What Is The Steven Frayne Up Close Magic Show In Bradford?

Ever seen a magician on telly and thought, "Nah, that must be a camera trick"? Well, one of the biggest names in magic is giving people in his home city the chance to see his skills with their own eyes, no screens involved. The world-famous magician Steven Frayne is coming back to Bradford for a special week of shows this December. This isn't just any tour stop, it's a major event for the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, and it’s happening in a really cool, intimate venue where there's nowhere to hide. This is a rare chance to see a master of magic work his wonders right in front of you.

Who is this Steven Frayne fella?

If the name Steven Frayne doesn't ring a bell, maybe his old stage name, Dynamo, will. For nearly two decades, he's been one of the most famous magicians on the planet. He’s the guy who walked on water across the River Thames and levitated beside a double-decker bus. His career has been massive, moving from mind-boggling street magic to sell-out arena tours across the world. His TV shows have been watched by millions, earning him BAFTA nominations and making him a household name. Basically, when it comes to modern magic, Steven Frayne is a legend. He’s taken the art form to a new level, mixing spectacular stunts with a real, down-to-earth style that audiences love. His incredible career has redefined what a magic show can be.

A magical homecoming for Bradford 2025

After performing for huge crowds all over the world, Steven is coming home. And he’s doing something special for the city he grew up in. As part of the massive year-long celebration for the UK City of Culture, he’s putting on a show called Back Home and Magical. Forget giant stadiums, this is happening at a pop-up venue called Loading Bay in Bradford. The whole point is for it to be an up close experience. It’s a chance for audiences to witness his incredible magic without big screens or distance getting in the way. It’s a completely different kind of show, built for a smaller, more personal setting. This cultural event is a fantastic opportunity for the city to showcase its creative talent.

Speaking about the shows, Steven Frayne said:

“It’s been incredible to be a part of this year’s UK City of Culture, celebrating my home city and sharing in the joy with my friends and family. After performing to around 20,000 people in City Park for the opening show back in January, it's super exciting to be doing something on a smaller scale and embracing the magic that is within the community.”

How to get your tickets

This is the important bit. You’ll want to be quick because these tickets are going to be like gold dust. They go on sale on Wednesday 8 October at 10am from the official Bradford 2025 website. The show is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over, but anyone under 16 will need to bring an adult along. A performance this special, celebrating Bradford's culture, is not one to miss.

Date	Time
Monday 1 December	7:30pm
Tuesday 2 December	7:30pm
Thursday 4 December	2:30pm & 7:30pm
Friday 5 December	2:30pm & 7:30pm
Saturday 6 December	2:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 7 December	2:30pm & 7:30pm

• Venue: Loading Bay, 1 Duke Street, Bradford, BD1 3QR
• Running time: 75 minutes
• Tickets: £20 (concessions available)

Why Bradford is the place to be

So, why all this excitement in Bradford? In 2025, the city holds the title of UK City of Culture. This is a massive deal. It’s a national celebration that happens every four years, shining a spotlight on one city’s unique cultural scene. For Bradford, it’s a chance to show the rest of the world what it’s made of. The entire district is buzzing with events, performances, and exhibitions that celebrate everything from its history as an industrial powerhouse to its status as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. This title brings huge investment and opportunities for development, helping to create jobs and build new skills, especially for young people. With over a quarter of its population under 20, Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities, and the 2025 programme has young people at its core, focusing on their creative ambitions and giving them a platform to showcase their creativity.