Yorkshire


<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy-james-acaster-leeds">COMEDY: <a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/james-acaster/book/1277201/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Acaster</a>, Leeds </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5.png" alt="James Acaster 2026 tour" class="wp-image-6600" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-5-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If there’s one booking that makes us feel smug before we’ve even left the house, it’s&nbsp;<strong>James Acaster</strong>. He brings a brand-new live show to&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/james-acaster/book/1277201/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Grand Theatre</a>&nbsp;</strong>on<strong> 30 Apr 2026</strong>, and this is precisely why it leads our comedy picks: Acaster is at that sweet spot where he’s wildly popular yet still deliciously odd. Expect meticulous chaos, existential spirals delivered with a straight face, and a Yorkshire crowd that&nbsp;<em>gets it</em>. Translation: book now, laugh later, casually mention you were there.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5.jpg" alt="COMEDIAN ALAN CARR 2026 TOUR YORKSHIRE" class="wp-image-6577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/5-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A quick aside for those already sharpening their pencils for <strong><a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/alan-carr-2027/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alan Carr</a></strong>. Yes, still beloved. Yes, still referred to as <em>everyone’s favourite Traitor</em>. But his confirmed Yorkshire dates now land in 2027 rather than 2026. Consider this a gentle nudge to plan – winging it probably won&#8217;t wash on this one.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-punch-leeds">THEATRE: <em><a href="https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Punch</a></em>, Leeds</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3.jpg" alt="Punch theatre UK tour Yorkshire" class="wp-image-6575" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/3-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Yorkshire theatre in 2026 isn’t about safe bets, which is exactly why&nbsp;<em>Punch</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Playhouse</a></strong>&nbsp;earns its place here. Running&nbsp;<strong>7-11 Apr 2026</strong>, this James Graham drama takes on masculinity, violence and responsibility with intelligence and edge. We’ve chosen it because Leeds Playhouse consistently champions work that sparks conversation – the kind you’re still having over supper afterwards – and&nbsp;<em>Punch</em>&nbsp;promises to be one of those nights.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dance-gentleman-jack-northern-ballet">DANCE: <em><a href="https://northernballet.com/gentleman-jack" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gentleman Jack</a></em>, Northern Ballet</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4.jpg" alt="Gentleman Jack Northern Ballet " class="wp-image-6576" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is a big one. <em><strong>Gentleman Jack</strong></em> by <strong><a href="https://northernballet.com/gentleman-jack" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Ballet</a></strong> isn’t just another new production; it’s Yorkshire history reclaimed and reimagined. The life of Anne Lister gets a bold, dance treatment – a co-production of Northern Ballet and Finnish National Opera and Ballet – that feels entirely of the moment. The world premiere takes place at <strong><a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/nb-gentleman-jack-2026/#book" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Grand Theatre</a> </strong>on<strong> 7 Mar 2026</strong>, before the production moves on to <strong><a href="https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/northern-ballet-gentleman-jack/dates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheffield Theatres</a> from 31 Mar</strong>, and then to <strong><a href="https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/northern-ballet-gentleman-jack" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bradford Alhambra Theatre</a> on 3-5 Sept</strong>. Revel in the smugness of saying you saw it first.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-florence-the-machine-sheffield">MUSIC: <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/florence-the-machine-the-everybody-scream-tour-sheffield-14-02-2026/event/3500631CF3B239B3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florence + The Machine</a>, Sheffield</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2.jpg" alt="Florence &amp; The Machine Utilita Arena Sheffield" class="wp-image-6574" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/florence-the-machine-the-everybody-scream-tour-sheffield-14-02-2026/event/3500631CF3B239B3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florence + The Machine</a></strong>&nbsp;arrive at&nbsp;<strong>Utilita Arena Sheffield&nbsp;on 14 Feb 2026</strong>, expect full-scale emotional release. Florence doesn’t do half measures: soaring vocals, dramatic staging, and an audience fully committed to the experience. Sheffield crowds always bring the energy, so expect a Valentine&#8217;s Day like no other.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1366" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n.jpg" alt="LEWIS CAPALDI AT ROUNDHAY FESTIVAL YORKSHIRE" class="wp-image-6601" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/513901166_1259488365542409_8916642771649365845_n-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></figure>



