Flower Carpet Exhibition Arrives in Bradford

International Floral Art Project to Feature in City Hall Grounds

The internationally acclaimed Flower Carpet project is set to make its UK debut in Bradford this September. The event will take place from 24 to 27 September 2026 in the gothic surroundings of Centenary Square, located within the grounds of Bradford’s City Hall.

Details of the Exhibition

Local artist Shiraaz Ali has designed a 29-metre wide floral artwork inspired by Bradford’s textile heritage and diverse communities. The design incorporates archival patterns and symbols, brought to life using over 300,000 colourful dahlia flowerheads. This living artwork will be created live during the event and displayed outdoors for visitors to view up close.

Event Features

• Dates: 24 – 27 September 2026
• Time: 14:00 – 20:30 daily
• Location: Centenary Square, Bradford City Hall, Norfolk Gardens, Bradford BD1 1SD
• Admission: Free to the public
• Age guidance: Suitable for all ages

The flowers will naturally change in appearance over the four days, responding to environmental conditions. Each evening from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, the Flower Carpet will be illuminated with a sound and light show to enhance the visual experience.

Environmental Considerations

At the conclusion of the event, once the dahlias have ceased blooming, the flowerheads will be composted locally. This process allows the flowers to naturally decompose and continue their lifecycle in an environmentally responsible manner.

Background

The Flower Carpet is a well-established event in Belgium, having been held regularly since the 1970s. Its arrival in Bradford marks the first time the project has been presented in the UK.

Visitors interested in attending can find more information and directions to the venue on the City Hall’s website or local event listings.