Great Yorkshire Events for Your Diary – July 2017

Yorkshire truly comes alive during the summer, and July 2017 certainly isn’t going to prove an exception to that rule. Here are just a few top picks to pop in your calendar.

Great Yorkshire Show

The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the country’s leading agricultural events –  in fact, it’s the largest agricultural show in England. From July 11th to July 13th, you’ll join more than 130,000 visitors to the Harrogate showground in a celebration of English farming and rural life.

Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Now entering its 15th year, the award-winning Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will run from July 20th through to July 23rd at the iconic Old Swan Hotel. A firm fixture in the literary calendar, it’s a thrilling event that has garnered international acclaim.

Hull Folk and Maritime Festival

More than 70 acts from the local area and across the globe will be performing across a diverse variety of venues. The acts themselves will be equally diverse; expect sing-arounds in local pubs, folk dancing displays in the streets, and the mooring of several historic vessels in the Marina. As an added plus, the event is running alongside the Minerva Real Ale Festival, which will offer 60 refreshing beers. Check it out from July 15th to July 17th.

Bridlington Open Beach Volleyball Championships

On July 8th and 9th, take advantage of the seasonal good weather to see over 100 teams battle it out in one of the largest Volleyball competitions in the country.

Driffield Show

With 30,000 people set to attend, this is quite possibly the biggest single-day country show in the UK. Crafts, country wear, and locally produced foods will all be on offer, and you’ll be able to view some of the country’s champion livestock. Head to the Driffield showground on July 19th.

Deershed Festival

A music festival that caters to the whole family, Deershed Festival will take place at Baldersby Park, Topcliffe from July 21st to 23rd. Aside from a whole host of musical acts, there will be comedy, spoken word shows, film screenings, workshops, and over 20 sporting competitions.

Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival

From July 22nd to 23rd you’ll be able to sample local spirits, beers, and food. Patron celebrity chef James Martin will be making an appearance on the 23rd and John Torode will be coming on the 22nd. The event will be held at Funkirk farm, and you’ll find live music, a vintage funfair, a kid’s craft area, and an artisan cookery school to keep you and your family busy between mouthfuls.

Christmas Day Concert with Eastbourne Silver Band at Eastbourne Bandstand

If you’ll be in or near Eastbourne this December 25th, make sure you don’t miss out on the Christmas Day Concert.

Regularly drawing crowds of over 4,000 people, the iconic Eastbourne Bandstand will play host to the Eastbourne Silver Band, who will fill you with Christmas spirit with a selection of festive tunes.

This is a free event with no ticket required, but you’re certainly advised to turn up early. It’s one of Eastbourne’s proudest and most popular traditions, with Christmas concerts beginning way back when the Bandstand was first opened to the public in 1935. It has been a Christmas favourite ever since, with the Silver Band continuing to draw immense crowds. You’ll be able to take in the traditional Christmas favourites, but even the event’s youngest guests will be entertained by a smattering of modern festive songs.

Starting at 10:30 and ending at 12:00, the Christmas Day Concert is an ideal way to enjoy yourself between the thrill of delving into your stocking to see what Santa dropped off and the feasting that comes with Christmas dinner.

The Bandstand is situated right on the seafront opposite Devonshire place, so plenty of families wander down each year from nearby hotels. If you’ll be waking up a little further afield on Christmas Morning, there’s no need to worry; the Bandstand is just a 10-minute walk from Eastbourne railway station, and there’s pay and display parking nearby each day of the year, though you can park for free on Christmas Day as a nice little stocking-filler from the council. Children are more than welcome to attend, and the Bandstand offers disabled access.

Once you’re there, make sure you take time to admire the Eastbourne Bandstand itself. Built in 1935, it’s the busiest bandstand in the UK, as well as one of the most exceptional. 140 events take place each year beneath its blue domed roof, and the enchanting semi-circular design makes it unique within the country. You’ll be able to reflect upon the fact that you’re taking in the same festive event that people were enjoying on Christmas Days generations ago. In fact, the Eastbourne Bandstand has been used prominently in period television programmes and films thanks to its beautiful appearance.

