Bradford is set to celebrate its status as the 2025 City of Culture in the new year, and with it comes a host of events set to take place under the Bradford2025 umbrella.
Having been awarded the status back in 2022, the honor recognizes the city's cultural diversity and its rich artistic history, and it will serve as a platform to showcase its creative talent through various events and exhibitions throughout 2025.
The City of Culture title is part of an initiative by the UK Government to celebrate and promote the cultural identity of cities across the country. Bradford’s selection follows a competitive process in which other cities, such as Wrexham, received significant recognition, but Bradford was ultimately chosen for its strong cultural and community-led initiatives.
There are a whole heap of events set to take place across the city throughout the year, including musical performances and art exhibitions - many of which are free to attend, but in the event there are tickets, it’s as easy as visiting the Bradford 2025 website to make those bookings.
So - what are some of the events taking place in Bradford in 2025 as it celebrates its historic title of City of Culture?
13. Fighting to Be Heard
Fighting to Be Heard unites two seemingly unrelated worlds: boxing and calligraphy. Featuring rare Arabic and Urdu manuscripts from the British Library alongside the personal stories of local boxers and calligraphers, this exhibition explores the surprising connections between these art forms. See it at Cartwright Hall from January 17-April 27. | British Library
14. La Haine – Live Asian Dub Foundation
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of La Haine with a live performance of Asian Dub Foundation’s acclaimed soundtrack. This powerful collaboration brings the French thriller to life on January 15 at St. George’s Hall. Don’t miss this unforgettable cinematic and musical experience. | Getty Images
15. Nationhood: Memory and Hope
Nationhood: Memory and Hope, a major exhibition by Aïda Muluneh, celebrates the diversity and spirit of the UK through the lens of community heroes. Opening on January 10 at Impressions Gallery, this collection includes powerful portraits shot in iconic locations across the UK’s four nations. | Aïda Muluneh
16. RISE
RISE kicks off Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture celebrations with an open-air spectacle. Created by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley and Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (Dynamo), this inspiring event, on January 10-11 at City Park, is a tribute to the people and communities that make Bradford truly magical. | Provided
17. BD: Walls
BD: Walls transforms Bradford City with vibrant street art, featuring new works regularly throughout 2025. Beginning with a major piece by Polish artist NeSpoon, this initiative blends tradition and innovation. Keep an eye out for more installations and discover the creativity of emerging local artists, all part of Bradford’s evolving urban art scene. | Provided
18. Memories of the Future
Memories of the Future, a ground-breaking dance project by Akram Khan and Helen Linsell, celebrates Bradford’s vibrant communities. 60 dancers from various cultures and generations will take the stage for their first performances, exploring themes of identity and belonging. This special event will be held at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford on July 5, as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. | Akram Kahn