Bradford Council Announces Line-Up For This Year’s BD: Festival

BD: Festival is to return to Bradford city centre on 25 and 26 July. Featuring world-class performers, including international names and home-grown talent, BD:Festival is free to attend and suitable for families and people of all ages.

Produced by Bradford Council in collaboration with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, the festival demonstrates the growing ambition set out in Culture is Our Plan, the district’s 10-year culture strategy. The fun-filled weekend will be a welcoming place for all, with a raft of world-class artists, local talent, live music, as well as art and craft workshops.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “We’re delighted to announce the full programme line up for this year’s BD:Festival. There really is something for everyone at this fabulous annual event and it’s a great chance for us to come together to celebrate art, culture and heritage. Families from all around the district and beyond had a great time at last year’s BD: Festival and we look forward to once again welcoming everyone to the city centre to enjoy this two-day event.”

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture says: “Now celebrating its 5th year in the district’s cultural calendar, our collaboration with Bradford Council on this year’s BD:Festival will help to bring more artists than ever before to the city centre, ensuring that Bradford’s free family-friendly spectacular festival of outdoor arts will be one to remember."

Cie Basinga will be the headline act on Friday 25 July.  A tightrope walking performance propelled by a live band, Soka Tira Osoa by French high-wire walking company Basinga, relies on the public to take them to new heights — blurring the line between audience and performer.  After performing in Bradford, Cie Basinga will be going to New York to make their US debut.

The 4-metre-tall puppet at the centre of Zee and the City will be a key moment on Saturday 26 July.  A high-energy celebration of youth, culture and community in one thrilling street adventure, Zee invites audiences on a joyful journey through Bradford’s past, present and future as she looks to find a home for nature in the city. Created especially for Bradford 2025 by Puppets with Guts.

BD: Festival will also see the English premieres of 5 new outdoor performance projects supported through the Four Nations Outdoor Arts Bursary, in partnership between Bradford 2025, Bradford Producing Hub and festivals in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

For the full line up and more information about the festival go to www.visitbradford.com/bdfestival