Performers sought for City of Culture finale

People from all walks of life are invited to take part in the Bradford 2025 finale

Bradford residents have been invited to take part in the finale of City of Culture 2025.

The Brighter Still ceremony will take place at Myrtle Park in Bingley at sunset on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, Bradford 2025 organisers said.

Brighter Still marks the end of the year and looks ahead to the promise of a "bright Bradford future".

Bradford Council said the event would take place on the two longest nights of the year to act as an "epic gathering of warmth, heart and togetherness".

Eighty local people of all ages and backgrounds will be invited to be part of Brighter Still.

They will join dancers, musicians and choirs for a "joyous, vibrant and moving show".

"When darkness falls earlier and lingers longer, Brighter Still will be shining a renewed light on Bradford's people, heritage and culture," the organisers said.

'Unique and memorable'

Staged by Emily Lim, director of public acts at the National Theatre, and co-directed and choreographed by Dan Canham, Brighter Still will "spark stories, fire imaginations and fuel lasting memories".

Bradford 2025 creative director Shanaz Gulzar said: "As we approach the culmination of Bradford's time as UK City of Culture, we invite everyone to come together to reflect, celebrate and to ensure Bradford is seen in a new light."

She said the community cast would represent Bradford in every way.

"We're hoping to bring together people from every generation, every postcode, every corner of life lived in our district, to be part of something unique and memorable."

Anyone aged over five with a BD or LS29 postcode can apply to take part through Bradford 2025's website, and tickets will be sold from 1 October for £2, and free for under-16s and over-65s.

The Brighter Still team said no prior performance experience was needed but people must be willing to "join in, learn dancing and movement, and be part of a large intergenerational cast live on stage".

Groups of family and friends are encouraged to apply together, and recruitment will take place at 90-minute drama and dance workshops at Saltaire's Victoria Hall and Fountains Church in Bradford city centre.

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