Bradford’s about to get a big dose of Sufi music, poetry, and creativity—and it’s way more exciting than just another festival. If you’ve ever felt like your culture wasn’t celebrated enough or wanted to find a space that actually feels like home, this is for you. Whether you’re 12 or 82, there’s something magical waiting at the Sufi Music Heritage Festival this May.
From January to April 2025, WomenZone has been busy helping young people across Bradford connect with their roots through poetry, singing, movement, and storytelling. And now, all that amazing work is about to explode into a three-day festival packed with music, family fun, and proper good vibes.
How it all started
The Sufi Music Heritage Project didn’t just pop out of nowhere. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (yep, those scratchcards are doing some good!), WomenZone brought South Asian women into leading roles—organising, performing, and curating the whole experience.
They ran creative workshops in schools, youth clubs, and community centres all over Bradford, making sure the spirit of Sufi traditions didn’t just survive, but absolutely thrived. Think of it like planting a massive, colourful garden that everyone can enjoy, not just today but for years to come.
It’s not just about looking back at the past, though. It’s about connecting people—old and young, locals and newcomers—through something that’s bigger than all of us: music and storytelling.
What’s on at the Sufi Music Heritage Festival
The festival kicks off on Friday, 9 May 2025 and runs until Sunday, 11 May 2025. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Friday, 9 May 2025
- 18:30 | Festival Launch: A live Qawwali performance by the incredible Hamid Ali Naqeebi
📍 Mind the Gap Studios, Silk Warehouse, Patent Street, Bradford BD9 4SA
You know that feeling when music just hits differently? This is going to be one of those nights.
Saturday, 10 May 2025
All events on Saturday will be happening at WomenZone, 19-21 Hubert Street, Bradford BD3 9TE. Doors open at 10am!
- 10:00 | Sufi Music Heritage Project Exhibition (Come see the journey so far)
- 10:00 | Festival Day activities start
- 10:00 | Mum & Baby Yoga with Malena Yoga (Because tiny humans need zen too)
- 11:30 | Mosaic Making for Kids (Get your hands messy in the best way)
- 13:30 | YouthZone Performance (Young Bradford smashing it with a Sufi-inspired show)
- 15:15 | Lantern Crafting (Think arts and crafts, but cooler)
- 16:45 | Family Tree Crafting (Where your history meets creativity)
Seriously, it’s like an artsy adventure day—only better because it’s all tied to this deep, beautiful tradition.
Sunday, 11 May 2025
- 12:45 | Sufi Sounds: An Afternoon of Heritage & Poetry – Open Mic
📍 WomenZone, 19-21 Hubert Street, Bradford BD3 9TE
If you’ve got a story, a poem, or a song in your heart, this is your moment to share it. Or just come and soak up the goodness from others.
Quotes from the heart
Aamta-Tul Waheed, Co-Coordinator for the Sufi Music Heritage Project, said it perfectly:
“Over the past 16 months, working on the Sufi Music Heritage Project has been an inspiring and deeply rewarding journey. Sharing the timeless wisdom and spiritual beauty of Sufi traditions with people of all ages has been truly enlightening. I’m thrilled to finally bring this vibrant celebration of Sufi culture to life through the Sufi Music Heritage Festival and to share its rich heritage with the wonderful community of Bradford.”
And the Co-CEOs of WomenZone, Rubina Khalid and Sadia Sajid, added:
“The Sufi Music Heritage team has organised a three-day festival to showcase the end product of the project that is close to our hearts. We eagerly anticipate enjoying the events and hope they will inspire similar initiatives in the future. The festival will not only entertain but also bring people together to foster peace and harmony in society.”
Why you should go (even if you think it’s “not your thing”)
Here’s the thing. Festivals like this aren’t just about entertainment (though there’s loads of that). They’re about feeling like you belong to something bigger. About hearing a beat or a story that makes you go, “Oh yeah, that’s me too.” It’s about kids making lanterns, parents sipping tea, and everyone leaving with a little more light in their hearts.
So mark your calendars for 9-11 May 2025. Bring your mum, your mates, your little cousins, and your nan. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and hope.
You can follow updates and get more info by checking out @womenzonebfd on social media.