The Eastbourne Silver Band’s concert is one of the most cherished events along the South Coast, so make sure you experience it this Christmas to start the day off right.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre is one of the most famous themed street markets in the West Midlands, and it’s one that you and your family shouldn’t think of missing this year. You’ll be able to explore the colours, sounds, and smells of a traditional Victorian Christmas, with a wonderful range of events, performers, and shopping experiences making this a Christmas market to remember.

As you might expect, there will be plenty of stalls set up throughout the centre of this stunning cathedral city. In fact, you’ll find up to 150 stalls dispensing everything from hand-carved Christmas tree ornaments to locally-produced cider and gingerbread.

As you make your way around those stalls, you’ll be swept into Christmastimes of the past by strains of barrel organ music, and the kids are welcome to jump aboard for a ride on a traditional Victorian carousel.

As you wend your way through the stalls and shops, keep your eyes out for ‘Solo Circus’ performers Phillippe Philloppe, also known as Steve White and Mark Russell. They’ll roam the Fayre performing juggling feats before your very eyes; these guys have been part of the Victorian Christmas Fayre from the very beginning, so there’s nobody better for getting you into the spirit. Thomas Trilby will also be there. An internationally experienced performer, he specialises in comedic historical walkabout characters, with some circus skills and improv mixed in for good measure.

There are also a whole host of separate activities to enjoy while you’re attending, including:

  • Christmas Fayre in the Cloisters: Head to Worcester Cathedral to enjoy some delicious mulled wine and mince pies inside the Chapter House, taking in outstanding views of the city and beyond from the top of the tower. You’ll also find Young Enterprise stalls set up in the College Halls, and the Cathedral’s Choir boys will be serenading with popular carols.
  • Gin Lane Clik Clik Collective: If you’re feeling adventurous, head down the dark alleyways of ‘Gin Lane’, a captivatingly unsavoury recreation of the Victorian Gothic. With interactive performances, music, and several shocking surprises, this is a fantastically unique Christmas treat.
  • The Commandery Worcester: If you’re looking for Christmas fun that the kids can enjoy, head to The Commandery for some Victorian-style merrymaking.

The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre is celebrating its 24th anniversary from Thursday 24th November to Sunday 27th November 2016, so make sure you make time to get involved.

Yorkshire Christmas Markets

Check out these great Christmas festivals, put together by Yorkshire.com :

Sheffield Christmas Market, 13 November – 24 December 2015

A truly magical experience awaits you on Fargate with the arrival of the Sheffield Christmas Market. Traditional wooden cabins offering a huge choice of seasonal goodies makes this the perfect place to stock up on gifts, foods and treats! Also, Santa will be meeting the children of Sheffield in his very own Lapland cabin. The market will be open daily from 10am to 6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) until Christmas Eve.

Christkindelmarkt, Leeds, 13 November – 20 December 2015

This is one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, Christmas carousel rides and twinkling colourful lights all creating a unique continental style festive atmosphere in the heart of Leeds city centre. Set in the stylish civic setting of the award winning Millennium Square, Christkindelmarkt attracts many hundred thousands of visitors to Leeds each year and forms an integral part of the city’s annual events programme.

The Moors National Park Centre Christmas Fair, 14-15 November 2015

The Moors National Park Centre’s popular annual Christmas Fair presents over 30 stalls celebrating the very best of local arts, crafts and seasonal gifts, from jewellery, ceramics and stained glass to willow tree decorations, scented soaps and handmade chocolates. There’s also a visit from Santa, traditional organ music and children’s craft-making activities.

Harrogate Christmas Market, 19-22 November 2015

Organised by Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, this four-day festive market will be filled with high quality Yorkshire and Harrogate products. There will be more than 140 chalets, mini-marquees, traditional market stalls and outdoor gazebos selling everything from Yorkshire cheeses and chutneys to handmade gifts and Christmas decorations.

