RISE was an open-air spectacular inspired by the people and places of our district. Created by award-winning director Kirsty Housley with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), RISE celebrated the magic of Bradford – and, above all, the people who make it what it is.

This dazzling show featured a 200-strong cast, including professional performers and the people of Bradford. There were aerialists, projections, music from a huge community choir and orchestra, and much more – including, of course, some breathtaking magic.

With DJs and food stalls creating a true festival vibe in the heart of the city, RISE was the unmissable opening to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. An historic moment for our district – a true tribute to the people and communities who make Bradford magic.

Kirsty Housley is a director, dramaturg and writer. Recent work includes: ECHO (Royal Court/LIFT as dramaturg); Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead (co-director, Complicité, 2022/23); Jekyll & Hyde (National Theatre tour, 2024 and 2022); The Long Goodbye Livestream (Riz Ahmed/MIF/BAM, 2020).

Watch our interview with Kirsty Housley.

From sold-out arena shows to Sunday Times bestsellers, award-winning documentaries to numerous awards, the legacy of Bradford-born Steven Frayne (previously known as Dynamo) has impacted millions of people all across the world. Across his formidable career, he has won the Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year in 2015 and the Magic Circle’s Maskelyne Award for Performance. Steven’s on-screen career has been equally impressive, receiving three BAFTA nominations and winning two Virgin Media awards, with 1.8m tuning in to watch the opening episode of his Sky Original show Beyond Belief.