It’s time to dive into a season of rich cultural delights across Northern England. From the urban arts scenes in Liverpool, Leeds, and Manchester to the scenic surroundings of The Lake District and the historic charms of Newcastle and Stockton, there’s no need to hibernate this winter. Whether you’re after world-class theatre, unforgettable concerts, thought-provoking art, or laugh-out-loud comedy, we’ve rounded up the best events across the North to keep you entertained all season long. So grab your coat and mark your calendar—there’s something for everyone in this winter’s cultural feast!

THEATRE

Start your winter with an emotional powerhouse as War Horse gallops onto stages across the North. Catch this iconic production at Liverpool Empire (8-19 Apr). This visually stunning adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel uses life-sized puppets to bring the story of courage, friendship, and survival during WWI to life. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves breathtaking theatre with a heart.

For those in the mood for something a bit darker, grab the tissues (and maybe a hip flask)! Birdsong lands in Newcastle’s Theatre Royal (21-25 Jan) with Max Bowden (EastEnders) bringing smouldering romance and wartime grit to the stage. Expect stolen kisses, epic battles, and heart-wrenching drama – the kind that’ll have you sobbing, swooning, and sighing. Book now or forever regret it

Strut into the fabulous world of Candace Bushnell at the Manchester Opera House. (15 Mar) In her dazzling one-woman show the Sex and the City legend spills all – from Studio 54 nights to the Lipstick Jungle and beyond. Expect cosmos, killer heels, and juicy New York tales of fashion, fame, and fabulousness. It’s pure Manhattan magic but in Manchester.

Hold onto your bonnets. Pride and Prejudice (sort of) returns to Sheffield (14–18 Jan), turning Austen’s romance into a riot of pop hits and belly laughs. Think Darcy, petticoats, and karaoke-style anthems like Young Hearts Run Free and You’re So Vain. It’s Austen with attitude – unmissable

MUSIC & DANCE

Don’t miss the brilliant James Bay live. The guy behind hits like Hold Back The River, Let It Go, and Us is back on tour, fresh off his fourth album. Having toured with Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, he’s bringing his magic to Newcastle (5 Feb) at O2 City Hall and Leeds (6 Feb) at O2 Academy and Manchester O2 Apollo (7 Feb). Grab your tickets and get ready to be swept away

If you’re in the mood for movie magic, visit Durham Cathedral ( 7 Mar) and immerse yourself in an unforgettable tribute to Hans Zimmer and other iconic movie scores, performed live by a chamber orchestra. From Jurassic Park to Harry Potter, Gladiator to Interstellar, it’s 1hr packed with cool film tunes.

Music lovers should also look out for the Manchester Folk Festival 2025 (20-22 Mar). Expect a vibrant mix of traditional folk and contemporary artists across three days in Manchester, with plenty of toe-tapping tunes and intimate gigs.

Fans of dance can book early to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Mar 25 – Apr 5) Bourne’s audacious reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, with an all-male ensemble, shook up the world of dance theatre almost 30 years ago. This bold and genre-defining production returns with a new revival, bringing wit, drama, and a touch of menace to the iconic ballet.

ART, FILMS & EXHIBITIONS

Buzz over to Liverpool’s World Museum for Bees: A Story of Survival—an exhibition that’s the bee’s knees. Dive into 120 million years of bee brilliance, with interactive displays, soundscapes from a live hive, and mesmerising sculptures. Created by Wolfgang Buttress Studio, this experience brings you up close with nature’s hardest workers. Runs until 5 May 2025 – don’t miss it.

Explore the North like never before with a new exhibition Romance to Realities: The Northern Landscape and Shifting Identities at Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery (opens Jan 25). From postcard-perfect views to gritty, “life’s tough up North” realism, Romance to Realities at Laing Art Gallery serves up the North as you’ve never seen it. Dive into 200 years of dramatic landscapes, featuring artists like LS Lowry and Joan Eardley, and witness our love-hate relationship with the wild, windy North.

