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Fairies, Elves and Goblins Trail

Meet at Shibden Hall to start an adventure through Cunnery Woods to find the magical woodland creatures. Each child will receive a trail sheet to record their findings (The woods are unsuitable for pushchairs).
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This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Shibden Hall
Exhibition

Textile Art Group

We are a group of eleven textile artists who live in Kirklees, Calderdale and the surrounding area. We are a diverse and creative group working in a variety of ways in stitch and print to play to our individual strengths.
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This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Online exhibition

Costumes from Gentleman Jack

In 2022 Bankfield Museum in Halifax hosted ‘Costumes from Gentleman Jack’ exhibition. To share the exhibition further, the exhibition and content have been recorded in a film and slideshow.
Event dates From 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2026
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Online exhibition

Anne Lister's birthday diary entries

For Anne Lister's 229th birthday on the 3rd April 2020 we wanted to share her diary entries from her journals 1818 to 1840. Here we have the extracts from Anne's birthdays, with transcriptions kindly provided by members of the #AnneListerCodeBreaker team.
Event dates From 3rd April 2020 to 31st October 2025
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DIARY PAGE
Online exhibition

Waterloo

An online exhibition to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo on the 18th June 1815.
Event dates From 17th June 2020 to 28th December 2024
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Online exhibition

Shibden Hall - Virtual Tour

Join us on a journey through 600 years of history and discover the secrets of Shibden Hall from the comfort of your home. 
Event dates From 11th February 2021 to 11th February 2024
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Explore the gardens of shibden hall and then venture inside the halls.
Exhibition

A Town Through Time

A selection of images from this exhibition are available online, please see: Brighouse: A Town Through Time. An exhibition capturing a century of Brighouse, West Yorkshire on canvas and camera.
Event dates From 17th May 2021 to 25th September 2021
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Bridge End by Miles Sharp
Exhibition

The Fashion Gallery

Showcasing Calderdale Museums’ fashion and textile collections from ancient Egypt to modern day. Calderdale Museums has one of the best but little known textile collections in the country.
Event dates From 3rd June 2021 to 4th September 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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The Fashion Gallery
Exhibition

Photographic Memories

Explore the history of photography from the first permanent image made in 1826, to the estimated 14 trillion we take each year across the world today. With a click and a flash, photographs allow us to capture the world around us.
Event dates From 3rd June 2021 to 18th December 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Three men pose for a photo
Online exhibition

A letter by Anne Lister and Ann Walker 1st August, 1834

Event dates From 27th July 2021 to 1st January 2080
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Event

Family Paper Craft Session

Try your hand at a variety of crafts including puppet making and origami.  Entrance to the museum included. Please note due to limited space we can only admit 1 adult with each child.
Event dates Thursday 5th August 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Calderdale Museums
Event

Dig Day

We will be exploring the role of an archaeologist and try to find some buried artefacts. Can you work out what they are?
Event dates Wednesday 11th August 2021
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Shibden Hall
Event

Come and Play!

Find out what children played with in the past, you will have an opportunity to play with a range of Victorian toys and create your own toy - perhaps a marble run, a zoetrope or a puppet. Suitable for children aged 5-10 years.
Event dates Thursday 12th August 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Calderdale Museums
Event

Explore the Fashion Gallery

Find out about the clothes on display in our gallery and make your own hat. Calderdale Museums has one of the best but little known textile collections in the country.
Event dates Friday 13th August 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Calderdale Museums
Event

Come and Play!

Discover toys from the past and create your own toy Find out what children played with in the past, you will have an opportunity to play with a range of Victorian toys and create your own toy - perhaps a marble run, a zoetrope or a puppet. Due to limited space we can only allow 1 adult per child.
Event dates Wednesday 25th August 2021
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Family Art Workshop

Create a mandala using natural materials, followed by a mandala collage to take home. Entry into the museum included.
Event dates Thursday 26th August 2021
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Calderdale Museums
Event

Dig Day

We will be exploring the role of an archaeologist and try to find some buried artefacts. Can you work out what they are?
Event dates Wednesday 1st September 2021
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Shibden Hall
Exhibition

Belonging: Fashion & A Sense of Place

Exploring the influence of the West Riding of Yorkshire on contemporary fashion, this exhibition brings together works from a range of fashion designers and creatives who have been inspired by the many elements that make the area unique. Drawing on themes such as landscape, community spirit, wit and humour and the enduring influence of the textile industry, this multi-disciplinary showcase celebrates the distinctive character of the place and the creative people connected to it.
Event dates From 18th September 2021 to 5th March 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

The Lockdown Banners

Discover inspiring stories and uplifting poetry in this new exhibition by artist Ian Beesley, designer Martyn Hall, cartoonist Tony Husband and poet Ian McMillan. During lockdown this collective created a series of large scale, colourful banners celebrating the NHS, carers, keyworkers and volunteers.
Event dates From 28th September 2021 to 8th January 2022
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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NHS-Banner
Exhibition

Shibden 600

Calderdale Museums is marking the 600th birthday of one of the most important buildings in the region, a building of international renown. The first mention of Shibden Hall was in 1420.
Event dates From 8th January 2022 to 25th February 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Celebration Event - Fashion in Anne Lister’s Time (1791-1840)

Join us as we celebrate the opening of the new ‘Fashion in Anne Lister’s Time (1791-1840)’ exhibition, exploring the many different styles of fashion popular in her lifetime. The ‘Shibden 600’ exhibition is also open and tells the story of 600 years of history at Shibden Hall.
Event dates Saturday 26th March 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Fashion in Anne Lister's Time
Exhibition

Fashion in Anne Lister’s Time (1791-1840)

Anne Lister had her own unique style that contrasted with what women were expected to wear. This exhibition explores the many different styles of fashion during her lifetime.
Event dates From 26th March 2022 to 24th December 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Come and be a code breaker!

