The Anne Lister Memorial Weekend is returning for 2025, with a programme of events taking place across Halifax to remember Anne and celebrate her legacy.
Anne Lister was born on 3 April 1791 and died on 22 September 1840. Her relatively short life was eventful and unconventional, and her fascinating diaries of over five million words detail her life and loves. Her story became world-famous through Sally Wainwright’s BBC/HBO series, Gentleman Jack.
Now in its 7th year, the Anne Lister Memorial Weekend 2025 will take place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September, with events to mark 185 years since Anne’s death.
Visitors to Halifax will be able to enjoy events such as guided walks, exhibitions and community events all focused on aspects of Anne’s fascinating life.
There will also be the opportunity to reflect and remember, with a formal memorial service held at Halifax Minster on Friday 19 September from 7.30-9pm, and flower laying at the Anne Lister sculpture in the Piece Hall, Halifax, on Sunday 21 September from 9.30am.
New additions to this year’s programme include a guided herb walk in the grounds of Anne’s former home, Shibden Hall, on Sunday 21 September. Local medicinal herbalist and plant expert, Kerri Daly, and Anne Lister researcher, Lynn Shouls, will lead a short, slow-paced walk, exploring the garden’s medicinal plants and trees and sharing more about Anne Lister’s keen interest in gardens, botany and herbal remedies. Booking is essential, visit ticketsource.co.uk/calderdale-culturedale(external link).
Later that afternoon, a free torchlit memorial procession stroll will take place from Shibden Hall at 4pm. This is an opportunity to remember a loved one, or just to join in, walking from the house, through the grounds, down to the Mere lakeside.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“We’re proud of our heritage and as one of the key themes of our Vision 34, we want to celebrate our history and the people and places that have made Calderdale so special.
“It really is remarkable that 185 years after Anne Lister died, her life story and legacy is still inspiring people all over the world and we’re delighted to be able to share the programme for the Anne Lister Memorial Weekend 2025.
“Although the memorial weekend has a more reflective tone than the birthday celebrations which happen every April, the many and varied events over the weekend will also include uplifting community events.
“Everyone is very welcome to join in, either with the ticketed events or come along and experience the many free opportunities available.”
In addition to the programmed events, Shibden Hall is open for visits throughout the memorial weekend. Nearby Bankfield Museum will be open as usual on Friday and Saturday, displaying outfits from Gentleman Jack, as part of its Costume Drama exhibition.
Quiet reflection is available in Halifax Minster throughout the weekend and the Anne Lister Hub, located at Northgate House, Halifax, is available as a space to relax and for information and merchandise.
Lots of other events are taking place over the weekend. Full details, as well as information about opening times, can be found at annelisterofhalifax.co.uk(external link) and culturedale.co.uk(external link).