Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 - what's on in June

Have you booked tickets to any of these exciting June events as part of Bradford 2025? <i>(Image: David Lindsay/Tom Arber/Andrew Benge)</i>
Have you booked tickets to any of these exciting June events as part of Bradford 2025? (Image: David Lindsay/Tom Arber/Andrew Benge)
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The official start of summer is just weeks away, so what Bradford 2025 events are happening this month in the sunshine and warm temperatures?

In May, some of the UK City of Culture programme highlights included a theatre production on board a canal boat, a culture and heritage weekend in Bingley and a “spectacular” bassline music performance too.

But in June, you can expect to see an audiovisual concert, “the silliest sports session you have ever seen,” and a special house band tribute to Amy Winehouse’s iconic Back to Black album (and so much more).

Plus, there are plenty of films to see, including Conclave and The Lorax (2012) as part of The Incredible Moving Cinema.

@bradford2025 🎉 It’s Volunteer Week! 🎉   Bradford 2025 would not be possible without our amazing volunteers - so this week we're celebrating all the brilliant work they've done in delivering our year as UK City of Culture. From one-of-a-kind experiences to extensive training opportunities, there's never been a better time to get involved. Whether you're passionate about art, culture, or community – there’s always place for you here. 💛💚🩷   “Your contributions are so valued … it just feels like you’re part of a team!” – Ann, Bradford 2025 Volunteer.   Need more convincing? These are just a handful of our favourite Volunteering stats!   2,082 amazing volunteers 13,417 hours of dedication 582 unforgettable shifts covered   If you want to meet new people, share one in a lifetime experiences, and celebrate the UK City of Culture in style, sign up to be a Bradford 2025 volunteer now! Link in bio. 🔗 #Bradford2025 #UKCityofCulture ♬ Riviera Maya - Lounge Vibes

Let’s take a look at some of the top events taking place in June in the City of Culture 2025.

See the full programme on the Bradford 2025 website.

Some of the best Bradford UK City of Culture events this June

Greed - Tavaziva Dance

Dates: June 5-6

Times: 7.30pm

Location: The Beacon – Bowling Park

“Greed is a dynamic retelling of the Seven Deadly Sins from choreographer Bawren Tavaziva, born in Zimbabwe and now based in the UK.

“The show considers the interplay of money, power and religion between African and Western cultures in the 21st century – performed by a cast of five dancers to a vibrant soundtrack.

Take a look at all the events happening near you here Take a look at all the events happening near you here (Image: Newsquest) Suitable for ages 13+. Buy your tickets online.

Chasing Sunlight - Sinfonia Cymru

Date: June 6

Times: 5-6pm

Location: Loading Bay

“Chasing Sunlight is an ‘audio-visual concerto’ – in simpler terms, it means the orchestra is performing on stage in front of video projections. Either way, it will captivate your senses with a beautiful combination of music and imagery.

“Both the music and the visuals are inspired by the 40,000-mile migration from pole to pole of the Arctic tern. The visuals were captured by refugee groups who have fled conflict, and people seeking asylum in Bradford and Cardiff, in a poignant reflection on displacement and endurance.”

This New Music Biennial 2025 event is free, but ticketed – find out more online.

Have you seen an act at Bradford's Loading Bay this year?Have you seen an act at Bradford's Loading Bay this year? (Image: Tom Arber)

Giddha Workshop - Club Ekta

Date: June 7

Times: 12-2pm

Location: The Beacon – Bowling Park

“This exciting session will dive into the rich traditions of Punjabi folk dance and the lyrical art of singing Boliyan – expressions of joy, strength, and sisterhood. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned dancer, this is your chance to learn authentic Giddha moves and dance your heart out in a joyful, women-only space.

“Dress Code: Bright Traditional – come dressed in your most colourful suits.”

Suitable for ages 12+. Tickets cost £15 plus a booking fee and can be purchased online.

Wonky Olympics - SD Theatre

Date: June 8

Times: Various times

Location: The Beacon – Bowling Park

“Armed with cones, hula hoops, and their trusty megaphone, they’re ready to lead the silliest sports session you’ve ever seen. Dressed head to toe in retro PE kits and determined to get you moving, these teachers don’t care if you forgot your trainers—and no, they’re not accepting notes from your parents.”

Guests can expect a “chaotic warm-up followed by delightfully daft events” including Chopstick Javelin, Sock Shotput and Hula-Poola Hula-hoops.

Free to attend. Suitable for ages 3+, but under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

STATUESQUE at Bowling Park - Chicks on Sticks & Naomi Parker

Date: June 14

Times: 11am-3pm

Location: The Beacon, Bowling Park

“Meet three new walkabout costumed characters inspired by Lister Park’s bronze stag, Bowling Park’s wooden bear and a drumming squirrel, designed and made by artists Naomi Parker and Rachel Hyde – director of stilt walking company Chicks on Sticks.

“These new characters will be join [sic] by the much-loved Bracewell the Dragon and Salt and Pepper the Alpaca.

King Charles and Queen Camilla recently visited BradfordKing Charles and Queen Camilla recently visited Bradford (Image: Tom Arber) “Head to the park and make your own parade creation in a family-friendly workshop run by artists Pam Crawford and Donna Ramsden from 11am. After a day of fun with the characters, participants will show off their work in a carnival parade at 2pm, joined by members of the local community.”

Suitable for all ages. Free to attend.

Back to Black - Belgrave House Band

Date: June 19

Times: 7.30pm

Location: The Beacon – Bowling Park

“The Belgrave House Band continue their mission to celebrate the art of the album by performing a modern masterpiece in full: Amy Winehouse’s landmark Back to Black.

“Leeds’s mighty Belgrave House Band have made their name with a series of ace tributes to classic albums, and they’ll be playing Back to Black in full at this one-off show in Bowling – fronted by powerhouse singer Lydia Kotsirea, and joined by a horn section, backing vocalists and movement direction from choreographer Ruby Portus.”

Suitable for ages 18+. Buy tickets online.


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Eggs Collective’s Dark Nights - twisted cabaret nights at Loading Bay

Date: June 20

Times: 7.30pm

Location: Loading Bay

Bradford 2025 shares: “Ace comedic trio Eggs Collective – Sara Cocker, Léonie Higgins and Lowri Evans – trek over the Pennines to mark the shortest night of 2025 with a midsummer cabaret at Loading Bay. 

“It’s time to celebrate the days getting shorter, the nights getting wilder and the humour getting darker. But don’t worry – Eggs Collective promise to hold your hand.

“The trio will be joined by some of their freakiest friends for the first of three Loading Bay cabaret nights between now and Christmas.”

Suitable for ages 18+ - tickets cost £8 and can be purchased online via the link above to Bradford 2025’s website.

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