to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Welcome to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025—where summer pulses with bold creativity, fresh experiences and a renewed city rhythm. From landmark openings and reimagined spaces to vibrant markets, dynamic festivals and pedestrian-friendly streets, Bradford invites you to explore, connect and celebrate.
National Science and Media Museum: A New Chapter Begins
Following a £6.8 million revamp, the museum unveils its Sound and Vision Galleries—a landmark moment for Bradford’s cultural landscape. This permanent exhibition brings over 500 previously unseen artefacts into the spotlight, including a Dalek, Dracula’s fangs, a mixing desk used by The Prodigy, and one of the original Cottingley Fairies cameras.
Visitors journey through four themed zones—Innovation, Identities, Storytelling and Everywhere—each revealing how media technologies have shaped how we connect, express and imagine. At its heart is Circus, a striking digital installation by Nayan Kulkarni that turns visitors into part of the display, reflecting our role in modern media as both subject and creator.
Entry is ticketed, with donations welcome to support the museum’s work. Throughout the summer, visitors can also enjoy science shows, animation workshops and gallery talks—there’s always something new to discover.
📍 Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD1 1NQ 🕒 Open daily: 10:00 – 17:00.
Darley Street Market: A New Kind of Buzz
Darley Street Market opens a bold new chapter for Bradford’s city centre, replacing Kirkgate and Oastler with a vibrant three-storey hub of food, retail and community.
At the top, Darley Street Kitchen brings Bradford’s culinary character to life. The space hums with the aroma of sizzling shawarma from Bab Tooma, the spice of Sri Lankan curries from Ayubowan, and the warmth of wood-fired pizza from Pizzeria Il Forno. You might follow the scent of jerk-seasoned chicken to Jenny’s, or stumble upon bold Mexican flavours at Mexi Bean Express. For those with a sweet tooth, Delise Desserts and Perc Up offer indulgent treats, while drinks are available to purchase from Northern Monk Brewery, which serves up craft beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks.
The Fresh Food Hall blends trusted names like Taplin’s Butchers, Priestley Fish and Solly’s Fruit & Veg with new stalls offering smoothies, breakfast bowls and Tunisian-style bites. Seating overlooks the courtyard and outdoor screen, creating a relaxed space to gather and graze.
Downstairs, the Lifestyle Hall features independent retailers such as Ann’s Haberdashery, Mr Jeans and Kammy’s Necessities—many continuing their legacy from Bradford’s former markets.
With longer opening hours and a central location, Darley Street Market is more than a place to shop—it’s a fresh symbol of Bradford’s transformation.
📍 Darley Street, Bradford BD1 3HN 🕒 Fresh Food & Lifestyle Halls: 9:00 – 17:30 Monday to Saturday 🕒 Darley Street Kitchen: Mon–Thu 11:00–21:00 Fri–Sat 11:00–22:00 Sun 11:00–20:00
Bradford Live: From Odeon to Icon
The former Odeon has been reborn as Bradford Live—a stunning 3,500-capacity venue with restored art-deco curves and state-of-the-art acoustics. On 1 August, it opens with Yorkshire Calling, a celebration of Yorkshire Day featuring Aled Jones, Chris Kamara, Ian McMillan, Yuanfan Yang, the BBC’s Bantam of the Opera Choir and the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. Tickets from £10—book now to be part of this landmark moment. Upcoming acts include Bill Bailey, The Prat Pack, Diversity and Jo Whiley—setting the tone for a vibrant season ahead.
📍 1 Thornton Road, Bradford BD1 2EP 🎉 Opening from 1 August 2025 🕒 Opening times vary by event.
Bradford’s Summer of Events
This summer, Bradford comes alive with performances, exhibitions and experiences across the district—from epic street theatre to powerful history, family fun and local creativity.
BD: Festival (25–26 July) transforms the city centre with giant puppets, high-wire acts, music and food. Highlights include: • A Good Yarn – a giant ball of wool weaving community stories • Zee and the City – a towering puppet leads a high-energy street adventure celebrating youth and imagination
On 1 August, Bradford and Ilkley host Yorkshire Day 2025, leading county-wide celebrations with civic ceremonies, live entertainment and community festivities—from Yorkshire Calling at Bradford Live to Ilkley’s grand parade and beer festival.
As part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, August brings a vibrant mix of creativity and community across the district. Highlights include: • The Railway Children – a site-specific stage adaptation at Oxenhope Station, reached by steam train • The Beacon – a touring performance space hosting music, comedy, workshops and family activities at Cliffe Castle Park • Summer Sounds – a two-day global music festival (2–3 August) at The Beacon, featuring artists like Nitin Sawhney, Metz n Trix, and Poppy Ajudha across two vibrant stages.
Explore Bradford’s museums this summer—from Ice Age Art Now at Cliffe Castle (a British Museum collaboration), to interactive fun at Bradford Industrial Museum with storytelling, street games and the iconic Hat Throwing Championships. At Bolling Hall, history unfolds through powerful tales of the city’s past.
Discover what’s on and start planning at: www.visitbradford.com/summer
Image: Ice Age Art Now Summer Activities
Related
The National Science and Media Museum, in the heart of Bradford, explores the science and culture of light and sound technologies and their impact on our lives.
New Darley Street Market is home to a vibrant mix of traders that celebrate both local tradition and global flavour.
Step into the spotlight at Bradford Live—the city’s stunning new entertainment venue in the beautifully restored former Odeon.
Celebrate Yorkshire Day in style with an unmissable event at Bradford Live on 1 August!
Celebrate Yorkshire Day at a fantastic Beer Festival in the Clarke Foley Community Hub
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