Disclosure: admission to these Bradford 2025 events was gifted for the purposes of this review. ALL opinions shared in this post are my own.
Bradford – often misunderstood, sometimes overlooked, but never short on surprises – is ready to take centre stage as the UK’s City of Culture 2025.
With a vibrant, youthful energy and one of the most diverse communities in the nation, Bradford is brimming with stories, traditions and experiences that are waiting to be explored.
This is a city of contrasts, where historic cobblestone streets meet bold modern art, and where the rolling rural landscapes of Haworth and Bingley intersect with a vibrant urban life. Now is the time to discover what this rich cultural tapestry has to offer.
What can you expect from Bradford 2025? A dazzling array of events designed to inspire, celebrate, and unite – ranging from music festivals and theater performances to stunning photography exhibitions and captivating art showcases.
This bold programme is highlighting all of Bradford’s hidden gems and proving why this city truly deserves the spotlight. Missing out means missing the chance to witness not only the best of Bradford’s creativity but also the remarkable spirit of its communities coming together like never before.
Bradford boasts a young and dynamic population, with nearly 28% under 20. Combined with over 144 square miles of unparalleled beauty and history, the city has the power to shatter outdated perceptions.
This celebration isn’t just about a single year of events; it’s about redefining how the world sees this northern city for years to come. Whether you’ve passed through Bradford before or have yet to discover its charms, there’s never been a better time to uncover its magic.
Keep reading as I guide you through everything you need to know about Bradford’s cultural renaissance. From jaw-dropping performances to hidden treasures you’ll fall in love with, this blog post will inspire you to see Bradford in a whole new light.
What is the UK City of Culture?
The UK City of Culture is a prestigious title awarded every four years to a city that showcases a vibrant cultural scene, rich heritage, and a commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity through the arts.
Established in 2009 by the UK government, this initiative aims to spotlight cities as leading cultural destinations, celebrating their unique stories and encouraging investment in local arts and creative industries.
The accolade has proven to be a transformative opportunity for winning cities. For example, when Derry~Londonderry became the first UK City of Culture in 2013, it saw a surge in tourism, international recognition, and a revitalised local economy.
Similarly, Hull, designated in 2017, experienced an economic boost worth millions and welcomed over five million visitors, revitalising its cultural and social landscape.
A panel of experts carefully selects the winning city based on its ability to demonstrate a cohesive vision for how the title will benefit its community and enhance its cultural offerings.
Applicants must show a strong commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and investment in the arts, as well as provide a clear strategy for long-term positive impact.
Each host city uses this moment in the spotlight not only to celebrate its artistic achievements but also to create a legacy of creativity and innovation that lasts for years to come.
Why Was Bradford Chosen as the UK City of Culture for 2025?
Bradford’s selection as the UK City of Culture for 2025 stems from its extraordinary blend of history, diversity, and innovation. Often described as a city where tradition meets transformation, Bradford boasts a vibrant cultural heritage that resonates far beyond its borders.
With over 552,600 residents, Bradford is the 6th largest city in the UK and one of the youngest metropolitan districts, with 28.3% of its population under the age of 20. This youthful energy fuels its dynamic creative sector and its vision for the future.
At the heart of its cultural distinctiveness lies Bradford’s diversity—it is home to one of the most multicultural communities in the UK, which influences its art, food, film, and storytelling with rich, international flavours.
Iconic sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire and the National Science and Media Museum spotlight the city’s cultural and industrial history. Meanwhile, its passionate devotion to the arts is evident in myriad festivals, theaters, and galleries.
The judges for the 2025 title were particularly impressed by Bradford’s bold vision for harnessing this honour. The city plans to include and uplift all voices in its community, using culture as a tool for social cohesion and economic growth.
From championing grassroots art projects to nurturing young talent and celebrating its world-class creative industries, Bradford aims to inspire future generations while building a profound and lasting legacy.
This moment in the spotlight also aligns with notable anniversaries, such as the 15th year since it became a UNESCO City of Film, which adds significance to its achievements.
While several strong contenders were in the running for the 2025 title, Bradford’s combination of cultural richness, ambitious plans, and compelling inclusivity stood out. Its ability to weave its history, present, and future into a cohesive narrative truly captured the judges’ imagination.
