Intercultured Festival in Bradford will start on October 21

Intercultured Festival - a melting pot of events including thought-provoking films, authentic food, poetry and music - will take place across the city from October 21 until November 2.

This year, the celebration will host Reclaiming Sisterhood, an event which will include the festival's first-ever cacao ceremony at Bradford Cathedral.

The festival brings together all communities in Bradford (Image: Submitted)

These ceremonies combine ancient practices from Aztec or Mayan cultures with elements of dance, movement and yoga to aid emotional release.

The popular Commoners' Ball finale - where attendees can wear their cultural dress for a packed evening of dancing and song - will also return to the Midland Hotel.

Festival director Mussarat Rahman, an artist known in Bradford for her work with migrant and refugee communities, said: "Our aim has always been to unite cultures of every single kind in Bradford.

Founder Mussarat Rahman at last year's festival (Image: Submitted)

"We provide a creative space for the crossing over between communities and smaller ones which did not feel represented previously.

"This year's programme is our most diverse yet, with events also spanning Pahari poetry, a Sudanese cooking class and a drumming circle.

"Our festival also takes place just before the national spotlight falls on our city for Bradford 2025.

Food events are returning after the success of a Syrian feast last year (Image: Submitted)

"So we couldn't be more excited to celebrate what makes Bradford unique, our earthy character and the welcome which can be found in so many different homes."

More than 35,000 people engaged with events at last year's Intercultured Festival.

The 2024 festival, now in its fourth year, will also include free daily movie screenings at Centenary Square, including a powerful series made by Bradford Nightstop on homelessness.

Pahari poetry is taking place this year (Image: Submitted)

A five-course Palestinian supper hosted by local cook Asil Hamadi is expected to sell out quickly.

And other new events will include a meditative sound bath at Bradford Cathedral, plus an open mic night with local musician Liam Sullivan.

Aqeel Parves, a poet and spoken word performer from Bradford, will also host an evening of poetry.

The festival will take place across Bradford from October 21 until November 2 (Image: Submitted)

And there will be several activities for all ages, including a family fun day and lantern-making for the annual Lister Park lantern parade by Cecil Green Arts.

Many of the events will be free to attend so as many people as possible can enjoy the festival. 

To browse or book the full programme of 17 events, visit intercultured.co.uk where tickets are now available.