Got plans for the weekend? Here are a few ideas of things to do, including my writer friend Lorraine Cannell's first book event:

Leeds International Film Festival (40th Edition, 29 October — 15 November) |
Extra screenings announced for LIFF 2026

Still from The History of Concrete
The 40th anniversary LIFF programme is the most popular to date so far, with more screenings selling out earlier than in previous editions. We have added extra screenings in our final weekend for four fast-selling films that have sold out or are close to selling out. We recommend booking tickets in advance, and if you buy a great value BUZZ, LITE or EXPLORER pass you can see more films for less and share tickets with others.
The extra screenings are all on Saturday 14 November: cult documentarian John Wilson’s The History of Concrete, produced by Nathan Fielder, at Cottage Road Cinema; and Rhys Marc Jones’s gripping mystery thriller Black Church Bay, Taratoa Stappard’s stunning Yorkshire-set Gothic horror MÄrama, and Taipei Story, Edward Yang’s melancholy masterpiece from 1985 – all screening at Vue in The Light.
See which films have Q&As at LIFF 2026

We are welcoming many filmmakers to LIFF 2026 and you can now view a list of the films with Q&As confirmed so far on leedsfilm.com. They include: Ultimate Thunder with Leeds filmmaker Ben Brown and the band from the film; Rebellion with British co-directors Ken Fero and Tariq Mehmood; The Education of Jane Cumming with German director Sophie Heldman; and Memorizu with Japanese director Miike Sakanishi.
Mouse opens LIFF 2026 on 29 October

There’s only one week to go before the 40th anniversary edition of LIFF begins and we can’t wait to start with indie gem Mouse, one of our favourite films of the year. From co-directors Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan (Saint Frances), Mouse is a remarkable coming-of-age film about grief, queerness and discovering yourself in the darkest times. You can be among the first to see Mouse before its UK release on 29 January.
Things are getting spooky in the kitchen… |
With Halloween creeping around the corner, Patty's and Doughboys have cooked up something wicked. Meet our terrifyingly tasty Halloween specials... Patty’s: Scream Brie Burger Doughboys: Blue Murder Pizza |
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Your diary called. It wants better plans. |
There’s always something happening at Belgrave. Here’s what’s coming up… First up, Listening Group #86 – Silent Hill Special lands on Wednesday 28 October at 7pm, with free tickets, incense burning, low lights and two albums played in full. Then, Elder Island joins us on 30 October, before Dark Arts returns for its 11th round on 31st October for a Halloween special! Expect a full day of music featuring Walt Disco, Heartworms, plus DJs on the roof and canteen! And every Wednesday, Boogaloo brings all things upbeat, magical and full of good vibes. Keep an eye on what’s coming up ↓ |
It wouldn't be Christmas without a right laugh at Belgrave. Whether you're planning a private party in our event space or booking a table for the whole gang or just looking for an excuse for a big boozy get together, we've got ya covered. |
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Ready to get your party started? For more info and bookings, get in touch at the link below. |
Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP |
Jimmy Carr, The Horne Section, Chloe Petts and more on sale now | View in browser |
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Leeds Grand Theatre |
City Varieties Music Hall |
City Varieties Music Hall |
Also on sale at our venues |
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Things to do during October half-term

Looking for something to do this October half-term? Well, look no further! With a variety of family events and activities across Kirklees – find out what’s happening near you.
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Local school pupils help shape new carved stone features at Spen Bottoms

New carved stone features celebrating the history and wildlife of Spen Bottoms are taking shape. Local school pupils, community members and councillors have been helping to develop the designs.
The sculptures will welcome visitors at the Church Street car park and Station Road entrances in Cleckheaton, creating distinctive features that reflect what makes the area special.
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Spooky screenings come to Our Cultural Heart this Halloween

This Halloween, you’re invited to a frightfully fun weekend in Huddersfield!
Enjoy classic spooky film favourites in a fun outdoor setting, with fiendish fun for all the family.
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Families invited to discover support at Family Hub welcome events

