Eight amazing music venues in Bradford District
Bradford is home to so many iconic music venues – plan your next night out in Bradford, Bingley, Saltaire and beyond.
Published: September 10, 2024
Author:
Sherman Rabbit
Bradford 2025 Apprentice Marketing Assistant
New talent at The Underground, folk tunes at the Live Room, sweaty moshpits at Nightrain – Bradford’s live music scene has something for everyone.
St George’s Hall
This historic venue in the heart of Bradford opened in 1853, since when it has been used as a courtroom, a cinema and even an airport lobby. With a major restoration in 2016 bringing it back to its former glory, this stunning Victorian concert hall remains an impressive space for live music. The venue hosts a classical music season every year, where major orchestras make the most of its world-class acoustics.
The Underground
The Underground has become an important part of the Bradford music scene since it launched in 2016. It’s made a name for itself as a multi-genre venue with a mission to make music accessible to as many people in the local community as possible, featuring acts such as The Wombats and Maverick Sabre. It also provides a platform for budding young musicians to develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue
This iconic Queensbury venue is rich in history: the Black Dyke Band renamed themselves after the Mills and became its public face when its owners at the time, the Foster family, provided them with new instruments, new uniforms and a practice room. The modern-day venue is run entirely by volunteers, who pride themselves on showcasing some of the finest grassroots musicians in Bradford – and reinvesting all profits back into the venue.
Bingley Arts Centre
A stone’s throw from Bingley station sits Bingley Arts Centre, a vibrant home for arts and culture since 1974. The centre is home to Bingley Little Theatre, which hosts new and touring music nights plus some of the best tribute acts around. The fun doesn’t stop there: Bingley Arts Centre also presents musicals, film screenings and more.
The 1 in 12 Club
The 1 in 12 Club was opened by a group of Bradford anarchists on Albion Street in 1981, when it aimed to create a social scene that was both fascism-free and affordable for working-class people. Many now-famous names played there in the formative years of their career, including Chumbawamba, Offset and Disturbed, and the 1 in 12 Club remains a key space for grassroots artists in Bradford.
Nightrain
Named after the classic Guns N’ Roses anthem, Nightrain is one of Bradford’s newest live music venues. It prides itself on being Bradford’s number-one rock and alternative venue, hosting everything from touring artists and grassroots bands to beloved tribute acts. Since 2019, alternative-inclined Bradfordians have danced the night away while discovering new and exciting artists.
The Live Room
Located on Caroline Street in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, the Live Room is an intimate venue for live music. The venue hosts everything from dancing, live music and theatre to workshops, exhibitions and bingo, and showcases some of the best folk and grassroots music in Bradford.
King’s Hall and Winter Garden
The King’s Hall dates back to 1908, with the Winter Garden added in 1914. This Ilkley landmark quickly became a popular place for concerts, meetings and dances, and now hosts events as varied as Ilkley Literature Festival, Ilkley Pride and the famous Ilkley Summer Festival.
Even more pubs and clubs
Bradford is bursting with brilliant sounds, and there are many more places to see live music than just those named here. Many pubs feature live music on the weekends while some bars host open mic nights during the week – and let’s not forget the buskers caround the city centre.
Check out the latest listings for music across Bradford District at itsoninbradford.co.uk, and find out more about Bradford’s venues and gigs at bradfordmusicscene.com.
