COMEDY

If you haven’t seen Ana Magliano yet, consider this your official nudge. One of the most exciting rising stars in UK comedy, she brings her Peach Fuzz tour to City Varieties Music Hall on 6 Feb. Expect dry wit, beautifully awkward observations and stories that hit uncomfortably close to home. Like sharing a bottle of wine with an old mate — if that mate happened to be extremely funny.

Back at the same venue on 21 Feb, Pete Firman returns with a brand-new show blending mind-boggling magic with razor-sharp stand-up. He is, quite simply, ridiculously good at what he does. Go and be impressed.

Meanwhile in Doncaster, triple BAFTA-winner Mo Gilligan brings The Mo You Know to The Dome on 20 Feb. Expect big laughs, big energy and a reminder of why he keeps being labelled “the funniest man in Britain” (bold claim, but honestly… fair).

MUSIC

Florence & The Machine Utilita Arena Sheffield

For big nights out, zero regret (well, maybe tomorrow) – you can’t beat a gig. Our indie faves Florence + The Machine are hitting Utilita Arena Sheffield on 14 Feb. Expect Florence Welch – flame-haired, floaty and fabulous – whirling across the stage delivering the big hitters plus tracks from Everybody Scream. It’s sold out, obviously, so resale stalking is required. Valentine’s dinner is optional. Florence is not.

Prefer your gigs loud, nostalgic and shouty? Kaiser Chiefs roll into Connexin Live, Hull on 21 Feb as part of their More Employment tour, celebrating 20 years since Employment soundtracked many a misspent youth. Ruby, I Predict a Riot, arms in the air – tickets still about, but don’t dawdle.

STAGE & SCREEN

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Think you know A Midsummer Night’s Dream? This version might surprise you. A bold, moodier take from Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong lands at Shakespeare North Playhouse from 4-7 Feb. Same lovers, same chaos — just with a darker, dreamier edge.

Remember Single White Female? Yes, that film. It’s been reworked for the stage and updated for the social media age (terrifying). It premieres at Grand Opera House York from 3-7 Feb, starring Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner. We’re already stressed. In a good way.

Opera North is in residence at Leeds Grand Theatre. The Marriage of Figaro runs until 20 Feb – joyful, chaotic and stuffed with tunes you’ll recognise (TV fans, you’ll know). New to opera? £20 tickets say hello. Feeling moodier? Their acclaimed Peter Grimes plays on 13, 19 and 21 Feb.

Barnum theatre production uk tour lee mead

Family treat incoming: Annie lands at Theatre Royal York from 12-21 Feb (big tunes, big heart). And circus spectacular Barnum hits Grand Opera House York from 24-28 Feb, starring Lee Mead and featuring acrobats, circus acts and more instruments than seems strictly necessary.

Cinema plans? We are very ready for Wuthering Heights on 13 Feb. Directed by Emerald Fennell, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this gothic, windswept, sexy reworking promises big emotions and mild controversy. Expect to leave wanting to brood dramatically on a moor. Or at least blast Kate Bush in the car.

ART, CULTURE & EXHIBITIONS

Turner Prize in Bradford — *Nnena Kalu, Turner prize exhibit at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA*

For something that’s good for the soul – and your Instagram feed – this is your last chance to see the Turner Prize Exhibition n Bradford (closes 22 Feb). Part of the city’s Culture Year glow-up, it features four very different takes on contemporary art from Nnena Kalu (this year’s winner), Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa. It’s free, bold and definitely not a polite gallery potter.

New for February, York lights up after dark with Colour and Light (4-22 Feb). For the first time, York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower are illuminated together in a choreographed projection show across the Eye of York. 10-minute loop, nightly from 6-9pm, totally free – with a quieter final hour if crowds aren’t your thing. Insider tip: wander, don’t rush. It’s more magical that way.

OUTDOORS & FESTIVALS

The Dark Skies Festival over the Yorskshire Dales

Wrap up warm and prepare for some serious Ice, Ice, Baby. ork’s cobbled streets turn into an Enchanted City on 7-8 Feb as the York Ice Trail returns, complete with 30+ glittering ice sculptures hidden in snickleways and squares. New this year: an Ice Village with live carving and hands-on masterclasses. Yes, you can carve ice. No, you don’t need to be good at it.

Look up – the Dark Skies Festival runs from 13 Feb-1 Mar, making the most of the Yorkshire Dales’ famously inky skies. Expect stargazing, planet trails, rocket making and nocturnal wildlife talks. Big coat essential. Childlike wonder guaranteed.

Beer fans, take note: Ilkley Beer Festival runs 13-14 Feb, pouring 120+ beers alongside cider, gin, prosecco and non-alcoholic options. There’s live music at every session and all profits go to local charities. Drink well, do good.

FOOD & DRINK

February is not the month for restraint. On 12 Feb, Saltmoore hosts a Guest Chef Night as Head Chef Adam Maddock teams up with Varun Khanna of Rhubarb, Harrogate, for a 13-course tasting menu celebrating seasonality and bold flavours. £125pp, dinner only. Insider intel: this is one for serious food lovers, not “just grabbing a bite”.

Sweeten things up at Wakefield’s Rhubarb Festival from 20-22 Feb. Expect food markets, chef demos, live music and plenty of pink-hued treats. Surprisingly wholesome. Gloriously Yorkshire.

Whisky lovers should book An Evening with The Macallan at Swinton Park on 18 Feb – a five-course dinner paired with rare and aged Macallan expressions, led by the brand’s UK ambassador. Polished, indulgent, and definitely not a school night.

FAMILY FUN & HALF TERM SORTED

Jorvik Viking Festival JVF-26-March-to-Coppergate-Credit-Ian-Forsyth — Image: Jorvik Viking Festival | Ian Forsyth

You’re welcome. The JORVIK Viking Festival takes over York from 16-22 Feb, with living history, dramatic combat displays, workshops and feasts. Loud, lively and gloriously Viking. Mead tasting included (for grown-ups, obviously). Also until 22 Feb, A Winter Adventure at JORVIK sees Coppergate transformed into a frosty Viking world, complete with a brand-new interactive portal. History, but make it immersive.

After-dark magic comes courtesy of Glow Nocturnal at Carlton Towers (14-21 Feb) – an illuminated trail of inflatable woodland creatures through the grounds, plus pizza, puddings and a decent bar. Evening plans: sorted.

Need something weather-proof? Harrogate Indoor Funfair runs 14-22 Feb, with rides, inflatables and a quieter session on Sun 15 Feb at 10am. Parents, we see you. And Harewood House hosts a Family Takeover from 14-22 Feb, transforming the house into an interactive play space filled with creative activities. Expect curious kids, tired legs and zero screen time.

SNOWDROP WALKS

Time to see these tiny white show-offs while they’re at their best. There are plenty of lovely spots to catch them in full bloom. Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens is hosting its annual Snowdrops in the Woodland until 1 Mar, filling the grounds of the Tudor Renaissance house with thousands of delicate bell-shaped blooms (garden admission applies). Over at Goldsborough Hall, Snowdrop Sundays run on 8 and 22 Feb, offering the perfect excuse for a gentle wander around its beautiful 12-acre grounds. And if you’re a proper snowdrop spotter, Burnby Hall Gardens & Museum is open all month, showcasing more than 100 individual varieties – with a talk from the head gardener on 12 Feb for anyone keen to learn their proper name (yes, Galanthus) and impress on future walks.

Flirty Feb! Things to do in Yorkshire this month

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