A District United By: Over 60 Free Events Across Bradford

Bradford is throwing open its doors this September as Heritage Open Days returns with its biggest, most connected programme yet. From 11th–20th September, people across the district can enjoy over 60 free events, inviting everyone to explore Bradford’s rich, diverse and surprising heritage.

For the first time, Bradford has a shared district‑wide Heritage Open Days programme, bringing together museums, archives, churches, community groups, artists, volunteers and heritage organisations in one place. This new collaborative approach has been made possible thanks to Arts Council England funding awarded to Bradford Heritage Connection CIC, supporting a more accessible, visible and unified celebration of Bradford’s heritage.

This year’s programme arrives hot on the heels of the hugely successful second Bradford Heritage Festival, which welcomed thousands of people to discover the stories, places and people that shape the district. The appetite for local history, creativity and community pride is stronger than ever - and Heritage Open Days builds beautifully on that momentum.

Across Bradford, Keighley, Shipley, Bingley, Ilkley, Thornton, Baildon, Burley, Wyke and beyond, visitors can step inside historic buildings, join guided walks, explore archives, enjoy performances, try hands‑on activities, meet local experts and uncover stories spanning centuries.

The programme is packed with experiences that bring Bradford’s heritage to life. Here’s a flavour of what you can enjoy:

• Explore Bradford on foot, from suffragette histories and riverside heritage to architectural gems and literary landmarks. Guided walks take place across the district -from Ilkley’s streets to the underground route of Bradford Beck - revealing stories of activism, industry, creativity and community pride.
• Experience Bradford’s performing arts heritage, with open days at much‑loved venues, music from local choirs and folk groups, artist talks, and hands‑on workshops in historical dance and performance. It’s a chance to step behind the scenes of the city’s cultural spaces and meet the people who keep them thriving.
• Step inside historic houses and buildings, including manor houses, churches, halls and hidden treasures normally closed to the public. Visitors can explore remarkable architecture, discover centuries‑old craftsmanship, and hear the stories of the people who shaped these places.
• Delve into Bradford’s archives and collections, from textile heritage and colour science to local studies libraries and community records. These sessions open up rare documents, photographs and objects that reveal the district’s industrial, social and creative past.
• Enjoy family‑friendly activities across parks, museums and community spaces — from nature play and creative workshops to hands‑on heritage crafts and carnival fun.

Every event is free of charge, making it easy for families, visitors and proud Bradfordians to get involved and discover something new.

Bradford Heritage Connection CIC was founded in 2024 to support and amplify the brilliant heritage of our district - and this year’s Heritage Open Days programme is a celebration of that mission. By bringing partners together, sharing stories and making information easier to find, the team is helping more people connect with Bradford’s past in meaningful, joyful and accessible ways.

The full programme is available at: bradfordheritageconnection.co.uk

Vicky Clifton, Executive Director at Bradford Heritage Connection said, “This brilliant shared Heritage Open Days programme is a real milestone for Bradford. It reflects the trust, collaboration and ambition of partners across the district, all working together to make heritage more visible, more accessible and more connected. With support from Arts Council England, Bradford Heritage Connection has been able to coordinate over 60 free events that showcase the depth and breadth of our stories. After the success of the Bradford Heritage Festival, this programme shows what’s possible when Bradford works as one. And as we move beyond our City of Culture year, it’s a powerful reminder that the legacy lives on in the partnerships, pride and shared purpose shaping Bradford’s future”.