Barnsley’s Big Weekend to return this summer
July 1, 2022
Barnsley’s Big Weekend returns next month with a packed line-up of free events and entertainment between Friday 15 and Sunday 17 July.
Three days of exciting free events, including cycle races, live music, an open day at Barnsley FC, street theatre, and more are coming to the town centre.
A weekend dominated by cycling activity gets underway with the Barnsley Town Centre Races at 4pm on Friday 15 July with a community ride after a ceremonial opening. From 5pm-10pm an elite set of races, which form part of the British Cycling Men’s and Women’s National Circuit Series, will take place. The races are to be supported by the Barnsley Sports and Recreation and Barnsley Road Club.
There’s something for everyone on the Saturday from brass bands and football to Pride Barnsley celebrations and the return of Mayor’s Day. The Glass Works Square, Alhambra Shopping Centre, and Barnsley Town Hall all play host.
An eclectic line-up of brass bands will perform at these three locations from 10.30am-4.30pm, featuring the very best in both traditional and new brass band sounds. Visitors won’t want to miss the world famous Black Dyke Band and a grand finale from the legendary Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
The fun continues with Mayor’s Day with plenty of exciting attractions across the town centre.
Visitors of all ages will have the chance to embark on a journey across The Glass Works Square in unique pedal-powered vehicles. They will be able to choose from the Flycycle or Submercycle travelling street theatre machines for an unforgettable ride. Oakwell will also open its doors for a Barnsley FC open day while Sculptor Graham Ibbeson’s latest exhibition High Noon to Midnight, with words by Paul Thwaites, debuts at the Cooper Gallery.
Visitors are encouraged to head over to Experience Barnsley to experience the fascinating Barnsley Serves the World: Stories from the Slazenger Factory exhibition and laugh along to the Anyone for Tennis street theatre show.
Tennis heads of all ages should keep an eye out throughout July for the Barnsley’s Best Balls tennis ball trail. Trail cards will be available from Experience Barnsley, The Cooper Gallery or Barnsley Museums in The Glass Works for anyone looking to get started on this fun, free, family friendly trail across the town.
Pride Barnsley makes a welcome return on the Saturday. The town’s biggest LGBTQIA+ event is back with music, entertainment, stalls and more celebrating life and love in all its forms at Mandela Gardens.
Anybody feeling particularly fabulous is encouraged to bring their glitz and grace to the Family Catwalk Extravaganza family fashion show in The Civic at 1pm. There will also be a Pride Barnsley Comedy Cabaret featuring Stephen Bailey, Sian Davies, Robert White and The Glitterbomb Dancers at The Civic at 7.30pm.
A brilliant event of prehistoric proportions is coming to The Glass Works Square on Sunday 17 July from 11am-4pm. Visitors to the Big Dino Show will be able to meet Tiny the not-so-tiny Triceratops and Zoom the T-Rex as part of the How to Train Your Dinosaur! Show.
What’s Your Move, a big day of healthy activities designed to get Barnsley moving is coming to The Glass Works Square from 11am-4pm on 17 July. Find your own move with info and advice on summer sports and fitness clubs happening all across Barnsley at barnsleywhatsyourmove.co.uk.
