10 & 11 Jan 2025
RISE
Kirsty Housley & Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo)
Believe your eyes – there’s magic in the Bradford air…
- Wheelchair user access
- Audio described
- Captioned
- BSL interpreted
- Quiet space available
- Seating available
Our sold out opening event.
200 performers in City Park launched our year as UK City of Culture with an unforgettable celebration of Bradford.
RISE is 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 celebrates the magic of Bradford – and, above all, the people who make it what it is.
This dazzling show features a 200-strong cast, including professional performers and the people of Bradford. There’ll be aerialists, projections, music from a huge community choir and orchestra, and much more – including, of course, some breathtaking magic.
With DJ and food stalls creating a true festival vibe in the heart of the city, RISE is an unmissable opening to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Don’t miss this historic moment for our district – a true tribute to the people and communities who make Bradford magic.
Watch the trailer
About Kirsty Housley
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).
About Steven Frayne
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.
FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions for more information about this event.
For me, this is like our Olympic opening ceremony – it’s got to feel like that to the people of Bradford because it means that much to the people.”
Plan your travel
RISE Creative Team
Kirsty Housley
Director
Steven Frayne
Creative Lead
Lina Johansson
Movement Director
Jean Chan
Production Designer
Matt Daw
Lighting Designer
Gareth Fry
Sound Designer
Nina Dunn
Projection Designer
Milla Clarke
Costume Designer
Rosie Elnile
Costume Co-Designer
Kirsty Taylor
Dramaturg
Sameena Hussain
Community Co-Director
May McQuade
Community Co-Director
Nabeela Ahmed
Writer
Kemmi Gill
Writer
Kenzo Jae
Writer
Ben Crick
Composer
Alice Phelps
Vocal Arranger
Jae Depz
Composer and DJ
Matt Hellyer
Production Design Associate
Tom Elderfield
Magic Consultant – Steven Frayne
Access
Join our access scheme to view access tickets or contact our Ticketing team for more information.Sign up →
For more information about accessibility at this event, see our frequently asked questions.
To discuss your access requirements, please contact our Ticketing team at [email protected].
This event will include loud music and flashing lights.
Accessible viewing platform - SOLD OUT
Please note: our accessible viewing platform tickets are now sold out.
This area was bookable online for Bradford 2025 Access Members. If you’re not a member or can’t see available tickets, please contact our Ticketing team at [email protected]. They can assist with your booking or add you to the waiting list if tickets are no longer available. The platform is designed for wheelchair users, their companions, and anyone needing a seat for access reasons.
Accessible entry point and Changing Places toilets
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Audio description
This event will be audio described in English.
BSL interpretation
This event will have BSL (British Sign Language) interpretation.
Captioning
This event will be captioned in English.
Quiet space available
There will be a quiet space area available at this event. Contact [email protected] for more information.
There will also be limited ear defenders available for adults and children. Please bring your own if you have them and think you may need them.
Past event
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