Line-up announced for free city arts festival

BD: Festival is set to take place in Bradford on Friday and Saturday

The full line-up has been announced for an upcoming family-friendly performing arts festival in Bradford.

BD: Festival, which has been held since 2021, is set to take place in the city centre on Friday and Saturday.

Organisers Bradford Council said the free event would feature "world-class performers, including international names and home-grown talent".

The festival is set to mix music, drama, art, acrobatic performances and activities for attendees, with the council promising "something for everyone".

Highlights are set to include Punjabi Roots' band Baja and their "parade of dhol players and bhangra dancers".

It will also see acrobatic performances from the Bordeaux-based Compagnie Bivouac collective, described as "circus as you’ve never seen it before".

Taroo, a show combining parkour and circus skills, will also be entertaining crowds.

The majority of events will be held in and around City Park and Centenary Square, with some elements held on Tyrell Street, Bank Street and The Broadway shopping centre.

The event will be held across various venues in Bradford city centre

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: "There really is something for everyone at this fabulous annual event and it’s a great chance for us to come together to celebrate art, culture and heritage.

"Families from all around the district and beyond had a great time last year and we look forward to once again welcoming everyone to the city centre to enjoy this event."

The festival comes as Bradford prepares to be the UK City of Culture for 2025.

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