Since spring, The Beacon – our custom touring venue – has been rolling through parks across Bradford, bringing community celebrations, theatre, music, and family fun straight to local neighbourhoods . And it’s one of the most visible examples of local innovation powering culture.

Thanks to Power Saving Solutions, the venue’s lighting and sound system runs on a cutting-edge off-grid battery setup – keeping it energy-efficient and emissions-light. It’s sustainable, practical – and exactly the kind of community-powered solution that fits a year of culture rooted in local expertise.

That’s the kind of spark we love.

This month, you might’ve caught a flash of something special at Foster Square station. Northern’s new train wrap, unveiled in early June, features artwork celebrating Bradford’s City of Culture status and the everyday heroes who make the city shine.

Meanwhile, LNER has more than tripled its services between London and Bradford – and unveiled its own branded train to mark the journey. Whether you’re heading to the capital or coming up to explore Bradford’s vibrant programme, getting here just got easier.

Northern Rail is also helping passengers travel in style with the unveiling of ‘The Bradfordian‘ – a train featuring vibrant artwork tributing local landmarks and historic figures, including the Brontë sisters and J.B. Priestley.

And for culture-seekers closer to home, First Bus has launched a fully wrapped Loading Bay bus, emblazoned with our signature B. The Loading Bay bus is promoting gigs, exhibitions and theatre across the district, while the brand-new Bradford Weekender ticket offers unlimited travel for groups of five – all weekend, for just £10.

Culture’s calling – and Bradford’s accommodation partners are rolling out the welcome mat.

This month, Airbnb is launched a brand-new Bradford landing page, spotlighting the city’s culture, character and best places to stay. Meanwhile, Mercure Hotels, Cedar Court Hotels and Grand Central continue to champion the cause as proud Bradford 2025 partners, helping visitors feel right at home.

High above Haworth, something wild has appeared.

Wild Uplands – Bradford 2025’s new large-scale open-air gallery – has opened at Penistone Hill Country Park, bringing bold contemporary artworks into the dramatic Yorkshire landscape. It’s supported by Yorkshire Water, whose ranger team helped install the sculptures with care, protecting the land they know so well.

Bradford’s textile heritage is a proud part of its past – and since May, there’s been a new way to see it brought to life.

At Salts Mill, Ann Hamilton’s We Will Sing exhibition has been brought to life with the help of Bradford-based fabric manufacturer William Halstead, who generously donated the material used in the installation. It’s another reminder that creativity in Bradford is never just about the artists – it’s a community effort, with deep roots and local pride.

All of these projects coming to life recently have one thing in common – they’ve been made possible by our incredible network of partners, funders and supporters.

We’re proud to have them on board, and proud to celebrate what we’re building together.