Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture is a city in celebration. Throughout the year, this youthful, fiercely proud place is rolling out a bold and brilliant programme of art, performance, community gatherings and cultural milestones – not just for Bradford and its surrounding districts, but for the whole of the North. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, you’ll find a city transformed; its streets, parks and grand civic buildings animated by everything from street festivals and outdoor theatre to cutting-edge exhibitions, world premieres and pop-up parties.

This is a moment years in the making. With one of the youngest populations in Europe and a rich heritage shaped by generations of migration, activism and invention, Bradford has always been a hotbed of creative energy. Now, as the UK City of Culture, it’s showing exactly what happens when that energy is unleashed.

There’s plenty to explore beyond the headline events too. Long-loved landmarks such as Salts Mill, the Brontë Parsonage, Cartwright Hall and the Alhambra Theatre continue to draw visitors, while independent galleries, curry houses, music venues and social spaces offer local flavour in every sense. The surrounding countryside – from Ilkley Moor to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway – provides the perfect excuse to stay a little longer.

Bradford 2025 isn’t just a celebration – it’s an open invitation to everyone. Come and see the city, join in something ambitious and be part of a cultural moment that’s as warm and welcoming as the place itself.

Scroll on to dive into the best of Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture. From standout ticketed shows to unmissable free events, happening across Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire – we’ve handpicked the highlights to help you make the most of this unforgettable year.