2024: That was the year that was
Join us to look back on a packed 2024, and look forward to an amazing year ahead.
Published: December 13, 2024
We’re just days away from the start of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture – but you may have noticed we’ve started already...
You may have seen…
The big Bradford 2025 moment took place at St George’s Hall in September, when The One Show helped unveil our programme to millions. We also brought stunning artworks to Cartwright Hall, Bradford’s local heroes to billboards around the district – and seven towering red giraffes to the streets of the city. Next up is RISE, our big opening event created by Kirsty Housley and Steven Frayne (who you may know better as Dynamo) – get your tickets today before it’s too late…
Meet the future
Why wait for tomorrow? We’re putting young people at the heart of Bradford 2025 right now. Some 17 young people have joined our Youth Panel, ensuring young people’s perspectives shape every decision we make.
Nine apprentices and ten Young Creatives have gained hands-on experience working with us, paving the way for creative industry careers. And we’ve launched the Bradford 2025 Youth Pass, which offers discounted tickets, priority booking and other benefits for Bradford residents aged 16–25. If that’s you, sign up today – it’s free.
Capital ideas
Our Cultural Capital Fund is one of many initiatives designed to ensure the impact of Bradford 2025 lasts not just months but years. Some 21 organisations and projects have benefited from Cultural Capital grants, which have supported the Peace Museum’s move to Salts Mill, the purchase of the historic Brontë birthplace in Thornton (hopefully opening in 2025!) and access improvements at Ilkley Playhouse. Read all about it here.
Spotlighting Bradford artists
We’ve provided funding and support for local artists to create new works for 2025 – and one of them, Jack King’s feature film The Ceremony (watch the trailer), has already picked up a prestigious award from the Edinburgh International Film Festival. We’ve partnered with the British Council on their Venice Fellowship Programme, offering opportunities to Bradford artists such as Millicent Sanders. And our Artist-Led Project Awards are supporting dozens of new works set to premiere in 2025.
Learn, learn, learn
Bradford Glow is our collection of free learning resources set to unleash the creativity of local school children – and before Bradford 2025 has even started, we’ve connected online with more than 16,000 learners. Some 96 schools in 29 wards have already signed up to take part in activity in 2025 with nearly 5,000 learners ready to join us for sessions. We’re already running programmes such as Sing, Dance, Leap, our collaboration with Royal Ballet & Opera, Northern Ballet and Opera North and Digital Creatives. Plus we’re getting playful with projects like Intergenerational Play and our year-round PLAY programme for children and families.
Shaping creative communities
We’re bringing art to people’s doorsteps with our Creative Communities Fund alongside GiveBradford and Pears Foundation, which awarded grants totalling £250,000 to 30 community organisations across Bradford. Some 2,000 participants from three-quarters of Bradford’s districts have already been taking part in a wild range of activities, from crafting, music-making, dance and cookery. And Drumroll Please put young people’s thoughts about Bradford on to a series of striking posters designed by local artists Kirsty Taylor and Asher Titre. “Keep It Lemon” indeed…
And there’s more
Tune in to our news on BCB Radio. Look out for events in your neighbourhood hosted by our Bradford 2025 Networkers. Download our free Love Bradford logo. Host your own event at The Beacon, our travelling venue. And keep warm this winter with our exclusive Bradford 2025 beanie and scarf, guaranteed to improve any outfit…
All this and it’s not even 2025 yet – but it will be soon. Are you ready?
