Ian McMillan is one of the country's best-known poets as well as one of the most versatile and humorous.

He is Barnsley FC's poet-in-residence, Yorkshire TV's investigative poet and "mobile bard" for former rail network Northern Spirit.

Ian presents his Big Family Show at Burnley Mechanics on January 31 as part of the venue's new season.

There is folk from Fairport Convention and Vikki Clayton on February 5, Maddy Prior and Friends on February 8, and Acoustic Rescue with guitarists Ray and Spencer Davies on February 1.

My Beautiful Laundrette is described as a groundbreaking, controversial, compassionate and humorous love story set within the Asian community.

The story of two men, one Asian and one white, who run a laundrette, examines racism, sexuality, bigotry, violence and politics. It is staged by Snap Theatre Company on Febrbary 6.

Alan Bennett's Talking Heads is presented by Livespace Theatre Company on February 20, with the two plays being Bed Among The Lentils about an alcoholic vicar's wife, and A Chip in the Sugar about a man living with his eccentric old mother.

Stand-up comedian Dave Gorman, who wrote The Mrs Merton Show, offers Reasons to Be Cheerful (February 23), a show based entirely around Ian Dury's 1979 chart hit.

Also at the Mechanics: Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band (January 27, 3pm); songs from the shows concert Beyond Broadway (30); family show The Pied Piper (February 2); Pendle Opera in Die Fledermaus (13-16).

Book at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall or phone 01282 664400.