St Nicholas Fayre, York, 19 November – 23 December 2015

The Festive First Night takes place on 19 November and is the launch of the festivities in York that will see the official opening of the St Nicholas Fair, the lights switched on and late night shopping begin. From this date right up to 23 December, over 100 snug chalets with twinkling fairy lights will shine out from their positions along Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square and at new sites such as The Judge’s Lodging and Coppergate, selling inspired gift ideas and stocking fillers.

Bedale Christmas Festival, 21 November 2015

This festival is based in Bedale Hall and Park, with Father Christmas and lots of activities for the children, craft and gift stalls for the grown ups, plus music and festive refreshments. Together with the unique little shops in town, Bedale is a great place to do your Christmas shopping this year.

Bridlington Dickensian Festival, 22 November 2015

This very popular Festival Event is held in Old Town,on Sunday 22 November and comprises of over 60 Food & Craft stalls up High Street and an Old Town Fair in the Market Place,combined with entertainment of Choirs,Brass Bands, Old Fairground Organ and of course the arrival of Santa on his sleigh to his Reindeer & Elf helpers, before visiting his Grotto and giving out his presents to the children.

Whitby Christmas Market, Whitby, 27-30 November

Whitby’s second Christmas Market will take place on Endeavour Wharf in the view of Whitby’s famous Abbey and Swing Bridge. The market will feature Whitby’s iconic beach huts, which will form an attractive and novel centre piece to the market. Whitby’s very own version of the German Market beach huts we are so familiar with. The market will feature stalls from independent traders, artists, crafts people, hot food stalls and of course, a bar selling mulled wine.

Halifax Christmas Lights Switch On, 28 November 2015

Halifax will become a Christmas haven as soon as the staged event begins at 2pm on Saturday 28th November, with lots of live entertainment. Local dance groups, local choirs, children’s entertainment and some well-known mascots, rugby stars, cheerleaders and radio celebrities will showcase their talents onstage for an afternoon and early evening to remember, and not forgetting the Victoria Theatre’s pantomime cast. There will be a Christmas Market running from 10am until 6pm at the Woolshops with local crafts, hot food and plenty of gifts to buy, and a special appearance from a very busy man; Father Christmas will pop on to the stage to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas

Totally Locally Addingham Christmas Market, 28 November 2015

This continues to be a hugely popular and successful event for the village and its small businesses. The market will be followed at 4:30pm with the switch on of the village Christmas lights, this year by Sir Gary Verity of Welcome to Yorkshire. It promises to be another fantastic event with stalls showcasing the fantastic range of products on offer from local independent Addingham traders, organisations and small businesses. They will be selling a variety of food, drink, gifts, arts and crafts, clothing and much more. Plus don’t forget to come and see the very special visitor flying in from the North Pole!

Brighouse Victorian Christmas Market, 28-29 November 2015

This Victorian Christmas Festival is on Sat 28th and Sun 29th November 2015 with a wonderful Christmas Market of over 100 stalls full of locally produced foods and crafts. This is an ideal opportunity for you to stock up on delicious local food for Christmas and what better time to visit all the craft stalls where you are sure to find perfect Christmas gifts. There will be entertainment throughout both days with Christmas Carols being sung by local school choirs, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and street entertainers. Stallholders, entertainers, visitors and locals are all encouraged to dress in Victorian costume to help us create a wonderful Victorian atmosphere, shops and shop assistants will also be getting into the spirit of the Victorian Christmas and will be decked out in Victorian costume.

Christmas craft and second-hand book fair at Nostell Priory – 28-29 November 2015

Kick off the festive season with a spot of Christmas shopping, choosing from gifts, cards, decorations and a fantastic range of pre-loved books. With many of the stalls offering handmade and locally sourced items, you’ll to find plenty of unique and special Christmas goodies. The craft fair at Nostell has a long history of quality handcrafted goods, from handmade jewellery, scarves and accessories to toys, candles and decorations for the home. The book stall boasts an eclectic range of titles at very reasonable prices covering genres including crime, romance, biography, gardening and design. This year, the Courtyard Café will be celebrating Nostell Scone Week, where you can sample creative flavours including cheese & chilli and carrot, walnut & orange and peach & vanilla cream.

