FESTIVALS

Live at Leeds in The Park, 24 May, Temple Newsam Park

Live at Leeds Festival back shot of the festival

The only way to make the second May Bank Holiday even better is with a music festival to remember – and Live at Leeds is coming just in time for it! This all-day event is held in the historic town of Temple Newsam, boasting an impressive green space destined for a headliner stage and crowds singing their hearts out in unison. The lineup includes (20 years of!) Bloc Party, Manic Street Preachers, Yard Act, Sigrid, and Natasha Bedingfield, to name a few. Now the only question is, will it be a wellies and shorts or trainers and dress affair? Adult tickets from £55, child tickets £33.

Leeds Jazz Festival, 22-27 May, Leeds

Returning to the city for the fourth year, Leeds Jazz Festival is all about celebrating the genre of music we all know and love (and can’t help but shimmy-shimmy to). The festival includes live performances from an epic lineup, workshops, talks, and special events to bring total feel good vibes to the local community and artists. Definitely not one to miss! Tickets starting from £7.

The North Leeds Food Festival, 10-11 May, Roundhay Park Leeds

And if you’re more of a foodie than a traditional music festival go-er? The North Leeds Food Festival is your perfect middle ground. Listed number one as the best non-music festival in the UK, this family friendly event celebrates both international and local culinary talent, with plenty of food, drink, live music, and arts on offer to mark the occasion. Tickets sell fast (it’s been going for 8 years strong), so be sure to secure your spot! Adult tickets £10.95, child tickets £5.95.

ART

David Hockey: Pieced Together, 15 Jan-18 May, Natural Science & Media Museum

All the art lovers here who have a David Hockney poster on your walls, put your hands up! The iconic artist is famous for his colourful paintings – but you might not be as familiar with his video work. Yep, Hockney has also dabbled in using technology to make his masterpieces, AKA visual ‘collages’. It’s no wonder the David Hockney: Pieced Together exhibition is bringing in fans from around the country to see his video installation at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford. It’s there until 18th May, so don’t sleep on snagging a ticket (especially because it’s pay what you feel, starting from as little as £1)!

Open Up Sheffield, 3-5 May and 10-11 May, Sheffield

Speaking of art for your wall, if you’re on the hunt for new unique pieces to add to your collection, hop on over to Open Up Sheffield this May. This open exhibition invites you into the studios of some of the city’s most talented artists and makers, where you can chat to them about their work and buy directly from them. Not only does this benefit you (and your hallway), but this is also a great opportunity to give the artists a platform to thrive. Free to visit, opening hours 11am-5pm.

Saltaire Arts Trail 2025, 24-26 May, Saltaire

Held every year in May, the Saltaire Arts Trail is all about celebrating this up and coming (and very chic) village’s rich heritage, all while offering visitors an ‘imaginative visual arts programme’. Expect impressive art in impressive venues, like Salts Mill (a Muddy favourite!), public buildings, outdoor spaces, and creative spaces in Saltaire. The aim? To display art outside of traditional settings – inclusive for everyone to enjoy. Sounds good to us! Entry is just £3.

LITERATURE & TALKS

Huddersfield Literature Festival, 8-18 May, across Huddersfield

Author Gabriella Gordon Huddersfield Literary fest — Author Gabriella Gordon

Bookworms, the award-winning HuddLitFest is returning in May – a two-week blended festival of 70 digital, outdoor, and venue-based literature events. What makes this one different, you ask? Accessibility and diversity are at the forefront of the festival, supporting diverse partners and community groups in Sheffield. Throughout the two weeks you can expect to hear from emerging writers as well as major names, including Matt Jackson Smith, Daisy Buchanan, Jackie Kay, and Patrick Grant. Add multi-arts performances, workshops and wellbeing projects into the mix, and you’re in for a cracking time. Check out their brochure for prices for each event.

