What Is The Replay Play Space At Damart Mill For Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Ever wished there was a place where kids could just run wild, build dens, and let their imaginations do the heavy lifting? Well, something pretty special has landed in Bingley. As part of the massive celebrations for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, an old mill has been turned into a mind-bending world of play. It’s called REPLAY, and it’s not your average soft play centre. This is a place built on creativity, recycling, and the simple joy of having fun, running from 14 October to 30 November 2025.

So, what exactly is replay?

Imagine walking into a giant indoor adventure playground that feels a bit like stepping inside a work of art. That’s REPLAY. It’s a unique play space located at the historic Damart Mill in Bingley, created by the clever folks at The Herd Theatre. Here’s the brilliant part: it’s built entirely from recycled materials. Think old bits and bobs, given a new lease of life as climbing frames, secret hideouts, and things that spark a million different stories.

It’s part art installation, part adventure zone. The design is meant to get imaginations firing on all cylinders, and there’s even a musical score made from recycled sounds to go with it. This isn't about following instructions; it's about celebrating free play. Kids under 11 and their families get to explore side-by-side, making up their own games in this incredible space. It's a fantastic example of creative activity in Bradford, promoting the idea that play can come from anywhere and anything.

How can families get involved?

Getting in on the action is straightforward. The REPLAY play space is open for bookable, hour-long sessions, which is just enough time to have a proper adventure without getting totally worn out. There are slots available throughout its run, including during the October half term, at weekends, and after school – perfect for burning off some energy.

But it’s not just for school-aged kids. The team has thought about everyone:

• Early Years Explorers: Special daytime sessions are set aside for the tiniest adventurers, from 6 months to 5 years old.
• Home Educated Children: There are dedicated slots for home-educated families to come and explore the play space.
• Local Schools: Visits from schools across the Bradford district are also a big part of the plan, giving loads of children the chance to experience this unique environment.

More than just one event

REPLAY is a star attraction, but it’s actually part of something much bigger: the Bradford 2025 PLAY Programme. This is a year-long series of events and fun pop-ups happening all over the district, all designed to get people playing. It’s a core part of Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture.

Damart Mill itself has seen some amazing transformations already. It was previously turned into a cardboard wonderland called Grue, a magical world dreamed up by artist Steven Wintercroft and ARCADE. Then there was The Great Adventure Build, where kids worked with adventure play specialists Woodland Tribe, using real hammers, nails, and saws to build their own playground. The PLAY Programme has also brought other famous events to the city, like The RedBall Project, which saw a giant red ball squeezed into different spots across Bradford, and Island of Foam, a huge, colourful foam party for all ages. These events show how play can transform everyday places.

Connecting generations through play

The spirit of play in Bradford extends beyond just kids’ events. This autumn, the cultural learning programme is bringing primary school children and older adults in care homes together for something called Intergenerational Play. It’s a wonderful idea run in collaboration with The Linking Network.

Through creative activity, storytelling, and play, the project helps build bridges between generations. It’s designed to boost confidence for both young and old, create respect and understanding, and help reduce feelings of loneliness. It proves that play is a powerful tool for connection, no matter your age. The benefits of this intergenerational play are seen across the community, fostering a stronger, more connected Bradford.

What’s coming up for schools?

The fun doesn’t stop with REPLAY. Over the next few months, the learning programme for schools across the district is packed with exciting stuff. Young learners will get to enjoy interactive storytelling experiences with Alive & Kicking and tackle inclusive design challenges from Creative Briefs. There will also be playful sessions that mix creativity with science in the Science Explorers Play Lab, plus an ongoing project with Bradford's SEND schools to make sure everyone gets a chance to get involved in the creative events.

A word from the organisers

The people behind these amazing projects are clearly passionate about the power of play. Rhiannon Hannon, the Director of Creative Engagement and Participation for Bradford 2025, sees REPLAY as something special.

"REPLAY is more than a playground, it’s a space for imagination and connection. We’re proud to be working with The Herd Theatre to bring this extraordinary experience to Bradford for communities and local children to enjoy."

"The Bradford 2025 PLAY programme is about making sure every child in the district has the opportunity to explore through playful, creative interventions. REPLAY embodies all of this and is a great experience for children under 11 to enjoy.”

The venue itself, Bowling Green Mills (the home of Damart), has a rich history in Bingley. Jeanette Howard-Jones, the Co-Managing Director at Damart, shared her excitement.

“We are delighted to be part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture again and be supporting the local community through this exciting and inspirational event. Having been in Bingley for almost 60 years, Bowling Green Mills is a key part of the area’s rich history and heritage, so we are thrilled to open our doors to visitors and be working with the creative team to help bring REPLAY to life.”

Address: Bowling Green Mills, Lime St, Bingley BD97 1AD, UK