Bradford Culture

19 - 20 Sep 2025

TFD Centre, Holme Wood

RIDE!

A combination of rap, dance and theatre in this powerful new work created with Gypsy and Traveller communities and the people of BD4.

When the ground beneath you is constantly shifting, what does it mean to belong?

RIDE! told the story of a family’s fight to survive in a world that keeps pushing back against them.

Big Deli and a cast of Bradford rappers starred in this electrifying new show, which brought together music, rap, dance and theatre. Rooted in real-life stories, it was created for Bradford 2025 with Gypsy and Traveller communities and the people of BD4 – and received its world premiere at the TFD Centre in Holme Wood in September 2025.

RIDE! was a show about standing tall when the odds are stacked against you. It was a show about sticking together and standing up to be counted – a show for anyone who’s ever been judged for all the wrong reasons.

RIDE! was a collaboration between Spin Arts and Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) and their members, directed by Southpaw Dance Company and with community engagement facilitated by United Art Project.

A dream is as big as you’re going to make it.”
Rapper Big Deli
Travellers Times

Audio flyer

Listen to an audio described flyer for RIDE below – you can read the full transcription here.

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Credits
Commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Bradford Council, the UK Government, Give Bradford, Pears Foundation, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Producing Hub and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

Lead image: © Karol Wyszynski

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