Image: Ramadan Pavillion 2025 in Centenary Square, commissioned by Ramadan Tent Project and Bradford 2025

The wait is over—Bradford 2025 is here, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it! This year-long celebration is packed with incredible events, performances, and exhibitions, all showcasing the heart and soul of this vibrant city. From its rich industrial past to its claim as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, Bradford has a story to tell—and you’re invited to be part of it… Read on to discover dates for your diary, and inspiration and ideas for places to visit in Bradford and Calderdale during your trip.

Come For the Art!

• Aïda Muluneh’s Nationhood: Memory and Hope – Four cities, four nations, and a celebration of local heroes! Acclaimed Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh presents striking portraits of people from Bradford, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Belfast. (From January, at Impressions Gallery, Bradford)
• National Science and Media Museum Reopening – After a massive transformation, this iconic museum is back! Enjoy new digital installations, including an awe-inspiring immersive experience by Marshmallow Laser Feast, and ‘Pieced Together’, a new temporary David Hockney exhibition which pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling through photography and digital techniques. (From April)
• Ice Age Art Now – Step back 32,000 years and discover jaw-dropping Ice Age art, from intricate sculptures to ancient symbols. This British Museum collab brings rarely seen treasures right to Bradford. (From June)
• The Turner Prize – One of the biggest awards in British art is coming to Bradford! Head to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery to see some of the most exciting new works as the UK celebrates 250 years since JMW Turner’s birth. (From September)

Whilst You’re Here…

During your visit, take the opportunity to soak up some of the art and culture in nearby Halifax. Not to be missed is Dean Clough – a vibrant 22-acre mixed-use mill complex, stretching half a mile in length, on the edge of Halifax town centre. Once the home of Crossley Carpets, the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, it’s now a thriving community which combines arts and culture, leisure facilities, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, event spaces, offices and a hotel.

Come For the Entertainment!

• The Bradford Progress – Music lovers, this one’s for you! Charles Hazlewood and Jeremy Deller are bringing Bradford’s streets to life with a sonic journey performed by local musicians and singers, ending in the heart of the city. (May)
• Memories of the Future – World-renowned choreographer Akram Khan teams up with Dance United Yorkshire to bring an intergenerational dance project to life, featuring 60 dancers from across Bradford. Inspired by Jungle Book Reimagined, this is one not to miss. (July)
• The Railway Children Live! – Hop aboard for a magical, immersive performance of The Railway Children, staged along the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway line—just like in the beloved films! (From July)
• Opera North Residency – Whether it’s an immersive sound walk inspired by Bradford-born composer Delius, the epic Bassline Symphony blending classical music with DJs and bassline beats, or their first-ever performances of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, Opera North is bringing the drama all year long.

Whilst You’re Here…

During your visit, we highly recommend a visit to The Piece Hall in Halifax – a one-of-a-kind architectural and cultural phenomenon which will stop you in your tracks. The Piece Hall is a Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece and the oldest remaining Georgian cloth hall in the world! Standing at the heart of Halifax since 1779, the huge open-air courtyard is today surrounded by boutique independent shops, bars, cafes and a restaurant, and is also a spectacular venue for a year-round events programme of live music, dance, and film.

Come for the Uplands!

• Wild Uplands – Imagine walking through the breathtaking moorlands that inspired Wuthering Heights, now transformed by four stunning contemporary visual art pieces. Nature meets creativity in a whole new way. (From May)
• Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing – Love fantasy? Four writers and illustrators from Ghana and the north of England are reimagining the Brontës’ imaginary world of Angria, bringing it to life through new stories and animations. (September)

Whilst You’re Here…

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the outdoors by exploring the wonderful hills, valleys and moorland that make up Pennine Yorkshire! During your visit, make sure to check out charming countryside towns and villages like Ilkley, Haworth and Hebden Bridge.

Why not set yourself the challenge of walking between Haworth and Hebden Bridge, hiking over heather clad moorlands and passing by ‘Top Withens’ – the ruined farmhouse said to have been the location of the Earnshaw family house in Emily Bronte’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights. Soak up the bohemian vibes and independent shopping in Hebden Bridge, before catching the ‘Bronte Bus’ (yes, that’s its name!) back to Haworth!

Ready to Explore?

Then it’s time to plan your journey to West Yorkshire!

Bradford is served by two central train stations; Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forster Square which connect with intercity services to London, Manchester and further afield.

You can travel between Bradford and Halifax by train in ten minutes! Check UK train times in an instant at Trainline with the simple Journey Planner.

The Bronte Bus travels between Haworth and Hebden Bridge and is a scenic 25 minute journey. Check Transdev for up to date travel information.

For details on where to stay in Bradford, see Visit Bradford Accommodation

For details on where to stay in Calderdale, see Visit Calderdale Accommodation