Newsletter: Saturday 8th February 2025

As February unfolds, Yorkshire is buzzing with incredible events, perfect for families, couples, and adventure-seekers alike! With half-term just around the corner, now’s the time to plan exciting days out, whether it’s exploring ancient caves, getting up close with wildlife, or taking part in hands-on activities across the region.

For those looking to celebrate love, Valentine’s Day offers everything from romantic countryside retreats to indulgent dining and unique date-night experiences.

And for astronomy enthusiasts, the Dark Skies Festival returns, illuminating the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors with breathtaking celestial views, expert-led stargazing sessions, and astrophotography workshops.

The image above is from York Gate Garden, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS16 8DW – £10 entry for adults.

Yorkshire News

The Tropical Butterfly House near Sheffield is celebrating Valentine’s Day with Love Bug hearts, a unique way to honor loved ones while supporting wildlife conservation, featuring a display of names on the Love Bug board and a special leafcutter ant trail where the ants carry tiny red heart-shaped leaves.

Tom Grennan has announced an 11-date UK & Ireland arena tour for September 2025, which includes a performance in Leeds on 18th September 2025. The tour coincides with the release of his highly anticipated fourth album Everywhere I Went Led Me To Where I Didn’t Want To Be on 15th August, with tickets available from 7th February.

York Gate Garden’s historic arbour has been restored just in time for its 30th-anniversary Snowdrop Days, thanks to community fundraising and council support, preserving its Arts and Crafts heritage for visitors to enjoy this February.

Hull City Council has launched a public engagement project, running until 16 March 2025, inviting residents and businesses to share their ideas for a more sustainable, vibrant, and family-friendly city centre as part of the Hull City Centre Vision plan.

Shedden Farms in Yorkshire is taking part in landmark research into innovative feeding practices, improving biodiversity and the environment.

Sheffield’s Lunar New Year Festival drew thousands to the city centre with dazzling performances, cultural showcases, and community spirit, featuring world-class lion dancers, global music and dance acts, and ongoing celebrations supporting local charities.

Munich Airport International GmbH has been appointed as the new operator of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, sparking optimism among local businesses and tourism leaders who see its reopening as a major economic boost for South Yorkshire.

Hull and East Yorkshire will establish a new Combined Authority with a £400 million investment fund and an elected Mayor—set to be chosen on 1 May 2025—giving local leaders more control over transport, jobs, and economic development.

Bradford Cathedral is hosting free family activities on February 18, 2025, featuring crafts, nature-themed fun, and guided tours as part of the Bradford 2025 celebrations—booking recommended for this creative and educational half-term event.

Sheffield’s February music highlights include the Leonore Piano Trio’s romantic Valentine’s Day concert featuring Clara and Robert Schumann at Upper Chapel, and Bach in the Round, an immersive surround-sound experience blending live and digital music on February 22.

Fat Hippo’s limited-edition Le French Kiss burger, featuring beef brisket bourguignon, truffled onions, and béarnaise mayo, brings a taste of Parisian romance to all 17 locations—including Leeds and York—this Valentine’s season, available until 28th February.

Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery will host Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil as part of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour 2025-27, offering a rare chance to see the painting up close in an immersive, multi-sensory exhibition designed for accessibility and engagement.

Leeds’ newest rooftop bar, Agni, launching this spring at UYARE by Tharavadu, will offer fire-inspired cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Filippos Filippopoulos, featuring bold flavors, smoky twists, and stunning city views.

Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock: Eternal Love – The Musical is shaking up UK theatre with an all-original rock score, earning rave reviews and a chart-topping soundtrack, and it’s set to hit Halifax’s Victoria Theatre on 14th-15th March 2025.

Ellen Kent’s production of La Bohème at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre on April 15, 2025, is searching for a well-behaved, small-to-medium-sized dog to join the cast, giving one lucky pup the chance to shine on stage.

What’s on in Yorkshire this week?

This week’s lineup is packed with exciting events, from live music and theatre to immersive tours and special celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, a family-friendly outing, or a night of entertainment, there’s something for everyone across Yorkshire!

• York and Harry Potter Tour – 08/02/2025 at , Leeds on February 8th, 2025
• Nosferatu (15) at Whitby Pavilion Theatre Cinema, Whitby on February 9th, 2025 7:00pm
• Hamilton at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on February 10th, 2025 7:30pm
• Sydnie Christmas – My Way Tour at Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall, Sheffield on February 11th, 2025 7:30pm
• KAWALA at Project House, Leeds on February 12th, 2025 7:30pm
• James Blunt – Back To Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour at First Direct Arena, Leeds on February 13th, 2025 6:00pm
• The Specials LTD at The Parish, Huddersfield on February 14th, 2025 7:00pm
• The Ultimate Stone Roses at Bridlington Spa Centre, Bridlington on February 15th, 2025 8:00pm
• SS CLUB x Nyla’s Galentine’s at Nyla’s, Leeds on February 16th, 2025 1:00pm

A look at the history of Studley Royal with Dr Emma Wells

Discover the rich history of Studley Royal, from its 18th-century water gardens to the lost grandeur of its Palladian mansion, in Dr. Emma Wells’ latest feature.