending history, religion, and science. The talk by Martin Lunn aims to look at all these possibilities, offering a scientific perspective on one of history's most famous puzzles.

An expert astronomer comes to Silsden

So, who is the person unravelling this mystery? It's none other than Martin Lunn, the former curator of astronomy at the Yorkshire Museum. This isn't his first time in Silsden; in fact, he's returning to Silsden Town Hall for a third time, which says a lot about how good his talks are. Having someone with his background explain the secrets of the cosmos is a fantastic opportunity. He has a way of making complex topics in astronomy completely understandable. This isn't some stuffy, boring lecture. It's an exciting festive talk designed for everyone, from kids who are just getting interested in space to adults who have always been a bit curious about the Star of Bethlehem. It promises to be a fascinating journey through time and space, right from a seat in Silsden. Martin Lunn’s expertise in astronomy makes him the perfect guide for this cosmic detective story.

The first annual Silsden Christmas Lecture

This event is extra special because it marks the start of a brand-new tradition in Silsden. "An Astronomer's Guide to the Star of Bethlehem" is the very first annual Christmas Lecture at Silsden Town Hall. What a brilliant idea. The plan is to have festive-themed talks every year that are perfect for both children and adults. The focus will be on what’s known as STEM subjects – that’s science, technology, engineering, and maths. It's a fantastic way to get people of all ages excited about these subjects, showing how science and technology can explain some of the world's biggest wonders. This new annual fixture in the Town Hall's Christmas calendar is sure to become a local favourite, kicking off with a deep dive into astronomy. The combination of a festive talk with cool topics like engineering, maths, and technology is a refreshing addition to the holiday season.

There's more than just stars on the Silsden programme

While the Christmas Lecture is a major highlight, the programme at Silsden Town Hall is absolutely packed with other amazing events. It's clear that Silsden is becoming a real hub for top-quality entertainment, especially with the Bradford City of Culture 2025 celebrations on the horizon. For music fans, there are headline performances from 80s and 90s legends. Does "Spirit in the Sky" ring a bell? The one and only Dr. and the Medics will be there. And for a dose of 90s optimism, D:Ream, famous for their massive hit "Things Can Only Get Better," are also on the bill. If a good laugh is more the thing, the comedy lineup is brilliant. Catch the superb Hal Cruttenden, a familiar face from TV panel shows, or enjoy the residency of local favourite Howard Walker. There are also incredible tribute acts celebrating the music of Robbie Williams, Bob Dylan, and Tina Turner. This eclectic programme shows that Silsden Town Hall is a key part of the cultural excitement building for the Bradford City of culture 2025.

All the details for this festive talk

Getting ready to solve a 2,000-year-old mystery? Here is everything needed to plan for this brilliant Christmas Lecture.

• Event: An Astronomer's Guide to The Star of Bethlehem
• Who: The fantastic astronomer Martin Lunn
• Where: Silsden Town Hall, Kirkgate, Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AJ
• When: Sunday, 21st December 2025
• Time: Matinee performance at 3:00pm (doors open 45 minutes before)

This promises to be a standout event in the Silsden calendar, blending science, history, and festive cheer into one unforgettable afternoon. It’s a chance to learn something new about astronomy and get into the Christmas spirit at the same time.