Newsletter: Friday 24th January 2025

Storm Eowyn is disrupting travel across the North on Friday, January 24, with gale-force winds causing train cancellations, speed restrictions, and route closures. If you have to postpone your trip to or within Yorkshire, don't worry - the region will be waiting to welcome you when the storm blows over!

Yorkshire news

Eleven Yorkshire fish and chip shops, including Hirds Family Fisheries in Halifax and the Magpie Cafe in Whitby, made Fry Magazine's UK Top 50 list for 2025, showcasing the region’s excellence in quality, service, and gluten-free offerings.

Trinity Kitchen in Leeds has welcomed five new street food vendors, including Big Mouth Gyoza, Sri Non Thai, and Yorkshire Cheese Grill, offering a delicious variety of global flavors for the next nine weeks to beat the January blues.

Wentworth Woodhouse's new tours, starting January 2025, unveil fascinating myths and hidden history, offering visitors unique insights into the mansion’s grand cellars, derelict attics, and candlelit rooms while sharing stories of royal visits, wartime weddings, and forgotten moments of its illustrious past.

The Yorkshire Lobster Sighting Survey, launched by the Whitby Lobster Hatchery, invites the public to help protect marine ecosystems by spotting and recording lobster sightings along the Yorkshire coast, contributing to sustainable conservation efforts.

Spirit of Yorkshire’s Filey Bay Flagship whisky, crafted using a unique "field-to-bottle" process, has won a gold medal at the W Club Members’ Choice Awards 2024, placing this young Yorkshire distillery alongside iconic names like Glen Scotia and Talisker.

Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a transformative 2025, with rising passenger numbers, new routes, a £100 million terminal upgrade, and a "Faff Less. Holiday More." campaign. EasyJet's new direct route from Leeds Bradford Airport to Geneva, launched on January 18, offers Yorkshire travelers an affordable way to access the Alps, with fares starting at £32.99.

Renowned pianist Junyan Chen, celebrated for her award-winning performances and dynamic repertoire, will perform an inspiring program of classical works at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel on January 26, 2025, as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series.

Whitby Pavilion Cinema is screening Mufasa: The Lion King from January 24 and Robbie Williams' biopic Better Man from January 31, offering family-friendly Disney magic and nostalgic pop royalty entertainment for everyone this winter.

Sheffield’s Lunar New Year Festival, running from January 30 to February 10, 2025, celebrates the Year of the Snake with a vibrant mix of cultural performances, lion dances, lantern displays, and food, culminating in a Lunar Gala, all aimed at uniting the community and supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Powerhouse Theatre Company in Wakefield is holding auditions on February 2, 2025, for young performers aged 9–18 to star in their modern twist on Les Misérables: School Edition, offering mentorship and a chance to shine on stage at Unity Hall.

Scottish comedian Connor Burns is in Yorkshire this February, delivering sharp, nostalgic humor that’s already earned rave reviews and cemented his status as one of comedy’s rising stars.

The Harrogate Decorative Antiques and Art Fair, running from February 7–9, 2025, at the Pavilions Showground, offers a treasure trove of fine art, antiques, and unique pieces from over 45 dealers, including standout works by Yorkshire artists like Brian Shields (BRAAQ) and Herbert Royle, catering to collectors and casual visitors alike.

Reignite VII, taking place on February 13, 2025, at the Yorkshire Museum in York, will showcase the intersection of art and technology through presentations, immersive displays, and collaborations with innovators like Viridian Labs and Peel X, celebrating the city's role as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

Northern Ballet's eco-themed retelling of Hansel & Gretel premieres in Leeds from February 15–22 before touring 17 UK locations from March to June, blending captivating dance, recycled costumes, and a family-friendly environmental message perfect for children aged 3 and up.

This half term in Bradford, enjoy thrilling family-friendly events at St George’s Hall, including the interactive Dinosaur Adventure Live (February 17) and the magical Pop Princesses concert (February 18), combining fun, education, and entertainment for all ages.

Starting March 23, 2025, Halifax’s historic Dean Clough will host a monthly Artisan Market featuring over 50 independent traders, live music, workshops, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of this iconic heritage site.

Leeds Playhouse offers an exciting winter lineup featuring magical adventures like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, thought-provoking dramas like Animal Farm and The Intrusion, and unique shows such as Buffy Revamped, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park's 2025 calendar is packed with family-friendly events, including seasonal celebrations, concerts by Björn Again and Russell Watson, and unique experiences like the Winter Illuminations and Halloween festivities, all set alongside its commitment to animal conservation.

Thornton’s community raised over £2,250 at "The Three Ann(e)s" event, blending music, narration, and performances to celebrate Anne Brontë’s legacy and support the preservation of the Brontë Birthplace.

Owning the 700-year-old Ripley Castle estate, priced at £21 million, offers a slice of history, including the castle, surrounding woodland, a hotel, a village store, and a cricket ground, as the Ingilby family sells after 28 generations to embrace retirement and spontaneity.

Ramsdens Solicitors has moved its Halifax office to Dean Clough’s revamped Bowling Mill, combining historic charm with modern amenities, highlighting Dean Clough’s success as a vibrant 22-acre business hub and a boost for Halifax’s creative and economic growth.

What's on this week in Yorkshire?

• Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons at Victoria Theatre, Halifax on January 25th, 2025 7:30pm
• Brothers Osborne – Might As Well Be Us World Tour at O2 Academy Leeds on January 26th, 2025 7:00pm
• Chris McCausland: Yonks! at Leadmill, Sheffield on January 27th, 2025 8:00pm
• Hamilton at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on January 28th, 2025 7:30pm
• K-Pop’d! | 29.01.25 at Leeds University Union, Leeds on January 29th, 2025 9:00pm
• Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2025 at First Direct Arena, Leeds on January 30th, 2025 7:30pm
• Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity at Scarborough Spa Grand Hall on January 31st, 2025 7:00pm
• Antarctic Monkeys at O2 Academy Leeds on February 1st, 2025 6:00pm
• Craig David at First Direct Arena, Leeds on February 2nd, 2025 6:30pm