Your Summer Plans in Bradford? Sorted.

Right then, let's have a chat. You know that feeling when the summer holidays are on the horizon, and you've got that mix of excitement and mild panic? The kids are chanting "we're bored!" before they've even finished their last day of school, and you're scrolling through your phone, trying to find something, *anything*, to fill the weekends that doesn't cost a fortune.

Well, stop scrolling. It looks like Bradford has got it all sussed out for us this July and August. As the UK City of Culture 2025, the whole district is buzzing, and it’s not just big, fancy stuff. It’s proper fun for the whole family, from a brand-new market to a massive music weekend. Grab a cuppa, and let's make a plan.

A brand new market on darley street? yes please!

Okay, first things first. Food. On Thursday, 10th July, the doors to the new Darley Street Market swing open at 10:30 am. This isn't just any old market; it's a big deal for the city. Imagine walking into a place buzzing with energy, the smell of fresh food hitting you straight away. They're giving everyone a sneak peek before the big celebration weekend, which is a brilliant idea. It means you can pop down, have a proper nosey around, and support the local traders without the massive crowds.

But you'll definitely want to come back for the main event on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July. That's when the whole place, inside and out, will be absolutely electric. The Darley Street Kitchen will be serving up street food that'll make your mouth water. Plus, there are going to be live cooking demos from proper local chefs, like Imogen Tilt from The Hawthorn.

It’s one thing to eat amazing food, but it’s another to watch the artists who make it work their magic. It's a fantastic chance to discover a new favourite dish. There are even creative workshops and a themed trail for the little ones (and big ones, let's be honest). A whole weekend of food and fun at the new Darley Street market – what a way to kick off the summer.

Fancy a bit of music and a famous face?

You know when you hear a name from the telly is coming to town? Bradford’s Yorkshire Day party on Friday, 1st August just got a bit of extra sparkle. The one and only Aled Jones is joining the line-up for Yorkshire Calling! Yep, the singer himself. He'll be at the newly done-up Bradford Live venue, which is exciting in itself. It’s always great to see an old building get a new lease of life.

He’s not alone, either. He’ll be joining poet Ian McMillan, pianist Yuanfang Yang, and a load of other talented people for a proper celebration of all things Yorkshire. It's one of those special, one-off events that you'll talk about for ages. "Remember that time we saw Aled Jones in Bradford?" Tickets are on sale now, so if you fancy a bit of world-class music, it’s probably a good idea to book your spot. This is the kind of event that makes our city feel special. To discover more, you can check the visitbradford website via any https-enabled browser.

The big summer music weekend at cliffe castle

If a single concert isn't enough music for you, how about a whole festival? The Summer Sounds festival is happening on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August, and it sounds absolutely brilliant. It’s described as a "boutique music festival," which basically means it’s not one of those giant, overwhelming things. It’s more chilled, more intimate, and it’s all happening in the beautiful Cliffe Castle Park.

The festival is taking over a very cool touring venue called The Beacon, which is currently set up at Cliffe Castle. The line-up for the weekend is seriously impressive and super varied.

• Saturday 2nd August: This day is all about rhythm and energy. You've got Asha Puthli, a legend in jazz, funk, and soul. Then there are the British Asian pioneers Metz n Trix, the soulful singer ganayva, and the amazing instrumentalist Ustad Noor Bakhsh. What a mix!
• Sunday 3rd August: The vibe continues with Nitin Sawhney, Poppy Ajudha, and Joshua Idehen headlining. These are artists who mix everything up – singer-songwriters, poets, big bands. It’s music that gets you thinking and feeling.

And get this: tickets for the main stage inside The Beacon are only £15 for a day or £25 for the full weekend. That’s an absolute bargain for this quality of live music. But wait, there’s more! There’s also a second stage out in the park that’s completely free. No booking needed, just rock up. There will be DJs, workshops for the family, and loads more going on. It’s a proper community festival, with something for everyone, set in the gorgeous grounds of Cliffe Castle Park. The perfect summer sounds for a perfect summer weekend.

And for when you need a breather…

Sometimes, amongst all the excitement, you just need a quiet moment. A bit of calm. And Bradford has you covered there, too. If you’re into art, you should pop over to Bingley. The Bingley Gallery has a new summer exhibition on right now called 'Pilgrims'. It features work from some brilliant local artists, like Matthew Duckett and Rachel Hines. Whether you like sculpture or paintings, there’s something to catch your eye. The exhibition runs all the way until 8th September, so there’s plenty of time to visit. You never know, you might find that one piece that just speaks to you.

Or maybe you're thinking of making a little trip of it? Why not book a stay? The Bradford district and nearby Calderdale have some stunning spots. Imagine waking up to views across the moors or staying in a cosy cottage in a historic town. It’s a great way to escape the everyday and really soak up the Yorkshire atmosphere. A short stay can make the summer holidays feel like a proper adventure. You can find places to stay on the visitbradford site, and it's a great resource for planning your trip, even if you just want to discover a new walk in the district.

More for your diary this july and august

As if all that wasn’t enough, here are a few other dates to scribble down. The whole district is packed with things to do for the family, so you'll never be stuck for ideas.

• 30th July: Archaeology Talks at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley. Perfect for any budding historians in the family! Something unique happening right there at Cliffe Castle.
• 31st July - 8th August: Discovery Days at Nell Bank, Ilkley. A great chance to get the kids out in nature.
• 2nd August: Trial By Jury at the Bradford Police Museum. This sounds like an amazing, immersive experience on a Saturday afternoon.
• 6th August: Island of Foam at Centenary Square, Bradford. Who isn’t intrigued by an island of foam? Bound to be a spectacle.
• 10th August: Saltaire Farmers Market at Roberts Park, Saltaire. Stock up on amazing local produce and treats to round off a fantastic summer.

Honestly, the list just goes on. It's amazing what's happening right on our doorstep. This info was pulled from a recent govdelivery newsletter, which is a great source for what's on. So, this summer, there’s no excuse to be bored. From the delicious food at the Darley Street Market to the incredible music of Summer Sounds at the Beacon, Bradford is the place to be. Let's get out there and enjoy it.