Bradford Explores Its Educational Heritage in Upcoming Event
June 1, 2026Discover the history of education in Bradford at a special day-long event
On 16 July 2026, the Bradford Mechanics Institute Library will host an event titled Classrooms & Communities – Bradford’s Education Journey, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city’s educational past through a variety of exhibitions, talks, and film screenings. The event is part of the Bradford Heritage Festival and will run from 10:30 to 15:30.
Event Details
The event brings together several local institutions, including the West Yorkshire Archive Service, University of Bradford Special Collections and Archives, Yorkshire Film Archive, the Mechanics Institute, the Saltaire Collection at Shipley College, Hanson Academy, and Bradford Grammar School. These organisations will present archive materials, small exhibitions, and information stands that highlight the impact of education in Bradford over the years.
Programme Highlights
- 10:30–15:30: Open day featuring exhibitions, archive materials, and information stands
- 11:00–15:00: Bookbinding workshops titled ‘Create Your Own Exercise Book’, led by the West Yorkshire Archive Service
- 11:00–11:45: Film screening of newly digitised footage from the Bradford Grammar School Film Society (1960–1968), hosted by Yorkshire Film Archive and Bradford Grammar School
- 12:00–12:45: Talk by the University of Bradford (topic to be confirmed)
- 13:00–13:45: Talk on ‘Creating a School Museum’ by Hanson Academy
- 14:00–14:45: Repeat screening of the Bradford Grammar School Film Society footage
The film screenings will showcase material that has not been publicly viewed before, providing a glimpse into student life and educational activities in Bradford during the 1960s.
Venue and Admission
The event will take place at the Bradford Mechanics Institute Library, located at 76 Kirkgate, BD1 1SZ. Admission is free, and no prior booking is required for the timed activities.
Additional Information
This event is part of the wider Bradford Heritage Festival, which includes other exhibitions and talks celebrating the city’s history and culture. Those interested in keeping up to date with local events can sign up for a fortnightly newsletter featuring news and hand-picked activities across the Bradford district.
