By Joshua Robinson –

Here is a list of all the events and activities happening this summer in Kirklees. This is a list of all the events taking place in libraries across the district of Kirklees.

There are plenty more activities and events happening in Kirklees! Visit Creative Kirklees to find out what else is happening near you.

Family Fun at Libraries

Kirklees’ libraries have got so much planned for the family this summer. Some of the events are available to book now but some will be available to book on very soon, keep an eye on Kirklees Council’s TicketSource page to get your tickets.

The Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest free reading-for-pleasure programme for children. Taking place annually, the Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to keep reading during the summer holidays. This year, the Challenge began on Saturday 8th July.

This year’s challenge is all about games and sports. Children will join the Kirklees fictional team (and their animal mascots!) as they use their skills to weave their way through a summer obstacle course.

Developed in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge will celebrate play and participation, encouraging children to engage in games and sports in any way that best suits them.

Ready, Set, Read! will showcase how reading can be active and engaged, and can itself involves teamwork and community.

You can join the challenge at your local Kirklees library and take part in person. The library will give you a special collector folder, stickers, and other special incentives, and help you find books to read for your Challenge.

Book Hunters! Summer Challenge

To begin this challenge, you can start by grabbing your free guide for Book Hunters! from any Kirklees Library branch between 14th July – 11th September. You will have to visit the locations in this guide and find the hidden QR codes on site.

When you find the QR code, you must scan it with your phone camera. This will take you to a secret webpage with a fun mission to complete and a list of book suggestions! There are 7 QR codes hidden around Kirklees.

Check out the opening times for all of Kirklees Libraries 24 branches.

Remember to make a library book your travelling companion, nothing beats relaxing and reading outdoors for fun. Borrow your book companions via any Kirklees branch or download E-Books and Audio Books from our Libby app.

To find out more about the Book Hunters! Summer Challenge, please click here.

Once Upon a Tune Story Trails

Explore the power of music, illustration and storytelling outdoors with the exciting story trails. This summer’s trails are inspired by the stunningly illustrated book Once Upon a Tune from award-winning artist James Mayhew.

Search for the illustrations on the trail, experience the engaging stories that inspired famous tunes including Flight of the Bumblebee and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and create your own musical artwork. Recommended for families with children up to age 8.

When and where: You can drop into any of the below sessions between 12 pm – 4 pm.

• Monday 31 July, Ravensknowle Park
• Tuesday 1 August, Crow Nest Park
• Wednesday 9 August, Greenhead Park
• Thursday 17 August, Wilton (Batley) Park
• Friday 25 August, Beaumont Park

To book your place for the trial, please click here.

Kane Martial Arts

Rebecca Kane founder of Kane Martial Arts will be teaching some self defence skills, to improve confidence. Rebecca has been involved in Martial Arts and dance for over 30 years. She has won world titles for full contact fighting and forms and was one of the first under 16 females to travel to the Philippines in Asia for the world championships aged 15. Her martial arts school specialises in delivering age specific martial arts programmes. She loves empowering generations to become more active both physically and mentally. This session is for children aged 7-12.

When: Friday 4 August, 10.30am / 2:00pm

Where: Dewsbury Library / Greenwood Centre.

To book your place, please click here.

Everybody Loves A Cape: Reading Heroes

This event will encourage participating children to make and decorate their own reading hero capes!

First, they will learn how to make a hem and then they can decorate their reading Hero cape inspired by their favourite book or character – using whatever method they chose: sewing, drawing, painting and so many more! (Please note this activity will involve sewing and is aimed at children 8+).

To book your place, please click here.

Upcoming summer events at Kirklees Libraries

These events will be available to book very soon, keep an eye on the Kirklees Council’s  TicketSource page so that you don’t miss out!

Henry Bateman

What do you love about the place you live? Come along to this musical activity in celebration of the Kirklees Year of Music and learn how to put the words you use to describe where you live to music to create your very own song. Age 6+

Tom Palmer

Join football fiction writer, Tom Palmer, to celebrate reading, sport and the Women’s World Cup. Tom will host his famous Football Reading Game, which includes a quiz, a penalty shoot out and a trophy for the winner. For children aged 7-11.

Sports Quiz Event

A fun sports quiz for children aged 7-11, recommended for teams of 2-4 children. Grown ups are welcome to stay (but no helping!) Categories include: football, cricket, the Olympics, world sports and general sports knowledge.

Pyjama Drama

An interactive performance by Pyjama Drama where the audience will be actively encouraged to get involved: singing, dancing, playing games and taking on different roles. A wonderful show for children aged 3-7 and their families!

To find out what is happening in your local town, please click here.