The selection committee hailed the city as a shining example of how culture can redefine communities, elevate voices, and inspire meaningful change.
Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture promises to be a celebration of shared stories, innovation, and resilience. By building on its proud past and diverse present, it aims to bring its people together and invite the world to share in its unforgettable narrative.
Launching into 2025: The Kickoff Events You Don’t Want To Miss
If you’re ready to immerse yourself in a spectacular lineup of events as Bradford kicks off its year as the UK City of Culture 2025, here’s where you can get started!
From dazzling performances and art installations to community celebrations and thought-provoking exhibitions, the opening festivities set the stage for an extraordinary year ahead.
These headline events not only shine a spotlight on Bradford’s vibrant cultural scene but also invite everyone to be part of the energy, creativity, and joy that will define 2025.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store!
RISE: A Spectacular Opening to Bradford 2025
Location: City Park, Peel Centre, Bradford, BD1 1LA
Dates: 10th – 11th January
Price: SOLD OUT
On the 10th and 11th January 2025, Bradford opened its year as the UK City of Culture with an unforgettable event, RISE.
This breathtaking outdoor theatrical spectacle took over City Park, setting the tone for a year of celebration, creativity, and community.
Locals and visitors from afar made the most of their opportunity to be part of a historic moment that turned the spotlight on the boundless potential of Bradford and its people.
Before the show began, the outdoor venue kicked off with a festival buzz, with lively DJs, tantalising food trucks, and entertainers bringing a little bit of magic to the crowd.
Once the performance began, no one was quite prepared to be amazed by such a captivating event!
Created by Bradford’s very own world-renowned magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) and directed by the brilliant Kirsty Housley, RISE took audiences on a magical journey featuring aerial performers, dazzling acrobatics, and mind-blowing illusions.
At the heart of this extraordinary event was Bradford’s community. The show highlighted the voices, stories, and talent of local residents, with standout performances by the Friendship Choir, the Airedale Symphony Orchestra, and a multi-generational ensemble of Bradforders aged 12 to 65.
RISE is more than a performance – it’s a celebration of Bradford’s rich history, dynamic culture, and resilient spirit.
Anyone who had the chance to witness the magic unfold under the winter sky shared in the pride of what makes Bradford truly special. RISE was a visually stunning way to launch into a year of creativity, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Why I Love RISE
Personally, RISE was an experience I’ll never forget.
Despite a week of relentless sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of people bundled up and poured into the heart of Bradford, determined not to miss even a moment of the magic.
The atmosphere was simply electric – t here was incredible energy coursing through the crowd, uniting us all under the crisp winter sky.
From the first note to the final crescendo, the performance was deeply moving, each moment filled with pride and passion that brought the city’s rich culture to life.
Whether you call Bradford home or are visiting just for the show, it is impossible not to be swept up in the emotion of it all.
The word “magic” doesn’t even begin to capture it. RISE wasn’t just a show; it was a powerful reminder of Bradford’s resilience and creativity.
The pride and excitement were undeniable, and it has set the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year of cultural celebration for the city and beyond.
Nationhood: Memory and Hope
Location: Impressions Gallery, Centenary Square, Aldermanbury, Bradford, BD1 1SD
Dates: 11th January – 26th April
Price: Free
Nationhood: Memory and Hope is a groundbreaking exploration of identity, community, and the unseen stories that define the UK today.
Launching at Impressions Gallery, this exhibition is not only a highlight of Bradford’s tenure as the UK City of Culture but a privilege to experience firsthand as the starting point of its nationwide tour.
Featuring the visionary work of celebrated Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh, alongside seven extraordinary emerging talents from across the UK, this powerful collection captures the essence of who we are as a nation in 2025.
At its heart is The Necessity of Seeing, an awe-inspiring series of surrealist, constructed photographs by Muluneh. Created in iconic locations across Bradford, Belfast, Cardiff, and Glasgow, these images reveal untold narratives, forgotten histories, and quiet, poignant moments that resonate on both a personal and societal level.
