Bradford District
Your guide to attractions, events, and activities in and around Bradford... There's a lot to discover; visit www.visitbradford.com for more possibilities.
The Bradford district is set to shine this weekend with spectacular Christmas light switch‑ons across Bingley, Haworth, Ilkley, Keighley, and Shipley. Experience the magic as streets glow with dazzling illuminations, festive market stalls, live music, seasonal food and drink and family‑friendly performances — with the chance of a special visit from Father Christmas too! Don’t miss out, click below to explore more and plan your weekend adventure.
Check out the latest in LGBTQIA+ cinema at the Bradford Queer Film Festival, running 20th–23rd November. Venues across Bradford will host an exciting mix of screenings and events, with food, poetry, bold new queer films and a few classics — including a special 40th anniversary screening of My Beautiful Laundrette. Expect panel discussions, community gatherings and opportunities to connect with fellow film lovers. Browse the full programme and book your tickets today to be part of this vibrant celebration of queer film culture.
Enjoy the Thornton Winter Warmer on Saturday, 22nd November — a festive day filled with creativity, community spirit, and seasonal fun. Make your own Christmas decorations to take home, join lantern‑making and puppet workshops, let children enjoy Elf Yourself face painting and take in live painting alongside activities across the village. The day ends with the lantern parade through Thornton, where illuminated displays bring the evening to life. This special event is a collaboration between South Square Centre, Creative Communities, Thornton Community Centre and Sapgate Gardens.
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Built By Sound
Date: 21 Nov - 14 Dec 2025 | Times: Various times – see on website (experience lasts up to 60 minutes) | Location: Loading Bay | Tickets: £10, £5 (for Youth Pass holders) | Ages: 14+
Built by Sound is a mixed-reality experience exploring how British South Asian communities in the 1970s and ’80s found joy in defiance, in community and in music – from the thump of dhol drums in community halls to pirate radio buzzing through bedroom walls.
Created by No Ghost and Dialled In with Bradford 2025, this immersive experience uses archival footage, personal testimonies and a stirring soundtrack to recreate a momentous era for South Asian communities in the UK – and particularly in Bradford. It takes us back to a time when young South Asians carved out new space in society, soundtracked their resistance against oppression, and stood up to the fascist rhetoric of the National Front – not in silence but in celebration.
© Karol Wyszynski
Creative Careers Festival
Date: 20 Nov 2025 | Times: 11am-3pm | Location: Bradford Live | Tickets: Free – book in advance | Ages: 16-25
Created by young people for young people - come and gain insight, inspiration and FREE access to the cultural sector.
The Creative Careers Festival is for young people interested in working in the creative industry. This Thursday, we will be bringing together industry professionals from across the nation who will offer a range of activities to help you map out your potential career in the creative arts sector.
There will be the opportunity to chat to employers about creative careers across different organisations as well as learning about the educational offer and creative courses available in the North.
 If you're planning to visit the Bradford District in the next few weeks, here are some highlights for your diary.
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