About

Oastler Market Speaks is a co-created culture and heritage project with the Oastler Market community. At this pivotal point in the market’s history, the project will see artists and traders working together to jointly programme performances and events leading to a range of artistic outputs that capture and celebrate the history and diversity of this unique market community. You’re invited to drift, wander and roam – see the theatre of the market – walk the pathways and reflect on your own memories.

Oastler Market Speaks events

All events are drop-in, no pre-booking required unless otherwise stated. Throughout the programme will be a memory wall where you can share you memories of Bradford Markets over the years. 

Saturday 28 January 2023
12 – 5pm
Oastler Market Events Space

12-2pm: Eat to the Beat
‘Beats’ from No Hands’ Richard Brass and Dominic Sheard – who will be playing and talking about past independent record stalls of Bradford whilst enjoying the ‘EATs’ from Roswitha’s Deli (vegan/veggie and meat eaters all catered for) If you have any stories about this scene come and share them with us, we will be listening. Food will be available all day. 

12-5pm: Archive footage of the old Marks & Spencers by Paul Miller.

2pm: Oastler Speaks Open Mic – Headline artists Haris Ahmed and Asher Titre
Bring an instrument, poem, or memory of Bradford markets to share alongside traders past and present. Hear spoken word stories from Oastler Market trader’s son, Haris Ahmed, plus social and political poetry from young working class and biracial dad, Asher Titre. 
To get involved in the open mic just sign up on the day with our friend Kirsty Taylor. 

3.30pm: Andy Abbot 
Andy will play tracks from his recent album that reimagine Bradford as a post-capitalist utopia, and reflect on some of his experiences programming and participating in art and music in unusual spaces across Bradford, including the Dark Matter Institute temporary gallery space in Oastler Market in 2014. andyabbott.co.uk

Come hang out at any point in the afternoon for food, merriment and music. 

Saturday 11 February 2023
12 – 5pm
Oastler Market Events Space

Love Letters to Bradford
Bev from Kard Kabin, who has had her stall for 18 years, is collaborating with Rosie McAndrew to make a card for John Street ahead of Valentines’ Day. The commemorative card is our love letter to John Street and to Bev. Join us for the launch of this limited edition card which will be available to buy.

Printmakers Unite Stall and Print Raffle
In collaboration with Bev from Kard Kabin, printmakers from across Bradford will be running a collective stall where their art will be available to buy. Bev will also be hosting a raffle to win a bouquet of prints created by the local artists. Raffle proceeds will be donated to Bradford Foodbanks. 

Oastler Speaks Open Mic
Join us for love, music, and memories. To get involved in the open mic just sign up on the day with our friend Kirsty Taylor. 

Live music 
Soulful and acoustic tunes to match our feelings for Bradford 

Tunes and food will be available all day in the form of the Darley Street Versus John Street sub sandwich created by Gunter from Roswitha’s Deli!

Saturday 25 February 2023
12 – 5pm
Oastler Market Events Space

‘Down the Line’ takeover
We’re handing over the keys – it’s a takeover – a youth takeover! There’ll be DJs, dancers and workshops – more details to come but bring the family!

Saturday 11 March 2023
12 – 5pm
Oastler Market Events Space

All the world is a stage
Bring your headphones for an immersive audio play capturing the beauty of the day-to-day goings on of the market from the perspective of our lovable security guard, Taz. Created by Kirsty Taylor – local poet, mother of Front Room Poetry and writer of the critically acclaimed play, Cashy Cs: The Musical.

April 2023 – date TBC
Oastler Market 

Bent Architect 
Bradford theatre company, Bent Architect will be premiering their play celebrating working-class culture inspired by Oastler Market’s iconic Fountains Cafe.