Culture 26 events, Workshops and Live Music

February is bursting with creativity, live entertainment and immersive experiences across Halton as Culture 26 brings a rich programme of events for everyone to enjoy. From candlelit concerts and tabletop quests at Norton Priory to high-energy theatre, family friendly workshops and thought-provoking performances, there’s something exciting happening around every corner this February. As Culture 26 is providing the borough with loads of cultural events and activities for all ages to get involved in, you don’t want to miss out on all the February fun!

Culture 26 Rundown

Culture 26 is in full flow this February with Phantoms flying around Norton Priory, an electric performance of Grease at The Brindley and an Evening with the Cheshire Cord. This month is full of the unexpected, in partnership with North Cheshire Community Rail, make sure to board the train to Liverpool from Widnes over February Half term (19^th & 21^st) to enjoy a day in the city and experience on route entertainment from Peter Bentham and the Dinner Ladies and The Dock Road Trio live from the 10:53 and 14:53 Northern Rail Services.

This Month’s Culture 26 Events

Phantoms of the Priory – Until March

Janet Street-Porter is Off the Leash - Tuesday 3^rd February | 7:30pm

Fantasy and Phantoms: Tabletop Gaming Event - Saturday 7^th February & Sunday 8^th February

Music Trains with Peter Bentham and the Dinner Ladies – Thursday 19^th February

Music Trains with The Dock Road Trio - Saturday 21^st February

Witty Ditties: 400 years of comic song - Saturday 21^st February | 7:30pm – 9:30pm

An Evening with the Cheshire Cord - Saturday 28^th February | 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Grease – Presented by Ella Performance Group - Saturday 21st February & Sunday 22^nd February | 7pm

Launch of Widnes Music Trail: Beyond The Tracks

Launching Thursday 19th February, get ready to step to step into Halton’s soundtrack. Lace up your shoes and set off on an adventure Beyond The Tracks, where every corner reveals a new chapter of Widnes’ incredible musical heritage.

Narrated by local legend Melanie C, this immersive trail follows Halton’s legendary stories of The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, The Stone Roses, Girls Aloud, and so many more.

Simply scan the QR codes as you explore to unlock the full stories behind the music, memories and magic that shaped Halton. Find out more information.

Norton Priory

Tudor Rd, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

Situated on the edge of Runcorn, Norton Priory is Europe’s most excavated monastic site and one of Halton’s must-visit heritage attractions. While the Walled Garden rests for winter, February is full of opportunities to explore the priory in new ways as Phantoms of the Priory’s past have started to appear. They must’ve heard about the vibrant programme of Culture 26 events!

Starting off the month, why not join Mima Cornish for a healing and peaceful meditation in the beautiful surroundings of Norton Priory, or if that’s not up your street how about getting involved in the free arts and crafts drop-in workshops happening over February half-term where the whole family can bring the Phantoms of the Priory back to life with shadow puppet crafts and acetone photography.

Later in the month are three events you really don’t want to miss out on, as Witty Ditties will make you roll in the aisle as they take you on a musical journey through with four centuries history with chromatic comedy and witty wordplay.

While the next day, on 22nd February experience the ghosts of revolution sing again with a passionate and power enduring candlelit concert inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. To round off the month of love, on the 28th of February treat your loved one to award-winning, high-energy acapella sound with an evening with the Cheshire Cord inside Norton Priory’s stunning atrium. It’s all happening at Norton Priory this month, make sure to book your tickets today!

The Brindley Theatre

High St, Runcorn, WA7 1BG

Offering a vibrant mix of live music, drama, comedy, entertainment, theatre and Culture 26 events. February is the perfect month to immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences with your partner and family.

Experience mischief unfold as senior railcard holder and four time divorcee, Janet Street-Porter takes centre stage with a wonderfully unapologetic take on aging and modern life with her latest show, Off the Leash on Tuesday 3rd. Alongside a variety of dance shows from the incredibly talented and dedicated students across the borough, why not Meet the Deans as a glamorous mum’s six kids are back home with more baggage than Terminal 3.

For those wanting a dash of terror this Friday the 13th, unravel the complex psychology of Killer Couples with Emma Kenny in a show that plunges into the depth of love twisted into terror. While for families looking to entertain the kids with lots of laughs during half-term, family tickets are available for the brand new show The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show, happening this Valentine’s Day.

