The Yorkshire 2013 Social Calendar: Right on Time for Your Holiday Getaway!

Just because the balmy days of summer are behind us doesn’t mean that the social activities we so enjoy during the summer months need to come to a screeching halt. In fact, as we gear-up for another festive season, it would appear that in Yorkshire, there is absolutely no sign whatsoever that things are slowing down. With the arrival of autumn, a host of festivals and events have emerged; everything from film, music, and Halloween festivities to the much-anticipated Victorian Christmas markets. There will surely be something for everyone in Yorkshire this season. Use this quick-reference list as a guide if you want to plan some outings while you are visiting the area.

York Maze Hallowscream: October 18-November 2

The York Maze Hallowscream is a seasonal event that takes place on Dunnington Lodge, on the outskirts of york. The event is a five-part horror experience based on a true story that occurred on Dunnington Lodge farm, and is not for the feint of heart. Allegedly, in the year 2005, a man named Tom Pearcy took possession of Dunnington Lodge farm, and shortly thereafter, strange happenings began to occur. This is a perfect Halloween outing for those who like a good scare. Tickets are only available online in advance, and the event is quite popular, so book early.

Illuminating York Festival: October 31- November 2

This is an event that draws nearly 50,000 people to the city of York to experience what is quite literally a festival of light. This year, there will be over 11 illuminated art installations placed around the city, as well as various candlelit night time social events such as ghost walks, architectural tours, and wine and chocolate tastings. This year’s theme is Illuminating the Past, Enlightening the Future, and the festival pays homage to York’s unique heritage with its strong links to the Viking invasions.

27th Leeds International Film Festival: November 6-21

This mission of the Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) is to make global film-making an accessible and unforgettable experience. With over 250 screenings and events going on at various venues throughout Leeds, visitors to the festival can partake in as little, or as much entertainment as they wish. Full passes for the event are only £90, but there are also a variety of other types of passes that allow visitors to enjoy certain aspects of the festival with individual tickets, double passes, or short film passes, to name a few. Every film that is screened at the LIFF competes for the LIFF27 Audience Award for Best Film.

Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival: November 15-24

The Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival is the UK’s largest festival of contemporary and experimental music. During the 10-day event, there are over 50 events, including dance performances, musical theatre, film, multimedia presentations, and the spoken word. Over the 30 years the festival has been running, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival has presented 381 world premieres, as well as numerous debuts by new artists. To browse a list of events or purchase tickets see link below.

Thought Bubble: The Leeds Comic Art Festival: November 17-24

Thought Bubble is the aptly-named title for the Leeds Comic Art Festival. The festival is the largest annual event in the UK that celebrates sequential art (the technical name for comic book-style art), and is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting comics and graphic novels as a cultural art form. The content is presented at a variety of venues across Leeds and is directed at attracting a wide audience with a broad spectrum of tastes. Over the two days that this year’s conference will last, there will be 450 exhibition tables spread across three halls. Tickets are available online  and are just £22 for the full weekend pass.

Huddersfield Festival of Light: December 6-8

This three-day festival takes place over a majority of the greater town of Huddersfield and is choc-a-bloc with street performers, light installations, and retail stalls where you can get some Christmas shopping done while you’re out and about. The light installations are not to be missed, and are interactive, allowing you to become a part of the performance!

Grassington Dikensian Festival: November 30, December 7 & 14 (11am-5pm)

The Dikensian festival takes place over three Saturdays starting in late November and is a true step back in time. Everything from the village Christmas decorations to the inhabitants themselves are decked out in their best Victorian period kit, and even some of the food on offer has roots to this bygone era. The event is free, and there is a nearby park and ride service available for £8 for those who wish to visit the very popular event. The Grassington Dikensian Festival Website provides particulars for finding the event, parking, and anything else you might be curious about.

21st Victorian Christmas Market, Kelham Island Museum: November 30 & December 1

This Dickens-era market features over 120 market stalls all selling Sheffield-made goods, tasty things to eat, and features all manner of period-costumed performers. A perfect day out for the entire family, and you may even get that Christmas shopping finished at the same time! More information is available on the Kelham Island Museum Victorian Christmas Market website link below.

Beverly Festival of Christmas: 8 December

This always popular event sees people flock to the town of Beverly in East Yorkshire every year. Market stalls line the streets and sell all manner of locally made goods and delicacies, while a varied programme of free street entertainment takes place at varying locations throughout the day. The offerings cover a wide array of tastes and there will surely be something for everyone, young and old.

Links:

Nearest Luxury Properties: Carr Hall Castle & Broughton Hall

Hallowscream booking details: Click to open new window

Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival booking details: Click to open new window

The Leeds Comic Art Festival booking details: Click to open new window