Thornton Winter Warmer Festival Scheduled for November

Community event promises a day of festive activities

The Thornton Winter Warmer festival is set to take place on Saturday 22 November 2025, offering a variety of free activities and workshops for families and community members in Thornton. The event will run from 11:00am to 6:30pm across multiple locations including South Square, Thornton Viaduct, The Junction Lodge, Sapgate Gardens, and Thornton Community Centre.

Event schedule and activities

The festival is a collaboration between South Square Centre, Creative Communities, Thornton Community Centre, and Sapgate Gardens. It aims to provide a festive celebration with arts, crafts, performances, and community engagement.

• South Square (11:00am – 2:30pm): Visitors can participate in craft workshops such as decoration making using embossed aluminium sheets, puppet making, and lantern creation. There will also be face painting themed as “Elf Yourself,” choir performances, and a pop-up bar selling mulled wine, mince pies, and soft drinks.
• Thornton Viaduct and The Junction Lodge (3:00pm – 4:30pm): The launch of Flock, a new sculpture by Nelson + Woodward inspired by local young people and the history of Thornton, will take place. The event will include live painting, a DJ, and free food provided by Thornton Crown Communities.
• Lantern Parade (4:30pm – 5:15pm): A parade will proceed from Thornton Viaduct through the village to Sapgate Gardens and the Community Centre. Attendees can expect to see representations of the Brontë family and enjoy illuminated gardens with carols at Sapgate.
• Thornton Community Centre (5:30pm onwards): The evening will feature the Thornton Shadow Play, a storytelling performance using shadow puppets that reflects the local history over millions of years. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own shadow puppets to participate. The performance is suitable for all ages.

Additional information

All activities and workshops during the day are free to attend. The event is designed to foster community spirit and provide a festive atmosphere in Thornton. The locations are accessible within the village, with South Square located at Thornton Road, Bradford BD13 3LD.

For more details on the event and directions, visitors can refer to local community websites or contact the South Square Centre.