Another month is here, which means another huge programme of events as part of Bradford 2025 – have you been to any yet?
From the many films being shown at the drive-in cinema to a special BBC Radio 2 brass concert with Marti Pellow and an Easter festival for teens, there really is something for everyone this April.
We’ve rounded up some of the best singing, dancing and family activity workshops taking place across the City of Culture.
You can see the full programme of events on the Bradford 2025 website.
@bradford2025 The Great Adventure Build is underway at Wibsey Park! Over the past two days, we’ve welcomed local schools to help shape this epic playground made entirely by kids, with the brilliant @tribewoodland. Now, it’s the public’s turn to grab a hammer and get stuck in! 🛠️✨ Didn’t manage to grab a ticket this time? Don’t worry - they’ll be back for a full week of adventure in August at Ladyhill Park. Stay tuned to be the first to hear when those tickets drop! The Great Adventure build is part of PLAY, our year-round programme of free events and activities for children and families. #Bradford2025 #TheBeacon ♬ original sound - Bradford2025
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture April events
Roshni (Sonia Sabri Company)
Date: April 10
Times: 7.30pm
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“Roshni is a beautiful blend of South Asian dance and music, inspired by the stories and experiences of everyday people.
“Created by Sonia Sabri Company, the UK’s leading South Asian dance and music company, this feel good show is the perfect introduction for newcomers to the Kathak classical dance tradition – and offers something quite different for fans of this radiant artform.”
Tickets cost £5, under 16s free.
Top 5 Fun and Affordable Activities for Kids
The Big Beacon Family Welcome
Date: April 11
Times: 1–6pm
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“We’re welcoming children, young people, their parents and carers to Wibsey Park for an afternoon of family-friendly workshops, activities and performances during the school holidays.
“You don’t need to book, and admission is free. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.”
See the full running order on the Bradford 2025 website.
BBC Radio 2 Loves Brass with Marti Pellow and Carly Paoli
Date: April 11
Times: 7.30pm (doors 7pm)
Location: St. George's Hall
“Take a trip from Bond themes to bhangra beats in the company of Bradford’s mighty Black Dyke Band, chart-topping pop legend Marti Pellow, star soprano Carly Paoli, Punjabi Roots Academy and Bradford Cathedral Choir – and your host, BBC’s Zoe Ball.
“BBC Radio 2 Loves Brass is the opening concert in The Big Brass Blowout, Bradford 2025’s weekend-long festival of all things big, brassy and Bradford.”
Find out more and book tickets online.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories Day
Date: April 15 and 16
Times: Various
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“George Webster and Evie Pickerill are leaving the CBeebies House for just one day – and they’re coming to The Beacon in Wibsey Park as part of Bradford 2025 to tell us all some stories.
“Babies, toddlers, parents and carers are all welcome, whether it’s your bedtime or not! Simply cuddle up and tune in…”
Scary Little Girls - It’s Your Round pub quiz style cabaret
Date: April 17
Times: 7.30pm
Location: Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
Cornish actors Bec Applebee and Colin Leggo will be bringing the company’s much-loved It’s Your Round pub quiz style cabaret to the line-up at Bradford’s cultural festival this month.
Join quiz mistress and pub landlady Pat Pinch (Applebee) for a fast-moving pub quiz with a cabaret twist, featuring live music, audience participation, prizes and, of course, a few drinks.
Tickets start from £5 – buy them online.
Speed (1994) – Drive-in cinema
Date: April 18
Times: 7pm
Location: Cannon Mills
“A young cop (Keanu Reeves) and an unwitting commuter (Sandra Bullock) take a wild ride through Los Angeles aboard a bomb-laden bus in this iconic Hollywood thriller. Fasten your seatbelts…”
The Bradford 2025 website adds: “This is a drive-in cinema screening. There are three arrival slots for you to choose. Please arrive at your chosen arrival time so that our team can help you park up and get ready for the show.
“The film will begin at 7pm. Unfortunately latecomers will not be admitted.”
Tickets cost £15 per car and can be bought online.
@bradford2025 👀 Did you know that hidden beneath Sunbridge Road in Bradford is an underground tunnel complex? We’re talking about @Sunbridge Wells ♬ Moonlit Walk (Lo-Fi) - DreamyBeats
Easter Party in the Park
Date: April 20
Times: 6pm
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“Easter Party in the Park features live music, DJs, a neon make-up artist, a glitter booth, LED accessories, a 360 degree photobooth and much more – including some can’t-miss Easter giveaways.
“It’s all run by Teen Scene, the region’s leading producer of parties for young people.”
Free for all 13–17-year-olds – claim your required free ticket online.
BBC Introducing at The Beacon
Date: April 25
Times: 8pm
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“Whatever your experience and whatever your genre, you’ll have the chance to sign up on the night and showcase your skills and talent.
“Outstanding acts on the night could potentially hear their performances broadcast on BBC Introducing in Leeds and Sheffield, alongside some of the best up-and-coming talent from West and South Yorkshire.
“The night will also feature up-close-and-personal performances from musicians championed by BBC Introducing.”
Tickets can be purchased online for £3. Over 18s only.
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Wibsey Park: Acrobatics show among many events in 'Beacon' venue this week
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The Sticky Dance (Second Hand Dance)
Date: April 27
Times: 11am
Location: The Beacon – Wibsey Park
“Three dancers shimmy through the audience, weaving a tapestry of sticky tape.
“We’re invited to tape, stick and groove, to see and feel sound – or just to be still, watch and listen. Explore the space however you like.”
Bradford 2025 adds: “This performance of The Sticky Dance is open for two hours, with timed entry slots available every 15 minutes. We recommend you spend around 45–60 minutes in the show, although you can choose to stay for longer or for less time.”
Tickets cost £5 – under 16s free.
