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Gallery: look back on RISE

With Director Kirsty Housley and Bradford's own Steven Frayne, we launched Bradford's year as UK City of Culture in proper Bradford style. Relive the magic here.

Published: January 13, 2025

200 performers
20,000 people
2 amazing nights

Welcome to the UK City of Culture 2025

RISE was the magical, people-powered spectacle that opened our year as UK City of Culture 2025.

Step into City Park with us and relive RISE through some of our favourite photos and videos.

Bradford 2025 is finally here!

Have you got any great images of RISE? Make sure you follow us on social media and share them with us!

© Ian Hodgson
© Ian Hodgson
© Ian Hodgson

Watch the highlights film

For me, this is like our Olympic opening ceremony – it’s got to feel like that to the people of Bradford because it means that much to the people.
Steven Frayne Formerly known as Dynamo
© Ian Hodgson 
© Ian Hodgson 
© Ian Hodgson
© Ian Hodgson
© Ian Hodgson

Meet the RISE team

Watch interviews with the Rise Director and Movement director behind RISE.

RISE Director Kirsty Housley wears a white t shirt in front of Bradford's City Square. She sits down for an interview.

Posted January 3, 2025 

Interview: RISE Director Kirsty Housley

RISE Director Kirsty Housley talks to us about what to expect from the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture opening event.

Movement director Lina sits for an interview in front of Bradford 2025 branding.

Posted January 3, 2025 

Interview: RISE Movement Director Lina Johansson

Meet Lina Johansson, Movement Director for our opening event RISE.

Share your RISE photos

We’ve love to see more of your photos and videos from RISE. Make sure you follow us on social and share your photos with us.

RISE is just the start

See even more Bradford 2025 events, coming soon.

What’s on →
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