Be inspired by famous diarist Anne Lister in this family event where we will be creating our own code, making diaries, and deciphering historic codes around the museum. This activity is aimed at 6-12 year olds.
Event dates Saturday 2nd April 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

A new exhibition at Bankfield Museum to mark 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II and her relationship with the people of Calderdale. Featuring some of the most colourful objects in the museum collection; a bright and uplifting celebration of our longest-reigning monarch.
Event dates From 14th May 2022 to 16th July 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Costumes from the BBC TV Series ‘Gentleman Jack’

A world exclusive exhibition of costumes by renowned designer Tom Pye for the BBC One TV Series ‘Gentleman Jack’. The programme written by Sally Wainwright tells the story of Anne Lister (1791-1840) of Shibden Hall and her relationship with local landowner Ann Walker (1803-1854).
Event dates From 31st May 2022 to 24th December 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

The Calderdale Grid

An Exhibition by the Halifax Photographic Society in collaboration with creative writers from the area. Over forty creative writers and photographers have come together to take part in the Calderdale Grid Project.
Event dates From 2nd July 2022 to 27th February 2023
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Online exhibition

Photographic Memories

Taking highlights from our Photographic Memories exhibition at Bankfield Museum, this online exhibit takes you on a journey through the history of photography. Using images from our collection, we will tell the story of our love for photos, from the first permanent image made in 1826, to the estimated 14 trillion we take each year across the world today.
Event dates From 15th July 2022 to 15th July 2023
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Three men during the construction of halifax railstation
Online exhibition

Shibden Hall Paintings

Shibden Hall has 15 unique oil paintings, that are mostly portraits, on permanent display; some have been on site for centuries. We do not have much information on these paintings and would love to find out more.
Event dates From 15th July 2022 to 15th July 2026
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Shibden Dale
Online exhibition

Victory in Europe Day

This online exhibition has been created to commemorate Victory in Europe Day 2020 (VE Day). John Spencer, Military Curator for Calderdale Museums has curated this exhibition using several objects from the Museums collection.
Event dates From 15th July 2022 to 15th July 2023
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VE Dat halifax photos
Online exhibition

Brighouse: A Town Through Time

An online exhibition exploring change in the town of Brighouse over the last century through local art and artists.
Event dates From 15th July 2022 to 15th July 2023
This exhibition takes place in your web browser
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West riding homes of toil
Exhibition

South Asian Heritage Month

Saturday 16th July marks the beginning of South Asian Heritage Month. A celebration of the ongoing cultural legacy of the region and the lives of the people of South Asian heritage in Britain today, many of whom live in Calderdale.   Bankfield Museum are marking the occasion with a display of some of the highlights of its collection of South Asian art and cultural objects.
Event dates From 16th July 2022 to 25th March 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Online exhibition

A Trip to Toffee Town

An online exhibition exploring the history of Mackintosh toffee, Quality Street and how Halifax became 'Toffee Town'.
Event dates From 22nd July 2022 to 22nd July 2023
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tins
Event

Heritage Open Days - Bankfield Museum

Bankfield Museum will be open Sunday 11th September for Heritage Weekend from 10am to 4pm. Bankfield is also open Tuesdays to Saturday each week, 10am to 4pm and is free entry.
Event dates Sunday 11th September 2022
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

John Holland’s Local Landscapes

During 2023 the main hall at Bankfield will be hung with several works by John Holland (1829-1886), held in Calderdale Museums Service’s collection. Holland was born in Nottingham and painted landscapes and coastal scenes.
Event dates From 7th January 2023 to 4th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Opening the Wardrobe - The History Wardrobe Collection of Lucy Adlington

A unique exhibition celebrating women’s clothes and the stories they tell. This exclusive exhibition features highlights from the private collection of dress historian Lucy Adlington.
Event dates From 4th February 2023 to 23rd December 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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History Wardrobe Presents - Opening the Wardrobe - The Collection of Lucy Adlington
Event

Hat Day

Wear your best hat to Bankfield Museum to celebrate the launch of our new exhibition “A Hat for all Seasons”. There will be prizes for the best hats and lots of different hats to see and try on, as well as children’s trails, hat designing and other hat-related activities for all the family.
Event dates Saturday 11th March 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Top hat on a statue
Exhibition

A Hat for all Seasons

Celebrating all things hats! This new exhibition examines the style, function, and symbolism of headwear in British society. Showcasing highlights from the Museum collection and contemporary examples from Yorkshire milliners, the exhibition traces the evolution of the hat from the bonnet and topper of the Nineteenth Century to Royal Ascot and catwalk showstoppers of the present day.
Event dates From 11th March 2023 to 30th September 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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A burgundy hat with roses attached to the front
Event

Vintage Rose workshop

Create your own special little piece of luxury making a vintage silk rose headpiece to take home using traditional millinery skills. Perfect for the summer, all you need to bring is enthusiasm! No experience is needed although basic sewing skills are an advantage.
Event dates Saturday 11th March 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Children's hat making workshop

As part of the Hat Day celebrations, our special workshop will teach children to construct their very own classic beret to take home. The workshop teaches children to use simple sewing techniques in an effective way.
Event dates Saturday 11th March 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Berets in the hat making workshop
Event

Costumes from Gentleman Jack

Join costume and textiles curator Elinor Camille-Wood for a closer look at some of the costumes from Gentleman Jack by costume designer Tom Pye. An exclusive chance to get up close to a selection of costumes from the series and see their fabric, construction and inspiration from the 1830s.
Event dates Tuesday 28th March 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Anne Lister Ball

An Anne Lister themed Ball with music provided by The Pemberley Players. Experience is not required as all dances will be called.
Event dates Friday 31st March 2023
This event takes place at Todmorden Town Hall
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Surrane Jones as Anne Lister. Dressed in a fancy ball gown.
Exhibition

Highlights from the Smith Collection

Both galleries at the Smith Art Gallery in Brighouse will showcase highlights of the art collection of William and Susannah Smith. Alderman William Smith (1839-1922), who was Mayor of Brighouse from 1893-1895 and 1904-1907, and his wife Susannah (1838-1916) began collecting paintings in the 1870s from exhibitions around the UK.
Event dates From 1st April 2023 to 16th September 2023
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Event

The Helena Whitbread Story

Join Collections Manager Angela Clare in conversation with Anne Lister biographer Helena Whitbread as they discuss Helena’s life and work sharing Anne’s story. The event will take place on Anne Lister’s birthday followed by the launch of a new documentary filmed with Helena at Shibden as part of Anne Lister’s birthday celebrations.
Event dates Monday 3rd April 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Helena Whitbread at Shibden
Event

History Wardrobe presents - 'The Frock Shop, Fashion Shopping in the Sixties’'

To tie in with our new exhibition: Opening the Wardrobe, we're hosting four History Wardrobe evening presentations. Up first is 'The Frock Shop, Fashion Shopping in the Sixties'.
Event dates Thursday 20th April 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

The Art of Millinery

Join Milliner Sherry Richardson to explore the Art of Millinery and the inspiration around our everyday lives when creating headwear. Sherry’s Millinery journey starts from the point of being "hooked" to create hats, to delivering headpieces for the catwalk.
Event dates Thursday 15th June 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Yorkshire Coiners Book Signing

Come and join Steve Hartley who will be signing copies of his new book The Yorkshire Coiners: The True Story of the Cragg Vale Gang. The Coiners were a powerful local presence in the Eighteenth Century and the dramatic story of their rise and fall has attracted widespread attention.
Event dates Saturday 17th June 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Armed Forces Day 2023

