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26 & 27 Sep 2025

Shipley Market Square

Bloom

Upswing

A magical open-air circus spectacle that celebrated community, connection and the people of Shipley.

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Shipley burst into Bloom in September – with a major contemporary circus spectacle taking over the heart of the town.

Bloom was a large-scale circus performance celebrating the spirit of Bradford and its people – who we are today and who we could become tomorrow.

Taking place on the streets and in the skies of Shipley, it was a show about connection, possibility and what we can build together – a bold and joyful expression of community and local pride.

This large-scale bespoke production for Bradford, united local performers, community choirs, and the world-class acrobats and aerialists of Upswing, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies.

Relive the magic of Bloom!

About Upswing

Upswing is a multi-award-winning UK-based contemporary circus company. Founded by Vicki Dela Amedume in 2006, Upswing uses the human body as an expressive tool to entertain, inspire curiosity, share urgent ideas and ignite a desire to build connection, telling new stories in extraordinary ways.

Cast and crew

See the full cast and crew for Bloom using the link below.

Cast and Crew →
Credits
Co-produced by Upswing and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Produced at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space.

Closely inspired by writing created in May 2024 by members of Queer Saltaire, Shipley in Bloom, Health Action Local Engagement and Baildon, Shipley & Saltaire Men’s Shed, in collaboration with the People Powered Press.
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay
Image © David Lindsay

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