Bradford 2025 was a huge celebration of who we are: one of the youngest, most diverse and most dynamic places in the UK. We threw a year-long party – and everyone was invited.

Bradford became the fourth UK City of Culture in January 2025. The district was selected by the UK Government in May 2022 from a record-breaking 20 bids, following Derry~Londonderry (2013), Hull (2017) and Coventry (2021) to take on one of the most prestigious and transformative titles in UK culture.

Bradford 2025 took place throughout Bradford District, which covers 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. The programme celebrated Bradford’s heritage and dynamic contemporary culture, with performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the extraordinary variety of its landscape, from the city’s historic centre to the breathtaking countryside surroundings. Most of all, it celebrated the people of Bradford, from local artists and creative organisations to the diverse communities who call Bradford home.

The City of Culture designation has brought significant investment to the region and been a catalyst for development. It is set to have a lifelong impact from its education initiatives, skills and training programmes, capital investment for cultural organisations, and opportunities for grassroots organisations.