A series of events to celebrate the legacy of Anne Lister will take place this weekend.

The Anne Lister Memorial Weekend 2026 will take place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, with a range of events planned across various Halifax locations.

The weekend celebrates the diarist and entrepreneur Anne Lister, who grew up in Shibden Hall and is known as the first modern lesbian.

On Friday, September 18, a memorial service will be held at Halifax Minster – where Anne Lister was baptised and now buried – to remember and celebrate her legacy.

A number of events will take place across Halifax this weekend to celebrate the legacy of Anne Lister, including at her former home, Shibden Hall.

placeholder image — A number of events will take place across Halifax this weekend to celebrate the legacy of Anne Lister, including at her former home, Shibden Hall.

At Shibden Hall, an exhibition will be on display for visitors throughout the weekend, showcasing the costumes used in the TV series Gentleman Jack, which dramatised Anne Lister’s life.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the Codification of Stitch exhibition by Royal School of Needlework trained embroiderer Charlotte Farrant.

The exhibition is inspired by Anne Lister’s life and highlights her most significant achievements in both illustrative and coded form.

On Saturday and Sunday, stone carver Simon Lumb will be hosting an educational talk and tour of the Dry Stone Walled Garden exhibit at Shibden Park.

Visitors will learn about dry stone walls and discover various features in the garden, including the memorial to Anne Lister built by women wallers from all over the world.

On Saturday, poet Christine Sanders will host a poetry workshop at Shibden Hall, with the focus on Anne Lister and Ann Walker.

First-time poets and published writers alike are encouraged to come and try out some poetry or prose in the form of dramatic monologue in a relaxed and positive atmosphere.

Also on Saturday, a community evening will take place at ALHQ, at Unit 2, Northgate House, next to Hatch Brunch House.

And on Sunday, visitors are invited to join the Anne Lister community and lay flowers at the Anne Lister sculpture at The Piece Hall, on the 184th anniversary of her death.

Later on Sunday, a community picnic will take place at Shibden Park, where visitors are invited to bring their own food and drink and catch up with friends.

To find further details about specific events, or to book tickets, visit: www.annelisterofhalifax.co.uk/