TICKETS will be available from next week for RISE – the “unmissable opening event” of Bradford’s year as 2025 UK City of Culture.

Taking place over two nights, Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, RISE will transform City Park and Centenary Square as Bradford’s year in the spotlight begins.

The show has been created by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley, in collaboration with Steven Frayne, the Bradford-born magician formerly known as Dynamo.

Stephen Frayne Stephen Frayne (Image: Bradford 2025) Bradford 2025 described it as an “astonishing show with local people at its heart”.

It will explore the themes of heritage, people, place, and magic found in unexpected places.

Announcing the latest update, Bradford 2025 said: “Heralding the official start of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, RISE is an open-air spectacular that celebrates the district, people and communities who make Bradford magic.

Kirsty HousleyKirsty Housley (Image: Steph Daly)“Gates open at 5pm, with a wide range of food and drink traders on-site in Centenary Square and music from live DJs ahead of the main celebration at 6.30pm.

Promotional image for Rise Promotional image for Rise (Image: Bradford 2025) “The event is suitable for all ages and promises to be an evening for all Bradfordians to remember, showcasing the Bradford district’s incredible spirit as a dynamic, forward-looking region of change.”

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director at Bradford 2025, said the event will kick off what promises to be a huge year for the district.

She said: “All eyes will be on Bradford as we celebrate the launch of UK City of Culture.

“RISE will bring the district together for an inspiring event reflecting Bradford’s youthfulness, diversity and heritage, lighting the creative spark that will fuel this incredible year and forge unforgettable memories.

Shanaz Gulzar Shanaz Gulzar (Image: Telegraph & Argus) “Our time is now – and it starts with RISE.”

There will be plenty more to enjoy throughout the year as part of Bradford 2025 celebrations.

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Speaking earlier this year, Shanaz said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our extraordinary cultural heritage, and for our young population to become leaders and changemakers, starting a new chapter in our story.”

Celebrations in City Park in May 2022 when it was announced Bradford would be UK City of Culture in 2025 Celebrations in City Park in June 2022 when it was announced Bradford would be UK City of Culture in 2025 Tickets for the launch event are priced at £2, with free tickets for under 16s, senior citizens, and 16-25-year-old Youth Pass members.

Priority Youth Pass tickets can be booked from 12pm on Tuesday, November 19, with all tickets on general sale from 12pm on Thursday, November 21.

How to buy tickets for the launch event 

Tickets can be booked via the Bradford 2025 website, by calling the ticketing team, or in person at the Ticket + Info Hub in Centenary Square.

Online: bradford2025.co.uk (24 hours)

Phone: 01274 053100 (available 12-4pm, Monday to Friday)

In-person: 12-2pm, Monday to Friday