Bradford’s launch into its year as UK City of Culture lit the skies with colour, sound and energy as thousands of people shared the spectacle of opening programme, RISE.
Magicians, musicians, acrobats and performers joined forces for a spectacular outdoor theatrical event in City Park and Centenary Square to launch the Bradford2025 year-long programme.
A festival atmosphere filled City Park which was taken over by DJs, food trucks and entertainers ahead of the show, created by the district’s own magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) and directed by Kirsty Housley.
Mesmerising aerial performers, acrobatics, magic and voices told the stories of local people and places. A 200-strong cast included poets and rappers, a community choir led by the Friendship Choir, the Airedale Symphony Orchestra, and a multi-generational community ensemble of Bradford residents aged from 12 to 65.
Bradford 2025 will celebrate contemporary culture in all forms and showcase the rich history and heritage of the area. Events, performances and activities will spread from the city to the towns, villages and green spaces across the district, running from January to December 2025.
Also launching in January is DRAW! a nation-wide drawing project inspired and supported by Bradford-born artist David Hockney in which members of the public are invited to take part. The National Science and Media Museum reopens in January following a major £6 million development. It presents David Hockney: Pieced Together (15 January – 18 May 2025) which explores the artist’s pioneering use of film and photography.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture said:
‘Our ambitious opening event brings the district together reflecting Bradford’s youthfulness, diversity and heritage, lighting the creative spark that will fuel this incredible year and forge unforgettable memories. We’ll introduce audiences to our rural landscapes, pay tribute to our local heroes, and platform the astonishing talent emerging from our radical city. Our time is now – and it starts with RISE.’