Don’t miss out on the great musicals and tribute acts appearing at The Brindley Theatre this February. It’s not quite Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie or Stranger Things but for fans of both make sure to experience the classical hits Wuthering Heights and Running up That Hill as the longest running tribute to Kate Bush, Cloudbusting play on 5th February. Celebrating Culture26; Made in Halton, get ready to rev up your engines and dust off your leather jacket as Ella Performance Group deliver an electrifying production of Grease that is sure to make you shake it and Rock ‘n’ Roll like a Party Queen. For those wanting to say Bye Bye Baby enjoy an incredible night to remember with jaw-dropping tributes to the Jersey Boys and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons on 26th February. While on Friday 27th experience the classics and fan-favourites of Queen in an unmissable show by tribute act Queen Rapsody.

The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Mersey Rd, Widnes, WA8 0DF

Spark your curiosity at The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, where interactive exhibits, family shows and creative workshops make science and technology fun for all ages. Step inside the UK’s only chemical industry museum and uncover Halton’s incredible industrial heritage through fascinating archives and collections. Plan your visit to The Catalyst today 

This February and early March, dive into a world of science, space and hands‑on discovery with a series of exciting family‑friendly events. Kick off the half‑term with Destination Space: Mission to the Moon! running from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February, where you’ll explore the upcoming 2026 Artemis II mission, uncover what the Moon might smell like, learn about the UK’s latest space ambitions and even witness a rocket launch in an action‑packed show. Across the same dates, young explorers can get stuck into Geology Rocks! Where they’ll create their own rocks, extract salt crystals and even witness erupting mini volcanoes.

Need a warm to keep the kids calm this half-term holiday? Drop into the family yoga workshop, Cosmic Calm on Monday 16th February for a session themed around space and the moon, learn about how yoga connects the mind and body with obstacles, challenges and poses. To round off the month of fun activities at The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, experience Sensational Senses, an interactive science show packed with optical illusions and musical glass and step into the Hydrogen Cars weekend workshop, where families can explore the future of green automotive technology and build their own hydrogen-powered car.

Hazlehurst Studios

71 High Street, Runcorn, WA7 1AH

Serving as a beacon for creativity and community engagement in Halton. February at Hazlehurst Studios is bursting with creative workshops and Valentine’s gift-making to get involved in, making it the perfect destination for families, couples and creative minds to create something special and fall in love with something new over the half-term break.

Get things going by picking up a camera on an adventure around Halton at Snap & Social on Sunday 1st, dive into the extraordinary world of Warhammer with Dawnstar Gaming on the 4^th and 8th or experiment with beautiful blueprint art in Clare’s Cyanotype Workshop. For those looking to give a unique gift they’ll love this Valentine’s Day, get stuck into Hazlehurst’s Jewellery Class on Tuesday 10th or cross stitch with Rosie Roo on the 12th. With workshops and classes designed to inspire, connect and spark imagination, get involved with Camera Collective and Urban Sketchers, while the little ones can get hands-on and learn about animals at the end of half-term with Animal Teach Zoology Club on Saturday 21st February.

There’s so much to do for all ages at Hazlehurst this February, book your events and find out more information about Hazlehurst Studios here.

…SPACE RUNCORN

50 Regent St, Runcorn, WA7 1LJ

Located in the heart of Runcorn, SPACE offers a welcoming environment focused on mindfulness, creativity and connection with yoga, meditation, creative workshops, peer-support groups and wellbeing events for all ages.

Alongside …SPACE’s regular weekly sessions of Adult Yoga, SPACE walks and Depresso Club, this February has a range of soothing mindfulness focused events that’ll help you escape to your happy place in the heart of Runcorn.

Relax with adult yoga sessions, guided meditations and crystal bowl sounds while creatives or those looking for something new to do can throw and go with a fun clay workshop. If you’re looking for something more spiritual don’t miss out on the Full Moon Circle and New Moon Circle with Crank Club on 1st February and 17th February, while those wanting to learn a little bit more about tarot card reading can join  The Alt Friday Night Out on 27th February. Ready to unwind? Discover your moment of calm at SPACE Runcorn and secure your spot today.

