What's on
in the dale

Held every March, this much-loved annual festival brings together amateur theatre groups from across the region to perform at the Pateley Bridge Playhouse. Organised by the Nidderdale and District Drama Association.

The Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society stages three or four productions each year at the intimate Playhouse on King Street. Spring shows run over two weekends in February and March - expect drama, comedy and occasional musicals.

Nidderdale joins the annual Yorkshire Dark Skies Festival each February - a programme of stargazing evenings, guided walks at dusk, photography workshops and talks at the Lime Tree Observatory and Planetarium. Nidderdale has four official Dark Sky Discovery Sites including Scar House and Fewston reservoirs.

A popular, well-marshalled 10K trail race through the beautiful Nidderdale countryside, starting from Pateley Bridge Showground. Suitable for all abilities and a great way to see the dale from the inside.

Regular weekend artisan markets at Pateley Makers Yard and King Street Art Workshops bring together independent makers, bakers and crafters from across Yorkshire. Check local listings for upcoming dates.

A spectacular point-to-point trail run finishing in Pateley Bridge, covering the Six Dales Trail from Otley. Distances from half marathon to ultra. The finish line on the High Street has become a real community occasion.

The second of the Dramatic Society's annual productions, typically staged in the summer months at the Playhouse. Productions have included everything from Agatha Christie to contemporary drama and light comedy.

One of Yorkshire's finest off-road challenges. Runners tackle the 55-mile Nidderdale Way circuit, passing Brimham Rocks, Scar House Reservoir and How Stean Gorge. Shorter distances (32 mi, 20 mi, half marathon) also available. Registration and finish at Pateley Bridge Cricket Club.

A second burst of dark-sky events in autumn when the nights draw in and Nidderdale's skies come alive. Guided stargazing, astrophotography sessions and evening moorland walks across the dale. Lime Tree Observatory runs public evenings throughout.

The third main production of the Dramatic Society's year, staged in the autumn at the Playhouse. Tickets are £12 adults, £7 children. The Playhouse seats around 100 and sells out quickly - book ahead.

Three days of festive magic in Pateley Bridge each December. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the lantern parade up the High Street, followed by two days of artisan markets at Pateley Makers Yard, live music, a Christmas Tree Festival, family craft workshops at Thread, and the Nidderdale Museum open with free entry.