Introduced in 2009, the UK City of Culture scheme is designed to promote cultural regeneration and economic growth in cities across the UK. Every four years, one city is chosen to hold the title, with the aim of boosting tourism, investment, and community engagement. Taking the mantle from Coventry, Bradford was selected given its rich cultural diversity, historical significance and its growing reputation as a creative hub.
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: “Our communities can and should be empowered to come together, tell their story and create change in their local area. That is what the UK City of Culture competition is all about. So much enthusiasm and hard work has gone into organising Bradford’s year. There is a real buzz in the city as people get ready to showcase their talents. I would encourage everyone to go and see some of the fantastic events in the new year.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Bradford’s creative industries are brimming with ingenuity, diversity and attitude, and with these spectacular opening events, the whole world will get to see Bradford at its best. That’s why we’re investing £6 million into Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 – to attract visitors and investment, create jobs and growth, and build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
The celebrations opened in January with the outdoor spectacular RISE, created by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley in collaboration with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo). Other highlights include Memories of the Future (5 July), a new project from renowned dancer-choreographer Akram Khan and Akram Khan Company, and a three-day contemporary-classical music festival, New Music Biennial 2025, featuring both local talent and international stars (6-8 June). The Turner Prize, which showcases new developments in British art, will be hosted at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery from September 2025. Additionally, there will be pop-up exhibitions at Salts Mill, theatre performances in historic venues, and an outdoor art exhibition titled Wild Uplands, set in the moorlands of Penistone Hill Country Park, near Haworth.
Bradford’s UNESCO City of Film status will also shine through as part of an eclectic film programme including open-air film screenings, workshops and collaborations with global filmmakers. Highlights will include a screening of Mathieu Kassovitz’s classic La Haine with a live performance of the score by the Asian Dub Foundation (15 January). Film director Clio Barnard (Ali & Ava, The Selfish Giant) will curate a series of films from working-class northern women at Pictureville, Yorkshire’s biggest independent cinema.
The programme of events is wide and varied – to find out the latest on what is happening in Bradford and how to take part and book tickets, do visit Bradford2025’s own website: https://bradford2025.co.uk/
Article contributed by Fran Pride, Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide: https://yorkshiresbestguides.co.uk/project/fran-pride/
