What Is The Strike Light Show At Lister Mill For Bradford 2025 City Of Culture?

Ever walked past a massive old building and wondered what stories it could tell? Well, one of Bradford’s most famous landmarks, Lister Mill, has a seriously big story, and it's being brought to life in a pretty spectacular way. As part of the build-up to Bradford 2025, the city is lighting up the mill’s giant chimney to remember a group of brave people who changed history. This isn't just any light show; it’s a powerful reminder of a radical past and a celebration of the city's amazing heritage. The free event is a fantastic example of the kind of arts and cultural activities happening across the district.

What exactly is happening at Lister Mill?

For three nights, from Friday 3 October to Sunday 5 October, the huge 249ft chimney at Lister Mill is becoming a giant screen. Between 8pm and 10pm, a brand-new projection and sound show called STRIKE will be beamed onto the brickwork of this historic mill. Think of it like an outdoor cinema, but instead of a film, it's a moving collage of images. Pictures of slogans, placards from marches, and old film clips will be mixed with poetry and sound to tell a powerful story. The show has been put together by Urban Projections and P. A. BITEZ, who are experts in using technology and arts to create amazing experiences. And the best bit? It's completely free to go and see. There are even drop-in workshops where people can get involved with some creativity and make their own banners, just like the protesters of the past. This amazing event highlights the rich culture of the city.

Why this story and why now?

This isn't just a random piece of history. The STRIKE projection marks 135 years since a massive protest that started right there at Lister Mill. Back in 1890, the mill was a huge deal – the largest silk factory in the world, in fact. Thousands of people worked there, but the majority of the workers were women. When the company tried to cut their pay, around 5,000 of them decided they’d had enough. They walked out on strike.

This was a massive act of bravery. For four whole months, these women stood together to fight for fair pay. Their actions had a huge ripple effect, inspiring other workers and leading to the creation of the Independent Labour Party right here in Bradford in 1893. They were pioneers.

Shanaz Gulzar, the Creative Director for Bradford 2025, explained it perfectly:
“Bradford is a city shaped by its industrial heritage. Some of our landmarks are still part of the streets we walk, while some voices and stories are in danger of being forgotten. In STRIKE, we celebrate the forgotten pioneers whose actions still shape the present. From the Bradford working women on strike in 1890, to those who fought for their rights across the 20th century and today, STRIKE highlights the power of communities working together, speaking up, and standing up for each other.”

More than just one strike

The story of the Lister Mill strike is central, but the show also pays tribute to other amazing women from Bradford’s history. People like Julia Varley, who was a key trade unionist (someone who helps fight for workers' rights) and a suffragette (someone who campaigned for women to get the vote). It also honours Margaret McMillan, a true hero who fought for Free School Meals to be introduced in Bradford. Her campaign was so successful that it became law across the country in 1906, something that still helps millions of young people today. This focus on local history is supported by organisations like Historic England, who help protect the nation's heritage.

Tom Frater from Historic England said:

“We are pleased to support this exciting project. Lister Mills is a towering monument to the industrial revolution which still dominates the Bradford skyline today. It played a key role in the lives of local people in the Manningham area, not just in terms of employment but also in social life too. These bonds were especially strong for women who made up the majority of the workforce and provided the basis for the mill strike of 1891. Their inspirational story is being shared in schools and gives a fresh appreciation for one of Bradford’s most iconic landmarks.”

What does this have to do with City of Culture 2025?

This whole event is a brilliant taster of what’s to come when Bradford officially becomes the UK City of Culture in 2025. This prestigious designation is a really big deal. It brings a huge amount of investment and attention to the city, leading to a year packed with arts and cultural activities. The goal is to get everyone involved, especially young people. With over a quarter of its population under 20, Bradford is one of the youngest cities in the UK, and the City of Culture programme is all about reflecting that energy and creativity.

The designation is a catalyst for long-term development, helping to create new jobs and opportunities. It’s about celebrating the unique culture and community of the district, from its industrial past to its vibrant present. Support from bodies like Arts Council England and funding from the National Lottery makes it possible to stage these large-scale projects that connect the city’s heritage with its future. The strike was a radical moment, and it’s this spirit that the City of Culture aims to capture. It's about remembering where you came from to figure out where you’re going. And what better way to do that than by turning a historic mill into a beacon of light and stories for everyone to share?

Address: Lister Mill, Patent St, Bradford BD9 5BE, United Kingdom