Turner Prize comes to Bradford and much more

The Bradford district is poised to host a substantial and diverse programme of cultural events throughout the autumn season, with a particular focus on a packed schedule in October. This series of activities underscores the region's preparations for its tenure as UK City of Culture 2025, offering a rich tapestry of literary, artistic, and community-focused functions. Events range from the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition and the renowned Ilkley Literature Festival to community celebrations and unique local festivals in locations such as Haworth and Keighley, establishing the district as a key cultural destination.

The Turner Prize arrives in Bradford

A significant cultural milestone for the region, the Turner Prize, one of the world's most distinguished prizes for the visual arts, will be hosted in Bradford for the first time. The exhibition, a cornerstone of the contemporary art calendar, aims to promote public discourse on new developments in British art. The prize is awarded annually to a British artist in honour of the seminal painter J.M.W. Turner.

The exhibition of works by the four shortlisted artists—Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa—will be held at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. This event provides a major platform for contemporary visual arts within the Bradford district. The exhibition is scheduled to run from 27 September 2025 to 22 February 2026. The announcement of the winner will take place in Bradford on 9 December 2025, placing the city firmly in the national artistic spotlight. This hosting represents a considerable achievement for Bradford’s cultural infrastructure and its growing reputation.

A convergence of literary distinction

The autumn literary scene is anchored by the celebrated Ilkley Literature Festival, which returns from Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 19 October. With a programme of over 90 events, the festival will welcome prominent figures from literature, politics, broadcasting, and academia. This year’s headliners include notable personalities such as Gyles Brandreth, Mary Portas, Nick Clegg, and an event for families with actor Hugh Bonneville. The festival's thematic scope is extensive, covering subjects from folklore and geology to globalisation and comedy, demonstrating a commitment to broad intellectual engagement.

In addition, the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth will present its fifteenth annual Brontë Women’s Writing Festival from 26th to 28th September. This event champions women writers across various genres, with a specific focus this year on authors from the North of England whose work explores regional landscapes and the enduring influence of the Brontës. The schedule of literature-focused activities provides a comprehensive offering for enthusiasts. A separate appearance by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig at St George's Hall, Bradford on Wednesday, 1st October further complements the district's strong literary programme.

Celebrating heritage and community with 'Back in the Pink'

As part of the Bradford 2025 programme, the 'Back in the Pink' weekender is scheduled from 10-12 October across various venues in the Bradford city centre. This series of events is dedicated to the history of LGBTQ+ life in the city. The weekend celebration examines the past, present, and future of these communities through workshops, panel discussions, and a cabaret party. The event pays homage to the 'Bradford in the Pink' festivals of 40 years ago, aiming to bring these important local histories back into public consciousness. Artistic contributions, including work associated with figures such as Emma Bentley Fox, are expected to feature in the celebration of pink history. This initiative seeks to preserve community histories for future generations while connecting them to contemporary life in Bradford.

Illuminating the city centre

The urban landscape of Bradford's city centre will be transformed on the evenings of Friday, 7th and Saturday, 8th November by 'BD: is LIT'. This free event, a collaboration with Bradford2025, will feature a series of light installations and performances by local, national, and international artists. The programme includes large-scale installations, immersive theatre, and intricate light and sound artworks. Such light festivals are an increasingly popular method of encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover urban spaces, and this event promises to offer a unique perspective on the city's architecture and public areas.

A diverse schedule of October events

The month of October is further enriched by a varied calendar of specialised festivals and performances. These events cater to a wide range of interests and contribute to a vibrant autumn season across the wider district. Observances for Black History Month and seasonal Halloween activities are also integrated into the regional schedule.

Key upcoming events include:

• 16th-19th October: The Beer and Music Festival at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in Keighley.
• 18th October: A performance of 'Bitter Sweet' at Bingley Arts Centre.
• 18th-19th October: The BRAVE Festival at the Bradford Arts Centre.
• 23rd October: A tribute performance, 'Buddy Holly's Winter Dance Party', at King's Hall, Ilkley.
• 25th October-2nd November: The Bradford Science Festival, offering educational and interactive exhibits for all ages.

This comprehensive programme demonstrates a strategic effort to provide diverse and high-calibre cultural experiences throughout the Bradford district, solidifying its status as a dynamic destination ahead of its year as UK City of Culture.