Parents and carers across Dewsbury are being invited to discover the support, activities and services available on their doorstep at a series of Family Hub welcome events during October half-term.
The welcome events are a chance for families to drop in, look around, meet the teams and discover how their local Family Hub can support them. They can find out what’s available for them and their children, from local activities and groups to parenting support and early years services.
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Becoming America opens today đŚ
The wait is over — Becoming America: How Science Shaped a Nation, supported by Griffin Catalyst is now open. Marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, this major free exhibition brings together remarkable maps, stunning paintings and extraordinary objects to reveal the scientific history of the emerging USA.
Be the first to see Becoming America and book your tickets now.
Exhibition highlights
The document that changed the world
See a rare surviving 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, the founding document of the United States. Written by rebel American colonists to announce their separation from Britain, the Declaration is a momentous artefact that captures the ambition, ideals and contradictions of the USA at its inception.
Fascinating objects with hidden histories
Much of the science and history of America was never written down on paper. Through material objects from canoes to compasses, discover the stories of Indigenous and African-descended Americans, and how they used science in everyday life, survival and resistance.
Flora and fauna of the American landscape
The animals and plants of the vast American land – familiar to Indigenous peoples – fascinated Anglo-American naturalists. Feel the excitement of these encounters with new species through historic samples and depictions, including a striking illustration of an eagle that won royal approval from King George III.
Becoming America has been made possible thanks to the generous support of our funders and sponsors.
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Our summer 2027 exhibition has just been announced. Mary, Queen of Scots: Renaissance and Resistance opens at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, on Saturday 12 June 2027.
The exhibition will present a vibrant Renaissance monarch on a European stage and a Scottish queen fiercely resisting those who conspired to take her crown, and ultimately, her life.
Featuring 100 loans from across the UK and Europe, this major exhibition will re-examine the narratives that have surrounded Mary's life and legacy and bring the vibrancy of 16th century Scotland to life.
Exhibition curator Dr Anna Groundwater says:
"Mary's story is so often told through the words of the men who sought to defeat her in the 1560s, and her autonomy downplayed or dismissed entirely, but she was far from passive. She was famed for her beauty, vivacity and ability to charm. Raised at the sophisticated French court, she was well-educated, had an extensive library and spoke several languages. This exhibition will explore different versions of Mary, those she inhabited and those portrayed by others, telling a story of Renaissance and resistance."
Members go free
Join today to enjoy a whole year of Scottish history. National Museums Scotland Members can enjoy free unlimited entry to Roman Scotland (until 18 April 2027) and Mary, Queen of Scots (from 12 June 2027).
Relaxed Viewings
For those who would prefer a calmer visit, join us for relaxed viewings of the exhibition on Sun 4 Jul, 1 Aug, 5 Sep, 3 Oct & 7 Nov 2027.
Universal Credit tickets
We are offering those on Universal Credit and other named UK benefits discounted entry to Mary, Queen of Scots: Renaissance and Resistance.
This exhibition is made possible with the support of the Mary Stewart Giving Circle and the K.T. Wiedemann Foundation.
Our mailing address is: National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
© National Museums Scotland. Scottish Charity SC011130.
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WHAT'S ON ⬇️
SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE
Throughout the week, young ghost hunters can enjoy daily free storytelling sessions with a spooky twist.
Plus, explore the science behind light and shadows to create your own ghostly illusion.
WONDERLAB AT HALLOWEEN
In Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, science and STEM get a hands-on Halloween twist. Explore the gallery and get hands on with our exhibits, with plenty of opportunities to investigate, make and discover together.
START SNAPPING!
Entries are now open for the Young Railway Photographer of the Year competition!
Photographers aged 25 and under are invited to explore how railways connect people, places and communities through the theme 'The Journey and the Destination'.