To celebrate Armed Forces Day 2023, join us for a range of military talks and demonstrations aimed at all ages. This will include a display of Eighteenth Century military drill by historical reenactors, a chance to handle military kit from throughout history, and see modern-day armed vehicles used by the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
Event dates Saturday 24th June 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

History Wardrobe presents - Monday is Washday

To tie in with our new exhibition: Opening the Wardrobe, we're hosting four History Wardrobe evening presentations. The second evening event is ‘Monday is Washday’, a hilarious new show featuring pinnies, poshers and washtubs galore, as the Two Lucys plunge into the suds and stains of historical laundry and discover how to get your toga, petticoats or collars white-than-white! 
Event dates Saturday 24th June 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Meet the Author: Lucy Adlington

Join writer and historian Lucy Adlington at Bankfield Museum in Halifax where her exhibition ‘Opening the Wardrobe’ is currently on show. Lucy is the author of 7 novels and 5 fascinating history books, including the New York Times bestseller The Dressmakers of Auschwitz - The True Story of the Women who Sewed to Survive.
Event dates Saturday 8th July 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Regency Summer Ball

Music provided by The Pemberley Players. Experience is not required as all dances will be called.
Event dates Thursday 27th July 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Summer 2023 Family Events

As part of our summer holiday offer for families, we will be holding four object handling opportunities for children on Fridays throughout August. Children will be offered the chance to handle a range of objects from our vast handling collection in the Education Room at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Friday 4th August 2023, Friday 11th August 2023, Friday 18th August 2023, Friday 25th August 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

History Wardrobe presents - Divine Deco, The Art of the Dressmaker

To tie in with our new exhibition: Opening the Wardrobe, we're hosting four History Wardrobe evening presentations. The third evening event is ‘Divine Deco, The Art of the Dressmaker’.
Event dates Saturday 16th September 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Opening and Prizegiving Ceremony, Calderdale Open 2023

The official launch of the Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023. Successful entrants to the Open Art Competition and members of the public are invited to attend the opening ceremony.
Event dates Saturday 30th September 2023
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023 logo
Exhibition

Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023

The Calderdale Open Art Exhibition returns for its 10th year, showcasing the best paintings, photos, textiles, and drawings as chosen by our panel of judges, all submitted by artists from the region and beyond.  To mark Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024, the theme of this year’s exhibition is the landscape, people, history, and heritage of Calderdale, with entries ranging from landscapes of stunning local scenery, to notable buildings and figures from the region.  To see an online exhibition of the works on display, view: The Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023.
Event dates From 30th September 2023 to 9th April 2024
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Online exhibition

The Calderdale Open Art Exhibition 2023

Event dates From 30th September 2023 to 9th April 2024
This exhibition takes place in your web browser
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Exhibition

October Pumpkin Trail

During October, have a go at our free pumpkin trail. Find ten Halloween themed pumpkins hidden in our galleries at Bankfield Museum and discover their spooky stories.
Event dates From 1st October 2023 to 4th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Three Miles from Home

The watercolours of Jane Austin A special collection from watercolour artist Jane Austin that explores both the famous views and the hidden wonders to be found within three miles of her Halifax home. Jane’s work explores the effects of light and the changing of the seasons on architecture and the natural world, creating a deeply personal celebration of the local area.    Jane will be appearing in Bankfield Museum throughout the exhibition to give demonstrations of her painting.
Event dates From 7th October 2023 to 24th February 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Rajasthani Textiles

A unique selling exhibition of vibrant textiles and accessories by Rajinder Ajiz, supporting young people starting up businesses in Rajasthan. The exhibition is within our shop and cafĂŠ space at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates From 21st October 2023 to 24th February 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Halifax Country Potteries

This display shows the highlights from Calderdale Museum Service’s country pottery collection from potteries that were established in Halifax and the surrounding areas. 
Event dates From 25th October 2023 to 30th April 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Free artist demonstration of drawing animals through shade

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin in the Bankfield Museum gallery for a free demonstration observing how animals in the wild can blend into their background using tone. The way that light passes over an animal can describe their bone structure through shadows, which can be simplified in a drawing allowing the eye of the observer to complete the unseen outlines.
Event dates Saturday 4th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Drawing animals through shade

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin for a workshop to learn how to draw animals through shade with lost and found outlines. The way that light passes over an animal can describe their bone structure through shadows, once simplified in a drawing this can allow the eye of the observer to complete the unseen outlines.
Event dates Saturday 11th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Free artist demonstration of creating a Watercolour nest

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin in the Bankfield Museum gallery for a free demonstration on mark making with both watercolour paint, the freedom of brushstrokes, laying colour on colour and the use of masking fluid – liquid latex used to retain white paper. Using the image of a bird’s nest and the random, circular movement there are multiple painting techniques which can be used to build the construction of the nest, reflecting nature itself.
Event dates Saturday 18th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Creating a Watercolour nest

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin for a workshop to learn the many ways in which to layer watercolour paint, masking fluid and mark making to create the image of a bird’s nest. Jane will explain the pitfalls commonly experienced with these techniques and provide guidance which will make their application easy and very helpful when painting in the future.
Event dates Saturday 25th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

History Wardrobe presents - Top of the Frocks - a 1980s Christmas

To tie in with our new exhibition: Opening the Wardrobe, we're hosting four History Wardrobe evening presentations. The last of our events for the year is ‘Top of the Frocks - a 1980s Christmas!’ Two Lucys revisit the amazing Eighties for power-dressing, ultra-glamour and even fitness kit for after the festive feasting. Roll up your stonewash jeans, flick your perm and grab your plastic bangles...
Event dates Thursday 30th November 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Creating a Christmas image

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin for a workshop creating your own Christmas image of a natural wreath, either as a painting or small personal cards. Jane will show you several watercolour techniques which suit the different elements of a Christmas wreath including the use of shadow to bring depth.
Event dates Saturday 2nd December 2023
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

50 Years of Calderdale

Calderdale is celebrating its Year of Culture in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of its founding as a Borough, a period which has seen a profound transformation of the area from a major manufacturing centre unto a thriving, multicultural area. As part of these celebrations, Bankfield Museum is launching a new exhibition which explores the history of the Borough, from archaeological discoveries that have cast new light on the region’s prehistoric past, to the repurposing of former industrial buildings by businesses, filmmakers, and cultural bodies to create a dynamic future.    
Event dates From 2nd January 2024 to 21st December 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Free artist demonstration of Painting a Hawk

