Bradford Culture Company outlines plans for 2026

February 10, 2026 Off By

Building on the success of UK City of Culture 2025

Bradford Culture Company has announced its plans for 2026, aiming to continue the momentum generated by Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture in 2025. The organisation intends to maintain a programme of cultural activities and opportunities for local artists and communities across the district.

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture: A brief overview

During 2025, Bradford hosted a wide range of cultural events that attracted over three million visitors. These events took place throughout the city, towns, villages, and green spaces within the district, drawing audiences from all 30 wards, across the UK, and internationally. The year-long programme created tens of thousands of opportunities for local people and contributed to reshaping national perceptions of Bradford.

Plans for 2026 and beyond

Bradford Culture Company, the independent charity responsible for delivering the 2025 programme, will continue operating in a smaller, more focused capacity. Working alongside local and national partners, it plans to:

Create opportunities for local artists and cultural organisations
Reinstate its volunteering programme to support event delivery and audience engagement
Widen access to culture and creativity for residents across the district

Loading Bay reopening

A key element of the 2026 plans is the reopening of Loading Bay in May. This multi-storey venue, which was one of the highlights of the 2025 programme, hosted a variety of events including exhibitions, theatre, international dance, live music, supper clubs, cabarets, and comedy nights. It welcomed over 40,000 visitors during the City of Culture year.

Loading Bay is located in a former warehouse transformed for the 2025 programme. It features two performance areas and a gallery across three floors, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of Bradford city centre. The 2025 programme at Loading Bay included performances by a RuPaul’s Drag Race star, a residency by magician Steven Frayne, an exhibition of portraits by Bill Bailey, immersive theatre by Common/Wealth, and mixed-reality experiences exploring Bradford’s heritage.

The Beacon and community engagement

The Beacon, a temporary community-focused venue introduced in 2025, is expected to return in summer 2026, subject to planning permission. The venue will offer a programme co-created with local people, featuring activities such as family takeovers, arts and crafts, live music, poetry, and dance. Community sessions to discuss the programme will be held once planning permission is secured.

Volunteer programme and education initiatives

Bradford Culture Company will continue its volunteer programme, supported by funding from Allwyn. Volunteers will assist with welcoming audiences, acting as ambassadors, and supporting event delivery behind the scenes.

The organisation also plans to further embed its Bradford Made history and heritage learning resources into schools and education settings. In partnership with the wider cultural sector, it aims to strengthen pathways for young people to progress into creative industries.

Statements from leadership and officials

Dan Bates, Executive Director, and Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford Culture Company, said the 2025 year was transformational for Bradford, strengthening the cultural sector, increasing investment and tourism, and fostering community pride. They expressed enthusiasm for continuing to develop Bradford’s cultural scene and emphasised the importance of collaboration with artists, organisations, and communities.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the success of the 2025 programme, noting the high level of local engagement and the continuation of new venues such as Loading Bay and The Beacon, which will help sustain Bradford’s cultural life.