Bradford, with its vibrant cultural mosaic and historical depth, becomes the perfect canvas for Muluneh’s lens, adding another layer of meaning to this exceptional collection.
Visitors can also admire A Portrait of Us, a striking set of black-and-white images honoring unsung community heroes from these four cities—an ode to those who embody resilience and hope without seeking the limelight.
Complementing Muluneh’s contributions are breathtaking new portraits from rising stars of UK photography, including Bradford’s own Shaun Connell and Roz Doherty. Together, these artists create an inspiring tapestry of multiple perspectives, offering visitors a rich, layered view of the UK’s diverse identities.
This exhibition represents something truly special—not only because it is the opening act of Bradford’s City of Culture programme, but because it marks the first UK City of Culture project to unite all four nations.
Why I Love Nationhood: Memory and Hope
Visiting Nationhood: Memory and Hope was an amazing experience that reignited my passion for photography and experimentation.
Muluneh’s work, in particular, stood out brilliantly. Her use of vibrant body painting and bright-coloured clothing created a striking contrast to the cold, stone architecture that is so iconically British.
This visual contrast was captivating and spoke volumes about the clashing and melding of cultures—a harmonious chaos that seamlessly blended in her photography.
It was particularly inspiring to see Muluneh’s work displayed alongside a series of emerging photographers from across the UK. This combination offered a unique opportunity to witness the soul of each city through the eyes of those who call it home.
Each photographer approached the art of portraiture in his or her own extraordinary way, with their subjects captured through completely distinct lenses. The variety was remarkable, highlighting not only the diversity of the people but also the immense creative range within portrait photography itself.
It was a fantastic pairing and a true celebration of individuality and shared humanity that left a lasting impression on me.
David Hockney: Pieced Together
Location: National Science and Media Museum, Pictureville, Bradford BD1 1NQ
Dates: 15th January – 18th May
Price: Pay What You Feel
If you’re not familiar with the work of Bradford-born artist David Hockney, 2025 is the year to start! He is an artist who has continuously redefined the boundaries of visual storytelling.
This inspiring exhibition shines a spotlight on his groundbreaking exploration of photography and video, revealing how he captures the richness of life through inventive techniques.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a rare opportunity to see one of Hockney’s ‘joiner’ photocollages, created right here at the National Science and Media Museum in 1985.
This remarkable work, featuring the museum itself in its early days as the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, has been hidden from public view for around 25 years. Viewing it in the very place where it was conceived makes the experience extra memorable.
But that’s not all—the exhibition pairs this early photographic masterpiece with Hockney’s later experimentations in video.
His stunning video installation The Four Seasons: Woldgate Woods transports visitors through the changing beauty of nature, showcasing his ability to depict time, scale, and perspective using cutting-edge digital media.
Created nearly 30 years after the photocollage, this piece highlights Hockney’s enduring curiosity and artistry across decades.
Don’t miss this rare chance to explore how one of the world’s most celebrated artists has utilised technology to reshape our understanding of how we see and experience the world. This is more than an exhibition – it’s a tribute to Hockney’s lifelong creativity and a love letter to his Bradford roots.
Why I Love: David Hockney: Pieced Together
Having been familiar with David Hockney’s artwork for some time, I was excited to visit the exhibition and explore his creative world further. However, I must admit, I wasn’t aware of the incredible breadth of his practice – spanning not just painting but also film and photography.
One particular highlight for me was discovering Hockney’s innovative work with “joiners.” As a photography enthusiast, learning about his process of assembling individual photographs to construct unique, multi-perspective compositions was absolutely fascinating.
Through archival footage and interviews, hearing Hockney explain his rationale behind this method in his own words brought a newfound appreciation for his work.
This exploration of his “joiners” beautifully complemented The Four Seasons: Woldgate Woods. This breathtaking video piece applies the same thought process to the medium of film.
Watching the enchanting four-minute footage of a quiet country lane transform through the seasons was an immersive experience that truly stayed with me. The large-scale scenes and unique perspective create a sensory experience that feels almost like stepping into the artwork itself.
Whether you’re new to Hockney’s work or a longtime admirer, this exhibition offers something special.