Join watercolor artist Jane Austin in the Bankfield Museum gallery for a free demonstration of the watercolour techniques she applies to painting feathers. Birds of prey are particularly wonderful to observe closely as the complex layers can be seen clearly to give depth to a painting.
Event dates Saturday 13th January 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Watercolour day class - Painting a Hawk

Join watercolour artist Jane Austin for a full-day workshop painting the detailed head and body of a hawk. Learn how to work with layers of colour over fine detail with masking fluid to build the body of feathers, using different sizes of brush and implement as needed.
Event dates Saturday 27th January 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

INSPIRED: The Art of Making Historical Fashion

This exciting new exhibition showcases fashion makers from across the country who design and make clothing based on historical dress. It explores the process of how you go from a museum garment or fashion plate to producing an item of historically inspired dress that is ready to wear.
Event dates From 27th January 2024 to 21st December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

‘In Her Words’- the Anne Lister Archives in Halifax

For two months Bankfield Museum will be home to some key archives of Anne Lister’s past, exploring themes of her travels, study, relationships, family and managing Shibden Hall. The exhibition is based on the 2022 exhibition at Wakefield’s West Yorkshire History Centre, but is expanded to feature even more items, including Anne’s first and last diary entries and never displayed before collections.
Event dates From 1st March 2024 to 30th April 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Curating Anne Lister’s legacy

A behind the scenes discussion with Ruth Cummins and Shirley Jones from Calderdale Archives and Angela Clare from Calderdale Museums. They will discuss putting the ‘Anne Lister, In Her Words’ exhibition together and their work sharing Anne’s legacy through her home and archives.
Event dates Friday 15th March 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Submitting Artworks to Galleries/Calderdale Open Prizegiving

Join Paul and Alison Bartram, owners of the Yorkshire Gallery and the Heart Gallery, for an insight into the process of applying to galleries, and what they are looking for in the artworks they select for display. This event will also see the awarding of the People’s Prize for the most popular work of art in the 2023-24 Calderdale Open Art Exhibition, as voted for by members of the public.
Event dates Monday 25th March 2024
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Exhibition

Highlights from the Calderdale Collection

For Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024, this exhibition will showcase some of the Museum Service’s collections of art across different media and ages. Featuring some of the best-known artists from the region and beyond, alongside hidden gems from within the museum collection.
Event dates From 20th April 2024 to 14th December 2024
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Exhibition

TOYS!

A celebration of all things fun in this family friendly exhibition showcasing a wide range of Museum Collections including teddy bears, trains, boardgames and rocking horses. This exhibition will be filled with nostalgia and have something for all ages to enjoy.
Event dates From 11th May 2024 to 31st August 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Boothtown Fun Fest

Event dates Saturday 18th May 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Mr. Darcy’s ‘Wet Shirt’

The iconic ‘wet shirt’ worn by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen will be on display. The classic 1995 television scene saw Mr. Darcy dive into a lake and emerge with his shirt wet and clinging to him, only to be unexpectedly confronted by the presence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet; the lady who had rejected his marriage proposal.
Event dates From 25th May 2024 to 24th December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Colours Of Calderdale: Textile Art Group’s 30th Anniversary Exhibition

Founded in 1994 and meeting monthly in Bankfield Museum, the Textile Art Group celebrates its 30th anniversary with the exhibition Colours of Calderdale. This links in with Calderdale’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Culturedale, which celebrates the huge diversity of cultural attractions, diverse groups and many celebratory events being held throughout the Calder Valley during the year.
Event dates From 8th June 2024 to 28th September 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Engineers & Chocolatiers

A celebration of Calderdale. The hills and architecture, and the people that shaped it, by local artist Kate Lycett.
Event dates From 29th June 2024 to 21st December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

History Wardrobe presents - Bumps, Babbies & Bairns

The Two Lucys take you on a journey into historical motherhood, from maternity clothes to baby layettes. With one Lucy in the family way (only acting, don’t worry) the other Lucy plays Expert, giving sound advice from bygone times on what to wear with a bun in the oven and how to dress your little darlings.
Event dates From 13th July 2024 to 6th July 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Summer Childrens Activities

Free Childrens Workshops every Tuesday at Bankfield Museum. There will be a mix of history, heritage and art with activities suitable for children to take part in. Sessions last about an hour starting at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm.
Event dates Tuesday 23rd July 2024, Tuesday 30th July 2024, Tuesday 6th August 2024, Tuesday 13th August 2024, Tuesday 20th August 2024, Tuesday 27th August 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

A Regency Summer Ball at Bankfield

A Regency Summer Ball at Bankfield Museum, 7pm - 11pm. No dancing experience required, all dances will be called.
Event dates Saturday 27th July 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Heritage Open Days at Shibden Hall

Celebrate Heritage Weekend with us with free entry to Shibden Hall on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024. Advance booking is required.
Event dates Saturday 7th September 2024, Sunday 8th September 2024
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Heritage Open Day

Bankfield Museum will be open especially for Heritage Open Days on Sunday 8th September 2024.
Event dates Sunday 8th September 2024
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Exhibition

Pumpkin Trail

Can you find TEN spooky pumpkins hidden in the Hall? Explore the house to locate them all and read about what spooky story each one represents.
Event dates From 30th September 2024 to 3rd November 2024
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Exhibition

Potions Trail

Can you find TEN missing potion ingredients for the witches’ Bankfield Brew recipe? Look out for the potion bottles containing the missing ingredients and write down the recipe as you find each one.  Don’t forget to claim your prize from the reception desk when you’ve found them all! Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Event dates From 1st October 2024 to 2nd November 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Edith Durham: Explorer, Collector and Champion of the Balkans

Mary Edith Durham (1863-1944) was a British explorer and collector who extensively documented the Balkans from 1900 to 1921. Her journeys took her through present-day Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Macedonia, where she navigated challenging landscapes and harsh weather.
Event dates From 19th October 2024 to 21st June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Supernatural Shibden

What dark and macabre secrets does Shibden Hall hold? What phantoms and beasts hide in the dark woods?
Event dates From 25th October 2024 to 25th October 2023
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Supernatural Shibden

What dark and macabre secrets does Shibden Hall hold? What phantoms and beasts hide in the dark woods?
Event dates Friday 25th October 2024
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Creepy Craft

Come along to our Free Creepy Crafts session:  make your own peg monster, create Halloween decorations and have a go at wrapping a Mummy to get yourself in the spooky spirit! Our craft activities are suitable for ages 4 and upwards and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event dates Tuesday 29th October 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Calderdale: A refuge after the Holocaust

The Holocaust saw thousands of survivors seek refuge in England. Many of those found a home in Calderdale, where they were able to build new lives and contribute to the redevelopment of the region following the end of the Second World War.
Event dates Wednesday 30th October 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Potions, Painting and Printing

