Extraordinary Portraits Exhibition Returns to Bradford

Bill Bailey’s Portraits Showcase Personal Stories of Modern Britain

An exhibition featuring portraits from the BBC One series Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey is set to return to Bradford in 2026. The free event will run from 1 May to 26 July at Loading Bay, a cultural hub located at 1 Duke Street, BD1 3QR.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: 1 May – 26 July 2026
• Opening hours: 12:00 – 17:00, Thursday to Sunday
• Venue: Loading Bay, 1 Duke Street, Bradford
• Admission: Free

The exhibition features all six original artworks from the fifth series of the BBC One show, which is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The portraits are created by artists who capture the likeness and personal stories of individuals from across the UK, offering a diverse and powerful representation of contemporary Britain.

About the Exhibition

Extraordinary Portraits with Bill Bailey invites artists to depict people with compelling personal stories, highlighting the diversity and richness of life in modern Britain. The event is presented in partnership with the BBC and Chatterbox Media and is organised by Bradford Culture Company, formerly known as Bradford 2025.

Additional Information

Loading Bay will host this exhibition as its first event of 2026. Visitors can attend without prior booking, although tickets are available to reserve for free online.

Other Cultural Events in Bradford

Visitors interested in local art and culture may also want to explore other ongoing exhibitions and events in Bradford, including:

• Life Goes On by Ian Beesley at Salts Mill (4 May 2024 – 10 January 2027)
• 20 Flowers For 2025 And Some Bigger Pictures by David Hockney at Salts Mill (29 January 2025 – 3 January 2027)
• Fountains Cafe: Serving Bradford for Fifty Five Years at Bradford Industrial Museum (13 February 2025 – 14 February 2027)

For more information about the exhibition and other events, visitors can check local listings or visit the venue’s website.