Across the district, friendly clubs and cosy venues host regular events that celebrate this rich musical tradition. Whether you’re into toe-tapping tunes or soulful ballads, there’s something happening every month—from intimate gigs with local talent to performances by international acts. Come along, soak up the atmosphere, and be part of Bradford’s vibrant folk community.
Integral to the folk scene in Bradford is the Topic Folk Club. Established in 1956, the club claims to be the oldest continuously operating weekly folk club of its type in the world.
To celebrate Bradford as the City of Culture 2025, the Topic Folk Club is collecting folk songs that tell the stories of people and groups working to make the district a welcoming and supportive place. The club has also featured fantastic acts either based in or born in Bradford, contributing to the district’s ongoing folk legacy.
Catch more folk music at Bingley First Monday Folk, Bacca Pipes Folk Club and more! The Live Room, Mek Summat, Village Pavilion and Black Dyke Mills are just a few of the amazing organisers programming folk events in the district.
Some notable acts began their journey in the district, including Swan Arcade, named after a shopping arcade located between Market Street and Broadway. The group were notable for earthy 3-part harmonies and nominal ‘lead’ Dave Brady’s aggressive encouragement for the audience to ‘sing, ye b*st*rds, sing!’
One of England’s most important traditional singers of the 60s and 70s, Peter Bellamy (of The Young Tradition), spent his later years and career in Keighley. Bellamy also played a part in the development of the longstanding Bacca Pipes club.
Check out upcoming folk gigs, including the Hwaet and Mek Summat Salt of the Earth Folk Festival, performances from Eliza Carthy and more!
