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Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture launches ambitious summer program with public art, theater, and community events

festival-fair · 2026-04-19

In 2025, Bradford has been recognized as the UK City of Culture, initiating a cultural initiative aimed at transforming public views. The summer will feature complimentary events, including Kurt Perschke's RedBall Project from May 25-31, Akram Khan Company's Memories of the Future on July 5, and The Railway Children at Oxenhope station running from July 16 to September 7. The BD:Festival will showcase A Good Yarn on July 26-27. Additionally, outdoor cinema experiences like The Incredible Moving Cinema (June 7-15) and exhibitions such as Ice Age Art Now (June 21-September 14) are scheduled. Angélique Kidjo will perform at St George's Hall on September 7, with outdoor festivities like Pink in the Park on June 28 and STRIKE! from October 3-5. For more details, visit bradford2025.co.uk.

Key facts

  • Bradford is UK City of Culture for 2025
  • Kurt Perschke's RedBall Project runs May 25-31
  • Akram Khan Company performs Memories of the Future on July 5 with 70+ participants
  • The Railway Children theater production occurs July 16 to September 7 at Oxenhope station
  • BD:Festival takes place July 26-27 featuring A Good Yarn by Luke Jerram
  • Ice Age Art Now exhibition at Cliffe Castle Museum runs June 21 to September 14
  • New Music Biennial free festival is June 6-8 with BBC Radio 3 broadcasts
  • Angélique Kidjo performs at St George's Hall on September 7

Entities

Artists

  • Kurt Perschke
  • Akram Khan
  • Luke Jerram
  • Angélique Kidjo
  • Nitin Sawhney
  • Shanaz Gulzar
  • Cherie Federico
  • Anna Müller
  • Aïda Muluneh
  • Karol Wyszynski
  • Brit Worgan
  • Ellywel

Institutions

  • Aesthetica
  • Akram Khan Company
  • Dance United Yorkshire
  • Bloomin' Buds Theatre Company
  • UNESCO
  • National Science and Media Museum
  • British Museum
  • BBC Radio 3
  • Southbank Centre
  • Bradford 2025

Locations

  • Bradford
  • United Kingdom
  • Oxenhope
  • Shipley
  • London
  • Ilkley
  • Thornton
  • Bowling Park
  • Cliffe Castle
  • Manningham Mills
  • Calgary
  • Kenya
  • Africa
  • Poland
  • Ukraine

Sources