Bloom – FAQs
Useful information about Bloom - a performance in Shipley Market Square on 26 & 27 September 2025.
Bloom is a large-scale circus performance celebrating the spirit of Bradford and its people, co-produced by Upswing.
We’ve put together some helpful information to help you plan your visit to Bloom. If you have any questions, please contact us on [email protected].
Travel and transport
Find out how to get to Bloom, including parking, road closures, taxis and public transport.
Road closures
There will be road closures in place around Kirkgate and Market Square beginning on Sunday 21 September (various times and roads). Full details to be released shortly.
Parking
If you’re driving to Bloom, off-street and car parking in and around Shipley is free after 6pm. See locations here.
Please note that Shipley Market Place Car Park will be closed.
Blue Badge parking
The closest Blue Badge parking provision is on Kirkgate, where parking is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trains and buses
Shipley Train Station is less than 10 minutes walk from Bloom. Please check with local transport providers for up to date information about timetables.
Bus Diversions
Sun 21 Sep, 6am – Sun 28 Sep, 11:59pm – During this time, services 60, 60A, 622, 679, 821 will be diverted via Otley Road
Wed 24 – Sat 27 Sep, 6pm-10pm – During these times, bus diversions will be in place and stops on the marketplace unavailable.
Bikes
Bikes cannot be brought on to the site.
Taxis
Uber and private-hire taxis:
Please be aware of the road closures listed above.
Vehicle Drop off
Vehicles can drop off on Dale Street, adjacent to Market Square. For Car Parking information please visit Car parks in Shipley | Bradford Council.
Event information
There are two entrances into the event, one located on Kirkgate to the east of Market Square (adjacent to The Pride of Shipley Pub) and one on the South side of Market Square (adjacent to the Arndale Centre).
The event site is tarmac and/or paved throughout. For the most direct and level access, we recommend using the entrance at the South side of the Square where the Access Information Point will be located.
I’m eligible for free entry because I’m aged under 16 or over 60. Do I need a ticket or can I just turn up?
No, all audience members require a ticket, even if they are eligible for free entry. You will not be admitted without a valid ticket
Babes in arms (under 12 months only) do not require a ticket.
You can book free tickets here.
What time is the event?
The site opens at 6.45pm on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.
We recommend arriving no later than 7pm, as there may be queues and bag searches will take place on entry.
The performance starts at 7.30pm and should finish at approximately 8.15pm.
Where do I access the event?
Entry gates will be situated on the south side of Market Square and on Kirkgate (close to the junction with Westgate).
Ticket holders can use any entry.
Are there any age restrictions?
Bloom is suitable for all ages, but please note that under–16s must be accompanied by an adult.
What can I bring with me?
We want to ensure that Bradford 2025 events are safe for everyone to enjoy. The following items will not be allowed into the event site:
- Large luggage, bags and/or suitcases
- Professional film and photography equipment
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Lasers
- Fireworks or sparklers
- Bikes
- Scooters or e-scooters
- Camping chairs
- Balaclavas may not be worn
Are there seats?
Bloom is a standing event – but there will be an accessible viewing platform for wheelchair users and their companion, and for anyone else who needs a seat for access reasons. Spaces on the platform are limited and must be booked in advance. Please contact our Ticketing team at [email protected] to book your space and/or to discuss your access requirements.
Will there be a cloakroom?
There won’t be any cloakroom facilities on site, so please don’t bring large bags or luggage.
Will there be toilets?
Yes there will be portaloos, including accessible toilets on site.
Are animals allowed?
Service animals are welcome, but no other animals will be allowed into the event site.
Can I smoke or vape at the event?
Smoking or vaping is not permitted within the event site.
If I need to leave the site, can I re-enter?
Limited re-entry will be permitted through designated gates.
Access information
Access Information Point
The Access Information Point is located at the South Side of Market Square (adjacent to the Arndale Centre) at the box Office. Our team will be on hand for assistance & to answer any queries.
Accessible Viewing Platform
There is an Accessible Viewing Platform available for wheelchair users or those who require seating for access reasons. Spaces must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected]
To reach the Accessible Viewing Platform, we recommend that you enter the site from the Entrance at the South Side of Market Square. Assistance is available from the Access Information Point.
Warnings
Bloom is a standing event, but there will be an accessible viewing platform for wheelchair users and their companions, as well as for anyone else who needs to be seated for access reasons.
Spaces on the platform are limited and must be booked in advance. Please contact our Ticketing team at [email protected] to book your space and/or to discuss your access requirements.
BSL Interpretation
There will be BSL interpretation available on both Friday 26 & Saturday 27 September Performances. There will be signage on site to indicate the best viewing position. Please check in at the Access Information Point and our team will be able to direct you.
Audio Description
The performance on Saturday 27 September will be Audio Described. Headsets can be collected from the Access Information Point. This should be booked in advance via the box office or by emailing [email protected]
Quiet or Prayer Space
A quiet space will be available on site, although it won’t be completely quiet due to being outdoors, we will have ear defenders available.