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, Harrogate, 3-6 December 2015

Specialist exhibitors featuring crafts, interiors, food and gifts will be embarking on the Harrogate International Centre this December for the return of the Country Living Christmas Fair. The four-day Christmas shopping destination, will offer visitors the opportunity to attend demonstrations in the Christmas, Cookery and Craft and Create theatres, featuring tips on seasonal home décor and the perfect Christmas lunch. This year’s fair sees a return to the importance of supporting local suppliers and trade with many of the 300 stands showcasing handmade or British-sourced products.

11th Annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair, Sledmere House, 4-6 December 2015

The eleventh annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair features over 100 stalls selling crafts, gifts, decorations and food for the festive period. Visitors are welcome to walk in the gardens (not normally open to the public during winter.) Children can visit Father Christmas in his magical Grotto and the whole family can enjoy a tractor and trailer trip to the deer park. Please note, these attractions are available Sat & Sun only.

Leyburn Christmas Festival, 5 December 2015

The annual Christmas event is organised by Leyburn and Mid Wensleydale Business Association with the support of Round Table. Father Christmas usually arrives in great style and delivers presents to local children. Stalls and festive music add to the occasion to provide a lovely festive festival for all the family to enjoy. Market stalls for those Christmas gift ideas, refreshments and entertainment.

Christmas Miracle on Aire Street, Goole – 5 December 2015

Christmas Miracle on Aire Street is a wonderful new event taking place on Aire Street in Goole between 10am and 4pm. It’s a celebratory event that gives the community of Goole an opportunity to enjoy traditional and modern Christmas festivities in one of Goole’s oldest and grandest streets. For the event itself think Winter Wonderland with horse drawn carriage rides, festive gifts and decorations, a frozen snow globe where children and families can step inside, feel the magic of snow descend and have this captured with a photograph.

Knaresborough Christmas Market, 5-6 December 2015

A wonderful festive weekend in the picturesque North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough with quality stalls, shops and entertainment. This Christmas market always offers a full range of regional specialities, with locally produced fare from independent stallholders being very popular with visitors.

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Main Street, Haworth, 5-6 December 2015

Every year at Christmas time, Haworth is lit by twinkling fairy lights and festive shop windows. Each weekend in December the village hosts bands, choirs, carol singers and Father Christmas for visitors to enjoy with traders dressing in Victorian costume. The cobbled street is home to wonderful independent shops, tea rooms and public houses. If you are travelling to Haworth by car, parking is available in the Bronte Parsonage and Bronte Village car parks which are council owned

23rd Victorian Christmas Market – Kelham Island Museum, 5-6 December 2015

Gather under the gaslamps as our heart-warming Dickensian folk relive the magical world of Dickens at Christmas. With over 120 market stalls selling Sheffield, Made goods, All that Glitters Gifts and a Christmas Shop and Emporium to suits all tastes and pockets. Enjoy our festive family entertainment and food quarter, traditional fairground and Santa’s Grotto with reindeer.

Grassington Dickensian Christmas Festival, 5, 12, 19 December 2015

For three saturdays, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian festival. Step back in time to an era when Dickens was alive. Street entertainment, buskers, shoe-shine boys, chestnut sellers, santa’s grotto, pickpockets, living statues, traditional Christmas outdoor market, indoor craft fair plus lots more. A family fun day out.

Santa Experience at Lightwater Shopping Village, 5-6 December 2015

It’s not Christmas without a visit to Santa, so bring your little ones to Lightwater Valley’s Santa Experience for a truly magical time. Jump aboard the Polar Lightwater Express as it takes you on a wintertime train ride to Santa’s cabin, then enjoy a fireside story with Santa and his elves. There’ll be refreshments fo everyone and of course a very special Christmas present, and even a little something for the adults! Enjoy our festive UV Puppet show and all of your favourite fairground rides.

