What's Coming in 2025

We’ve been waiting for so long, but it’s finally upon us—2025 is here, and Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture has begun! Over the next 12 months countless phenomenal events are coming up that you’ll want to get involved in. Here’s a glimpse of just a few of the highlights in store for 2025.

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Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture kicks off in January and runs throughout the year, with a variety of spectacular events coming up and a few surprises still yet to be announced! RISE begins the year with a fabulous outdoor show from Kirsty Housley and Stephen Frayne on 10^th and 11^th January at City Park. At the same time Aïda Muluneh’s new exhibition, Nationhood: Memory and Hope, will launch, showcasing local heroes at the Impressions Gallery from 10^th January to 26th April. 

Walk through an enchanted landscape at Damart mill in Bingley from 8^th-23rd February in Grue Wintercroft and ARCADE. The Big Brass Blowout brings 3 days of brilliant music to venues across the district from 11^th-13^th April, and Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley, hosts incredible art from the Ice Age in partnership with the British Museum from 21^st June-14th September. Between 16^th July-7th September, you can see an amazing performance of the Railway Children in conjunction with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

All this and much more is on the way as part of the Bradford 2025 celebrations including self-guided trails through the district, film, live music and a chance to see the works of artists shortlisted for the Turner Prize.

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Explore the pioneering use of film and photography by David Hockney at a special exhibition at the National Science and Media Museum, which reopens to the public from 8^th January. From 15^th January - 18th May, you’ll see how the famous artist has used technology to produce some of his works.

See the story of America brought to life with a twist at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 28^th January to 15th March. The smash-hit musical Hamilton features incredible songs, powerful performances and a revolutionary take on history — an experience you won’t want to miss.

Sample delicious beers, ciders, wines and more at the Ilkley Beer Festival on 7^th-8^th February at the King’s Hall and Winter Garden. Stay tuned for the full lineup of breweries and an exciting selection of live entertainment to enjoy while sipping on a tasty pint or two.

Get your game on at the National Science and Media Museum when the Yorkshire Games Festival returns on 10^th-23^rd February. From talks by leading lights in games design and production to demos of brand-new games, this is a fantastic event for anyone with an interest in how games are made.

Board the trains at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway at the Steam Gala on 20^th-23^rd March. Guest locomotives will join the home fleet for this wonderful celebration of steam trains running the full length of the line.

Experience the critically acclaimed musical Six at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on 8^th-12 April. The wives of Henry VIII tell their stories in a modern retelling through song in this sell-out Tudor triumph on tour.

Stoke the boiler, polish your goggles and get ready for the Haworth Steampunk Weekend, returning on 3^rd-4^th May and 10^th-12^th October. Elaborate costumes, live music, markets, burlesque performances and more await you at these fantastic events.

Meet the most famous nanny of all on stage at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 21^st May-29^th June. Disney’s Mary Poppins is floating onto the stage, bringing all your favourite songs from the iconic film to life.

Spend a weekend discovering delicious new food and drink at the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival from 14^th-15^th June. Expect a wide variety of vendors offering tasty morsels to sample, cooking demonstrations from special guests and brilliant live entertainment.

Watch mighty dragons race along the river in Saltaire from 27^th June-29^th July, when the Bradford Dragonboat Festival returns to Roberts Park. Alongside the races, you’ll find a host of stalls, music, games and entertainment along the riverbanks.

One of the country’s top literature festivals, the Bradford Literature Festival returns to the UK City of Culture from 27^th June-6^th July. A host of awe-inspiring authors and celebrities will be visiting to discuss their latest works and passions and share them with you.

Watch a hilarious race through Oxenhope on Saturday, 5^th July where duos will carry bales of straw between the village pubs, often in fancy dress, to the cheers of the crowd. Why not come along and maybe even sign up to take part yourself?

Explore the rich cultural and heritage buildings of the Bradford district during Heritage Open Days on 12^th-21^st September. Some of the district’s most remarkable venues will open their doors for the public, offering a unique chance to explore hidden places, try new things and learn about local history.

Celebrate beer and music along the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on 16^th-19^th October. Be sure to experience one of the best beer festivals in the North, featuring top food, drink and entertainment.

All of this, and so much more, is coming soon to Bradford District, with dates for seasonal events to be announced shortly!

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Have an amazing 2025 in Bradford district and don’t forget to tag @visitbradford #VisitBradford in your photos.

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