Bradford Culture Company has set out its plans for 2026, pledging to build on the momentum and national profile created by Bradford’s landmark year as UK City of Culture.
After welcoming more than three million people to events across the district in 2025 – from city centre venues to towns, villages and greenspaces – the organisation says the programme helped reshape perceptions of Bradford, created tens of thousands of opportunities for local people, and strengthened pride in place.
Now, the independent charity established to deliver Bradford 2025 will continue as a smaller, more focused operation, working with partners to widen access to culture, support local artists and organisations, and reinstate its much-loved volunteering programme.
A major highlight of the year ahead will be the reopening of Loading Bay in May. The atmospheric multi-storey venue, transformed from a former warehouse during the City of Culture year, welcomed more than 40,000 visitors and became one of Bradford 2025’s standout successes.
Spread across three floors, Loading Bay hosted everything from exhibitions and immersive theatre to international dance, live music, supper clubs, cabaret and comedy. Its programme featured appearances from a RuPaul’s Drag Race star, magician Steven Frayne, and an Extraordinary Portraits exhibition with Bill Bailey, alongside mixed-reality experiences exploring Bradford’s heritage.
Plans are also in place for the return of The Beacon in summer 2026, subject to planning permission. The temporary community-focused venue is expected to deliver a programme co-created with local people, including family takeovers, arts and crafts, live music, poetry, dance and community sessions.
The volunteer programme, supported by funding from Allwyn, will continue to offer opportunities for residents to welcome audiences, act as Bradford ambassadors and help deliver events behind the scenes.
Bradford Culture Company is also fundraising to expand its work further, embed its Bradford Made heritage resources into schools, and strengthen pathways for young people into the creative industries.
Executive Director Dan Bates and Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar said Bradford’s year as City of Culture was “transformational”, boosting investment, tourism and community pride. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added that it was “fantastic” to see new venues continuing to delight audiences, ensuring the spirit of Bradford 2025 lives on for years to come.
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