Surge In Visitor Numbers For Bradford’s Theatres, Museums And Galleries

Bradford Cultural Venues Report Significant Visitor Increases During UK City of Culture Year

Bradford’s theatres, museums and galleries have recorded substantial increases in visitor numbers during the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture year, with theatres attracting international audiences and museums showing double-digit growth.

Theatre Performance

Alhambra Theatre and St George’s Hall: The Alhambra Theatre, managed by Bradford Council, recorded visitor numbers of 340,000 in 2024/25, representing a significant increase from 248,000 in 2023/24. St George’s Hall saw visits rise from 84,000 to 86,000 during the same period.

Audience Engagement

• Over 17,500 school children and students attended more than 50 events, with participants from 13 different cities
• The access and carers scheme attracted 18,100 attendees across 192 events
• New bookers accounted for 18% of bookings, totalling 82,200 tickets
• International interest was reflected in bookings from 52 countries outside the UK

Programming: The theatres secured four major touring musicals: Wicked, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, and Disney’s Aladdin. Heritage programmes engaged 5,000 people, while education and community programmes reached 5,100 participants.

Museum and Gallery Attendance

Bradford Council’s four museums and galleries (Bradford Industrial Museum, Bolling Hall Museum, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, and Cliffe Castle Museum and Park) recorded a 12% increase in visits during the first six months of 2025.

Visitor Statistics

• Total visits: 97,368 (January-June 2025) compared to 86,992 for the same period in 2024
• Cartwright Hall Art Gallery showed the largest increase, rising from 23,603 to 31,447 visits (33% increase)

Exhibition Impact: National partnership exhibitions at Cartwright Hall proved particularly popular, including the Government Art Collections’ ‘I Am Me’ and the British Library’s ‘Fighting to be Heard’, both opening in January 2025. The gallery is expected to see further increases when hosting the four artists shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2025.

Educational Engagement

Schools programmes showed strong uptake, with approximately 2,500 local school children participating in museum visits during June alone. New and traditional curriculum-linked workshop packages have been well-received by schools across the district.

Official Statement

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said:

“We are delighted to see so many people enjoying Bradford’s incredible cultural offer. The spotlight is on the city and district during this special year, and we are exceeding expectations. The impressive growth is testament to the diverse and vibrant cultural offering during Bradford’s year as the designated UK City of Culture that has played a pivotal role in attracting both local and international visitors to the city, eager to explore the rich heritage and diverse exhibitions. Bradford’s theatres, museums and galleries will all be building on this momentum with more impressive listings, designed to engage and inspire audiences and we are committed to continuing our efforts to make culture accessible to all.”

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