Coming together for City of Cuture

Reflections on the launch of Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture, from Ian, Trustee on the board at Bradford District and Craven Mind.  

 I was lucky enough to be one of the many thousands of people who came into Bradford’s city centre to watch the launch of Bradford 2025 at an event called Rise.  

 For a whole hour, a cold, dark, wintry Saturday night became a bright and colourful delight as Centenary Square showed off the talents of our city. There were dancers, singers, rappers, poets, aerial acrobats and even magicians.  

The stage became a beacon of light, creativity and hope. I say hope because so many people, groups from all backgrounds, cultures and faiths were connecting and showcasing their talents of what Bradford means to them. 

One moment stood out for me – a live orchestra played while a Muslim woman, dressed in a beautiful sari, performed her own poetry. The combination of live music and her words was incredibly powerful, two cultures woven together seamlessly. She returned to the stage several times, reading some poems in English and others in her native language, with translations displayed on screens for the audience to follow. 

There was a real sense of peace and unity as everyone listened together. Sally, an audience member, commented on the RISE performance: 

It felt nice to witness something creative but unique. I have a mixed-race son, and seeing people come together and just having fun makes me feel more hopeful for the future.

The night was mesmerising. Dazzling in the evening light, performances continued, with rappers taking the stage, and here, race held no barriers. That’s not to say race didn’t matter, because it did. Every performer stood on that stage with pride: black musicians, Asian performers, a diverse choir, and together, they represented the vibrant cultural tapestry that Bradford is known for. A celebration of the magic that Bradford is and can strive to be. 

Real life experiences of living in Bradford were read out. People from the markets, neighbourhoods and schools were aside pictures of churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. This is Bradford – a place where all cultures, faiths and races came together and will continue to ‘rise’ together. 

I also spoke to audience member Ayoub about what he thought of the performance:

I like the title Rise which makes me feel like I can rise up and be proud of being Muslim within Bradford. I’d just like everyone to be accepted regardless of their origin and the City of Culture 2025 makes me feel more optimistic for our great city.

It’s clear that Bradford and the City of Culture have already taken meaningful action to share and celebrate. Ideas have been sparked, imaginations have been ignited, and people have come together, connecting with a shared vision of equality for people of colour. And it doesn’t stop here. 

City of Culture 2025 will bring a year-long programme of performances, exhibitions, and events right across Bradford District, inspired by our landscapes, our heritage, and the cultures that make our city so special.  

This includes exhibitions such as I Am Me and Fighting To Be Heard at Cartwright Hall, the Share Your Story: Bradford Stories Bus touring across Bradford, the Ramadan Pavilion currently in Centenary Square, and talks celebrating figures like Andrea Dunbar. Many of these events are free, making them accessible to all. 

There’s so much to look forward to, and it’s not just about new roads and walkways. It’s about our people, our stories, and our cultures. 

Let’s celebrate it in 2025 and beyond! 

Watch the Rise highlight reel for a flavour of the two-night launch event in January: 

  What’s on at Bradford 2025

Posted on: 10th March 2025