5 things to do in Yorkshire this weekend

UNSURE what to do with your weekend? We’ve compiled a list of activities and events to enjoy over the next couple of days.

1. The Machine Stops
Date: Until Saturday 22nd February
Location: York Theatre Royal, York
Returning after its success at York’s theatre last year as part of its national tour, The Machine Stops tells the story of a world where humans have retreated underground and are completely reliant on the Machine for their every need. Written by E.M. Forster in 1909, his short story is a chilling prediction our relationship with technology. Kuno alone questions the planet’s dependency on technology, but in his struggle to break free from its control, can he reach the Earth’s surface before the Machine stops?

2. Phoenix Dance Theatre – Mixed programme
Date: Until Saturday February 11
Location: West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
Celebrating their 35th anniversary year, Phoenix Dance Theatre present an exciting programme of work. Nightlife at the Flamingo, one of the company’s earliest works is re-imagined by Edward Lynch for a cast of founding, retired and current company members. Fusing Jazz, Soul, and Reggae this dazzling piece captures the atmosphere of a 1940’s American dance hall. Beast, a powerful and unforgettable piece by Leeds based choreographer Douglas Thorpe, exploring the concept of choice. Plus, Calyx, a new commission by company dancer Sandrine Monin and composer Roberto Rusconi. Calyx explores poetic themes of beauty and decadence.

3. Sheffield’s Big Soul Night
Date: Saturday February 11
Location: City Hall, Sheffield
Come along to Sheffield’s City Hall this weekend for a night of soul! With three rooms playing classic motown, northern soul and modern soul, it’s the perfect evening for soul lovers.
DJs include Richard Searling, Kev Roberts, Steve White, Snowy, Ginger Taylor and top local spinners, John Kane, Tony B, Andy Jackson and Sean Hampsey.

4. Digital Dystopias
Date: Until Tuesday February 14
Location: Middleton Hall, Hull
Digital Dystopias is a film, performance and literary festival that explores how digital technology is changing society and increasingly shaping our lives. The five-day festival includes six films (including two Hull premieres) shown on the big screen in full surround sound in Hull’s new and impressive auditorium, Middleton Hall. Installations from some of Hull’s digital pioneers, digital performances, virtual reality installations and talks with some of the world’s leading experts on privacy, surveillance and artificial intelligence will also be included over the duration of the festival.

5. Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra
Date: Saturday February 11
Location: St. Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate
Join Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra for a night of lively folk dances from the northern hemisphere and let yourself be led into a whirl of beguiling Hungarian folk tunes in the Dances of Galánta and onwards to Russia, where traditional wedding songs and dances are woven throughout Glinka’s Kamarinskaya.