Celebrate Keighley’s Sporting Heritage at Cliffe Castle

Join the Heritage Open Day to Share and Discover Local Sports Stories

Keighley’s rich sporting and leisure history will be in the spotlight this September as Cliffe Castle Museum hosts a special Heritage Open Day. Scheduled for Sunday 13 September 2026, from 11am to 3pm, the event invites local sports clubs, community groups, historians and enthusiasts to celebrate the theme of Everyday Histories: Sports and Pastimes.

The event aims to highlight the activities, clubs and hobbies that have brought communities together across Keighley and the wider district over the years. From football and rugby to cycling, dancing and traditional games, visitors will have the chance to explore the sporting and leisure traditions that have shaped everyday life in the area.

Get Involved in the Celebration

Cliffe Castle Museum is encouraging individuals and organisations to contribute by sharing stories, memories and displays. Whether you represent a long-established sports club, a community group, or have a personal passion for local history, your input is welcomed. Contributions can take various forms, including:

• Hosting a stall or display
• Giving a short talk about the history of a local sport, club or pastime
• Sharing photographs, objects, memorabilia or personal stories
• Offering demonstrations or family-friendly activities
• Representing a local sports team, society or community organisation
• Suggesting other creative ways to explore Keighley’s sporting and leisure heritage

The organisers emphasise that professional historian status is not required—everyone with local knowledge and enthusiasm is encouraged to participate.

Event Details and Contact Information

The Heritage Open Day will take place at Cliffe Castle Museum, located at Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 6LH.

Those interested in contributing to the event should contact the museum team via email at Cliffe.Castle@bradford.gov.uk with an outline of their proposed stall, talk, display or activity.

For further details about the event, readers can visit the official page: Heritage Open Day at Cliffe Castle Museum 2026.

This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Keighley’s sporting past and celebrate the community spirit that local sports and pastimes have fostered over the years.

Source: Bradford Museums blog