What's On In Bradford in 2025? Your Guide to a Brilliant Year!

Get ready Bradford! 2025 is shaping up to be a brilliant year and the city is the perfect place to be. As a UK City of Culture, the Bradford district is packed with amazing events, festivals and unique experiences to delight everyone. From stunning spectacles to fun family workshops, there's something for everyone. Here's a flavour of some of the unmissable highlights to help you plan a fantastic year.

Helping RISE to the Occasion

One of the year's biggest events RISE is on 10 & 11 January in City Park. This outdoor spectacular is the perfect way to kick off Bradford's City of Culture year in style. Led by award-winning director Kirsty Housley and featuring Bradford-born and internationally acclaimed magician Dynamo, RISE is a night of mesmerising magic, music and performance.

Here's a taster of what's in store:

• A 200 strong company featuring experienced professionals and talented locals.
• Dazzling visuals featuring aerialists, acrobats and immersive projections.
• A live score performed by a community choir and orchestra.
• A festival atmosphere with street food and a DJ.

It's not too late to catch RISE but Friday seating is now limited and your best bet for Saturday is to join the waiting list. Don't miss the chance to kick off Bradford's City of Culture year in style!

Exploring Bradford's cultural offer this weekend

If you're in the city for RISE, why not stick around and explore Bradford's cultural offer? From its famous curry houses to its hidden gems, Bradford has something for everyone. You could follow our lovely wanderlust itinerary to some of the city's favourite haunts. Whether you're a local or a newcomer, there's always something new to discover.

Get crafty at the grue family workshop

Looking for a creative fix? Pop into Bingley Library on 11 January for the Grue Family Workshop. This free event is open to all ages and invites you to get creative and make some art using recycled materials. With guidance from professional artists, you'll help create an installation that will be showcased in a future City of Culture exhibition. No experience necessary, just your enthusiasm and imagination!

More great events to look forward to

Here's a flavour of some of the other highlights to put in your diary:

• 9 February: Bailey Family Talk at NT East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley
• 10-23 February: Yorkshire Games Festival at National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
• 18-22 February: Daughterhood at Ilkley Playhouse
• 27 Feb-1 March: Bradford Beer and Cider Festival at Victoria Hall, Saltaire
• 8 March: Disco Inferno at St George’s Hall, Bradford

With so much on, it's the ideal time to plan your next visit to Bradford or rediscover some of your own hometown's amazing attractions!

Why Bradford is the perfect choice in 2025

From its diverse communities to its rich cultural heritage, Bradford is a city that's full of life and creativity. Whether you're soaking up the festival atmosphere, browsing your local library or tucking into the city's famous curry houses, Bradford has the power to capture your heart.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into this year of celebration and discover Bradford for yourself. For more information and events, visit www.visitbradford.com.

Let’s make 2025 a year to cherish!