Reel Cinema

Earle Rd, North, Widnes, WA8 0GY

RBO – Woolf Works | Sunday 15^th February at 2pm

NT Live: The Audience | Thursday 26^th February at 7pm

Book your tickets

Field 28

Chester Rd, Daresbury, WA4 5LR

Saturday 14^th February | 6:30pm | £70

This Valentine’s Day indulge in an exquisite Valentine’s Dining Experience, where the chefs present a beautifully curated multi-course menu with each dish thoughtfully inspired by love, elegance and indulgence. Book here.

Widnes Market

Bradley Way, Widnes, WA8 6UE

Outdoor Market | From 9am

Indoor Market | From 9am until 4:30pm

Flea Market | Every Wednesday from 7am

Closed every Tuesday and Sunday

Don’t forget to check out the Culture 26 stall!

Culture 26 Exhibition: International Day of Women and Girls in Science: 11^th February

Culture 26 Event: Love Culture: 14^th February

Find out more about the market stalls

February Sports Fixtures, Clubs and Activities in Halton

Get ready for a thrilling month of sporting action in Halton! Cheer on Runcorn Linnets FC at the APEC Taxis Stadium, feel the adrenaline at Planet Ice as Widnes Wild take on Deeside Dragons and don’t miss Widnes Vikings kick off their 2026 campaign. Plus, don’t forget to view the “Know Your Neighbourhood” photography exhibition at Widnes Library.

Runcorn Linnets

APEC Taxis Stadium, Runcorn, WA7 5JQ

Runcorn Linnets vs Chasetown | Tuesday 3^rd February at 7:45pm

Runcorn Linnets vs Mossley | Saturday 14^th February at 3pm

Widnes Vikings

DCBL Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

Widnes Vikings vs North Wales Crusaders | Sunday 1^st February at 3pm

Widnes Vikings vs Leeds Rhinos Reserves | Sunday 7^th February at 3pm

Widnes Wild

Planet Ice, Widnes, WA8 0TA

Widnes Wild vs Sheffield Scimitars | Sunday 1^st February at 5:30pm

Widnes Wild vs Nottingham Lions | Sunday 8^th February at 5:30pm

Widnes Wild vs Hull Jets | Sunday 22^nd February at 5:30pm

Halton Libraries

This month, the photography exhibition “Know Your Neighbourhood” moves from Halton Lea Library to Widnes Library. The exhibition is created from a selection of donated images which explore the people of Halton. For more information about weekly sessions, drop-ins, workshops and clubs across Widnes, Runcorn, Halton Lea and Ditton Libraries, please visit the Halton Libraries Website.

Plan Your Visit to Halton

Halton is a vibrant borough in the Liverpool City Region, ideally located between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool. The borough consists of six distinct towns and villages, each offering a unique experience

• Runcorn and Widnes
• Hale and Moore
• Preston Brook and Daresbury

Heritage and Attractions

Historically known as the beating heart of the UK’s chemical industry, Halton is rich in cultural landmarks, industrial heritage and beautiful nature reserves. It is home to the world-famous Creamfields Festival in Daresbury and Norton Priory, one of the largest excavated monastic sites in Europe. Historically, the area holds royal significance; it was from here that the last Baron of Halton, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV.

How to Find Halton: Travel & Transport

Getting to Halton is easy via major UK transport links, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the West Coast Main Line and Motorway Network.

Travelling by Train

• Runcorn Railway Station: Managed by Avanti West Coast, provides direct trains to Halton from London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Chester, and Liverpool.
• Widnes Railway Station: Offers regular services from Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool Lime Street. Notably, this Grade II listed station is believed to be where Paul Simon wrote his iconic song ‘Homeward Bound’.

Driving Cycling and Walking

• If you are driving, you will find free parking and EV charging points conveniently located throughout the borough.
• For a more scenic journey, the TransPennine Trail provides a perfect walking or cycling route from the centre of Liverpool, passing through famous landmarks with incredible views.

Explore More of Halton

Looking for more local guides?

• Discover the best places to eat and drink with A Taste of Halton.
• Explore the borough’s most beautiful green spaces and nature escapes with our RE:Wild guide.
• Learn more about Halton’s rich industrial history and culture.
• Learn more about Culture 26.