Bradford continues to shine as a beacon of culture in 2025, with its official status as the UK’s City of Culture offering more brilliant events as the weather gets warmer.
With the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to get out and about in Bradford to check out some of the incredible activities taking place, be it at Wibsey Park with younger family members or a chance to take in some cinematic goodness at Cannon Mills’ drive-in theatre.
That’s on top of St George’s Hall being taken over by orchestras, EDM DJs and an utter plethora of events at the pop up Loading Bay location - exclusive to Bradford2025.
We’ve rounded up 39 of the events and exhibitions taking place across April and May that are worth your time - and even travelling from afar to Bradford. Tickets and more information about the events are available through the Bradford2025 website.
But what’s caught our eye at the City of Culture in the next two months?
25. Ann Hamilton: We Will Sing (May 3 – November 2)
Salts Mill will host "We Will Sing," the largest ever solo UK exhibition by renowned artist Ann Hamilton, and her first UK exhibition in 25 years. The exhibition will feature new work inspired by Bradford’s textile heritage, immersive soundscapes developed with vocalist Emily Eagen, and a newly commissioned film by Ali Hobbs. | Ali Hobbs
26. Les Enfants Terribles - A Gameshow for Awful Children (May 4)
The Beacon at Wibsey Park will present this family game show, hosted by French comedian Marcel Lucont, where children compete to be Bradford’s most awful child. This five-star hit from the Edinburgh Fringe includes tricky tasks and comedic scenarios. | Bradford2025
27. Marcel Lucont's Whine List (May 4)
The Beacon at Wibsey Park will also host Marcel Lucont's evening show, "Marcel Lucont's Whine List." In this comedy performance, the comedian creates humour from the audience's past gripes and shares his erotic poetry | Bradford2025
28. Bradford Belles (May 5)
The Beacon at Wibsey Park will feature a performance by the Bradford Belles, a group of older women artists and performers. They use humour, creativity, and play to challenge age stereotypes, presenting a walkabout act and a show incorporating dance, clowning, and comedy. | Reyhana Laher
29. Bassline Symphony (May 9)
St George’s Hall will host this unique concert celebrating the sound of Bradford. Arranger Katie Chatburn and the Orchestra of Opera North will collaborate with four-to-the-floor legends Jamie Duggan, DJ Q, and TS7, along with guest vocalists and DJs, to present symphonic versions of bassline music. | Max Lee
30. The 56 (May 11)
Loading Bay will present LUNG’s award-winning play The 56, staged on the 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire. The play pays tribute to the fans who lost their lives in the 1985 tragedy, using real-life testimonies to explore themes of solidarity and community. | Bradford2025