It introduces fresh perspectives on his creativity and demonstrates how his signature exploration of perception extends across decades and mediums. It is a testament to the enduring brilliance of one of Bradford’s most celebrated artists.
Salts Mill, The Peace Museum and Ann Hamilton: We Will Sing
Bradford’s City of Culture acclaim stretches far beyond the heart of its city centre. It extends to the entire Bradford Metropolitan region, including gems like the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire.
At the heart of Saltaire lies the magnificent Salts Mill, a Grade II listed former textile mill commissioned by Sir Titus Salt. First opening its doors in 1853, this impressive building was a hub of cloth production until 1986, when its industrial life finally came to a close.
The following year, the late visionary Jonathan Silver breathed new life into the mill, transforming it into a unique space where culture and commerce could flourish hand in hand.
Today, Salts Mill is a vibrant destination teeming with creativity.
The ground floor is home to the 1853 Gallery, which proudly houses one of the largest permanent collections of work by David Hockney, celebrating Bradford’s own world-renowned artist.
Beyond its artistic treasures, Salts Mill offers a treasure trove of independent stores, art exhibitions, and thoughtfully curated spaces.
Visitors can relax and indulge in its welcoming restaurant and café, making it the perfect place to soak in the artistic and cultural legacy that lives within its historic walls.
The Peace Museum
Location: Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley, BD18 3HU
Dates: Permenant attraction (currently closed for winter but due to reopen shortly)
Price: Free
Tucked away within the historic Salts Mill, The Peace Museum is a true hidden treasure and an essential stop for anyone exploring the city during the City of Culture celebrations.
As the only museum in the UK dedicated exclusively to peace, it provides a unique and deeply moving experience by shining a light on the history and often untold stories of peacemakers, peace movements, and social reformers.
Since its founding in 1994, the museum has amassed an extraordinary collection of 16,000 items, including banners, personal artifacts, campaign materials, and artworks generously contributed by individuals and organisations from around the world.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the freshly designed exhibition space, which thoughtfully explores themes of peace through impactful movements, campaigns, and moments brought to life by the museum’s collection.
Enhancing the experience is the temporary exhibition titled “What does peace mean to you?” – an inspiring display created in partnership with local artist Lakhbir Sangha and members of the Bradford community.
This exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the significance of peace in their own lives, making The Peace Museum an essential and enriching destination for anyone eager to engage with stories of hope, resilience, and change.
Why I Love The Peace Museum
During my visit to The Peace Museum, I was profoundly moved by the atmosphere it cultivated – a space filled with quiet contemplation and deep reflection.
Walking through the exhibits, I found myself captivated by how the museum tackled complex and often difficult topics surrounding peace with both honesty and sensitivity.
The stories of peace movements, both past and present, were incredibly inspiring, offering a glimpse into the resilience and courage of those who have worked tirelessly to build a more harmonious world.
What struck me most was the realisation that peace isn’t just an abstract concept or grand societal goal; it’s something we can all contribute to in our own lives. The museum subtly and powerfully conveyed this message, encouraging visitors to reflect on their roles in fostering peace in their communities and beyond.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. It was an experience that felt both enriching and emotionally impactful. I left with a sense of gratitude and a desire to return after some time to further explore and process everything I encountered.
There is so much depth to The Peace Museum’s collection that one visit simply isn’t enough, and I can’t wait to uncover more during my next trip. This museum is truly a hidden gem, offering something new to reflect on each time you step through its doors.
Ann Hamilton: We Will Sing
Location: Salts Mill, Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley, BD18 3HU
Dates: 3rd May – 2nd November
Price: Free
Opening later in 2025 as part of the City of Culture programme, We Will Sing by Ann Hamilton promises to be an awe-inspiring and poetic experience.
Ann Hamilton, one of America’s most acclaimed visual artists, brings her first major UK work in over 30 years to Salts Mill. Hamilton is creating an installation that resonates deeply with the district’s remarkable textile heritage.
For the first time, the vast top floor of Salts Mill will unite all three of its spaces to host this monumental artwork, making it a truly unprecedented exhibition.
Drawing on the history and regeneration of Salts Mill, We Will Sing intertwines memory and imagination in a breathtaking site-responsive installation.
