About

The Bradford Culture Company brings the Beacon to Wibsey Park this August, taking up residence in Bradford South for a full month of summer‑holiday fun. The Beacon will host a lively programme of family‑friendly events, including comedy, live music, performance and play.

Highlights include:

1 Aug – The Beacon Family Fun Day (FREE) – Celebrate the return of The Beacon to Wibsey Park with crafts, music and activities for all ages.

2 Aug – Wonky Olympics (FREE) – Two clueless PE teachers give traditional sports day a hilarious makeover.

2, 7, 14 & 21 Aug – Outdoor Art! (FREE) – Roll up your sleeves and get creative with United Art Project in free outdoor art sessions for all ages.

5 Aug – Working on Wellbeing (FREE) – Meet community organisations and services helping to keep people healthy and happy across Bradford District.

5, 12, 20 & 26 Aug – Better Place Bradford (FREE) – Playful, hands-on sessions designed to spark creativity, curiosity and outdoor fun.

5 Aug – The Rheingans Sisters (Ticketed)– One of the most visionary acts on the British folk scene today.

6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug – Adventure Play with Play Bradford (FREE) – Drop-in family adventure play sessions packed with fun and exploration.

6 Aug – Peace Picnic (FREE) – Take part in creative workshops exploring what peace and community mean to you.

6 Aug – Say It As It Is (Ticketed) – An open mic night where the mic is yours.

7 Aug – Holding The Space – Paint The Poetry (Ticketed) – A workshop blending spoken word and visual art inspired by Bradford’s neurodivergent creatives.

7, 21 & 28 Aug – Dance On! Sessions for Over 55s (FREE) Ticketed – Friendly dance taster sessions for older adults.

8, 14, 23 & 30 Aug – Wild & Kind (FREE) – Nature and art sessions helping families explore kindness, creativity and the outdoors.

8 & 22 Aug – Let’s Make Art (FREE) – Create your own unique ‘Wibsey creature’ to take home.

8 Aug – And Still, We Gather (Ticketed)– Come and dance together in the spirit of Bradford 2025’s closing event, Brighter Still.

9 Aug – Khooghi (Ticketed)– Music and storytelling exploring heritage, culture and identity.

12 Aug – BD Youth Takeover (FREE) – Bradford’s young people take over The Beacon with creativity and expression through movement.

12 Aug – Composticity (FREE) – A puppet show set inside a compost heap.

13 Aug – Family Fun Light Party (FREE) – Music, crafts and creative family activities.

14 Aug – Baby Rave (Ticketed) – A gentle rave experience designed for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

14 Aug – Family Rave (Ticketed) – A high-energy family party filled with music, movement and fun.

15–17 Aug – MORPHOSIS (FREE) – Build, climb and explore together in this interactive outdoor installation.

15 & 16 Aug – Green Woodworking (FREE) – Discover traditional green woodworking skills in family-friendly drop-in sessions.

15 Aug – Hall Royd Band Afternoon Concert (Ticketed) – Enjoy the warmth and heritage of a community brass band.

16 Aug – The Giant Balloon Show (Ticketed) – Expect comedy, balloons and an 80s soundtrack.

16 Aug – Loaded Laughs at The Beacon (Ticketed)– The Beacon’s comedy night returns.

19 Aug – Global Village Get Together (FREE) – A free family fun day celebrating Bradford’s communities.

20 Aug – Qawwali Night at The Beacon (Ticketed) – Bridging cultures and generations through the power of Qawwali music.

21 Aug – Game On! (Ticketed) – An analogue games night hosted by the Bradford Culture Company Youth Panel.

22 Aug – Cool Runnings Celebration of Caribbean Culture (FREE) (Ticketed) – A vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, song and dance.

23 Aug – Everything Stops for Tea (FREE) (Ticketed) – Dance, comedy and plenty of sparkle from the Bradford Belles.

23 Aug – Les Enfants Terribles: A Gameshow for Awful Children (Ticketed) – Marcel Lucont pits kids against grown-ups to find Bradford’s most awful child.

23 Aug – Marcel Lucont’s Whine List (Ticketed) – Alternative comedy meets group therapy as audiences share their moans and grumbles.

26 Aug – Pedal, Dash and Play (FREE) – Take part in the Active Bradford Mini Duathlon.

27 Aug – Roots Sound Lab (FREE) (Ticketed) – Step inside a recording studio and learn how professional music production works.

28 Aug – Bradford Stories Bus (FREE) – Climb aboard for storytelling and literacy-themed family activities.

29 Aug – Give It A Go Sports (FREE) – Get active and try a range of sports and activities.

29 Aug – Hot Caribbean Beatz in the Park 2 (Ticketed) – A celebration of Windrush-era ska and reggae music.

31 Aug, 12.30pm–2.30pm – Eat Your Art Out – Celebrate The Beacon’s final day with food, creativity and community inspired by David Hockney.