<p>Summer, meanwhile, belongs to Roundhay. The brand-new <strong><a href="https://www.roundhayfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roundhay Festival </a></strong>lands in&nbsp;<strong>Roundhay Park&nbsp;on 3-4 July 2026</strong>, with Pitbull (plus Kesha) headlining Friday and Lewis Capaldi taking Saturday. Expect big names, central Leeds location, and no epic trek into the wilderness. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musical-operation-mincemeat-york-and-leeds">MUSICAL: <em>Operation Mincemeat</em>, York and Leeds</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7.jpg" alt="OPERATION MINCEMEAT muscial tour Yorkshire" class="wp-image-6579" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/7-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you want to laugh so hard, your sides will hurt. Book in to see <em>Operation Mincemeat</em>. If you’ve heard the hype, believe it – it&#8217;s Olivier-winning, riotously funny and surprisingly moving. Y&#8217;knowt’s one of those rare shows that wins over musical sceptics and theatre lovers alike. The show arrives at <strong><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/operation-mincemeat-a-new-musical/grand-opera-house-york/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grand Opera House York</a> 1-6 June 2026</strong> and <strong><a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/operation-mincemeat-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Grand Theatre&nbsp;</a>from 7-12 Sept 2026</strong> – expect laughs, heart and cleverness in spades.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-hold-to-this-earth-yorkshire-sculpture-park">ART: <em>Hold To This Earth</em>, Yorkshire Sculpture Park</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6.jpg" alt="Hold to This Earth Yorkshire Sculpture Park" class="wp-image-6578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/6-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Yorkshire Sculpture Park</strong> remains the art world’s open-air ace, and&nbsp;<em>Hold To This Earth</em>&nbsp;confirms why. Running&nbsp;<strong>13 June 2026 to 18 Apr 2027</strong>, this major exhibition showcases contemporary Indigenous North American artists from the Tia Collection. It’s thoughtful, powerful and deeply relevant – plus you get the joy of wandering the grounds where new outdoor works include&nbsp;<strong>Damien Hirst’s&nbsp;<em>The Martyr – Saint Bartholomew</em></strong>, glinting unsettlingly against that rolling landscape. Art with fresh air? Always a yes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6.png" alt="Nnena Kalu, Turner prize exhibit at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA" class="wp-image-6604" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-6-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Nnena Kalu, Turner prize exhibit at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Bradford continues its cultural moment into early 2026 with the Turner Prize exhibition at <strong><a href="https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/bradford/turner-prize-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartwright Hall Art Gallery</a></strong>, running until <strong>22 Feb 2026</strong>. Save yourself the rail fare and see all four shortlisted artists outside London. Go, absorb, then casually say “we saw it in Bradford”.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-books-amp-culture-richmond-walking-amp-book-festival">BOOKS &amp; CULTURE: Richmond Walking &amp; Book Festival</h3>



<p>For those who prefer their culture paired with proper scenery, the&nbsp;<strong>Richmond Walking &amp; Book Festival</strong>&nbsp;returns&nbsp;<strong>18-27 Sept 2026</strong>. Authors, conversations and ideas are woven together with guided walks through the Yorkshire Dales. It’s thoughtful, civilised and refreshingly unflashy – exactly why it’s a favourite.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-amp-family-jorvik-viking-festival-york">KIDS &amp; FAMILY: <a href="https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JORVIK Viking Festival</a>, York</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7.png" alt="Jorvik Viking Festival JVF-26-March-to-Coppergate-Credit-Ian-Forsyth" class="wp-image-6610" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7-300x300.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7-150x150.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/Untitled-design-7-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Jorvik Viking Festival | Ian Forsyth</figcaption></figure>



<p>February half-term is sorted thanks to the <strong><a href="https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JORVIK Viking Festival</a></strong> in York, running <strong>16-22 Feb 2026</strong>. Expect living history, battles and plenty to keep curious minds busy. Summer brings the ever-reliable <strong><a href="https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Yorkshire Show</a></strong> to Harrogate from <strong>14-17 July 2026</strong> – big, brilliant and surprisingly addictive, even if you didn’t think livestock was your thing.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? </h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cookery-courses-for-cosy-comfort-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cookery courses for cosy comfort food</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/books/10-joyful-reads-to-boost-your-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uplit and loving it! 10 joyful reads to boost your mood</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/whats-on-around-the-muddy-counties-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your January pick-me-up – here’s what’s on across the UK</a></li>
</ul>


Diaries out! Your ultimate Yorkshire arts & culture guide for 2026

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