Bradford becomes UK City of Culture for 2025

Bradford City of Culture
Bradford is expected to benefit from 6,500 new jobs, with an extra 3.3 million visitors spending nearly £140million over the course of the year. Credit: PA

Bradford has officially become the UK's City of Culture for 2025.

Over the course of the next 12 months the West Yorkshire city will host more than 1,000 events, including light shows, dance performances, music festivals and film screenings.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: "We know the programme of events is going to be amazing and residents and visitors alike will have a great experience throughout the year."

The celebrations start with an outdoor show called Rise, over 10 and 11 January, created by theatre director Kirsty Housley in collaboration with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo.

On 15 January there will be a screening of Mathieu Kassovitz’s classic La Haine, with a live performance of the score by the Asian Dub Foundation.

In June a three-day music festival called New Music Biennial 2025 will feature local and international talent.

The following month will see a dance project called Memories of the Future.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery will host The Turner Prize from September, while Salts Mill will have pop-up exhibitions.

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. Coventry was the last UK City of Culture in 2021.

More than 3,000 volunteers are being recruited to ensure that events in Bradford run smoothly.

The government estimates that the city will benefit from 6,500 new jobs, with an extra 3.3 million visitors spending nearly £140million over the course of the year.

Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "I cannot wait to experience the spectacular programme of cultural delights next year that will tell Bradford’s story to the world, showing off the district’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic talent."

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