What Are The Best Events And Activities To Visit In The Bradford District This Autumn And Winter?

As the nights start drawing in and the leaves begin to turn, it's easy to think about hibernating. But hold that thought, because the Bradford district is absolutely buzzing with things to see and do this season. Whether you're after a bit of festive fun, some mind-bending theatre, a dose of culture, or just a brilliant day out with the family, there are loads of attractions and activities to check out.

From dazzling light shows and a bold new opera to a massive recycled playground, it's all happening right here. So, grab a brew and get ready to fill up your calendar with some amazing local events.

Get ready for some panto magic at the Alhambra Theatre

Oh yes, it is! Panto season is just around the corner, and it wouldn't be Christmas in Bradford without a trip to the magnificent Alhambra Theatre. This year, get ready for a dose of pure panto magic with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Leading the cast is Bradford's own panto legend, Billy Pearce, who's guaranteed to have everyone in stitches. He's joined by a brilliant lineup including Myra Dubois, Sinitta, Sarah Pearson, and Callum Connelly.

For anyone who's never been, a panto is a classic British tradition. It's a hilarious, over-the-top version of a famous fairytale, packed with songs, silly jokes, and plenty of chances to shout at the stage. It's perfect for the whole family. The show promises to be a spectacular production, so get ready to boo the wicked queen and cheer for Snow White. Performances run from 6th December to 18th January, and tickets are already on sale for these popular Christmas events.

Bradford lights up this November

Prepare to see the city in a whole new light, quite literally. The brilliant BD: is LIT festival returns on the 7th and 8th of November to illuminate Bradford with a series of dazzling light installations. It's one of those events that completely transforms the streets, making you feel like you've stepped into another world. This year's theme is 'The Colour of Light', and the festival has funded four local artists to create some truly innovative pieces. It's a fantastic opportunity to wander through the city after dark and see some amazing, creative art for free. A perfect evening out for all ages.

Unleash your creative side this autumn

Autumn is a season bursting with colour and change, which makes it the perfect time to get a bit creative. Across the entire Bradford district and neighbouring Calderdale, local studios and galleries are throwing open their doors. It's a fantastic chance to discover the vibrant cultural scene simmering away in the region. You could find yourself painting pottery in Brighouse, checking out some grassroots art in Thornton, or getting inspired by the big ideas at the Turner Prize exhibition in Cartwright Hall. There are workshops and exhibitions everywhere, offering a chance to get hands-on or just soak up some inspiration. If you want to visit somewhere new and try different activities, now's the time.

Not your average opera: The Last Machine Breaker

Forget what you think you know about opera. On the 10th and 11th of November, a bold and futuristic show is coming to Mind the Gap in Bradford. Presented by the Bradford Opera Festival, The Last Machine Breaker is described as a "live-digital hybrid," mixing live performance with technology to tell a story that jumps between the past and the future.

The plot sounds fascinating. It follows two different timelines that collide: one with Eva, a modern-day tech entrepreneur who builds a sentient AI, and the other with George Mellor, a Luddite leader from the 19th century. If you're wondering, the Luddites were textile workers who smashed new machinery because they feared it would take their jobs. This new work from composer Ben Crick and writer Kamal Kaan uses these two stories to ask some big questions about progress, rebellion, and what it means to be human. If you're after something thought-provoking, this is one to book tickets for.

Big names and big ideas at the Ilkley Literature Festival

The 2025 Ilkley Literature Festival is in full swing, bringing a host of famous faces and fascinating discussions to the lovely town of Ilkley. While some shows, like the one with comedian Alan Davies, have already sold out, there are still plenty of fantastic talks and events to catch until it wraps up on Sunday, 19th October. Limited tickets are still available for:

• Mary Portas discussing consumer culture in I Shop, Therefore I Am.
• Author Lamorna Ash exploring why young people are turning to faith.
• BBC correspondent Ben Chu talking about the future of the global economy in Exile Economics.
• Natural England's Chair, Tony Juniper (CBE), on how to live well without wrecking the planet.
• Journalist John Harris sharing how music became a vital connection with his son, who has autism.

One of the standout events is a panel discussion led by poet Andrew McMillan. He'll be joined by fellow northern poets to talk about Tony Harrison's famous poem, V.. When it was first released in the 1980s, the poem caused a massive stir with its raw language about class and identity, even leading to calls for it to be banned. This discussion is a chance to explore a really important piece of northern literary history.

A sneak peek at Bradford 2025: Elmet and Replay

Looking ahead, Bradford 2025 is already promising some incredible cultural highlights. Two world premieres are on the horizon, and they couldn't be more different. First up is Elmet, a gritty and powerful new play by Bradford-raised writer-director Javaad Alipoor. Running from 22nd October to 2nd November 2025, this stage adaptation of Fiona Mozley's Booker Prize-shortlisted novel is set in the wilds of West Riding. It tells the story of a family living off-grid whose peaceful existence is threatened by a powerful landowner. Described as a "gutsy story of family, revenge and the ultimate price of freedom," it's for audiences aged 14+ and features new music from the incredible folk band The Unthanks. This play, Elmet, is set to be a major highlight.

And now for something completely different! REPLAY is a huge indoor adventure playground made entirely from waste materials, repurposed for maximum fun. Running from 14th October to 30th November 2025 at Damart Mill in Bingley, this is a space where kids aged 0-11 and their families can build, create, and invent their own games. REPLAY is all about the joy of free play, letting imaginations run wild in a colourful, recycled world. It's a brilliant idea and a fantastic day out for little ones. Be sure to book your tickets for both Elmet and Replay when they become available.

Even more events for your calendar

If that's not enough to keep you busy, here are a few more upcoming attractions and activities to add to your diary when you visit the Bradford district this autumn.

Date	Event	Location
24th Oct - 1st Feb	Living Dots: Nature, People and Places	National Science + Media Museum, Bradford
25th Oct - 2nd Nov	Inspiration: Railway 200	Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
31st Oct	Fright Night	Shipley Glen Tramway, Baildon
31st Oct	Halloween Hyacinths	Bolling Hall, Bradford
8th Nov	Ashlands Bonfire	Ashlands Primary School, Ilkley