Nigel Havers – Talking Bllcks, 25 Apr, Royal Hall Harrogate

You gotta give it to Nigel Havers, who’s ticking off a pretty big ‘first’ from his list – touring solo. The actor and TV presenter has accumulated a bundle of ‘ridiculous stories’ (his words, not ours) during his time working in showbiz, and now you’ll get to hear them in person as he takes to the Royal Hall stage in Harrogate. We’re here for the juicy BTS goss he’s got to share… anyone else? Tickets from £32.50.

Mary Beard in Conversation, 21 May, Yorkshire Museum 

Deemed as the world’s most famous classicist, Mary Beard knows a thing or two about the Roman Empire. You might have caught her on shows such as ‘Being Roman’ on BBC, where she educates fans across the world about her passion: ancient history in Rome. Fancy being one of them? Head on over to the Yorkshire Museum on 21st May for an interview with Mary Beard herself. She’ll be uncovering her insights on the Roman Empire and Eboracum in a broader perspective – a world away from the history lessons you fell asleep in at school. Tickets £15 per person. 

MUSIC & DANCE

TS7 and Opera north Bassline North — TS7, Bassline Symphony

Bassline Symphony, 9 May, St George’s Hall Bradford 

For one night and only night only, join iconic DJ’s legends Jamie Duggan, DJ Q, and TS7 and the Orchestra of Opera North for a bassline bonanza in Bradford. The city of culture is famous for this specific genre of music – and it’s about to get taken to a new level thanks to the symphonic sound of Opera North. With guest vocalists and DJs, this is a concert you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Adult tickets £15, youth pass £5. 

James, 6 Jun, Piece Hall, Halifax

Oh, sit down, oh sit down (or should we say, stand up?) for the James gig held at Halifax’s beautiful Piece Hall this June. The critically acclaimed Manchester band are returning to the venue for the third time after selling out their shows there just two years prior. Supported by rock band The K’s, this is a night to add to your diaries – ASAP. Tickets from £61.60, here. 

Oti Mabuse – Viva Carnival, 12 Jun, Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall

Strictly Queen Oti Mabuse will be bringing some serious sparkle to Sheffield this June as she takes to the stage for a night of dancing and dazzling. With all the Tango and Samba your heart could desire (and then some), this is a performance that will have you beaming from the inside out for days to follow. You can also expect a guest performance from Flavia – a former Strictly star – just to make the night even more spectacular. The perfect way to ring in the summer! Tickets from £18 per person. 

THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, 15-17 May Leeds Playhouse

Henry VIII had six wives (or was it seven?) – that’s about as far as my Tudor knowledge goes I’m afraid, but you and your brood are guaranteed to learn a whole lot more – perhaps more than you bargained for at this Horrible Histories double bill – Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, bringing us mummy-making, tomb excavations and an Armada sailing into the audience. Be warned, it’s not for the squeamish… Tickets here.

Bradford Drive-In Cinema, till 19 Apr, Cannon Mills 

Do you ever just wish you could have a date night that makes you feel like you’re starring in a romantic 1950’s movie? No overpriced steak restaurants, no need to dress up with nothing to wear… just good old fashioned fun? The Bradford Drive-In cinema might be just what you’re looking for. This April, Cannon Mills in Bradford is showcasing a series of popular Hollywood and Bollywood movies which you can watch from your car. Each screening is only shown once – so be sure to snag your spot while the going’s good! (They provide popcorn, obvs). Tickets are £15 per car.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 6-11 May, Grand Opera House York

Midsummer Night's Dream Grand opera House York

The perfect introduction to Shakespeare as A Midsummer Night’s Dream is taking to the stage at the Grand Opera House York (6-11 May) for a limited run. Fizzing with magic and a large dose of chaos in an enchanted Victorian music hall; secrets, love and mistaken identities collide.

Aurora Fashion Show 2025, 9 May, Doncaster Dome 

Fashion show? Check. Shopping and entertainment? Check. Raising money for a cancer charity? Check, check, check. The Aurora Fashion Show is returning to the Doncaster Dome in May for an inspiring night of fashion, fun, and solidarity. Modelled by female cancer survivors and warriors, the show will showcase clothes provided by local boutiques and national retailers to contribute to Aurora Wellbeing – who care for local families with a cancer diagnosis. If this sounds like your bag, buy your tickets from £19.75 here. 

