Painting the Sky: TONIGHT – THURSDAY 13 Nov – 7pm.
Updates on Fridays show in due course, weather dependent. Read More.

26 & 27 Sep 2025

Bloom

Upswing

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

Event Details
Date 26 & 27 Sep 2025
Times 7.30pm
Location Shipley Market Square
Ages All ages

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Access
  • Audio described
  • Wheelchair user access
  • BSL interpreted

Shipley is set to burst into Bloom this September – with a major contemporary circus spectacle taking over the heart of the town.

Bloom is 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’s 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, unites local performers, community choirs, and the world-class acrobats and aerialists of Upswing, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies.

Bloom premiere takes place in September in the centre of Shipley, and tickets are just £2 for adults and free for children and seniors. Don’t miss this one.

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.

Plan your visit

Bloom will take place at:

Market Square,
Shipley,
BD18 3QB

Head to our FAQs page to find out more about how to get there and more information about the show.

Cast and crew

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

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.

Access

Join our access scheme to view access tickets or contact our Ticketing team for more information.
Sign up

This is an outdoor, standing event.

Audio Described

This event will have Audio Description in English on Sat 27 Sep.

BSL

This event will have BSL interpretation on both nights.

Past event

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