Newsletter: Friday 18th July 2025

JMW Turner

Inspiration • July 18th, 2025

Summer’s in full swing, and Yorkshire is absolutely bursting with energy, colour and creativity. From Roman legions in Hull to pop-up beaches in York, from open-air Shakespeare to VR voyages aboard the Titanic, this is the season to get out there and make some memories:

The Together Garden is on show at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse from 16–20 July 2025—an inspiring, thoughtfully designed space supporting Greenfingers Charity that will soon become a permanent haven for families at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Step into Ancient Rome at Hull’s free Romanfest on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, with live gladiator battles, Roman army drills, crafts, storytelling and more at the Museums Quarter—perfect for a family day out.

Bradford’s summer is packed with free family fun, live music, art, markets and cultural events, from the grand opening of Darley Street Market to the Summer Sounds festival at Cliffe Castle and Yorkshire Day celebrations with Aled Jones.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York is hosting a free family-friendly “Great Summer Social” with a pop-up beach, games, kids’ trail and major discounts—making it an ideal day out this summer holiday.

Settle’s Flowerpot Festival is back for summer with over 200 quirky creations made from 4,000 plant pots, transforming the town into a free, family-friendly outdoor art trail until 7th September.

Hull’s Streetlife Museum is taking visitors back in time with Glam and Gloom: 1970s Britain—a free summer exhibition running until 31 August, packed with fashion, music, toys, and real-life memories from Hull families.

Hull Maritime Museum’s whale skeletons have begun their dramatic return as part of a major redevelopment—five conserved marine giants now suspended above visitors, with more set to follow ahead of the museum’s 2026 reopening.

Spirit of Yorkshire is marking Yorkshire Day with a limited-edition Filey Bay whisky aged in rare Cream Sherry casks—available from 26–27 July at the distillery’s Open Weekend, with just 1,500 bottles released.

Bradford Cathedral is offering guided history tours on 31 July 2025, giving visitors the chance to explore nearly 1,400 years of heritage—including Saxon fragments, Victorian design, and stunning stained glass—for just £5.

The New Light Summer Exhibition is open at Sunny Bank Mills in Leeds until 10 August 2025, celebrating Northern talent with bold, award-winning works across painting, sculpture and mixed media—plus nine artists each scooping a £500 bursary.

Step aboard Titanic: A Voyage Through Time in Leeds from 15 August—an immersive 45-minute VR experience that lets visitors walk the decks, explore the ship, and relive history like never before.

The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery is hosting an intimate live music night with local favourite Andy Stones on 30 August, combining great tunes, whisky, and relaxed summer vibes in a cosy 40-seat venue.

Love to be… returns to Harrogate on 6 September with a new Ultra VIP Experience offering exclusive access, all-inclusive drinks, luxury comforts and unbeatable views—bringing serious style to this year’s house music festival.

Bolton Castle near Leyburn has a full calendar of Tudor-themed events, live history weekends, outdoor Shakespeare, medieval music (12–14 Sept), and spooky Halloween fun—all running through to 31 October 2025.

Bestselling author Katherine Rundell returns to York on 17 September to launch The Poisoned King, the eagerly awaited sequel to Impossible Creatures, with a live event celebrating myth, magic, and her unforgettable Archipelago.

Comedian Andy Parsons is back on tour with Please #@!$ Off To Mars, a razor-sharp new show tackling world madness with trademark wit—catch him live across the UK, including a stop in Bradford on 16 May 2026.

Sheffield’s Chinese New Year Festival returns 21–22 February 2026 with its biggest celebration yet, promising dazzling performances, street food, and community spirit to welcome the Year of the Horse.

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:

Thunderstruck 2025 at Whitby Pavilion Theatre on July 18th, 2025 7:00pm
Britain’s Strongest Woman at York Barbican, York on July 19th, 2025 5:00pm
Geordie Greep at Foundry, Sheffield on July 20th, 2025 6:30pm
Evening Flat Horse Racing at Beverley Racecourse – Monday 21 July 2025
Paul Heaton at The Piece Hall, Halifax on July 22nd, 2025 6:00pm
Judas Priest at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on July 23rd, 2025 6:00pm
Afternoon Flat Horse Racing at Doncaster Racecourse – Thursday 24 July 2025
What’s Love Got to do With it – Tina Turner Tribute at Bridlington Spa Centre
Last Laugh Comedy Club at Sheffield City Hall Memorial Hall on July 26th, 2025 7:00pm
Afternoon Flat Horse Racing at Pontefract Racecourse – Sunday 27 July 2025