Newsletter: Sunday 28th September 2025

Autumn has arrived in Yorkshire, bringing a packed line-up of highlights: sporting success, big-name gigs and theatre shows ahead, plus tempting autumn getaways and discounts, there’s plenty to inspire your next seasonal outing.

Firstly though, Harold “Dickie” Bird, the beloved Yorkshire umpire who rose from county cricketer to officiating 66 Tests and three World Cup finals, leaves a lasting legacy of fairness, humour, and passion for the game, remembered as both a national treasure and a true Yorkshire legend.

In other sporting news, Harrogate Nova’s Harry Hudson made history in Kigali by becoming the first British rider to win the Junior Men’s Road Race at the UCI Road World Championships, claiming the coveted rainbow jersey after a bold solo attack.

York City FC have secured a major boost with key players Joe Felix, Ollie Pearce, and Alex Hunt all signing new multi-year contracts, strengthening the squad’s core for the season ahead.

Freestyle football star Jay Rosa wowed guests at a private Leeds event on 23 September with his mix of tricks, dance, and storytelling, while also using the performance to support mental health charity Mind as part of his national EFL Tour.

Otley Garden Centre’s restaurant has relaunched as Blooms after a £150,000 makeover, unveiling a fresh new look, revamped menu, table service, and local artwork.

Beloved Leeds-born brand The Savvy Baker is opening a new permanent spot with its famous brownies, fresh cookies, a dedicated matcha bar, and cosy seating inside Trinity Leeds this autumn.

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is celebrating 200 years since the first public railway with a special open weekend including 28 September, offering free train rides, Golden Ticket VIP experiences, and community activities at its East Yorkshire heritage site.

Family-run Soanes Poultry from Middleton-on-the-Wolds has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards 2025, recognised for both its sustainable higher welfare chicken and grain-fed fresh meat.

Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café in Pickering has been shortlisted in two categories at the Taste Awards 2025—Best Independent Retailer and Best Use of Local Produce on a Menu—recognising its growth from a small strawberry caravan into a thriving local food destination.

Wakefield’s Civic Quarter regeneration has kicked off with nine new townhouses at Gills Yard, part of the wider Wood Street Collection.

Baby black rhino Rocco’s birth at Yorkshire Wildlife Park inspired a fundraising appeal that raised £10,000 for conservation, with the money now helping to support an orphaned calf named Bella at Kenya’s Ol Jogi Conservancy.

Bradford district’s autumn cultural season features the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition at Cartwright Hall, the Ilkley Literature Festival, the Brontë Women’s Writing Festival, and vibrant community events like Back in the Pink and BD:is LIT, highlighting the city’s growing role as UK City of Culture 2025.

The new Time Well Spent Festival in Wakefield this October offers over-50s a month-long programme of cultural events, creative workshops, and wellbeing activities designed to celebrate ageing well, foster community connections, and boost mental health across the district.

Mikron Theatre Company is bringing its new seaside-themed musical Operation Beach Hut to West Yorkshire this autumn, with a performance in Slaithwaite on 5 October 2025, blending nostalgic storytelling, live music, and their trademark quirky touring style.

The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival returns from 9–19 October 2025 with a star-studded line-up including Nicola Sturgeon, Jeremy Hunt, Chris Tarrant, Graham Gooch, Patrick Grant, Helen Lederer, Dom Joly and many more, offering talks, debates, and performances that cement its status as one of North Yorkshire’s leading cultural events.

Townsend Theatre Productions brings the powerful true story of the historic Grunwick strike to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre on 22 October, in a vibrant music-filled play about courage, dignity, and the fight for workers’ rights.

East Riddlesden Hall is going all out for Halloween this October with a family-friendly Pumpkin Trail (25 Oct–2 Nov), an adults-only Sinister Silent Disco on Halloween night, and a folklore talk with historian John Billingsley on 4 Nov, blending spooky fun with history at the 17th-century manor.

Choreographer Jennifer Irons brings her sharp, funny, and roller disco–fuelled theatre piece to Sheffield on 8 November, blending dance, comedy, and personal storytelling.

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 for its 20th anniversary, featuring the North’s largest outdoor ice rink, a festive funfair, seasonal food and drink, and Santa’s grotto.

Scarborough singer-songwriter Alastair James is returning to the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery’s intimate Pot Still Coffee Shop on 22nd November after a previous sell-out show, offering fans an evening of live music, whisky, and hearty food in a cosy Hunmanby setting.

Astronomer Martin Lunn will give Silsden Town Hall’s first annual Christmas Lecture on 21 December 2025, exploring the mystery of the Star of Bethlehem in a festive talk blending science, history, and holiday tradition.

Award-winning comedian and viral star Lorna Rose Treen is bringing her hit character comedy show Now That’s What I Call Characters to Leeds’ Hyde Park Book Club on 24 March 2026 as part of her first UK tour.

The Pixies will celebrate 40 years with their Pixies 40 world tour in 2026, starting in the UK in May—including a York date on 20 May—before heading across Europe, with tickets on sale from 26 September 2025.

Scottish comedian Christopher Macarthur Boyd brings his acclaimed, brutally funny show Howling At The Moon to The Glee Club Leeds on 28 May 2026 as part of his nationwide UK tour.

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Craftiosity, the Halifax-based craft subscription service, is offering 15% off its October project — an Autumn Garden Latch Hook kit. Subscribers must sign up by midnight on 30 September to secure the limited-edition box, which ships on 7 October, using code AUTUMN15 for the discount.

Save up to £100 on September breaks with Forest Holidays and enjoy an extra 10% off cabin extras using code SEPTEMBER2025, valid across all locations including Yorkshire’s Keldy (YO18 8HW) and Cropton (YO18 8ES) in the North York Moors – book direct at Forest Holidays Yorkshire.

Holidaymakers can save up to 25% on West Yorkshire canal boat breaks this autumn, with relaxing short cruises from Silsden to Skipton offering scenic routes, market town charm, and special family-friendly deals for October half term.

Greene King Inns is offering 15% off autumn weekend stays between 1 September and 31 October 2025, with Yorkshire locations in Pontefract, Wakefield, Middlesbrough, Rotherham, Hull, and Wentworth providing the perfect cosy base for a seasonal getaway.

Enjoy up to 15% off Europcar rentals booked between 29 September and 12 October 2025 for travel until 31 March 2026, making it easier to explore Yorkshire’s stunning autumn drives—from Buttertubs Pass to Blakey Ridge—at your own pace.

Up to 30% off on selected half term getaways at Sykes.

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:

• Float Along Festival 2025 at Foundry, Sheffield on September 27th, 2025 12:00pm
• Scarborough Jazz Festival 2025 – Sunday Day at Scarborough Spa Grand Hall on September 28th, 2025 12:30pm
• Deacon Blue – The Great Western Road Trip at Utilita Arena Sheffield on September 29th, 2025 6:30pm
• Modern Nature at The Crescent, York on September 30th, 2025 7:30pm
• Afternoon Flat Horse Racing at Catterick Bridge Racecourse – Wednesday 01 October 2025
• Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea at Hull City Hall on October 2nd, 2025 7:30pm
• Scott Bennett – Stuff at The Forum, Northallerton on October 3rd, 2025 7:30pm
• Echobelly – On 30th Anniversary Tour at Network, Sheffield  on October 4th, 2025 7:30pm
• The Bootleg Beatles at The Royal Hall, Harrogate on October 5th, 2025 7:30pm