The August Bank Holiday weekend in and around Huddersfield promises a wide variety of things to do - everything from taking a scenic canal boat trip and relaxing at a summer beer festival to puzzling over a jigsaw exhibition and enjoying the great outdoors.
Check out our events guide to what will be the last Bank Holiday of 2017. Some events are free and taking place all weekend, while others are one-offs
The Met Office predicts a cool, cloudy, but mainly dry Bank Holiday, so plan an adventure and pack a picnic.
Charity Jigsaw Festival, St Martin’s Church, Brighouse (August 25 to 28): This annual event attracts jigsaw enthusiasts and those curious to see the huge range of hundreds of puzzles - from children’s jigsaws to complex 3D puzzles. It’s open from 10am until 5pm every day (Sunday, noon until 5pm) and entry is £2 for adults, with accompanied children free. Stop off at the The Missing Piece cafe for breakfast, a light snack or afternoon cream tea.
Leafers at t’ Pit, National Coalmining Museum, Wakefield (August 25 to 28): Land Rover and vintage car lovers will be converging on the pithead venue to meet each other and show off their vehicles. For non-exhibitors the charity event is free and could be combined with a visit to the museum’s Seaside @ Pit summer activities. The museum is open from 10am until 5pm.
Boat Trips at Shepley Bridge Marina, Mirfield, from 10am until 4pm (August 26 to 28): The Safe Anchor Trust holds regular open days, offering free boat trips along the waterway. Two of its four boats are fully accessible for wheelchair users. See Mirfield from an entirely new perspective and enjoy light refreshments in the Marina cafe afterwards. While there’s no charge for the boat service, donations are welcomed in order to continue the work of the trust.
Peter Pan in the Park, Bagshaw Museum, Batley, at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm (August 27 and 28): Wrongsemble theatre company produces an outdoor version of the famous story, with swashbuckling pirates, a fairy, crocodile and boy who never grew up. Tickets are £5 or £16 for a family of four. There will be limited tickets on the day, so book at creativescene.org.uk/events
Yorkshire Sculpture Park Public Walkshop (August 26 and 27): Resident artists Idit Nathan and Helen Stratford lead a walk through the park, offering insights and new ways to view the art displayed in the spectacular landscape. There are two free walks, at 11am and 2pm starting from the YSP Visitor Centre. Open to all ages, each walk lasts around 90 minutes. Book a place on ysp.co.uk/events
The Nook Hill and Ales Summer Beer Festival, Holmfirth (August 25 to 27): Boasting more than 50 real ales from around the Pennines, this annual festival is hosted by The Nook Brewhouse. As well as beers, there will also be traditional Yorkshire pub food and entertainment on tap.
Big Book Sale, Holmfirth Parish Church (August 26 to 28): Thousands of second hand books are on offer over the weekend. Doors are open from 11am until 4pm on Saturday and Monday, and from noon until 4pm on Sunday. Bag a bargain holiday read.
Skelmanthorpe Circular Walk (August 26): Join a Kirklees Countryside Volunteer for a six-mile walk around the scenic village. Starts in the car park adjacent to the Health Centre at 11am. For details visit communitydirectory.kirklees.gov.uk
The Winged Hussars, Royal Armouries, Leeds (August 26 to 28): See sabre-rattling horsemen from Poland in a high-octane show at the Armouries. Shows are at noon each day and tickets are £15 per person. It’s free to get into the Armouries museum afterwards, but there is a charge for car parking.
Cannon Hall Farm Food Festival, Cawthorne (August 25 to 28): Huddersfield’s own Caribbean chef Harrington Douglas will be demonstrating his skills at this festival that celebrates Yorkshire food as well as cuisines from around the world. A funfair and pop-up beach is promised. Open from 10am until 6.30pm each day. Entry is free, although there is a £5 charge for parking. Admission to the farm is not included.
Artisan Emporium, Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall (August 27): The historic Oakwell Barn will be filled with artists and craftspeople selling everything from hand-made jewellery to delicatessan foods, candles to vintage clothing. Open from 11am to 4pm. Entry and parking are free and on the day there will be half-price admission to the hall.