Shirley Valentine, till 26 Apr, Leeds Playhouse

It doesn’t get more northern than a Shirley Valentine show – which is why we’re *very* excited to see it land at the awesome Leeds Playhouse this month! Starring TV actress Mina Anwar, this one-woman comedy is guaranteed to deliver all the feel-good vibes you need for spring. The perfect chance to get the girls together for a heart-warming night packed with nostalgia. Tickets from £15, here. 

COMEDY

Greg Davies Full fat Legend Sheffield City hall

Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend, 23-24 Apr, Sheffield City Hall

Greg Davies is heading back out on tour for the first time in seven years with his brand-new 2025 stand-up show Full Fat Legend. Most the dates are sold out, but you can still snaffle tickets to see the Taskmaster star at a couple of dates in Sheffield. If you miss out, there’s always 2026. Book here.

Paddy McGuinness, 17-18 Apr, Leeds Grand Theatre

Need more laughs in your life? Join comedy legend Paddy McGuinness on his ‘Nearly There’ tour at Leeds Grand Theatre this week – given his northern charm and hilariously blunt humour, you’ll no doubt be grinning from ear to ear the whole night. The last tickets are selling fast, so buy yours for £94.50 each here! 

Paul Smith, 18 Apr, First Direct Arena 

With a whopping 1.2m followers and the title of ‘Liverpool’s New Comedian of the Year’, Paul Smith is a rapidly rising star in the comedy scene. He’ll shortly be standing on the mammoth stage of First Direct Arena in Leeds to showcase ‘Pablo’ tour with the Yorkshire crowds. Expect endless belly laughs as the star shares his latest laughs with an audience all there for the same reason – to have a damn good time. Tickets available here.

FESTIVALS

Live at Leeds in The Park, 24 May, Temple Newsam Park

Leeds Jazz Festival, 22-27 May, Leeds

The North Leeds Food Festival, 10-11 May, Roundhay Park Leeds

ART

David Hockey: Pieced Together, 15 Jan-18 May, Natural Science & Media Museum

Open Up Sheffield, 3-5 May and 10-11 May, Sheffield

Saltaire Arts Trail 2025, 24-26 May, Saltaire

LITERATURE & TALKS

Huddersfield Literature Festival, 8-18 May, across Huddersfield

Nigel Havers – Talking B*ll*cks, 25 Apr, Royal Hall Harrogate

Mary Beard in Conversation, 21 May, Yorkshire Museum

MUSIC & DANCE

Bassline Symphony, 9 May, St George’s Hall Bradford

James, 6 Jun, Piece Hall, Halifax

Oti Mabuse – Viva Carnival, 12 Jun, Sheffield City Hall Oval Hall

THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, 15-17 May Leeds Playhouse

Bradford Drive-In Cinema, till 19 Apr, Cannon Mills

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 6-11 May, Grand Opera House York

Aurora Fashion Show 2025, 9 May, Doncaster Dome

Shirley Valentine, till 26 Apr, Leeds Playhouse

COMEDY

Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend, 23-24 Apr, Sheffield City Hall

Paddy McGuinness, 17-18 Apr, Leeds Grand Theatre

Paul Smith, 18 Apr, First Direct Arena

Nigel Havers – Talking Bllcks, 25 Apr, Royal Hall Harrogate

Mary Beard in Conversation, 21 May, Yorkshire Museum 

Bassline Symphony, 9 May, St George’s Hall Bradford 

Bradford Drive-In Cinema, till 19 Apr, Cannon Mills 

Aurora Fashion Show 2025, 9 May, Doncaster Dome 

Paul Smith, 18 Apr, First Direct Arena 

Blossoming fun! 20 local spring arts & culture must-sees

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