Bradford Cathedral’s Legacy Tapestries to Be Unveiled at Launch Event

Have you ever thought about how a city tells its story? It’s not just in books or museums. Sometimes, it’s woven into the very fabric of the place, in the buildings, the history, and the voices of its people. In Bradford, something really special is happening that brings all of this together. Bradford Cathedral is about to showcase a brand new, unique piece of art – a huge woven textile created by hundreds of hands from local communities, and it even comes with its own soundtrack, a ‘sound tapestry’ full of personal stories. This whole project is the final part of ‘Weaving Stories’, the Cathedral’s brilliant contribution to the UK City of Culture 2025.

A tapestry woven by the city

This isn’t just any old tapestry hanging on a wall. This is a story made of wool, a massive woven textile that has a piece of hundreds of different people in it. The project, called ‘Weaving Stories’, set up a loom inside Bradford Cathedral and invited everyone – from local residents to visitors just passing through – to add their own thread. Imagine a giant friendship bracelet, but one that tells the history of an entire city. It's a proper community art project, a visual representation of how different threads can come together to create something beautiful. The goal was to connect with Bradford’s rich heritage in the wool trade, a history that has shaped the city and its diverse, global communities for centuries. This initiative is about more than just remembering the past; it’s about weaving a new future together.

Making this incredible textile was a huge team effort. Think of it as a creative relay race. The Bradford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers were on hand to give expert advice on the weaving process, and they even spun and dyed the wool used in the tapestry. The raw material, the fleeces, were given for free by a local Bradford business, Howarth Scouring, showing brilliant community spirit. And for a truly Yorkshire touch, the West Riding Stone Carving Association made special loom weights out of local stone, which are now a permanent part of the finished art piece. The entire woven artwork was guided by the vision of Shaeron Caton-Rose, a talented local visual artist who helped steer the project. It’s a fantastic example of how a simple idea – weaving – can bring so many different groups and stories together in a creative contribution to the city's culture.

The stories you can hear

Alongside the stunning woven tapestry, there’s another layer to this project that you can’t see, but you can definitely feel. It’s the ‘sound tapestry’, a unique audio artwork compiled by sound artist Ellen Sargen. So, what is a sound tapestry? Think of it like a podcast made of memories, a collection of voices and stories from people all over Bradford, sharing how and why they came to call this city home. It’s the human history behind the threads. While the textile shows the physical connection of the communities, the sound tapestry gives voice to their personal journeys, creating a powerful combination of sight and sound. It’s an amazing way to capture the living, breathing heritage of the city.

This audio element ensures the project represents the full breadth of Bradford's identity. The stories are the invisible threads connecting people to the city and to each other. Listening to the sound tapestry while looking at the woven textile will be a powerful experience, reminding everyone that history isn't just about dates and old buildings; it's about people. This project perfectly captures the spirit of the UK City of Culture, celebrating not just the past, but the vibrant, multicultural present of this great Yorkshire city. It’s an art installation that speaks, literally.

The big launch event

You can be one of the first to see and hear this incredible creation. The official launch event for the tapestry is happening on Tuesday 3rd February at 7pm, and everyone is invited. This isn't a stuffy, exclusive affair; it's a celebration for the whole city. The evening will be the grand finale of the ‘Weaving Stories’ project, bringing together all the people who funded, worked on, and took part in making this piece of history. The artists, Shaeron Caton-Rose and Ellen Sargen, will be there to talk about their creative processes, and staff from the Cathedral will share fascinating insights into the building's own deep connection to the wool trade. It’s a chance to hear the stories behind the stories.

The main event of the evening will be the official unveiling of the woollen tapestry in its new permanent home in the Cathedral’s south ambulatory. It's a moment to celebrate the threads of history, culture, and community that have been woven together through this amazing project. If you’re looking for unique events that capture the true heart of Bradford, this is one not to miss. The launch event is completely free and open to the public, offering a perfect evening of art, history, and local pride. Mark your calendar for this special February evening.

A cathedral rich in culture and awards

Bradford Cathedral itself is a cornerstone of the city’s heritage and culture. As the oldest place of worship in Bradford, it’s a building that has witnessed centuries of the city’s history unfold. But it’s much more than a historical monument. It’s a buzzing hub for community events, art, and music, which has earned it a whole cabinet full of awards. This place isn't just standing still; it's constantly finding new ways to connect with people.

The long list of awards shows just how important the Cathedral is to the local area and beyond. It’s a testament to the hard work that goes into making it such a welcoming and dynamic place. Here are just a few of its recent accolades:

• Welcome to Yorkshire ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ 2020

• Eco Church – Gold Award (A Rocha UK)

• Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024

• Telegraph & Argus Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Awards - Leisure Venue of the Year (Winner, 2024)

This tapestry project is another fantastic chapter in the Cathedral’s ongoing story, a perfect blend of its historical heritage and its commitment to contemporary art and community engagement. It’s a shining example of how to keep history alive, making a meaningful contribution that will be enjoyed for years to come.