We are well and truly into the swing of spring, and with that comes even more exciting Bradford UK City of Culture events this May.
Last month, residents and visitors were treated to the likes of films being shown at the drive-in cinema and a special BBC Radio 2 brass concert with Marti Pellow.
But over the next few weeks, you will be able to watch a theatre production on board a canal boat, join a culture and heritage weekend in Bingley and see a “spectacular” bassline music performance (plus so much more).
Let’s take a look at some of the best events taking place in May in the City of Culture 2025.
@bradfordthroughthelens THE TOWER #bradford #history #heritage #BRADFORD #tower #bradfordcouncil #cityofculture2025 #bradfordcityofculture2025 ♬ original sound - BRADFORD THROUGH THE LENS
See the full programme on the Bradford 2025 website.
Some of the best Bradford UK City of Culture events this May
Rose Illingworth: Born to the Boats (Northern Duck Productions)
Dates: May 3 - 18
Location: various
“Step aboard and join a new piece of theatre on the Leeds-Liverpool canal.
“Bradford theatre producers Meg Wilson and Jazmine Franks, directors of Northern Duck Productions, explore Bradford’s canal-life history through a new play, set aboard canal boats in Bingley and Saltaire. Inspired by Meg’s ancestor, Rose Illingworth, the narrative explores Rose’s struggle between tradition and modernity, whilst shedding light on Bradford’s industrial past.”
Bradford 2025 adds: “The show takes place on Kennet, an original Leeds & Liverpool short boat. Audience members will step up onto the boat and descend a few steps into the hold, where the performance unfolds.
“Performances take place at various times and locations between Sat 3 May and Sun 18 May.”
Book tickets and find out more online.
Bingley 25 Weekend
Dates: May 3 - 5
Location: venues around Bingley
Here is what you can expect at the celebration of culture and heritage in Bingley for 2025:
Saturday (May 3) – a focus on heritage: films, exhibitions, workshops, a pop-up farm, artisan market, live music, bell ringing and much more.
Sunday (May 4) – a focus on creativity and community: there are artists’ exhibitions in various venues across the town, bookable workshops, community stalls, workshops, choirs, bands, dancers and more.
More information about the three-day event will be posted on the Bradford 2025 page.
The Brontës by Anita Rani: Sisters of Disruption
Date: May 7
Location: Pictureville Cinema at National Science and Media Museum
Time: 6.30pm arrival, 7pm start
“Partly autobiographical, this new programme traces Anita’s relationship with the Brontës as she heads back to her hometown of Bradford, recalling her first encounter with them at school and her experience of growing up with the stunning landscape of Haworth and the moors on her doorstep.
“Anita also meets fellow Brontë fans and literary experts to discuss how and why these sisters became ground-breaking ‘literary disruptors’ whose work still feels relevant and influential today.
“The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with presenter Anita Rani and Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.”
Book your free ticket online.
Bassline Symphony
Date: May 9
Location: St George’s Hall
Time: doors 7pm, stars 7.30pm
“4x4 legends Jamie Duggan, DJ Q and TS7 join arranger Katie Chatburn and the Orchestra of Opera North to celebrate the sound of Bradford in this one-night-only spectacular, curated by Tanya Vital.
“Bassline is among the most thrilling musical subcultures of the 21st century. Bradford is a hotbed of this electrifying music, but it’s never sounded quite like this – with the trademark crackling rhythms and pulsing low end supercharged by Opera North’s magnificent orchestra.
“Alongside new symphonic versions of classic cuts from our trio of headliners, a galaxy of guest vocalists and DJs will be bringing tunes both new and old to a special showcase set – all presented within the stunning Victorian splendour of St George’s Hall. We’re all about the bassline.”
Buy tickets and find out more about the artists online.
An Evening with Resi/Dance (Dance United)
Date: May 22
Time: 6.30pm
Location: The Beacon – Bowling Park
Bradford 2025 writes: “The stars of this special show are all participants in Resi/Dance – a free community dance programme run by Dance United Yorkshire, a Bradford-based charity dedicated to transforming lives through contemporary dance.
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“An Evening with Resi/Dance features performances from four community dance groups: Erupt Dance Company (ages 5–8), Evolve Dance Company (ages 9–12), Excel Youth Company (ages 13+) and the Bradford Women’s Company (ages 18+).
“Many of the performers will be dancing in public for the first time – so come along and show your support for the brave and brilliant dancers of BD4!”
Get your free ticket online (a link can be found above).
