The BBC has been spotted filming Shane Meadows' new drama The Gallows Pole in a quiet Yorkshire village.
Film crews from the BBC have descended upon the quiet West Yorkshire village of Heptonstall, near Hebden Bridge, transforming its tiny cobbled streets into that of an 18th-century town as they shoot new drama The Gallows Pole.
Inspired by a real-life story about a gang of counterfeiters who lived in the area hundreds of years ago, the new BBC drama is based on Benjamin Myers’ award-winning novel of the same name.
Image: Angela Jarrett
Its heroes, the Cragg Vale Coiners, came to the area in the 1700s to produce fake gold coins that supplemented their income from weaving and were responsible for what became known as the biggest fraud in English history.
The new BBC drama will feature This Is England star Michael Socha alongside actors Thomas Turgoose, 1917’s George MacKay, Sophie McShera, Tom Burke, Cara Theobold, Yusra Warsama, and Eve Burley.
Image: Angela Jarrett via Twitter
Documenting a fascinating period of Yorkshire history, The Gallows Pole will dramatise how the pursuits of the counterfeiters, also sometimes known as the Yorkshire Coiners, ultimately damaged the British economy and set the men up as rebels against the state.
Images shared on Twitter by Angela Jarrett show actors dressed up in full 17th-century costume, with the women in full skirts and shawls, whilst the male actors donned loose shirts, thick work boots, and dirty-looking waistcoats.
Sharing the discovery to Twitter, Angela wrote: “went to visit son in Calder Valley for a bit of walking and visit to picturesque olde worlde Heptonstall – happened upon filming taking place for new BBC period drama coming soon called The Gallows Pole”.
She also posted the image of a grave of one of the chief coiners, which is also located in Heptonstall.
A portion of the headstone reads: “Here was interr’d the body of Grace Hartley of Lodge in Erringden who departed this life Sept 2nd 1802 in the 61 year of her life.
"Also of David Hartley her Grandson who departed this life Feb 23rd 1845 aged 25 years."
Feature image - Dawn France via the Afghan Rug Shop on Twitter
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Popular TV channel playing Christmas films 24/7 is now back on air in the UK
Think it's too early for 'C word'? Never mind, you've already clicked on this article.
Sure, we may only be into our second full week of September, but given the fact the weather these past couple of days hasn't exactly screamed summer, it already feels like the festive season is around the corner - but whether or not you think it’s too early to be talking about Christmas, it’ll soon be too tricky to escape from.
Especially not when the famous TV channel showing festive film favourites non-stop is now back on air in the UK.
Yes, you heard that right - Christmas films, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
If you’re ready to wave goodbye to summer, and in welcome autumn and winter with open arms, then there's arguably no better way of getting into the festive spirit than with the long-awaited and highly-anticipated return of the TV channel that's charmed audiences for over half a decade now.
GREAT! Christmas the UK’s biggest seasonal channel, and it's now live on Sky, Freesat, Freeview and Virgin Media.
You can expect almost four months of back-to-back seasonal movies.
The 24-hour feel-good and free-to-air channel will be bursting with non-stop Christmas spirit, and will be showing a heartwarming lineup of festive films - including some absolute fan-favourite classics that make it to screens every year without fail, alongside some cheesy Hallmark classics, new channel premieres, and so much more.
Viewers will find GREAT! Christmas on Freeview channel 51, Sky 319, Sky (Glass/Stream) 317, Virgin channel 424, and Freely channel 47.
The channel will run until early January.
Featured Image - Freestocks (via Unsplash)
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Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2021 
