Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or you’re a seasoned sketcher, this event is all about exploring creativity in new and playful ways. It’s free, open to everyone, and packed with opportunities to experiment, create and connect. Come with friends, family, or on your own, just bring your imagination. Make your mark, try something new, and be part of a joyful, artistic takeover of the space.

Art. Music. Colour. Community.

This is The Beacon DRAW!

Inside The Beacon

• Family Portraits: Creative Flair lead a workshop to create a family portrait through guided drawing.
  Aimed at children and their families.
• Collaged Leaves: Katie Shepherd leads a creative session exploring collage, doodling and pattern making.
  All ages.
• Zine Making Workshop: Hannah Platt leads a workshop where you can make your own mini-magazine/zine.
  Aimed at young people and adults.
• Turner Prize Workshop: Enjoy a creative workshop led by Mussarat inspired by artworks exhibited at the Turner Prize exhibition.
  All ages.

The Beacon Foyer

• Big Creatures: Design and draw your own imaginative creatures with Storybees.
  Aimed at young children.
• Window Painting/Tissue Art: A hands-on, sensory-friendly activity led by Storybees allowing small children to make their mark in a fun, visible way.
  Under 5s and parents/carers.
• Performative Digital Drawing: Sit for a portrait with Hafsah Nibe, which blends traditional and digital art.
  All ages. 30-45 minutes per person – limited slots available, sign up on the day.

Outdoor Tent

• Textiles Workshop: Zahid Rauf leads a hands-on workshop exploring textile design and layering.
  Aimed at ages 10+.
• Manga Character Workshop: Nicola Storr teaches manga style, character design and storytelling through images.
  Aimed at Teenagers.
• Nature Sketching: Observe and capture nature through drawing in this outdoor sketching session with Jake Attree.
  Aimed at teenagers and adults.
• Collaborative Line Walk: Amy Bairstow leads a workshop to create a giant collaborative line artwork.
  All ages.

Outside The Beacon

• Big Graffiti Wall: Aimee Grundell leads a large scale outdoor graffiti wall workshop for people to add to.
  Aimed at teenagers and adults.

Music Inside The Beacon

• 12-1pm – Shane Durrant
• 1-1:45pm – Nick Keating
• 2-2:30pm – Jahzmin
• 3-4pm – Nick Keating

This project is funded by Our Patch.

Our Patch is a year-long arts programme across Bradford in 2025, inviting community groups and residents to design and take part in free workshops, activities and events in their local area. Led by local ‘Our Patch Producers’ alongside artists and makers, the project will bring people together through creative experiences ranging from painting and poetry to dancing, cooking and gardening. Taking place in community halls, libraries, faith spaces and social hubs across Bradford East, Bradford South, Bradford West, Keighley & Ilkley and Shipley, Our Patch celebrates local culture while helping people learn skills, build confidence and make new connections. This is Our Patch.

Our Patch is funded by The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund. We extend our thanks to all players of the National Lottery.