THE hugely popular Bradford Is Lit festival, which saw over 30,000 people attend light themed events in the district, will return next year.

Held in 2021, the inaugural festival saw numerous art installations in the city centre, including a Northern Lights type phenomena created in City Park, images projected on the Grade I listed Wool Exchange, and street performers entertaining crowds.

There were also installations across the district, including in Haworth and Bingley.

Overall, the event is estimated to have attracted 30,000 people – of which 20,000 attended the city centre displays.

The event took place around the Bonfire period, and earlier this month a report revealed Bradford is Lit could become a biennial event – taking place every two years.

Now this seems to have been confirmed, with Bradford Council putting out a call for artists wanting to be part of next year’s festival.

IN PICTURES: Bradford is #LIT festival

A call out for commissions on the Bradford Council website says the 2023 festival will take place on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.

If the festival remains a biennial, it is likely there will be a Bradford is Lit event during the District’s City of Culture year in 2025.

The Council says the commissions are being funded through a partnership between the Council, Bradford 2025, The Leap and The National Science and Media Museum.

It adds: “The festival’s ambition is to light up places and explore unusual spaces and uncover the beauty of the district after dark.

“We want to create a district wide programme of light and surprise with activity featuring anywhere from front gardens, shopping centres roof tops, or bringing to life our extraordinary mills and hills.”

For more information visit https://www.bradford.gov.uk/arts-and-culture/funding/bd-is-lit-commissions/