This online event is scheduled for the afternoon of 1 December 2025, from 1pm to 4pm.

The in-person workshop will take place at Bradford’s new entertainment venue, Bradford Live, the beautifully restored former Odeon. Sessions will focus on providing guidance and tips for Expression of Interest and full bid applications. Attendees will also hear reflections from key Bradford 2025 leaders and partners, including their experiences of bidding for and delivering a UK City of Culture programme.

This workshop offers a valuable chance to connect with key UK City of Culture stakeholders, fostering inspiration, learning, networking, and a stronger sense of community. Please be aware this is intended to support bidders to the UK City of Culture competition only and will not cover the new UK Town of Culture competition, guidance for which will be released separately at a later date.

You can book a ticket to attend this workshop in person

The agenda for the event will include a variety of sessions, such as panel discussions. The list of speakers include:

• Sir Phil Redmond, UK City of Culture Panel Chair
• Claire McColgan, UK City of Culture Panel Deputy Chair
• Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader for Bradford Council
• Lorraine O’Donnell, Chief Executive for Bradford Council
• Dan Bates, Executive Director for Bradford Culture Company
• Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director for Bradford Culture Company
• Phil Batty, former Director of Public Engagement for Hull 2017 and Vice Chair of Bradford 2025.
• Pete Massey, Director North, Yorkshire and Humber/Northern Economy and Partnership for Arts Council England

The sessions will also be supported by DCMS Policy Officials and Analysts, and wider UK City of Culture partners.