About

Bradford 2025's touring venue, The Beacon, will visit parks across the district with headline acts, shows, festivals, clubs, classes, family activities, and neighbourhood gatherings.

What's On at Lister Park – The Beacon

• 28 Aug, 11:00 - 16:00 | The Big Beacon Family Welcome Join us at Lister Park for an afternoon of family fun. Just Drop In.

• 29 August, 10:00 - 21:30 | Tent of Hope Series – Interfaith dialogue, creative workshops, guided walks, and storytelling. Tickets Available soon.

• 30 Aug, 20 & 27 Sep, 12:00-14:00 | Play Bradford’s Mobile Adventure Playground We’re teaming up with Play Bradford to bring mobile play to The Beacon. Free - no ticket required

• 30 Aug, 20:00 | The Cocoa Butter Club It's time to lotion up baby! A bold celebration of queer performers of colour. Tickets: £15. Ages: 18+

• 31 Aug, 14:30-15:20 | Whale, Where Are You Going? - S. Production – A playful outdoor performance featuring a mysterious whale. Adults £5, Children Free.

• 2 Sep, 09:00-13:00 | Hindu Sangh Culture Event – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) Find out about Hindu and Gujarati traditions at The Beacon. Tickets: Available Soon.

• 2 Sep, 18:00–22:00 | Hot Caribbean Beatz in the Park Join us for an evening of Caribbean music at The Beacon. Tickets: £5. Ages: 16+ 

• 3 Sep, 10:30 - 12:30 | Art and Play Day – Cartwright Hall Art Gallery Try out different art techniques—perfect for little artists and their grown-ups. Free - no ticket required.

• 4 Sep, 11:00-12:00 | A Somali Village in Lister Park – Friends of Bradford Art Galleries and Museums Discover this popular attraction from the 1904 Great Exhibition. 

• 4 Sep, 19:00-20:00 | Storm Gathering - ARK Bradford – Climate-focused community event and conversation, Free- Ticket Required 16+

• 6 Sep |  Blankets & Wine Bradford Kenya comes to Manningham! Celebrate African music and culture across two stages in Lister Park. 

• 7 Sep, 14:30 and 18:00 | Khooghi Kauser weaves together her history with the life and songs of Pakistani folk legend. Tickets: £5 (Adult or Under 16).

• 8 Sep, 09:30-12:30 | Share and Care – Bradford New Church Hands-on sustainable arts and crafts for all ages. Just drop In.

• 9 Sep, 13:00-15:30 | The Baton of Hope The UK’s largest ever suicide prevention initiative comes to The Beacon. Free - no ticket required.

• 9 Sep, 18:30–20:30 | Sip and Paint – Creative Flare Chill, create, and connect with friends in a relaxed outdoor setting. Tickets: £8

• 10 Sep, 19:30 -21:30 | Gaana Shaana  – An evening of South Asian music and storytelling. Tickets £5

• 12 Sep, 18:00-20:00 | Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - Qigong and Tai Chi – Wellness and movement under the moonlight. Just Drop In. 18+

• 10–14 Sep, Various times | On Your Bike – A quirky celebration of cycling culture in Bradford. Just Drop In.

• 13 Sep | Share Your Story: On Board at The Beacon – National Literacy Trust in Bradford The Bradford Stories Bus arrives for a one-day story spectacular. 

• 17–20 Sep, 19:30-20:30 | The Invite – Mind the Gap An immersive theatre experience with music, movement… and cake. Tickets: £10. Ages: 14+ (Additional matinee performance on 20 Sep, 14:00-15:00)

• 19-21 Sep | Poetry Takeaway Personalised poetry written, performed, and wrapped up to take away. Free - no ticket required.

• 21 Sep, 10:00-14:30 | Let’s Make – Lou Sumray Get creative with artist Lou Sumray at free family-friendly workshops in Cliffe Castle Park. Free - no ticket required.

• 21 Sep, 17:00-22:00 | Big Bradford WESTival Celebration – Music, dance, and performance showcase from Bradford West. Tickets £10.

• 27 Sep, 12:00-16:00 | The Beacon DRAW! - Part of Our Patch – Community art inspired by David Hockney. Free no ticket required.

• 28 Sep - 8 Oct | Otherhood – Old Bird Theatre A story of radical love and found family, featuring an Alpaca puppet. Ticket options. Ages: 14+ 

• 28 Sep, 11:00-15:00 | STATUESQUE at Lister Park – Chicks on Sticks & Naomi Parker Costumed characters, free family workshop, and a community parade. Free - no ticket required.

• 28 Sep, 15:00-17:00 | CultureCam - The mobile camera and dark room touring communities around Bradford. No ticket required.

Lots happening at Lister Park this summer! 

>> Explore more events in the UK City of Culture as part of the #Bradford2025 celebration.