Join us for packed children’s craft session with a Halloween twist! We’ll make fizzing potions and spooky slime for you to take home as well as painting and printing your own decorations just in time for Halloween night. Fancy dress is welcome but beware you might get a bit messy! Suitable for children from 4 to 12 years.
Event dates Wednesday 30th October 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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An afternoon of poetry

West Yorkshire has been the birthplace of some of the finest British poets of the last century and is home to a thriving poetic community. This event brings together over a dozen poets from across the region for readings of their works.
Event dates Saturday 2nd November 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Shibden Winter Craft Fair

Shibden Hall’s Winter Craft Fair will be returning for 2024. Join traders from across the region for a weekend of shopping and festive fun.
Event dates Saturday 16th November 2024, Sunday 17th November 2024
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Exhibition

Wild Words

Ted Hughes and the Poetry of Calderdale The rugged and beautiful landscape of Calderdale has inspired poets for generations, most famously, the Poet Laureate Ted Hughes (1930-1998). This new exhibition celebrates the poets and poetry of the region, including rare examples of Hughes’ work from the archives of the University of Huddersfield, and photographs from Fay Godwin (1931-2005), whose images accompanied Hughes’ words in Remains of Elmet.   The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of poetry workshops and live events by current Calder poets.
Event dates From 23rd November 2024 to 1st March 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Naughty Elf Trail

Can you find the naughty elves hiding on the ground floor at Bankfield? Some of Santa’s elves have been causing mischief in the museum. Find them all and collect your chocolate reward from the reception desk at the end.
Event dates From 3rd December 2024 to 4th January 2025
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Event

Meet the makers

An event celebrating the amazing makers who have contributed to our exhibition: INSPIRED The Art of Making Historical Fashion. Come and meet our makers; Clarissa Quartermaine, Serena Dyer, Jennifer Garside, James Graves and Rob Cooper.   
Event dates Tuesday 3rd December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Bankfield Christmas Craft Fair

Bankfield Museum’s Christmas Craft Fair will be returning on Saturday 7th December 2023 with the venue welcoming a range of traders from across the region for a day of shopping and festive fun.  The Museum will be filled with stalls selling a range of local produce including artisan crafts, just in time for buying those special Christmas gifts and treats. No booking required and free admission to the event.
Event dates Saturday 7th December 2024
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Christmas Craft

Join us for a festive children’s craft session at Bankfield Museum and enjoy an hour-long workshop creating your own Christmas decorations that will add a lovely, homemade feel to your tree! Suitable for children from 4 to 12 years. One ticket per child.
Event dates Saturday 14th December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Ted Hughes and Calderdale

Marking the 40th anniversary of Ted Hughes becoming Poet Laureate, Dr David Rudrum, Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield and Secretary of the Elmet Trust, and Ruth Crossley, Head of Geography at Stoneyhurst College, explore his Mytholmroyd roots and trace the origins of his poems within the Upper Calder Valley.  This talk accompanies the Wild Words exhibition, celebrating Ted Hughes and the poetry of Calderdale, on display in Bankfield Museum from 7th September 2024.
Event dates Saturday 14th December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Festive Lino Printing

Take some time out to get creative with some festive spirit! Explore the tools and techniques of lino printing, get inspired, make marks and create your own hand-printed designs on greetings cards or papers, creating artworks to treasure and gift.  No experience necessary, just come along and have a go. Ages 16+.
Event dates Saturday 14th December 2024
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Welcome to Calderdale

A Celebration of the Borough, by Roger Davies This exhibition of new paintings is a celebration of locality, community and culture as seen through Roger’s idiosyncratic vision and informed by his love of life in Calderdale. As seen on the BBC One TV programme Home Is Where the Art Is, Roger Davies is a modern British painter from Brighouse, West Yorkshire. His unique paintings have delighted art lovers since his first sold-out exhibition at the Harrison Lord Gallery in 2018.  In his work, perspectives, colours, shapes, and situations are exaggerated, resulting in dynamic compositions populated by figures which animate the paintings. As he explains: “There should be something of visual interest in every part of the picture, from top to bottom, side to side and in all four corners. My job is to make your eyes dance!”   Roger will be carrying out a number of workshops to accompany the exhibition.
Event dates From 21st December 2024 to 28th June 2025
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Exhibition

The World of Chris Mould

Graphic art from the illustrator of The Iron Man and War of the Worlds. Chris Mould is an award-winning illustrator from West Yorkshire who has worked on some of the best-known works in the English language.
Event dates From 4th January 2025 to 30th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Roger Davies In Concert - Smith Art Gallery

Join us for a special concert with the Calderdale based songwriter and painter Roger Davies where he will be performing the best of his back catalogue, along with a selection of brand-new songs. The writer of Brighouse On Saturday Night, The Ghost Of Lily Fogg, Peter Brook’s Paintings, Into The Sun, Judy Woods and Time Goes By, Roger has been recording his music and performing live since 2004.
Event dates Friday 24th January 2025
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Exhibition

Lost Lanes and Hidden Histories

Take the path less travelled with Story-telling photography from local creative Mirko Jovanovic and discover hidden landscapes, unknown history, and tales from the wood. Uncover pastoral views and stories forgotten.
Event dates From 1st February 2025 to 30th November 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Costume Drama: an exhibition of historical costumes from film and TV

Bankfield Museum Fashion Gallery brings together a host of costumes from the world of TV and film costume drama. This is your chance to see iconic screen costumes from Pride and Prejudice (1995), Emma (2020), The King’s Speech (2010), Downton Abbey (Season 1, 2010), Gentleman Jack (2019-22) and many others.
Event dates From 1st February 2025 to 20th December 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Colourful Creations: an artist led workshop with Roger Davies

A fantastic opportunity for keen artists of all levels. Come and join artist Roger Davies for a hands-on, creative workshop where you will learn all about the techniques he uses in his work and be guided step by step to create your own colourful creation that celebrates life in Calderdale As seen on the BBC One TV programme Home Is Where the Art Is, Roger Davies is a modern British painter from Brighouse.
Event dates Monday 17th February 2025, Tuesday 18th February 2025
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Sketch Away: an illustration workshop with Chris Mould

Come and join The Iron Man illustrator, Chris Mould, in this sketch along session where you’ll be taken step by step through his drawing process. Learn to fill your empty blank pages with magic and adventure and take away all of his scribbling secrets and short cuts.
Event dates Tuesday 18th February 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Fantastic Felting Workshop

