Bradford South Asian Festival will spread good vibes

The three-day event will take place in the city from this Friday - and organisers want to help spread some joy through culture and the arts. 

The festival will launch at City Hall at 7.30pm on Friday with Gigglewalahs, featuring a line-up of local and national South Asian comedians, including headline act and host, Lady Bushra.

Last year's Gigglewalah's was such a hoot (Image: Bradford South Asian Festival)

The following day, a full day of activities will be held at Bank House, on Bank Street in the city centre, including a celebration of music, a Bollywood dance session, and arts and crafts.

And the fun will continue at City Library on finale day, Sunday, with more events such as a special screening of classic children's story Aladdin with a Bollywood twist, a kite-flying session, food events - and plenty more.

Aisha Khan, co-director of the Bradford South Asian Festival, said: "Our theme this year is 'zaraa hatkeh', which means with a twist.

The Antakshari, Karaoke and Tea event at last year's festival (Image: Bradford South Asian Festival)

"Bradford is known for always doing things a little differently - and we wanted to celebrate that with a South Asian spin.

"There's loads happening over the weekend. 

"We feel that at this current time, Bradford has a chance to be a beacon for positivity, community, diversity, harmony, and friendship, all the things that Bradford South Asian Festival has built into its DNA since we first started five years ago.

There was a special screening of Brit-Asian action comedy Polite Society at last year's event (Image: Bradford South Asian Festival)

"We are about love, joy, colour, spectacle, and fun, and we want everyone to get a dose of all that over the weekend. 

"Let's face it, we all need a bit of that."

Arts and crafts will feature at this year's festival (Image: Bradford South Asian Festival)

Aamta Waheed, producer of this year's event, added: "Bradford South Asian Festival means solidarity, and representing, celebrating and sharing our identity, culture and creative traditions. 

"It's a fully inclusive festival programme. 

Storytelling at last year's event (Image: Bradford South Asian Festival)

"We've lovingly put together a diverse and family-friendly festival- not just for South Asian communities, but for everyone from every background to come together, learn, and enjoy the rich tapestry of South Asian culture. 

"Please come and share the good vibes, love, and energy."

Bradford South Asian Festival began when a group of community organisers, artists, teachers, journalists, and others came together.

They wanted to put on a festival that celebrated their South Asian cultural heritage, and its role in shaping and enriching communities, cities, and the UK as a whole.

For more information about events at this year's Bradford South Asian Festival and to book tickets, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/bradfordsouthasianfestival