Each session will explore the shared cultural and religious significance of marriage ceremonies across those communities.

After short tours of the spaces in partnership with faith partners, older, married couples from each faith background will be invited to share personal stories: how they met, how they married, and how faith and tradition shaped both their weddings and lifelong relationships.

The overall theme is ‘Shadmanny’, a Yorkshire-accented twist on a Hindi and Urdu word meaning ‘celebration’, which is deeply tied to the joy, rituals, and traditions of South Asian wedding culture.

These informal gatherings – with tea, biscuits, and conversation – will not only bring communities together but also open up heritage spaces to wider audiences, celebrating both cultural diversity and shared values. Through this project, we aim to foster connection, preserve heritage, and amplify the lived experiences of Bradford’s diverse communities.

• 13 September, 2-4pm: Al Markas Ul Islami, BD7 2JX
• 14 September, 10am-12pm: Shree Prajapati Association, BD5 9DN
• 20 September, 2-4pm: Ramgarhia Gurdwara, BD3 0ND
• 21 September, 2-4pm: Urdu Hindi Beacon Church, BD6 3ET

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.