Voice, song, and printed words merge into a stunning surround crafted from raw and woven wool, all sourced from local textile companies, including H Dawson and William Halstead.
Rich with layered meanings, Hamilton’s work offers a sensory and contemplative experience, reflecting the vibrant past and exciting future of this community.
Curated by June Hill and Jennifer Hallam, the exhibition also features a new film by Bradford-based filmmaker Ali Hobbs, shedding light on Hamilton’s creative process and the making of this extraordinary installation.
Alongside the artwork, an extensive programme invites visitors to explore through tours, readings, special events, and the opportunity to contribute “letters to the future,” answering the profound question central to the piece: What does the future need to know?
Hamilton herself describes her profound connection to Salts Mill, saying, “We Will Sing began the moment I first opened Salts Mill’s large wooden doors… I hope my project is a small part of envisioning this possibility.”
Her warmth and vision capture the soul of this project, promising to leave visitors inspired and connected to Bradford’s tapestry of stories.
Having had the opportunity to tour the space that will host this exhibition later in the year, it is clear to see this will be a piece of monumental scale. The cavernous top floor of Salts Mill is going to make a spectacular backdrop to this eagerly awaited event. I can’t wait to see it once it opens to the public in May!
So, mark your calendar for this must-see exhibition – a trans-Atlantic ode to creativity, community, and transformation, that feels right at home in Bradford.
The Year Ahead in Bradford – What’s On in 2025?
But this is just a taster of what Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture has in store.
The Bradford 2025 programme is bursting with events and activities that celebrate creativity, culture, and community in dynamic and inspiring ways.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out, thought-provoking exhibitions, or captivating performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From free community gatherings to exclusive ticketed experiences, the year promises a vibrant mix of opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heartbeat.
And the excitement doesn’t stop here – new events and activities will continue to be announced as the year unfolds. Be sure to check back often to stay updated and discover even more ways to join in the celebration!
Full listings for January – March 2025
See full event details and buy tickets here.
RISE
10-11 January 2025
City Park and Centenary Square will be the stage for an astonishing show in January to mark the start of Bradford 2025 – bringing magic to unexpected places. RISE is an unmissable celebration of the people and the communities who make Bradford magic.
Created by Steven Frayne (fka Dynamo) and director Kirsty Housley, RISE will be an astonishing show with local people, voices and stories at its heart. Performers include a community choir led by the Friendship Choir, the Airedale Symphony Orchestra, and a multi-generational community ensemble of Bradford residents aged from 12 to 65 – as well as Bradford-born poet, spoken word artist and playwright Kirsty Taylor, alongside locally based writers and performers Kemmi Gill, Nabeela Ahmed and Kenzo Jae, composer and conductor Ben Crick, and composer and DJ Jae Depz.
DRAW!
From January 2025
Bradford-born artist David Hockney has drawn the world around him for 60 years, using everything from pencils to iPads. The artist spent four years studying at the Bradford School of Art, which he joined in 1953 at the age of 16. The focus was on life drawing and he went on to discover a love of painting, often using the streets of post-war Bradford as a subject. Inspired by Hockney, Bradford 2025 is inviting people of all ages across the UK to take part in a drawing project to reflect our everyday lives.
Nationhood: Memory and Hope
11 January – 26 April 2025
Impressions Gallery
Nationhood: Memory and Hope is an outstanding collection of new photography celebrating the diversity of the UK in 2025. The exhibition offers a wealth of insights into the UK’s four nations today, exploring how we each try and shape both our identities and our communities to make the world a better place.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is The Necessity of Seeing, a major new collection of constructed images by Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh. Shot through her surrealist lens at iconic locations in Bradford, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow, Muluneh’s new work reveals the overlooked stories, forgotten histories and quiet moments that shape who we are.
First seen on billboards around Bradford in autumn 2024, the exhibition also presents A Portrait of Us, Muluneh’s potent black and white photographs of unsung community heroes from the same four cities.
Nationhood: Memory and Hope also showcases striking new portraits by seven rising stars in UK photography: Shaun Connell and Roz Doherty from Bradford; Chad Alexander from Belfast; Robin Chaddah-Duke and Grace Springer from Cardiff; and Miriam Ali and Haneen Hadiy from Glasgow.
