WORLD-class performers, theatre, and a “pop-karaoke-parade-come-party” are on the line-up for BD:Festival this summer.
Taking place across July 26 and 27, the festival features a raft of free and ticketed performances and events for people of all ages.
BD: Festival, produced by Bradford Council, is hoped to build up anticipation for 2025 - the year Bradford celebrates its status as UK City of Culture.
From a catwalk and circus fun to immersing yourself in a 1980s video game, the festival’s organisers have promised “world-class cultural experiences”.
Highlights of the festival include Perceptions by Compagnie Bivouac, an extraordinary circus experience, performed within a huge aerial structure.
ARCADE by DARKFIELD is an interactive audio and sensory experience set within the nostalgic aesthetic of 1980’s video games.
SMOOSH! by Paraorchestra, presented in partnership with Bradford 2025, is a high-energy parade in which musicians, dancers and performers form a mobile human jukebox.
Punjabi Roots will perform with their Band Baja, dhol players and Bhangra dancers.
Meanwhile a live show, Catwalk by Zwermers, will explore themes of consumerism, fast fashion, gender fluidity, cultural identity, conformity and individuality.
You can also enjoy a cup of tea from a beautifully hand painted tuk tuk as you glide through an audio journey of tea and how it’s found itself into our tea pots. This event, named TEABREAK, is being run by Trigger.
SOUND DE SECÀ will be bringing a unique theatre, dance and music experience combining percussion, energetic choreography and catchy beats to the city.
Queenie and the Pooka by Spin Arts is a children’s theatre piece telling the story of a Traveller girl with big dreams and a mischievous shape-shifting Pooka. A Pooka is a goblin or spectre held in Irish folklore.
Drinking St George's Hall by Edible Archives, in collaboration with Cultures and Bradford Sound Artists collective, will celebrate the live music heritage of Bradford’s iconic venue - pairing music and oral histories with specially flavoured drinks.
Where the Souls Go, a brand new theatre piece by Displace Yourself Theatre and supported by the 4 Nations Bursary Project, is a visually fabulous journey featuring enchanting otherworldly characters.
Families with young children can also enjoy live storytelling and free book giveaways with The Bradford Stories Bus by The National Literacy Trust.
There will also be relaxed, drop in playspace with 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five for big bubble play and much more.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “BD: Festival is a great example of our ambitions, our energy and our dedication to bringing world-class cultural experiences to the people of Bradford district and beyond, whilst also showing the world the investment opportunities and regeneration plans on offer here.
“Families from all around the district and beyond had a great time at last year’s colourful BD: Festival and we look forward to once again welcoming everyone to the city centre to enjoy this two-day event.”
Dan Bates, executive director at Bradford 2025, said he “can’t wait to see City Park come alive with a technicolour pop-karaoke-parade-come-party".
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