Back by popular demand, Manchester International Short Film Festival presents an excellent programme of UK and International short films that scooped the awards at this year's Festival.

Join us on Friday 4th January for an exciting introduction to the parkland around The Whitaker. Olly (from Olly’s Woodland Learning) will be here to learn all about the nature in and around the grounds when young Foresters get to roast marshmallows and popcorn on the fire.

Get a break from the house for some light relief and come and watch our matinee screening of ‘The Greatest Showman’ on the big screen.

This academy award nominee film is a great watch for all the family. Inspired by the imagination of P. T. Barnum,

This is a delightful morning for family and friends to come together and enjoy a sumptuous Whitaker Breakfast, after enjoying traditional Christmas tales from our Storyteller whilst sat around the Christmas tree in our Drawing Room.

A feature-length painted animation - the first film of its kind - which explores the life and death of Vincent Van Gogh via depictions of his artworks.

The King and Queen of quizzes makes its grand return this Christmas at the Whitaker. With your right royal hosts Carl and Al taking their rightful place on the throne. Expect plenty quips, clips and blips! But most of all a night of fun and laughter, testing your general knowledge on film, music, literature, news and anything else that they can dream up.

Join us on the 8th and visit one of the many stalls in our gallery, old and new, craft and special finds for your Christmas shopping list.

Join us for our live Acoustic night every first Wednesday of the month hosted by the amazing Liam Spencer & Sarah Grundy of Joan The Wad a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some warm sounds and gentle harmony. 

Here at the Whitaker we are delighted to welcome The International Association for Japanese Traditional Culture Exchange, who will be joining us on Saturday 24th November.

On the evening the performers, all from Kumamoto in Western Japan will be entertaining guests with Shigin and arts performances.

Part of a new wave of realist Palestinian cinema, a thrumming soundtrack from Palestinian hip-hop artists DAM provides a heady backdrop to the alternative city lifestyle as we see the three young flatsharers caught in between modern life in the city and their traditional values.

In honour of all those who served, died and have been affected by war both at home and overseas, join us for a morning of reflection & contemplation here at Whitaker Museum to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

Join us for our live Acoustic night every first Wednesday of the month hosted by the amazing Liam Spencer & Sarah Grundy of Joan The Wad a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some warm sounds and gentle harmony. 

Routinely voted one of the greatest of all time, this 1948 film is a simple, powerful film about a man who needs a job and has his bike stolen.

Calling all cyclists!! 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Bring your Bike to the Whitaker on Sunday 7th October from 11am as we officially open our new 'Cycle Hub'; A purpose built space providing essential bike tools and facilities for local cyclists of all types.

Join us for our live Acoustic night every first Wednesday of the month hosted by the amazing Liam Spencer & Sarah Grundy of Joan The Wad a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some warm sounds and gentle harmony. 

The Friends of Rossendale Museum invite you to join them for any evening with Brian Ashworth of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust as he talks about the ‘Plight of the Humble Bee’.

Sebastián Lelio's Oscar-winning film about a transgender woman fighting for acceptance and for her voice to be heard.

Michael Caine’s take on his youth, Swinging London and the 60s.

Join us for our live Acoustic night every first Wednesday of the month hosted by the amazing Liam Spencer & Sarah Grundy of Joan The Wad a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some warm sounds and gentle harmony. 

Join us for our live Acoustic night every first Wednesday of the month hosted by the amazing Liam Spencer & Sarah Grundy of Joan The Wad a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some warm sounds and gentle harmony. 

A friendly meeting place offering people with Parkinson's and their carers friendship, support and information, taking place on the last Tuesday of every month. For more information please contact Rebecca on 0300 123 3672.

Here at the Whitaker we've teamed up with Murder Mystery Productions to bring you an 'An evening of Curiosities', can you be the one to solve the mystery? Join us for a 3 course supper whilst you as detectives are charged with answering 3 very important questions.

Join us for a FREE afternoon celebrating traditional dialect, song & dance. With much loved performances from Sid Calderbank and The Lancashire Society plus much much more.