Throughout 2025, the city’s inclusive and diverse programme of events is celebrating Bradford’s many communities and traditions, from its coal mine brass bands to modern South Asian bhangra concerts. “We wanted to ensure Bradford’s communities have ownership of the programme and are represented within it,” said Shanaz Gulzar, Bradford 2025’s creative director.
In September, for example, a new show called RIDE! will highlight music from the city’s Roma community; while an exhibit at the end of July titled Tu i Tam/Tyt i Tam documents the lives of the city’s Polish and Ukrainian citizens. “We’ve also created a unique touring venue, The Beacon, which will pop up for month-long open-access stints in parks across Bradford, plus activities like BD on Foot, a series of walks encouraging people to explore the wider district and see the region in a different way.”