Discover the magic of felting in these family workshops and learn how to make your own handmade felt picture using an array of colourful sheep’s wool. These wet felting sessions will let you get wet and woolly to create a masterpiece to take home to dry.
Event dates Wednesday 19th February 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Mask Making Workshop

Explore the exciting world of mask making in these creative half-term workshops.  Be inspired by examples from our fabulous collection of masks, then get creative with beads, feathers, sequins and bright colours! What sort of mask will you create? Suitable for children from 4 to 12 years.
Event dates Friday 21st February 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Poetry inspired by the BrontĂŤs

The outstanding literature and tragically short lives of the Brontë sisters have made them an iconic part of the culture of West Yorkshire. To accompany Bankfield Museum’s Wild Words poetry exhibition, this event brings together some of the leading local poets for recitations of their works inspired by the sisters.
Event dates Saturday 22nd February 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Saturday Family Art Club

Discover your inner artist by joining our learning team for some creative family fun and produce your own masterpiece to take home each time. Our artists will be running creative making sessions on the first Saturday of the month, using a range of materials and techniques - every session will be different! Suitable for children from 5 to 12 years.
Event dates Saturday 1st March 2025, Saturday 5th April 2025, Saturday 3rd May 2025, Saturday 7th June 2025, Saturday 5th July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Secret Shibden

Come along and explore parts of historic Shibden Hall that so may visitors rarely get to see. This exclusive tour allows us to show you the ornate wall paintings hidden behind the wood panelling in the Dining Room, you can marvel at the craftsmanship of the Tower Library and enjoy a venture underground along the Gardener’s Tunnel.
Event dates Friday 7th March 2025, Friday 2nd May 2025, Friday 6th June 2025, Friday 4th July 2025, Friday 1st August 2025, Friday 5th September 2025, Friday 3rd October 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Exhibition

Lets go Shopping!

A nostalgic look at the Halifax shopping streets of yesteryear for the whole family to enjoy. Reminisce about some of your favourite shops and products, with a selection of photos and objects from the Museum collection and a pop-up mini market for children to enjoy.
Event dates From 8th March 2025 to 13th September 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Vintage Sewing Machine Demonstration

Step back in time with Vintage Sewing Machines! Have you ever wanted to learn more about the charm of sewing in the 1900s? Now's your chance! Join us for a dedicated free session to showcase a range of vintage sewing machines and demonstrate how these wonderful machines can still stitch beautiful creations.
Event dates Saturday 8th March 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Anne Lister’s Shibden: Tower & Tunnel tour

After making your own way to Anne Lister’s former home of Shibden Hall, you will have private entry into the Hall with exclusive, rare access to go up to the Library Tower that Anne Lister had designed before she went on her ill-fated trip to Russia. A visit to the gardener’s tunnel outside in the Hall’s grounds will be included exclusively in the 2025 tour! This area is not normally accessible to the general public.
Event dates Tuesday 1st April 2025, Friday 4th April 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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1830s Costume Talk

Join Bankfield Museum’s Curator and Collections & Exhibitions Manager for a talk about 1830s fashion and textiles. This will include a demonstration of how a lady got dressed in the 1830s and original garments from the Bankfield collection to view.
Event dates Tuesday 1st April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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An evening at Shibden Hall

Once all the visitors have gone and as night begins to fall, we invite you to visit Shibden Hall after hours. See the costumes from Gentleman Jack on display, wander around the rooms that Anne Lister and Ann Walker once lived in and join us in the barn for food.
Event dates Wednesday 2nd April 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Easter Chick Trail

Can you find the missing chicks hiding on the ground floor at Bankfield? A flock of cheeky chicks have escaped around the museum, and we need your help to find them! Find them all and learn the meaning behind common Easter symbols as you go.
Event dates From 5th April 2025 to 26th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Colourful Creations: an artist led workshop with Roger Davies

A fantastic opportunity for keen artists of all levels. Come and join artist Roger Davies for a hands-on, creative workshop where you will learn all about the techniques he uses in his work and be guided step by step to create your own colourful creation that celebrates life in Calderdale.
Event dates Monday 7th April 2025
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Easter Craft

Hop into creativity this Easter with our craft workshops! Perfect for young artists, these hour-long session are filled with Easter-themed crafts. In each session, all materials are provided for you to make 3 different decorations to take home.
Event dates Tuesday 8th April 2025, Tuesday 15th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Rag Rug Badges

Have a go at making your own ‘rag rug’ badge! Rag rugging is an old British craft using recycled fabrics pushed in small pieces through hessian backing to create a shaggy or loop pile effect. Traditionally used to make rugs, it can be used to make wearable jewellery and art.
Event dates Wednesday 9th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Roger Davies In Concert - Bankfield Museum

Join us for a special concert with the Calderdale based songwriter and painter Roger Davies where he will be performing the best of his back catalogue, along with a selection of brand-new songs. The writer of Brighouse On Saturday Night, The Ghost Of Lily Fogg, Peter Brook’s Paintings, Into The Sun, Judy Woods and Time Goes By, Roger has been recording his music and performing live since 2004.
Event dates Friday 11th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Free Easter Colouring

Come along to our free Easter-themed colouring sessions and unleash your creativity, perfect for little artists to enjoy a moment of calm. Open to all ages, all resources provided! Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Event dates Friday 11th April 2025, Friday 18th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Puppet Workshop

Explore the exciting world of puppets in these creative workshops and be inspired by examples from our fabulous collection of puppets from around the world. Design and create your own hand puppets using a variety of materials and your imagination to bring a character to life.
Event dates Wednesday 16th April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Costume Study Session: Fashions of Downton Abbey

Get up close to fashions of the 1910s to 1920s from Bankfield Museum’s collection. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Wednesday 23rd April 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Acrylic Painting Workshop

Immerse yourself in colour and creativity at our acrylic painting workshop, inspired by the wonderful gardens around Shibden Hall. We’ll experiment with paint application, tone and colour, explore our beautiful, natural surroundings through sketch and use everything we’ve learned to create a painting inspired by the garden’s seasonal beauty.
Event dates Saturday 3rd May 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Shopping Time!

Join us for a fun and hands-on book-making workshop, where your child can explore items from our shopping past and craft their very own catalogue book design to celebrate our new ‘Let’s Go Shopping!’ exhibition. We will use items from our handling collections to take a closer look at peoples’ favourite shops and products from the past, before creating your own backed catalogue book to take home.
Event dates Saturday 10th May 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Vintage Sewing Machines – Attachments!

