Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Bloomsbury Festival, 1-31 October 2026

Details of the 20 Year Anniversary Festival:

New Wave Art Exhibition at Holy Cross Church, Bloomsbury Festival 2025; photo by Stuart Keegan

FESTIVAL HUB AT HOLY CROSS CHURCH

The festival has a month-long home hub at Holy Cross Church. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October from 2pm to 5pm we will be opening for free walk-in to view exhibitions, and see musicians and events in rehearsal or presenting free events. Drop in and enjoy. Evening events include ticketed music and theatre performances.  Refreshments will be available in the venue.
BROWSE THE PROGRAMME

Events throughout October at Holy Cross Church include:

NEW WAVE: Next Steps
A showcase exhibition of artworks from the Festival's New Wave Artists Claire-Ann Abi Ola, Ella Jackson, Emma Ogawa Todd, Hito Kanie and Meghan Salisbury.

2 - 31 Oct (Fri - Sun), 2pm - 5pm
MORE INFO

 
The Bloomsbury Weekender
presented by The Avieli Arthouse 

Across the Festival opening weekend:
Between the City and Me (Fri) - DJing, debate, music and performance poetry
Theatre making workshop (Sat)
UpLIFT performance (Sat)

Fri 2 Oct & Sat 3 Oct
Singing Brazil
Nossa Voz (Our Voice)

A concert of Brazilian song and music, sharing the experience of Brazilian music.
Sun 11 Oct, 3pm
MORE INFO
Freshly Plucked
London Composers Forum presents Alvaro Ibarra playing new music for the classical guitar and baroque theorbo.

 Sat 17 Oct, 7.30pm 
INFO & TICKETS
Blackout
Clare Best, Ben Cordell, Ábel MG

A new audio documentary-drama exploring love and duty during WW2, followed by Q&A chaired by broadcaster and journalist David Baker.
Thurs 22 Oct, 7.30pm
INFO & TICKETS
African Eye to the Sun: African-Jazz Fusion
Grand Union Presents REGEN. Expect improvisational explosions of sound and polyrhythms to move to.

 Sat 24 Oct, 7.30pm 
INFO & TICKETS
Diwali Events:
Celebrate Diwali (and Halloween) with two events - one indoors at Holy Cross and out an outdoor street festival taking place outside on Cromer Street and Bramber Green.
AKDC Diwali Takeover
A vibrant afternoon celebration of Diwali in a participatory dance event, showcasing the Indian dance form Kuchipudi. 

Sat 31 Oct, 2pm 
MORE INFO
Diwali Festival Outdoors
Join Asian Events Media for an outdoor event celebrating Diwali. With music and food and the sounds of Bollywood.
Sat 31 Oct, from 12 noon
MORE INFO
EXPLORE ALL EVENTS
Our brochure is available now online as a flip book, so do take a look.

We look forward to sharing more programme information with you soon. In the meantime, follow us on social media for the latest updates. 

With best wishes

Rosemary and the Bloomsbury Festival Team
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Copyright © 2026 Bloomsbury Festival, All rights reserved.~

Bloomsbury Festival, Senate House, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU
Email: admin@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds

With details of Autumn and Winter season at Carriageworks Theatre:

Carriageworks Theatre logo
""

Hi 

We're thrilled to welcome audiences back for our Autumn & Winter season and we know you're going to love what's coming up this month.

From family favourite book adaptations, to hilariously hard-hitting theatre and silly science for all ages, we're sure you'll find something for you this September.

Keep reading to find out about our exciting shows, latest news, and more!

What's On in September

SUN 13 SEPT | 2:30PM

The Selfish Giant

MAIN AUDITORIUM

Through vivid, interactive story-telling, original music, puppetry and humour, The Selfish Giant is a brilliant story of transformation that is perfect for families 

With interactive elements like singing and playing games on stage, this beautiful adaptation of the Oscar Wilde classic will inspire you with its tale of love and generosity 

Age guidance: 3+

FRI 18 SEP | 7:30PM

The Easy Way Out

THE STUDIO

Eli Yim, a young adult in a mental health crisis, goes to A&E in a last-ditch attempt to get help.

The Easy Way Out combines theatre, live music, and stand up comedy to both entertain and expose the uncomfortable reality of UK mental health services.

Age guidance: 16+

""

WED 23 - SAT 26 SEP

Head Over Heels

THE STUDIO

Head Over Heels is a raucous and heart-breaking contemporary comedy that addresses the growing social phenomenon known as ‘Silver Splitters’, Britain’s hottest new demographic, retired divorcees!

Gail Young’s hilarious comedy-drama follows Jill and Andy as they navigate their way through the minefield of emotions produced by thirty-odd years of so-called wedded bliss ending in divorce. 

Head Over Heels is a community production presented by LYM Productions.

Age guidance: 14+

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THU 24 SEP | 7PM

Ocean Film Festival 2026

MAIN AUDITORIUM

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour features a new collection of the world’s most incredible ocean films!

Venturing to rarely explored depths of the planet, meet the surfers, paddlers, divers and scientists who have dedicated their lives to answering the call of the ocean.

Plunge into the wonders of the big blue – without getting your feet wet!

Age guidance: 12A

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SUN 27 SEP | 2:30PM

Fun Kids Science Quest Live!

MAIN AUDITORIUM

Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson brings the weirdest and coolest stuff in science to the stage, making it more fun than it's ever been in any classroom!

With hilarious experiments, exciting guests and games, Dan takes young audiences on a one hour journey into how the world works - and beyond! 

Age guidance: 8+

""

THU 1 - SAT 3 OCT

Made in Dagenham

MAIN AUDITORIUM

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Funny, touching and timeless, Made in Dagenham shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together.

This production includes a community cast professionally presented by Patrick Productions.

Age guidance: 6+

Latest News

Rugby legend Sir Kev steps into new super-sized panto role!

Last month, we announced that Sir Kevin Sinfield is The Voice of The Giant in the Carriageworks Theatre Pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

He said "I can’t wait for audiences to come along, boo The Giant and enjoy what will undoubtedly be a fantastic show.”

In keeping with his selfless fundraising, Sir Kevin has also donated his panto fee to MND charities.

From our friends

Light Night Leeds Returns!

For the first time ever, the festival will take place during half term, on 28 and 29 October.

With the clocks having gone back the previous weekend the spectacular large-scale projections and immersive artworks will begin at 6pm finishing at 9.30pm

Come along to this free event!

A group of young people on a stage, the word Influence is projected behind them. © David Lindsay, 2006

Planetarium Go! Leeds

Embark on an out-of-this-world journey as Planetarium Go UK brings its state-of-the-art mobile planetarium to Millennium Square from Friday 4 until Saturday 26 September.

Step inside the immersive dome and discover the wonders of space through stunning 360° visuals, captivating storytelling and four unique film experiences designed to inspire curious minds of all ages.

Plan Your Visit
Venue Hire
Get Involved
CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE

Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD
0113 376 0318 | tickets@leeds.gov.uk
www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

Carriageworks Theatre is part of Leeds Ticket Hub, the city's cultural ticket office: Leeds Ticket Hub, Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD.