Bradford Culture
Free

Dates between 7 - 23 Nov 2025

Loading Bay
(Second floor)

Sonic Swirl & Silence

Zohaib Kazi

An immersive journey into the mystical world of Sufism.

We explored the mysticism of Sufi Islam at Sonic Swirl & Silence – a mesmerising new installation created by Pakistani musician Zohaib Kazi and presented at Loading Bay, Bradford 2025’s pop-up venue in the heart of the city.

Sonic Swirl & Silence was a light and sound installation created from images and recordings of some of the most important Sufi sites in Pakistan – including the shrines dedicated to Sufi saints Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and Laki Shah Sadar, and to the revered Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. This atmospheric installation introduced us to the devout Sufis who journey to these sacred sites, the music and dance that’s such a vital part of Sufism, and the extraordinary power of this deeply spiritual practice.

Sonic Swirl & Silence was part of BD: is LIT, a weekend of light installations and artworks by local, national and international artists.

Video
Watch an introduction to Sonic Swirl & Silence from artist Zohaib Kazi.
Credits
Director / Producer: Zohaib Kazi
Assistant Audio Recordist + Video Editor: Hunain Haider
Assistant Audio Recordist + Mix Engineer: Augustine Arnold
Director of Photography - 2nd Unit: Naveed Bhatti

With special thanks to
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Laki Shah Sadar and Bhit Shah
Murad Ali Shah (Chief Minister, Sindh, Pakistan)
Aurangzeb Marri (Chairman, Berani, Sindh)

Past event

Were you at this event?

Let us know what you thought on social media or find out what’s on soon!

See what's on

BD: is Lit

Watch as Bradford city centre is transformed by a stunning series of light and sound installations.

Related Events

A detailed view of the Tower of Now sculpture, against a blue sky.
FREE

Tower of Now

Saad Qureshi

This soaring sculpture explores what it means to be British – and celebrates Bradford’s dazzling diversity.

Bill Bailey stands in the centre of this image, with a group of six artists behind him standing in a line. He wears a blue suit and t shirt, and the artists variously wear casual clothes and painting aprons.
FREE Part of Loading Bay

Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey

Breathtaking portraits – incredible personal stories.

A woman with a full sleeve of tattoos paints on a small easel.
Part of Loading Bay

Sip & Paint: Extraordinary Portraits

Get inspired by Extraordinary Portraits and enjoy an evening of painting, for ages 16-30.

An Illuminated image of The Ramadan Pavilion, which is an arched structure that's positioned in Centenary Square. The floor is wet, so the lights are reflective on the floor.
FREE

Infinite Light

Zarah Hussain & Fatima Mejbil

A place for reflection, gathering, and cultural celebration.

Part of Loading Bay

Pottery & Sip: Extraordinary Portraits

Get hands on with clay in this interactive workshop for ages 16-30, inspired by Extraordinary Portraits.

Colourful obelisk-shaped structure with child walking in front of it
Part of PLAY

Balancing Acts

Sam Shendi

A bespoke, playful structure created to celebrate the community and history of BD5.

Part of BD: Walls

40 Years of Checkpoint

Jamie Steward

Bradford’s West Indian community centre takes the spotlight in a vibrant new street artwork.

Vibrant mural spelling out 'Breathe' in several fonts, sizes and colours. Members of the public walking by.
Part of BD: Walls

Breathe Breathe Breathe

Ricky Also in collaboration with Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik's lyrics make up this bold typographic artwork in Bradford City Centre, part of BD: Walls.