Bradford City of Culture 2025: A Year of Culture for the Whole Family

Discover Bradford 2025: A Year of Culture for the Whole Family

Bradford has been named the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, and the city has been preparing for an incredible year full of cultural celebrations, artistic events, and family-friendly activities. As a proud, local business Shimu offers unique, ethically sourced, and beautiful products that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.

With a variety of events and experiences planned, it’s the perfect time for families to explore the vibrant arts scene and rich heritage of this West Yorkshire city.

Whether you're a local or planning a visit, Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture year promises to offer something special for families, with a wide range of exciting events designed to engage children, spark their creativity, and make learning fun. Here's a look at some of the key events and activities to look forward to throughout the year.

Stay connected with Bradford 2025 to get the latest event details and be part of this historic year of celebration. Don’t miss out on all the family-friendly fun that’s coming your way!

PLAY – Year-Round Family Programme

One of the highlights of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations is the PLAY programme, which runs throughout 2025. This series of free, family-oriented events is designed to encourage creative expression, imagination, and play. Activities will be held across the city and will include everything from art workshops to interactive storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and hands-on performances.

The PLAY programme will provide children of all ages with the chance to engage with the arts, create their own masterpieces, and enjoy immersive experiences. These events are designed to be fun and accessible, offering families a chance to bond while learning something new.

For more details, visit: PLAY Programme

The Beacon at Wibsey Park

From April to May 2025, The Beacon will set up in Wibsey Park, transforming the area into an outdoor venue that blends art, performance, and community engagement. The Beacon is part of Bradford’s commitment to offering dynamic cultural experiences in accessible locations. Here, children and families will enjoy a range of activities, including performances, art installations, and workshops.

Wibsey Park will provide a vibrant setting for families to explore new forms of art, engage with performances, and participate in creative activities together. The interactive nature of The Beacon’s programming will make it an exciting destination for children who want to engage with the arts in a hands-on way.

For more information, visit: The Beacon at Wibsey Park

Children’s Theatre Productions

Theatre is a powerful way to ignite children’s imaginations, and in 2025, Bradford’s theatres will be buzzing with family-friendly productions. From classic fairy tales to modern stories, Bradford will host a variety of performances that are sure to captivate younger audiences. Many of these shows will be interactive, allowing children to participate in the fun and even influence the direction of the performance.

Bradford’s theatres will also offer workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences, where kids can try their hand at acting, set design, or costume creation. It’s a perfect way for kids to gain a deeper understanding of the magic behind theatre and express themselves through performance.

Check out the latest schedule: Bradford Theatres

The Big Family Day Out

One of the key events during Bradford’s City of Culture year will be the Big Family Day Out, which will take place on a special day in 2025. This large-scale celebration will bring families together to enjoy a day full of activities, including live music, dance performances, and cultural workshops. The event will be a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s cultural offerings and spend time with loved ones in a relaxed, fun-filled environment.

The Big Family Day Out will also feature dedicated play zones and interactive spaces for children, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy the festivities.

Stay updated on event dates and details: Bradford 2025

Bradford Science & Media Museum

For families looking for an educational yet fun experience, the Bradford Science & Media Museum is a must-visit. Throughout 2025, the museum will feature exhibitions and workshops designed to engage children with science, technology, and media. Kids can explore hands-on science exhibits, create their own media projects, and dive into the fascinating world of film and digital media.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum will host special events throughout the year, including workshops where children can create their own movies, learn about the science of sound, and more.

Learn more: Bradford Science & Media Museum

Visiting Shimu

If you are planning to visit Bradford over the coming year to take advantage of the cultural programme then why not tie in a visit to our showroom, located on the outskirts of the city. You can view a selection from our huge range of Chinese antiques, furniture and homewares and we'll be sure to offer you a warm Yorkshire welcome. We are open every weekday excluding bank holidays or open by appointment. If you are visiting Bradford over a weekend and would like to visit then get in touch beforehand to arrange an appointment and let us know if there are any items you are particularly keen to see. If possible we can make sure they are on display We look forward to seeing you soon!