Following the success of our Vintage Sewing Machine Demonstration in March, we are delighted to offer you this follow on event. Have you wondered what those interesting looking attachments that came with your vintage sewing machine can do?
Event dates Friday 16th May 2025, Saturday 14th June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Rag Rug Workshop

In this full day workshop, you will learn the art of rag rugging, a traditional technique that turns rags into beautiful, textural homewares. With a rich history, rag rugging is a skill that allows you to upcycle scraps into tactile pieces of art.
Event dates Saturday 17th May 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Kite Making Workshop

Be inspired in our Kite Making Workshop! In this arty session, participants will create their own colourful kites with guidance from our workshop leaders to take home. Whether you’re an art lover or enjoy flying kites, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to get creative.
Event dates Tuesday 27th May 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Creature Feature: an illustration workshop with Chris Mould

Come and join award-winning children’s author and illustrator, Chris Mould, in this creative draw-along session. From playful pets to moody monsters, learn how to draw your own fantastic creature in this exciting workshop.
Event dates Wednesday 28th May 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Printing Perfection

Come and enjoy an hour of printing fun! Children will try out a range of different printing techniques during the session to create wonderful unique prints. They will use stencils to create their own design onto a canvas pencil case to take home, and make their very own new print stamp that can be used again and again.
Event dates Friday 30th May 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Markets and Lost Shops of Halifax

Join David Glover, President of the Halifax Antiquarian Society, on a journey exploring the gone but not forgotten shops of Halifax. Taking in the old outdoor markets through to famous names like Modelle and Fred Moore.
Event dates Wednesday 11th June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Costume Study Session: Hats

Discover a selection of hats, bonnets and fascinators from across the centuries. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Tuesday 17th June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Felt Bowls Workshop

Join us for a fun and creative, wet felting workshop, where you’ll learn how to transform soft, natural wool fibres into a beautiful and functional 3D bowl! Using an array of colourful fibres, we’ll get hands-on (and a little soapy!) as we explore the magic of this traditional craft and how it can be adapted for modern home décor. Whether you’re a total beginner or have some felting experience, you’ll be guided in a friendly environment to create a unique, handmade piece to use, gift, or display with pride.
Event dates Saturday 21st June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Making Known Britain's Forgotten War

Marking the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War Dr Robert Barnes, Senior Lecturer in History at York St John University, explores Britain's role in the Korean War: a tragic conflict which has long been overshadowed by the Second World War but in which over 1000 British soldiers died.  As well as the wider conflict, he will examine the role played by the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment that played a memorable part in some of the most significant actions in the final year of fighting.
Event dates Wednesday 25th June 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Talk with Susannah Buxton

Join us for a talk with BAFTA and EMMY award-winning costume designer, Susannah Buxton. Hear about her extensive career, including being the costume designer for the first season of the TV series Downton Abbey.
Event dates Thursday 3rd July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Wild Adventures - Free drop-in family session!

On Saturday 5th July, our museum is celebrating the opening of its new exhibition on THE HERDS project with a range of free family fun activities, including: Help create a life size Pangolin puppet, which will be added to our exhibition Make your own flying butterfly to take home Make a moth to add our hanging display Make a wildflower seed bomb to take home Create your own nature mandalas Explore the crafty animal displays made by pupils from Lee Mount Primary Academy and St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy. Learn all about the HERDS and their journey from the Congo to the Arctic Circle.
Event dates Saturday 5th July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

Calderdale Open 2025

The Calderdale Open Art Exhibition returns, showcasing the best paintings, photos, textiles, digital art and drawings on the theme of nature, all submitted by artists from the region and beyond.
Event dates From 5th July 2025 to 6th December 2025
This event takes place at Smith Art Gallery
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Exhibition

Inspired by The Herds

This exhibition showcases the animal puppets crafted by pupils from Lee Mount Academy and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Academy with Calderdale artist Sue Walpole. Created in response to The Herds, an international project of life-size animal puppets journeying across the world to highlight climate change and its effect on animal habitats.
Event dates From 5th July 2025 to 3rd January 2026
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Costume Study Session: Charles Horner

Jewellery, hat pins, thimbles and buttons! Discover Bankfield Museum's collection of Charles Horner pieces This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum. Please note this event will be held in our Education Room, which is located on the first floor of Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Thursday 17th July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Watercolour Nature Journalling

Have you wanted to create a nature journal but don’t know where to start or how to do it? Join artist Sue Cordingley for an introduction to nature journalling using pencil and watercolour paints.
Event dates Saturday 19th July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Holiday Hands-On History: Free Activities

Come along to our free hands-on history workshops throughout the summer holidays, led by the inspirational Lives of the Past. Book your place to secure a spot.
Event dates Tuesday 22nd July 2025, Wednesday 6th August 2025, Tuesday 19th August 2025, Thursday 28th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Imaginary worlds: an illustration workshop with Chris Mould

In this workshop, Chris will take you on a sketching journey that will help you to create imaginary worlds of your very own. If you want to tell stories and conjure up crazy adventures there is nothing more inspiring (or useful), than inventing a suitable home where your tales can live.
Event dates Wednesday 23rd July 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Regency fashions Talk

Get ready for the Bankfield Museum regency ball with a talk all about Regency fashions! Join Museums Manager, Richard MacFarlane and Curator, Gemma Esvelt for a talk about men’s and women’s fashions from the Regency period plus a chance to look at some original pieces from the collection.
Event dates Friday 1st August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Regency Summer Ball

Music provided by The Pemberley Players. Experience is not required as all dances will be called.
Event dates Saturday 2nd August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Craft Sessions: Weaving Wonders

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Tuesday 5th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Craft Sessions: Clay Cactus

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Tuesday 12th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Craft Sessions: Wet Felting

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Wednesday 13th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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VJ Day/1940s Day

Commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with this free 1940s-themed fun day for all the family. There will be military displays and re-enactors to enjoy, as well as live 1940s music, swing dance workshops, a fashion show, community stalls and food.
Event dates Saturday 16th August 2025
This event takes place at This Event takes place at Bankfield Museum and Akroyd Park
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Summer Craft Sessions: Beach Huts

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Wednesday 20th August 2025
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Costume Study Session: Shoes

Get an up close to a selection of shoes from across the centuries. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Thursday 21st August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Craft Sessions: Glass painting

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Tuesday 26th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Summer Craft Sessions: Finger Puppets

Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! We have a range of activities during the summer holidays to get involved in.
Event dates Wednesday 27th August 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Saturday Family Art Club

Discover your inner artist by joining our learning team for some creative family fun and produce your own masterpiece to take home each time. Our artists will be running creative making sessions on the first Saturday of the month, using a range of materials and techniques - every session will be different! Suitable for children from 5 to 12 years.
Event dates Saturday 6th September 2025, Saturday 4th October 2025, Saturday 1st November 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Heritage Open Days at Shibden Hall

