Newsletter: Saturday 23rd August 2025

Yorkshire is alive with summer celebrations, new openings, and standout cultural events, from rare literary treasures to major music gigs. This week’s newsletter rounds up the latest highlights, offers, and things to do across the county.

Filey Beach has been crowned Yorkshire’s best beach by TripAdvisor visitors, earning glowing reviews for its five-mile sandy shoreline.

Castleford’s Tickle Cock Bridge has been transformed with a vibrant new mural by artist Emmeline North, part of Wakefield Council’s wider regeneration plans that will soon include a new mural at Beancroft Subway.

A new mural by internationally acclaimed artist Peachzz has been unveiled in South Elmsall, blending the town’s mining heritage with symbols of growth and hope for the future.

The Beastfair Vault in Pontefract has reopened following a major six-figure refurbishment.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has welcomed two rare Amur leopard cubs, now venturing outdoors ahead of their big move to Leopard Heights, with visitors able to spot them during the park’s Night Out at the Zoo event this August.

From 23 August onwards, Dean Clough in Halifax hosts Kate Sully’s new exhibition The Upside Down (23 Aug–5 Oct), a bustling outdoor Artisan Market with family trail (24 Aug), and Padres Tacos’ next kitchen takeover (29–30 Aug).

Castleford’s Summer FunFest wraps up with free beach-themed activities on 23rd August, including sandpits, funfair rides, and face painting for families at Castleford Market.

Meadowbeck Care Home in Osbaldwick hosts its annual Summer Fair on Saturday 23rd August, with live music, games, stalls, and homemade treats for the whole community.

North Yorkshire Water Park is offering free Aquapark access from 18–24 August to anyone named Will Smith, coinciding with the star’s Scarborough tour date on 24th August.

Trinity Leeds is hosting free Trinity Kitchen Sessions every Thursday evening in August, bringing live music from rising Yorkshire artists alongside street food from rotating vendors.

Six by Nico Leeds launches its new six-course SPACE tasting menu on 25th August, running until 16th November with dishes inspired by galaxies, black holes, and cosmic exploration.

The Tropical Butterfly House in Sheffield hosts its Summer Bioblitz on 25–26 August, inviting families to join hands-on wildlife surveys alongside the park’s usual animal shows, trails, and activities.

Hull marks Slavery Remembrance Day on 23rd August with commemorations at Wilberforce House Museum and the Hull Afro Caribbean Association, connecting local heritage to a global day of reflection.

Following the success of its Yorkshire Food Festival, Middleton Railway is now preparing for Heritage Open Days in September and the ever-popular Santa Specials in December.

East Yorkshire’s Nataliia will compete in The Great British Bake Off Series 16, bringing Ukrainian-inspired flavours to the tent when the show returns on 2nd September.

Bradford hosts the Re-mapping the Brontës conference on 6th September, exploring how the sisters’ work connects to themes of race, empire, global events, and Irish heritage.

Bradford is gearing up for the HONK! Street Band Festival this September, with three days of music celebration to come.

Yorkshire Churches Day returns on 13th September with special walking trails, guided tours, and events across the county, offering a chance to explore historic churches and support their preservation.

DogFest Yorkshire returns to Harewood House on 13–14 September 2025, inviting families, dog lovers, and volunteers to join a two-day festival packed with canine fun and community spirit.

Charlie & Ivy’s next charity supper club takes place on 19th September at The Cook’s Place in Malton, showcasing Puckett’s Pickles in support of HOPING York Street Kitchen.

---

#Ad

---

What's on in Yorkshire this week?

Yorkshire is buzzing with an exciting line-up of events to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, sports nostalgia, or family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s coming up in the next week:

• Leeds Festival 2025 – Saturday Day Tickets at Bramham Park, Leeds on August 23rd, 2025
• Björn Again at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster on August 24th, 2025
• Scarborough Spa Orchestra Morning Concert at Scarborough Spa Suncourt on August 25th, 2025
• The Lemonheads at Foundry, Sheffield on August 26th, 2025
• Queens of the Stone Age: Rock N Roll Circus (Don Valley Bowl) at Utilita Arena Sheffield on August 27th, 2025
• Martha Wainwright – 20th Anniversary Tour at Foundry, Sheffield on August 28th, 2025
• Nile Rodgers & CHIC + special guests The Brand New Heavies at The Piece Hall, Halifax on August 29th, 2025
• In the Night Garden Live at Hull New Theatre, Hull on August 30th, 2025
• Russell Watson at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster on August 31st, 2025 5:00pm

---

A look at the history of Easby Abbey

Dr Emma Wells explores the rich history of Easby Abbey near Richmond, tracing its 12th-century foundation, medieval prosperity, and survival as one of Britain’s best-preserved Premonstratensian sites.

---