Tickets for Bradford City of Culture events to go on sale

TICKETS for a bassline-style orchestra, The Railway Children by train, and Richard Hawley in Bradford are set to go on sale.

The unique events are part of 2025’s year-long UK City of Culture celebrations.

Featuring world-class talent and local legends, ticket sales for the first wave of performances will go live from 12pm on Thursday, November 7.

The Railway Children, running between July 16 and September 7, will bring an enchanting stage adaptation of E Nesbit’s classic novel to the tracks.

A new version of The Railway Children (Image: Bradford 2025) Taking place at Keighley & Oxenhope stations, York Theatre Royal’s Olivier Award-winning production will go for a ride along the iconic railway, as seen in film adaptations of The Railway Children.

Exclusive for Bradford 2025, the show starts by boarding a steam train at Keighley before travelling the full length of this historic railway. 

When the audience reaches the end of the line at Oxenhope, they will find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed. Mike Kenny’s new version of the classic tale tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned.

It is suitable for theatregoers of all ages and playing for a limited run only.

The Big Brass Blowout is set to feature new and old favourites (Image: Bradford 2025) The Big Brass Blowout will showcase a variety of class acts over three days and nights from April 11.

Held in venues around the district, people can expect anything from traditional tunes and much-loved classics to afrobeat rhythms and one-off collaborations.

Yorkshire’s own Richard Hawley will join the Black Dyke Band for a special performance on April 12. 

BD1 Brass will score the acclaimed archive film Echoes of the North on April 11, while The City of Bradford Brass Band will soundtrack family favourite Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers on April 12. 

Arranger Katie Chatburn will be involved in Bradford’s City of Culture year (Image: Bradford 2025) There will be Afrobeat from KOKOROKO on April 13 as well as an array of free events and activities at City Park.

A one-night-only spectacular will blend the sound of Bradford – Bassline – with orchestra symphonies.

Taking place at St George’s Hall on May 9, Bassline Symphony will see 4×4 legends Jamie Duggan, DJ Q and TS7 will join arranger Katie Chatburn and the Orchestra of Opera North. 

The supercharged sounds – curated by Tanya Vital – will also feature guest vocalists and DJs.

TS7 is involved in the Bassline Symphony during Bradford’s City of Culture year (Image: Bradford 2025) Tickets for The Big Brass Blowout, Bassline Symphony and The Railway Children will be available from 12pm on Thursday 7 November at bradford2025.co.uk 

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture “Bradford 2025 is all about showcasing the incredible diversity and culture of our district, and our programme really sets the tone for what’s to come.

“From an immersive performance of The Railway Children to the homegrown energy of our bassline scene and brass bands, we’re celebrating Bradford’s rich heritage whilst pushing boundaries with new creative collaborations.

“Our year-long cultural celebration will be truly special, and we can’t wait for you to join us.”