Otley Victorian Fayre & Christmas Market, 6 December 2015

Otley Victorian Fayre has been running for many years. This is now a truly family day out with upwards of 17,000 people attending this fabulous, free event. On the pedestrianized streets you will see a wide variety of stalls offering gifts, food and the chance to help local charities and good causes. The indoor areas in The Black Horse Stable Yard and The Old Grammar School sell only hand crafted items. Don’t miss the donkey rides and their greatest attraction, Santa’s reindeer!

Richmond Town Christmas Market, 6 December 2015

Free event for all ages. Visit Father Christmas enjoy the super gift, craft and food/beverage stands, Chic Vintique Fair, Angel Trail, etc. With over 50 trade stands, live music, entertainment throughout the day, fabulous sparkly trees, children’s crafts, story time, and loads more, this should be a great day out!

Christmas Fair Hosted By Yorkshire Heart, 6 December 2015

25 different trade stands from local suppliers & groups including jewellery, puzzles, games, gift cards & photography, timber products, Christmas wreaths, clothes, accessories, toys and much more including the PDSA,, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and local company the log shed who will free car parking & free entry. Santa and his helpers will be here to see the children with a gift for them and they will receive their own reindeer dust to take home!

Skipton Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market, 6 & 13 December 2015

The ‘Gateway to the Dales’ brings you Skipton’s famous Yuletide Festival and market, which is celebrating its 21st Anniversary this year. Together with the market and great food stalls, there will be a full range of entertainment in the Town Centre throughout the day, both in the main High Street Arena and at locations across the Town. The whole of Skipton truly has a real Christmassy feel!

Helmsley Makes Christmas Magical, 7 December 2015

Whether it’s high quality designer fashion & accessories, making your home ready for Christmas, enjoying art in the many galleries, or feasting on festive food & drink, Helmsley has something for everyone. And whatever the weather, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome!

Christmas Foodies Festival, Harrogate, 11-13 December 2015

Top Chefs and Retro Recipes in the Chefs Theatre, an Artisan Christmas Market with Vegan and Gluten Free options, Champagne Ski Bar and a Yorkshire Gin Theatre are just some of the festive features food-lovers can look forward to as Foodies Festival Christmas transforms Harrogate’s International Centre into a culinary wonderland 11-13th December.

Malton Christmas Food Market, Malton, 12 December 2015

Christmas is coming early to Malton, thanks to the Malton Monthly Food Market on Saturday 12th December! One of the special guests will be none other than Santa Claus himself, who will be in his own Grotto in magical Milton Rooms during the festive event, which trades from 9am to 3pm. The market will boast over 45 food and drink stalls, a Festive Treat Hunt for the kids, and carols sung by the Kirkham Henry singers between 11.20am and 12.20pm.

Castle Howard’s Stable Courtyard Christmas Market, 21 November-23 December 2015

Castle Howard’s cobbled courtyard bustles with market stalls on selected dates. Browse a range of tasty treats, festive goodies and crafts perfect for Christmas and pop into the courtyard shops which are filled with plenty to tempt you, from the farm shop full of festive fare to the gift shops selling a range of decorations and presents perfect for all the family.

Beverley Festival of Christmas, 13 December 2015

This is arguably the largest Festival of its kind in Yorkshire which includes a Christmas Market with over 100 festive stalls, a fairground, various musical groups and individuals performing a varied programme of music and dance, a display by Bernese Mountain Dogs, a display of falconry, live music and entertainment around the iconic North Bar, marching and military bands, Victorian street entertainers, a classic car show and last but by no means least – Santa on his sleigh drawn through the town

Tennants Garden Rooms Christmas Fair, Leyburn, 18-19 December 2015

In association with living magazine, Tennants very first luxury Christmas Fair will whisk you into the spirit of Christmas as they greet you with mulled wine and mince pies, served within the stunning backdrop of the majestic sweeping stair case, complete with Christmas tree and decorations to get you feeling festive. With designers and artisans offering a wonderful range of wares from cashmere, leather and Jewellery to homewares, let Living Magazine and The Garden Rooms at Tennants transport you to a place where you can experience the sights and sounds of the season whilst you shop, browse for inspiration or just spend the day relaxing with friends.