Tickets for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Opening Event Available Soon

Sales for tickets to the inaugural event of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture are scheduled to commence next week. This event, named RISE, is set for 10 and 11 January, and organisers have stated it will “transform City Park and Centenary Square into the stage for an astonishing show with local people at its heart.” The concept for RISE was developed by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley, in collaboration with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne, previously known as Dynamo. These tickets will become available for purchase on Thursday, priced at £2. Admission will be complimentary for individuals under 16, senior citizens, and youth pass holders aged 16 to 25. Shanaz Gulzar, the creative director for Bradford 2025, commented: “All eyes will be on Bradford as we celebrate the launch of UK City of Culture.” She added that “RISE will bring the district together for an inspiring event reflecting Bradford’s youthfulness, diversity and heritage, lighting the creative spark that will fuel this incredible year and forge unforgettable memories.” This year-long initiative aims to foster cultural revitalization in a selected city every four years. Prior recipients of this distinction include Coventry in 2021, Hull in 2017, and Londonderry in 2013. Bradford secured the nomination for City of Culture 2025 in 2022, subsequently receiving an initial funding allocation of £275,000. Cultural achievements within the district highlighted include The Bronte Parsonage, the Saltaire Unesco World Heritage Site, and the National Science and Media Museum. Furthermore, the government acknowledged efforts to transform the Bradford Odeon into Bradford Live, a 4,000-seat venue for live music and entertainment. Nevertheless, this project has subsequently encountered numerous delays and disputes, following the withdrawal of operating partner NEC Group from managing the venue and the cancellation of planned performances. In September, Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe assured the BBC that Bradford Live “will be used during 2025, absolutely, and people will be able to come and enjoy it.”