Celebrate Heritage Weekend with us with free entry to Shibden Hall on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025. Advance booking is required.
Event dates Saturday 13th September 2025, Sunday 14th September 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Heritage Open Days at Bankfield Museum

Bankfield Museum will be opening up to visitors on Sunday 14th September to give visitors to the area an opportunity to step inside the grand italianate mansion and enjoy the variety of its exhibitions programme, Costume Drama, located in the Fashion Gallery, an exhibition that brings together a host of costumes from the world of TV and film costume drama, Let's go Shopping! a nostalgic glimpse into the Calderdale high street of yesterday, Animals in Art featuring artworks from Calderdale’s collections and HERDS, an exhibition of work by local school children looking at the challenges animals are facing due to climate change.
Event dates Sunday 14th September 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Costume Study Session: Mourning Fashions

Look closely at mourning clothes and jewellery plus a sneak peek at our new exhibition ‘In Loving Memory’. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Friday 19th September 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Exhibition

In Loving Memory

Death is something that affects us all, and the need to remember those we have lost is an important part of being human. Featuring displays of mourning wear, jewellery and imagery, this exhibition explores our changing attitudes towards death and the ways in which we cope with loss.
Event dates From 20th September 2025 to 28th February 2026
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Vintage Sewing Machines: Treadle Through Time

Take in the beauty and ingenuity of a selection of sewing machines manufactured c1869 – 1955, with local Vintage Sewing Machine enthusiast Jeanette Spriggs, and see how key features developed at the hands of skilled engineers to create models still much sort after today. The event will showcase vintage sewing machines manufactured both locally and afar, including the curvaceous Jones Serpentine from Manchester, a well-travelled Little Wanzer from Canada, an 1870’s Willcox and Gibbs copy from Germany and the Scottish made much sought-after Singer 221k and Singer 201k.
Event dates Saturday 20th September 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Costume Study Session: Gentleman Jack costumes

Examine the costumes from the hit TV series Gentleman Jack. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Shibden Hall.
Event dates Monday 22nd September 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Demonstrations of Victorian Hairwork

The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths. Examples can be found in the “In Loving Memory” exhibition in Bankfield Museum from 20th September 2025 – 28th February 2026.
Event dates Saturday 27th September 2025, Saturday 4th October 2025, Saturday 11th October 2025, Saturday 18th October 2025, Saturday 1st November 2025, Saturday 15th November 2025, Saturday 29th November 2025, Saturday 17th January 2026, Saturday 14th February 2026
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Costume Study Session: Corsets and Underpinnings

Discover a selection of Victorian corsets and 20th century undergarments. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Saturday 11th October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Dorset Button Making

Discover the joy of making buttons from thread in this friendly, hands-on workshop, in the inspiring surroundings of Shibden Hall.  Learn the basics of this beautiful, textile craft, create your own, unique button using colours and patterns you love, and enjoy the creative energy of a like-minded group.  Dorset buttons are perfect as fastenings for clothes and accessories, as striking jewellery pieces, to embellish textile art, or as charming decorations.  They’re versatile, lightweight, and totally customizable - a perfect way to combine heritage craft with contemporary creativity.  You'll leave with a handmade button and the skills to keep creating! You will be provided with all the materials you need during the class. Hot drinks and water are included and will be available throughout the day, but we ask that you bring a packed lunch with you.  The workshop ticket also provides access to Shibden Hall on the day.
Event dates Saturday 11th October 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Costume Study Session: Edith Durham

Discover part of the Edith Durham collection and learn about our ongoing auditing project. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Tuesday 21st October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Hair as Keepsake

The Victorian art of hairwork involved meticulously weaving together the hair of loved ones into flowers or wreaths.  Join hairdresser and conceptual artist Donna Lowson to immerse yourselves in this delicate craft, where love, loss and memory are woven strand by strand into intricate floral tributes. In this hands on-workshop you will learn how to create your own hair flower. Welcome to a journey where each strand carries a story waiting to be told.
Event dates Saturday 25th October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Event

Day of the Dead: Mask Making

Celebrate Mexico’s ‘Dia de Muertos’, a holiday full of colour and flowers, traditionally celebrated in Mexico to remember the dead, by creating your own ‘La Catrina’ inspired skeleton mask and musical maracas. Suitable for ages 4 and upwards.
Event dates Tuesday 28th October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Batik Painting

Dive into the vibrant world of batik painting in this immersive workshop! Batik is a centuries-old art form that uses wax and dye to create stunning, intricate designs on fabric. During this workshop you will experience the colourful and creative Batik process under the guidance of our instructor and by the end you'll have your very own unique batik painting to take home.
Event dates Wednesday 29th October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Spooky Shibden Tales

Book onto this extra special event to explore Shibden by candlelight, meet some of our resident friendly ghosts and hear their tales of Shibden in days gone by! Tours begin at the Lister Lion next to Shibden Hall and end at the barn. Suitable for children, those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Event dates Thursday 30th October 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Supernatural Shibden

What dark and macabre secrets does Shibden Hall hold? What phantoms and beasts hide in the dark woods?
Event dates Thursday 30th October 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Perfect Potions and Spooky Slime

In our special Halloween themed craft workshop, you’ll make fizzing potions, spooky slime and your own decorations to take home just in time for Halloween night. Fancy dress is welcome but please be aware that you might get a bit messy! Suitable for ages 4 and upwards.
Event dates Friday 31st October 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Victorian Mourning

Humans have always grieved, but the Victorians transformed this process into an art. From strictly governed clothing to jewellery made from human hair, and from grand funerals to post-mortem photography, the Victorian reverence for the dead was unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, or since.
Event dates Saturday 8th November 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Costume Study Session: Early Victorian Fashions

Get up close in this handling session to fashions from the 1830s to the 1860s. This session will allow you to get up close to view collections will include the opportunity to carefully handle objects with our curator at Bankfield Museum.
Event dates Friday 21st November 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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Christmas by Candlelight at Shibden

Join us to celebrate the spirit of Christmas at Shibden Hall. Explore the Hall by candlelight and enjoy storytelling and traditional festive decorations on the way.
Event dates Friday 12th December 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

Christmas Comes to Shibden

For one very special weekend you can come and see the Hall decked out with traditional Christmas decorations and learn about how Christmas was celebrated in past times.
Event dates Friday 12th December 2025, Saturday 13th December 2025
This event takes place at Shibden Hall
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Event

‘Five shillings a yard’: Clues to fashion in the works of Jane Austen and the Brontes

Join us on Jane Austen’s 250th birthday for a talk with Collections and Exhibitions Manager, Rachel Terry.
Event dates Tuesday 16th December 2025
This event takes place at Bankfield Museum
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