Lights, camera, MANIFF! The Manchester Film Festival (7–16 Mar) is back, transforming the Odeon, Great Northern, into a hub of indie film magic. Expect 10 days of screenings, Q&As, industry panels, and plenty of mingling with film-world movers and shakers. It’s chilled, filmmaker-friendly, and a must for cinephiles craving something fresh and fabulous.

Bradford is set for a spectacular year as the UK City of Culture 2025, with events kicking off in January. Look forward to RISE, an outdoor performance created by director Kirsty Housley and magician Dynamo (10-11 Jan), as well as screenings, exhibitions, and the Turner Prize at Cartwright Hall later in the year.

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LITERATURE & TALKS

Huddersfield Literature Festival is back this April (dates TBA)! Dive into two weeks of author talks, workshops, poetry, and performances, celebrating diversity and emerging talent. With 70+ events, both online and live, it’s a must for book lovers and culture vultures alike. Head to Alnwick, the ‘story capital of the North’ for the annual Alnwick Story Fest with authors such as Alexander McCall Smith and Adele Parks headlining (28 Feb – 2 Mar).

Don’t miss Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and his band LYR on tour. Catch their mix of poetry and music at fab venues like Brewery Arts in Kendal (Jan 22), Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall (Jan 23), York Theatre Royal (Jan 24), Ayrshire Athletics Arena (Jan 25), and Hebden Bridge’s Trades Club (Jan 26). Ready to write your blockbuster? The Screenwriting Weekender (Jan 31 – Feb 2) hosted by New Writing North brings top screenwriters like Peter Straughan (Wolf Hall) and Tony Schumacher (The Responder) to the North East. Expect insider tips, networking, and workshops on everything from creating iconic characters to cracking the writers’ room.

COMEDY

Get ready, Newcastle and Stockton-on-Tees – comedy queen Katherine Ryan is back with her brand-new Battleaxe tour. Known for her razor-sharp wit, no-holds-barred humour, and a penchant for saying what we’re all thinking (but wouldn’t dare), Katherine is bringing her hilarious and fearless new show to the North East. From Netflix specials to panel show fame and even hosting jewellery competitions, she’s done it all – and she’s got plenty more to say! She’s at the Stockton Globe ( Apr 3). Paddy McGuinness is also there (Mar 23) with his first stand-up tour in eight years, Nearly There… He’s taking on everything from cancel culture to fake news.

Comedy legend Ben Elton is back, and he’s up North with his latest show, Authentic Stupidity early in the new year. Ben’s tackling everything from Artificial Intelligence to the age-old enemy: “Authentic Stupidity.” With tour stops everywhere from Durham to Kendal, this is your chance to see the godfather of modern stand-up live and in action.

Jason Manford is also hitting the North end of Nov 2024 and Jan and Feb 2025. From stand-up to sitcoms, West End musicals, and even a stint on The Masked Singer, Jason has done it all. Now, he’s back to his comedy roots with his new tour A Manford All Seasons. Expect belly laughs, a bit of Northern charm, and all the feel-good vibes you’d expect from one of Britain’s best-loved comedians.

OUTDOORS

For light trails in the North, do check out Newcastle’s Northern Lights which returns to Leazes Park (22 Nov – 31 Dec 2024) with a mile-long trail of enchanting illuminations and festive zones. Alnwick in Northumberland is one of Muddy’s faves – lighting up not only The Alnwick Garden (in the grounds of the castle) but also the new edition Lilidorei, Alnwick’s fairytale village, designed to enchant kids (and big kids!).

Check out the 10th Dark Skies Festival 2025. The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales are marking 10 years of the Dark Skies Festival from 14 Feb to 2 Mar 2025, and it’s set to be more magical than ever. Expect stargazing safaris, astrophotography workshops, night runs, canoeing under the stars, and more. Or wrap up warm and head to Northumberland’s Kielder Observatory which offers an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Just half a mile from the Scottish border and near James Turrell’s stunning Kielder Skyspace, this observatory is perfectly placed to avoid light pollution and provide crystal-clear views of the cosmos and hosts over 40 public events each month. And in the Lake District, Grizedale Forest’s outdoor gallery is filled with over 50 sculptures nestled among trees and lakes. Poet Simon Armitage’s trail markers add a literary touch to this magical winter escape.