Nationhood: Memory and Hope opens at Impressions Gallery before travelling to Belfast Exposed, Ffotogallery in Cardiff and Street Level Photoworks in Glasgow – making this the first ever UK City of Culture project to take place in all four nations of the UK.
La Haine – Live
15 January 2025
St George’s Hall
Asian Dub Foundation make a welcome return to Bradford to reprise one of their most acclaimed projects – their powerful soundtrack to cult classic French thriller La Haine, performed live to a screening of the film for one night only.
La Haine (‘Hatred’) chronicles 24 hours in the lives of three friends from a poor suburb of Paris, where tensions are at breaking point following the death of a local man at the hands of the police. Directed by Mathieu Kassowitz, the film celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Fighting to be Heard
17 January – 27 April 2025
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
The ancient art of calligraphy and the noble art of boxing are an unlikely pairing, but they share a surprising amount of common ground. This free exhibition explores connections between the two disciplines through the eyes of a group of British South Asian Muslim men living in Bradford today.
Razwan Ul-Haq is an acclaimed calligrapher and one-time boxing trainee. Tasif Khan is current world champion boxer and founder of Bradford’s Tasif Khan Community Boxing Academy. Together with boxers and trainers from the Academy, they have chosen a selection of rare items from the British Library’s Arabic and Urdu collections, and from the collections of Bradford District Museums & Galleries – from ninth-century calligraphy to extraordinary contemporary work.
Fighting to be Heard also features the men’s personal stories and their reactions to the collections, offering fascinating new perspectives on these objects.
Jungle Book reimagined
24 & 25 January
Alhambra Theatre
Akram Khan Company perform in Bradford for the first time as part of Bradford 2025.
Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined is based on the much-loved story by Rudyard Kipling. With a new sense of urgency, Khan has reinterpreted this known story from another perspective, through the lens of today’s children – those who will inherit our world and become our future storytellers. Embedded in the roots of The Jungle Book is the deep threat that mankind poses towards nature. Khan and his team have reimagined the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a refugee caught in a world devastated by the impact of climate change. They tell the story of a child who will help us to listen again, not to our voices but to the voices of the natural world that we, the modern world, try to silence. Jungle Book reimagined speaks to all generations as a step to remind, to relearn and to reimagine a new world together.
Northern Soul
30 January – 9 February
Pictureville Cinema at the National Science and Media Museum
Northern Soul is a celebration of northern women in cinema – as writers, directors and trailblazers behind the camera, and as the subjects of some of the most compelling stories in contemporary cinema. Presented at Pictureville in the newly reopened National Science & Media Museum, the season is curated by Clio Barnard, the West Yorkshire-raised writer director of The Arbor, centred on Bradford writer Andrea Dunbar, The Selfish Giant and Ali & Ava, a moving romance set in the city.
The selections in Northern Soul span six decades, from a ’60s British New Wave classic to the latest feature from one of our most exciting directors. Screenings include Gurinder Chadha’s Bhaji on the Beach, Carol Morley’s Typist Artist Pirate King and Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights and will be complemented by discussions, interviews and other special events.
BBC Introducing
28 February
The Underground
BBC Introducing, the BBC’s music discovery platform, will be shining the spotlight on the region’s best unsigned and emerging artists for Bradford 2025.
Across four gigs at Bradford’s Underground, we’ll be hearing from some of the most exciting new bands and singers from Bradford District and around – hand-picked by the tastemakers at BBC Introducing. They’ll be following in the footsteps of Florence + the Machine, Olivia Dean and Sam Fender, just some of the acts who received BBC Introducing support at the start of their careers.
PLAY: Grue
8–23 February 2025
Damart Mill, Bingley
Made by Yorkshire artist Steve Wintercroft and produced by charitable community producing company ARCADE, Grue is a fantastical world, built alongside the community entirely from recycled and repurposed cardboard. Grue invites audiences to step into a series of enchanting landscapes to meet a host of incredible characters. It features live performers, gentle lighting effects and a beautiful soundscape.
