Bradford is set to shine as the 2025 UK City of Culture with an exciting launch event, RISE, taking place on January 10 and 11 in City Park and Centenary Square. The event, led by award-winning director Kirsty Housley and Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (formerly Dynamo), promises an unforgettable evening of magic, music, and storytelling with the city’s communities at its heart.
RISE is an outdoor theatrical spectacle featuring aerial performances, acrobatics, live music, and spoken word. Local voices are central to the show, with a community choir led by the Friendship Choir, the Airedale Symphony Orchestra, and a multi-generational ensemble of Bradford residents aged 12 to 65. The creative team also includes poet Kirsty Taylor, writers Kemmi Gill, Nabeela Ahmed, Kenzo Jae, and composer and DJ Jae Depz.
Gates open at 5 pm, with DJs, food trucks, and a festival atmosphere setting the stage for the 6:30 pm main event. The two-night celebration is family-friendly, with tickets priced at just £2 and free for children, seniors, and Youth Pass members (16-25). Tickets can be booked online, by phone, or at the Ticket + Info Hub in Centenary Square.
Bradford 2025 will celebrate contemporary culture across the district, with events spanning the city center, surrounding towns, and green spaces. Two major exhibitions will open in January. At the National Science and Media Museum, Nationhood: Memory and Hope by Ethiopian artist Aïda Muluneh will showcase surrealist images exploring identity and history. At Cartwright Hall, Fighting to Be Heard will examine the connections between calligraphy and boxing in collaboration with the British Library.
The cultural programme also includes David Hockney: Pieced Together at the newly reopened National Science and Media Museum, highlighting the artist’s innovative use of photography and film. The Akram Khan Company will perform Jungle Book Reimagined at the Alhambra Theatre, retelling Mowgli’s story through the lens of climate change. Clio Barnard will curate Northern Soul, a film season celebrating working-class northern women in cinema, and Asian Dub Foundation will perform their live soundtrack to La Haine.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, highlights the importance of this cultural milestone:
“All eyes will be on Bradford as we celebrate the launch of UK City of Culture. RISE will bring the district together for an inspiring event reflecting Bradford’s youthfulness, diversity and heritage, lighting the creative spark that will fuel this incredible year and forge unforgettable memories. Our time is now – and it starts with RISE.”
Supported by public and private investment, including a £6 million contribution from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford 2025 aims to boost the region’s profile, attract visitors, and celebrate its creative spirit.
Tickets for RISE are available now.
Visit bradford2025.co.uk for more information and to book your spot for this historic launch.
