Get ready for an electrifying and unmissable year in Bradford, the UK City of Culture for 2025!
All through 2025, Bradford will be buzzing with exciting events celebrating culture in all its forms, while also showcasing Bradford’s rich history and heritage. From January to December, you’ll find performances, activities, and celebrations happening all over the district—in the city, towns, villages, and even green spaces.
The year kicks off in January with RISE, a huge outdoor spectacle created by Bradford’s own magician, Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), and directed by Kirsty Housley. This magical show will explore themes of heritage, people and magic found in unexpected places.
For a fun experience for all ages, check out Grue: a wintry world created by the people of Bradford. In this enchanted landscape, you’ll take on an important mission- helping our historian to solve the mysteries of Damart Mill.
Music lovers, get ready for a year-long musical journey with festivals, gigs and performances. The 3-day New Music Biennial will showcase the best of new music, while the Big Brass Blowout is a weekend dedicated to brass music, featuring Bradford’s famous Black Dyke Band. In August, Dialled In will bring the energy of contemporary South Asian music to the stage, while in January, Asian Dub Foundation will live-score the French thriller La Haine to mark the film’s 30th anniversary.
For the first time, the world’s most exciting visual arts prize is coming to Bradford! Cartwright Hall will host the Turner Prize, showcasing the latest and most exciting British art.
And don’t miss the chance to revisit the beloved children’s classic The Railway Children on the actual train tracks where the movie was filmed! Mike Kenny’s stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s novel will be performed at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway line.
It’s going to be a year to remember! Don’t forget to keep an eye on this guide for updates to the programme!
Learn more about Bradford 2025 here.
