What's On In November

November is arriving in the Bradford district and the festive season is getting underway. As the weather turns chilly, you’ll find loads of brilliant events to join in with and stay toasty warm. Just take a look at a few of the month’s highlights for inspiration.

See Bradford in a whole new light at the BD is LiT festival in the city centre on 3^rd-4^th November. Dozens of spectacular light installations will fill the city with incredible sights from a flock of gently glowing sheep overlooking City Park to an amazing projection-mapped show on City Hall. There will also be events taking place across the district as part of the festival this month including Speed of Light in Shipley from 25^th November and the Thornton Winter Windows Trail from 26^th November.

Pick up something special at the Prints and Plants Fair hosted by the People Powered Press in Saltaire. It’s the perfect chance to find a few stocking-fillers, top up your greenhouse or just relax at the pop-up bar and go watch the press at work.

Discover some of the region’s most beautiful residents in a new exhibition at the Ilkley Manor House from 4^th November-17^th December. Wild about the Wharfe showcases beautiful nature photography depicting some of the many otters, kingfishers, herons and other wildlife that live along the river.

Head to the Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon on Saturday, 11^th November for a special talk about wildlife found on the front line during the Great War and mascots kept by the troops to keep morale up.

As Christmas approaches, the district’s wonderful Christmas lights are being switched on in a series of special events throughout November and early December, beginning with Bradford’s Festive Launch on Saturday, 11^th November. You’ll find details of all the upcoming events here, so go see the district sparkle.

Join the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth for a discussion on the link between the Brontës and Friends on Thursday, 16^th November. This will be a fascinating talk that will delve into not only the classic episode ‘The One Where Jane Eyre Is A Cyborg’ but also the broader links to feminism found both in the series and in the sisters' works.

See amazing ice sculptures, enjoy children's funfair rides, street performers, live reindeer and more at the Bradford Ice Carnival in Centenary Square on 18^th-19^th November. This fabulous family event will definitely put you in a festive mood.

Party through the night at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford on Fridays and Saturday nights 24^th November-16^th December with a series of fantastic party nights celebrating music from different decades, from the 80s to the 00s. Enjoy a tasty 3-course meal then dance the night away.

Take the kids to see Mrs Claus at NT East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley from 25^th November-20^th December. She will spend time in the Great Hall telling stories and making sure everyone's letters to Santa reach the North Pole.

All aboard the Elf Explorer, setting off from Oxenhope on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway from 25^th November. This festive rail journey is always very popular. So buy your tickets now for this magical experience for youngsters.

Why not start off the season of goodwill with a visit to the Charity Christmas Tree Festival at St James’ Church in Thornton from 25^th November-2^nd December. During your visit see a wonderful display of decorated trees, browse the Christmas shop, visit Santa and grab a wonderful coffee and cake.

Visit a wonderful Victorian Christmas market at the Bradford Industrial Museum on 25^th-26^th November. Listen to tales from Scrooge, meet the alpacas, meet Santa and do a little shopping at the stalls. It’s a great day out for the whole family.

November is a great time to check out some phenomenal shows at theatres across the district. Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall will take you to the depths of the oceans at St George’s Hall and the Alhambra will help you sail across them with a tiger in Life of Pi before showing you The Full Monty. Maitri is putting on a special performance at Kala Sangam for their 30^th anniversary whilst Yorkshire comic Scott Bennett brings comedy to the Studio Theatre in Bradford. Michael Portillo heads to the King’s Hall in Ilkley to tell stories from his career and there will be an evening of burlesque at the Caroline Street Social Club in Saltaire.

November is Music Month in the Bradford district with lots of fantastic events playing or celebrating music. There will be tributes to Take That at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford and to Elvis at King’s Hall Ilkley. Terrorvision will celebrate their 30^th anniversary at St George’s Hall, Bradford and Daniel Rodriguez takes to the stage at the Live Room at Saltaire. Don’t forget to catch a festive show like That’ll Be The Day Christmas, coming to St George’s Hall to get you into the Christmas spirit!

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Enjoy your time in Bradford district, and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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