Made in Elsecar: a series of new events coming to Elsecar Heritage Centre this summer

From Saturday 8 August, Elsecar Heritage Centre will again be host to a series of high-quality and curated events, popular with locals and visitors alike. The exciting programme of events will range from makers markets and food and drink events, to comedy clubs and craft nights.

Headlines of the new events programme include:

• Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August – a curated craft market where you can explore stalls full of artistic produce, homemade crafts, and top-quality gifts.

• Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September – digital art installations as part of the Abandon Normal Devices festival.

• Saturday 10 October – a Yorkshire Garden Railways showcase, which will feature suppliers of garden railway equipment, including steam and battery locos, rolling stock, track, buildings, bridges and parts. The exhibition will also have live steam locomotives, demonstrations and advice.  

• Sunday 11 October, Sunday 8 November and dates in 2027 – enjoy the return of the popular antiques fair, where you can browse a variety of antiques and collectables. 

• Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November – a Mind, Body and Spirit event, which will feature over 60 of the UK’s top psychic readers, therapists and retailers. Entry includes talks and workshops.

• Friday 18 December – Brown Bear Comedy Club, with host and three stand-up comedians.

Plus, Elsecar business BBR Auctions is hosting an Antiques Fair on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, with stalls selling antique advertising, bottles, pottery and more. It’s the largest event of its type in Europe.

After a few years of capital and building works, the events will provide new and exciting reasons to visit Elsecar Heritage Centre. The programme of events will encourage you to discover markets, workshops, tastings, music, and shared experiences inspired by the spirit of the village. The majority of the events will be held inside the Ironworks, which has, alongside other buildings and public areas at the centre, been upgraded thanks to £3 million received from Cultural Development Fund from Arts Council England.  

There are many more events in the pipeline that we’ll shortly be announcing details of. Keep an eye on Elsecar Heritage Centre’s social media and website for full details. Planned events include:

• A vibrant food and drink market, bringing together a mix of independent street food traders, makers, live music and pop-up experiences

• A relaxed series of maker-led craft workshops

• Regular live comedy nights

• A series of early-evening live music events, designed to offer a complete night out without the late end time

Alongside the new events programme, we’re launching a new brand for events at Elsecar. This will help showcase Elsecar Heritage Centre as a top-quality destination to experience moments with friends and family. 

Councillor Andy Cudworth, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said: “Elsecar Heritage Centre is a much-loved part of Barnsley’s heritage, and this new events programme marks an exciting new chapter for the site. Following recent investment and improvement works, we’re looking forward to welcoming people back for a fresh, high-quality programme of events that are made to be experienced.

“From curated markets and food and drink events to music, workshops and family-friendly activities, there will be lots of new reasons to visit Elsecar, support local businesses and discover everything the village has to offer. I’d encourage residents and visitors from across the region to keep an eye on Elsecar Heritage Centre’s website and social media channels as even more events are announced.”