CLIMB ABOARD!
Experience railways on a smaller scale with our Miniature Railway!
See what you can spot as you make your way around the track, and enjoy a unique way to see the museum.
Running on select dates, book your tickets inside Station Hall.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Immerse yourself in the timeline of the world's most-famous steam engine with our Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience.
Put on the headset and witness key events come to life right before your eyes including the 100mph record-breaking run and journeys overseas.
WHAT'S ON AROUND THE SCIENCE MUSEUM GROUP ⬇️
Calling all young scientists!
From Tuesday 27 - Thursday 29 October, don't miss Celebrate Science at Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham.
Our sister museum is partnering with Durham University to host an exciting three-day festival with live demonstrations, hands-on experiments and creative activities for the whole family!
Book your free tickets to explore biosciences, explore 3D landscape modelling, make your own colour changing picture and so much more!
Don’t miss the Museum After Hours at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester on Thursday 29 October from 19.00 - 22.00 - a one night only takeover packed with live music, interactive games and unique experiences.
Get into the Halloween spirit with an adults-only evening of cosmic cabaret, spooky surprises and out-of-this-world activities! Enjoy live performances from drag star Anna Phylactic, meet the dancing Robotic Man, take on galactic games and explore Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos. Explore the museum galleries after-hours and challenge your friends with over 150 video games to play in Power Up.
GET STUCK IN WITH SCIENCE THIS SPOOKY SEASON
From Tuesday 27 - Thursday 29 October, join us for live science demonstrations, hands-on experiments and creative activities as part of Celebrate Science with Durham University.
Explore, create and be inspired by an array of displays as you discover more about rivers, uncover the physics behind the aurora, learn about biosciences and so much more.
Don't miss out - book your free tickets now!
WHAT'S ON ⬇️
TWILIGHT TRAINS
Join us at Locomotion on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November to discover the links between light, communications and the railways!
Follow our light and sound challenge, discover the science of colour, make your own railway signalling flags, meet astronomers, and get involved with spooky storytelling adventures.
SPOOKY STARGAZING
Enjoy a free after-hours stargazing evening at Locomotion!
From 17.30 – 20.30 on Saturday 31 October, meet members of the Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society to learn the basics of astronomy. Discover the connection between light and space with free activities, see what you can spot using the society’s high-powered telescopes, or even bring your own telescope along for advice on setting it up.
SHILDON BRICK SHOW
The Shildon Brick Show is back with a special 10th year celebration on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November!
Enjoy intricate LEGO® creations on display in Main Hall, browse trade stands, put your engineering skills to the test to see what you can build in our brick pits, and see which minifigures you can spot hidden around the displays - how many will you find?
Book your free tickets now to avoid disappointment!
GET CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SORTED
On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, find the perfect festive gift at our Christmas Market in association with Weardale Makers' Markets.
Browse a vast array of stalls selling everything from wildlife prints, wax melts and room sprays, to alpaca wool creations, resin gifts and hand-embroidered cushions.
Get creative with workshops and demonstrations and workshops taking place throughout the weekend and don't forget to refuel from the food and drink vans outside Main Hall too!
THROUGH THE LENS
Entries are now open for the Young Railway Photographer of the Year competition!
Photographers aged 25 and under are invited to explore how railways can connect people, places and communities through the theme 'The Journey and the Destination'.
Whether it's your first time exploring photography or you're a seasoned snapper, we'd love to see your work!
Please note: From Saturday 24 October, we will be operating Winter opening hours. Locomotion will be open seven days a week, 10.00 - 16.00.

There are some ghostly visitors at our sister museum, the National Railway Museum in York, this October!
From Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November, see if you can spot all 30 ghosts from York Ghost Merchants hidden among the historic carriages and trains of Station Hall - uncovering tales inspired by the national collection, Victorian rail travel and York's haunted heritage as you explore.
Book your free museum admission tickets now to join the search!
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Thursday 29 October, 19.00 - 22.00
£12 / £6 Student and Universal Credit
Adults only, 18+
Get ready for a special programme of cosmic games, stellar performances and spooky Halloween surprises at our next adult only After-Hours event.
Explore our museum galleries after-dark, journey across the Solar System in Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos and face your friends (or foes) in Power Up, the ultimate gaming experience. Grab a drink from our event bar, enjoy a cosmic cabaret, and so much more - this is one you don't want to miss!
Your ticket includes:
★ Special performances from drag queen Anna Phylactic and the Robotic Man
★ Giant interactive space-themed games
★ Free access to our exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos
★ Drop-in entry to the ultimate gaming experience Power Up
★ After-hours museum access including Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, Textiles Gallery, Revolution Manchester and Experiment
Teachers go free!
Teachers and educators are invited to start the night a little earlier and join the Schools and Skills team at 18.00 for a taste of some of the museum's new Schools and Skills workshops, before joining the main event and enjoying a dynamic night out at the museum.
Support the museum
Registered office: Science and Industry Museum Liverpool Road Manchester M3 4FP. The Science and Industry Museum (as part of the Science Museum Group) is an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is recognised as charitable by HM Revenue and Customs.
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ON SALE NOWHi Karen, We've got some fantastic shows coming your way. We've got cult classics and new contemporary favourites. See what you discover... |
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TUE 11 - SAT 22 JAN 2028 AN INSPECTOR CALLSStephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns after a record-breaking, sell-out tour in 2025. Winner of 19 major awards and hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, An Inspector Calls has thrilled more than 6 million theatregoers worldwide. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation. Accessible Performances |
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