BD: Festival at City Park

Looking for a summer festival that’s family-friendly, full of surprises, and just a short hop from Manchester? Cue BD: Festival 2025, a two-day celebration right in the heart of Bradford – and this year, it’s dialling things up a notch.

Taking place across the city this July, the free outdoor festival is back with its biggest edition yet, forming a key part of Bradford’s reign as UK City of Culture. It’s all about bold, brilliant performance – with a line-up that blends local talent, UK artists and international acts, from street theatre to circus to large-scale spectacle.

Top billing goes to Zee and the City, a world-premiere puppet parade starring Zee – a bold, curious young woman from Bradford, brought to life by acclaimed outdoor specialists Puppets with Guts. At four metres tall, Zee will tower over the crowds as she moves through the city in a story that celebrates community spirit and cultural pride. Expect spectacle, sass, and some serious puppet power.

Also rolling through the city is A Good Yarn, a new installation by renowned artist Luke Jerram. Spinning a 12-metre ball of multi-coloured yarn through the city streets, the work celebrates Bradford’s textile heritage and the power of creativity to bring people together – expect colour, movement and plenty of wool-based wonder.

And that’s just the start. Expect two days packed with pop-up performances, street food, drop-in craft sessions, live music and hands-on fun for all ages. Whether you’re after a wander, a wow moment or a full family adventure, BD: Festival has something going on at every corner.

Bradford might only be an hour from Manchester, but this is a chance to see the city at its most alive – a place reshaping its story through art, people and joyful public gatherings. The festival is totally free, so it’s the perfect excuse to hop on a train and get stuck into Bradford 2025.

Do check out the full line-up.