The Dreams I Had: Andrea Dunbar
12 March 2025
St George’s Hall
Andrea Dunbar wrote vividly and brilliantly of the Bradford she knew. Born and raised in Buttershaw, she made her name as a teenager when The Arbor, her first play, premiered to huge acclaim at London’s Royal Court, one of the world’s leading theatres for new writing. She followed it with Rita, Sue and Bob Too and Shirley, two plays that combine domestic drama, social comment and wicked humour to extraordinary effect – and that remain just as relevant and powerful today.
Bradford 2025 is paying tribute to Dunbar, marking 45 years since the premiere of The Arbor and 35 years since her tragically early death. The Dreams I Had is directed by Erica Whyman, former deputy artistic director at the Royal Shakespeare Company, with dramaturgy from Bradford born and based, Kat Rose-Martin. The Dreams I Had presents staged readings of selections from her works, celebrating the explosive talent of this once-in-a-generation writer.
People Powered Press
March
Venues tba
The People Powered Press is a non-profit company based in Shipley, formed in 2021 around the largest letterpress printing press in the world. It engages communities through creative writing, typography and letterpress printing to amplify the voices of local people with important and interesting things to say about the world and their place in it, co-creating prints, zines and large-scale murals for exhibition in indoor and outdoor public spaces.
The Press is working with members of four groups from around the district: People First Keighley & Craven, students at Co-op Academy Grange, Bradford’s Gypsy and Traveller community, and a girls’ group based at MAPA Bradford community centre. Through creative writing workshops with Antony Dunn, the Press’s Poet in Residence, the participants will write a collection of poetry, and each will collaboratively create a single phrase that gets to the heart of the issues they’ve explored in the workshops. Each group will then visit the Press to help hand-print the letters of their phrase into four giant murals, which will be seen in venues around Bradford in March 2025.
How to Get More From Bradford 2025
If you’re planning a visit to Bradford in 2025, here are some helpful expert tips to get the most out of your visit to the city.
How to Get to Bradford
Getting to Bradford couldn’t be easier, thanks to its excellent transport connections.
The city boasts two train stations, Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forster Square, making it accessible from across the region and beyond.
For those travelling by road, The Broadway shopping centre car park, has over 1,400 spaces and is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Where to Stay in Bradford
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Once you’ve arrived, settle in and stay a while, as Bradford offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste.
My personal recommendation is The Great Victoria, situated next to Bradford Interchange. This stunning hotel perfectly blends the grandeur of the 1800s with modern luxury and elegance, offering an ideal base for your cultural adventure.
If you’re looking for other places to stay in Bradford, check out the interactive map of options below.
Other Things to do in Bradford
During your stay, make time to explore Bradford’s vibrant cultural program and its wealth of attractions.
The Science and Media Museum is a must-visit, showcasing fascinating exhibitions and an impressive IMAX cinema experience.
History enthusiasts will love The Bradford Police Museum, Bolling Hall, and the serene beauty of East Riddlesden Hall. Or you can discover more about Bradford’s celebrated multi-cultural background on the Bradford Faith Trail.
Or, why not plan an outdoor adventure? Be surprised by the beauty of Bradford’s rural landscapes on a hike in the area. The hike from Haworth to Top Withens is my personal favourite. Alternatively, discover the magical waterfall at Goit Stock, or the enchanting folly of St David’s Ruin.
And for those seeking a tasty treat, don’t miss the independent café, Cake ‘Ole, where the cakes are as colourful and creative as the city itself!
Before You Go
So, are you ready to immerse yourself in Bradford 2025?
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting to experience the scheduled cultural activities, discover the hidden gems dotted across the city, or savour the diverse culinary scene, you’re sure to lose yourself in the welcoming atmosphere that makes Bradford truly unique.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, this extraordinary year for Bradford promises memories that will last a lifetime. Come join the celebration!
And if you want to discover even more world-class events across the Yorkshire region, be sure to sign up to my weekly newsletter. Each week I’ll send you the top events happening in North, West, East and South Yorkshire, just in time for making your weekend plans. You’ll never miss a top Yorkshire event again!
Until our next adventure,
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