Summer Fun Throughout July
North York Moors
Families visiting the North York Moors National Park this summer can enjoy two new free activities to keep the little ones busy.
Ryedale Folk Museum
The Ryedale Folk Museum has created a fun way for families to explore the lovely village of Hutton-le-Hole near Pickering in the North York Moors National Park. Families can pick up a set of free ‘Hutton-to-do’ bingo cards from the Museum’s reception (without paying an admission fee, although the Museum is definitely worth a visit). Family members can then race to complete the tasks on the cards, whether finding a walnut tree to hug, a house inscribed with a date, or visiting a shopkeeper and saying in a broad Yorkshire accent: “Now then!” All the shops are supporting the initiative, just in case you wondered.
New Playground at Danby Lodge
A new playground at Danby Lodge is set to open in early summer, featuring a brand-new design inclusive of different ages, abilities, and confidence levels. It boasts an eye-catching tower den (hand-woven with willow), a double zip-wire, and an accessible slide and basket swing. Using sustainably sourced UK wood and designed by creative play company Flights of Fantasy, the structure takes inspiration from the North York Moors’ wildlife and habitats, including the journey of salmon along the River Esk. The work of the National Park’s Rangers is recognized with a pretend Ranger vehicle and a smaller slide structure that gives a nod to the fences and gates of our National Trails and Rights of Way.
Carol Douglas Exhibition
13 July–27 October 2024
YSP Centre
Opening in July, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) presents a new body of original work by York-based painter Carol Douglas in her largest exhibition to date. “Actually I Can” includes 51 new paintings of various sizes, all of which will be for sale. Prices range from £325 to £1,430, with all proceeds going directly to the artist and YSP to support its charitable work. Carol, who was dissuaded from pursuing an arts qualification at school, has developed her own style since taking up painting in her 60s, painting with acrylic and applying it to the canvas using rollers rather than the traditional paintbrush.
Live Music at Marsden Mechanics
Until 15 September
Marsden Mechanics
Marsden Mechanics, a wholly community-owned cultural venue based in the village of Marsden, Huddersfield, has announced a new programme of live music. Consisting of five live music events, the programme supports 83 artists performing a myriad of unrepresented genres in the area and intends to draw in crowds from across Yorkshire. From jazz and blues to Irish trad, from immersive soundscapes to reggae and dub, no two nights will be the same.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
1-6 July
Alhambra Theatre
The smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, is coming to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford for one week only. Jamie New is 16 and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in, is terrified about the future but is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight.
Deadpool & Wolverine
From 25 July
Odeon Leeds
While the Marvel credits scene kicked off the long-awaited cross-pollination of the MCU and X-Men worlds, Deadpool & Wolverine goes all-in, pairing Ryan Reynolds’ smartass sort-of-hero with Hugh Jackman’s rejuvenated Wolverine (don’t worry, timeline-sticklers, it’s set before Logan). Speaking of returning heroes, look out for Jennifer Garner as Elektra, spinning her sai daggers for the first time in two decades – and watch this space to find out who The Crown’s Emma Corrin will play as the lead villain.
The Hepworth Wakefield Garden
Ongoing
The Hepworth Wakefield
The Hepworth Wakefield Garden, designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, is free for all to enjoy. Tom’s design draws inspiration from its unusual setting between 19th-century red-brick mills and a 21st-century art gallery, edged by the River Calder. It echoes the striking, angular shapes of the David Chipperfield-designed gallery while harnessing a naturalism that reflects Barbara Hepworth’s deep connection to the landscape. In addition to Tom’s distinctive planting, there are outdoor sculptures by Sir Michael Craig-Martin, Barbara Hepworth, and Kim Lim.
Holmfirth Artweek
7-13 July
Holmfirth
One of the UK’s largest open art exhibitions, Holmfirth Artweek features over 400 exhibitors and over 2,000 artworks, plus dozens of fringe venues across the local area with thousands more works of art and craft. Holmfirth Artweek is a local event with a national reputation. The majority of the exhibitors are from this area, but large numbers of visitors come from all over the country to view and to buy. It is astounding how much artistic talent there is locally, and it is this that makes the event such a success every year.
