The Brontë Birthplace celebrated Anne Brontë’s 205th birthday in style on Saturday 18th January with The Three Ann(e)s event, a remarkable afternoon of music, narration and reflection. Hosted at St James’ Church, the event drew 165 attendees and raised an impressive £2258 through ticket sales, merchandise, and donations, ensuring vital support for the ongoing preservation of the historic Brontë Birthplace.
The event marked the beginning of Thornton’s celebrations for Bradford’s City of Culture 2025, showcasing the village’s rich Brontë heritage and its contributions to the wider cultural programme.
The event showcased a unique programme celebrating Anne Brontë’s life and work. Performances included beautiful piano interpretations by Ann Airton, insightful narration by Anne Powell, and poignant readings of Rev. Patrick Brontë’s words by Mike Powell. These elements came together to bring Anne’s story vividly to life, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Nigel West, the Brontë Birthplace’s Fundraising Coordinator, praised the event’s success: “We’re thrilled by the incredible support for The Three Ann(e)s event. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to honour Anne Brontë’s legacy and support the preservation of the Brontë Birthplace. The funds raised will make a significant difference in our ongoing work.”
The event was made possible by the dedication of 15 volunteers, who ensured the day ran smoothly, from checking in attendees and selling raffle tickets to serving refreshments. Louise Cho, an attendee, shared her appreciation:
“Thank you to all involved in the making of this performance. The music was beautiful (amazing pianist!), and the narration gave a real insight into the life of Anne Brontë. Put together, the story was powerfully brought to life. Well done to all volunteers and organisers. It really was exceptional.”
With over 160 tickets sold, The Three Ann(e)s event was a fitting tribute to Anne Brontë’s legacy, celebrating her contributions to literature and the arts while uniting the local community in support of this cherished historic site.