26 – 30 Mar 2025
Loading Bay
Unspun Stories
509 Arts
An immersive installation that explored Bradford's textile heritage.
We explored the district’s late 20th century textile heritage through this immersive installation created by 509 Arts and the Colour Foundry in partnership with The Space.
Unspun Stories was an immersive digital journey into Bradford’s late 20th century textile heritage, created by 509 Arts and the Colour Foundry for Bradford 2025.
Bradford’s textile industry dates back more than 700 years, but its history isn’t only ancient. Unspun Stories looked at life in the mills during the last decades of the 20th century, when people travelled to Bradford from around the world to work in an industry that played a central role in the economy of the district.
This immersive installation lasted around 20 minutes, blending archive film footage, projections and soundscapes with audio recordings from those who worked in the mills during the ’70s, ’80s and 90s. Produced by 509 Arts as part of their Lost Mills and Ghost Mansions project, the result was an evocative journey back to a pivotal moment in Bradford’s recent history.
A musical addition
On Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th, parts of the Unspun Stories soundtrack were performed live in the installation. Two brass musicians from the City of Bradford Brass Band and the composer, Nick Lewis, brought an added musical dimension to the immersive experience of Unspun Stories.
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 onRelated Events
Mon 26 Oct - Sun 1 Nov 2026
Radical Joy – Half-term
Free half-term activities to celebrate the exhibition Radical Joy exploring street performance and outdoor arts.
Fri 9 Oct - Sun 20 Dec 2026
(Thu - Sun)
Radical Joy
An exhibition exploring the wonderful world of street performance and outdoor arts.
Thu 29 Oct 2026
Bradford District Music Strategy Launch
supported by the BPI and Bradford Live
Join us at Bradford Live as we celebrate the launch of the Bradford District Music Strategy.
Mon 2 Nov 2026
Building a Festival
Networking and Panel Event
Part of the Bradford and Nairobi Music Development Programme.
Tue 3 Nov 2026
