Free

13 & 14 Sep 2025

Bradford Unitarians

Ben Stables

Find out all about the congregation's history links with Bradford.

Event Details
Date 13 & 14 Sep 2025
Times Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 10:45am-12pm (Sunday Service)
Location Unitarian Church
7A Russell Street
Bradford
BD5 0JB
Ages All ages
Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult

The history of Bradford's Unitarian congregation dates right back to 1662, when the city itself was still just a small town.

Today they worship in a purpose-built modern space, and over the weekend of 13-14 September, all are welcome to visit and find out more about the faith and its long, deep connection to the Bradford area.

Unitarianism takes its name from the belief of early dissenters that there was one God and spirit (as opposed to mainstream Christianity’s focus on a holy trinity). More recently, the open-minded curiosity that original Unitarians brought to religion has led the congregations to embrace inspiration from other sources. Their services are open to those of all faiths (or indeed none).

The church will be open to visitors at any time during the opening hours, as well as for:

  • a historical talk at 2pm on Saturday afternoon by renowned local historian Dr. Simon Ross Valentine: ‘From Pew to Power-loom: How Faith Shaped Industry in Victorian Bradford’
  • a Sunday service at 10:45am, led by Rev. Stephanie Bisby former minister with Bradford Unitarians.
  • a timeline outlining over 350 years of the Bradford Unitarians and their effect on the city

This event is part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, and is presented by an organisation involved in Bradford 2025’s Elevate programme, which aims to strengthen, sustain and increase the agility of Bradford’s heritage sector.

Credits
Image provided by Bradford Unitarians.

Made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Free →

Related Events

A patchwork quilt made of squares designed by the community to represent peace
FREE Part of The Beacon

Peace Picnic: Lister Park

The Peace Museum

The Peace Museum host a gathering to celebrate peace, protest and community.

Three children in Victorian dress wave red flags at a steam train, on a sunny day in West Yorkshire.

The Railway Children

The classic production heads to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

SOLD OUT Part of The Beacon

Khooghi

Come on a journey as Kauser weaves together her history with the life and songs of Pakistani folk legend.

FREE Part of The Beacon

Share and Care

Bradford New Church

Hands-on sustainable arts and crafts for all ages.

FREE Part of The Beacon

The Baton of Hope

The Baton of Hope is the UK’s­ largest ever suicide prevention initiative.

SOLD OUT Part of Our Patch

Sip and Paint

Creative Flare

Chill, create, and connect with friends.

FREE Part of The Beacon

On Yer Bike

Discover the unexpected meanings of cycling... with no lycra in sight!

FREE Youth Pass

Youth Pass: Poetry Workshop

Got something to say but not sure how to say it?