Bradford’s BD: Festival returns for third year

A family-friendly performing arts festival will return to Bradford this summer.

BD: The festival, which has been running since 2021, will take place in the city center on July 26 and 27.

All but one of the 21 performances to be held are free.

Organizers Bradford Council said BD: The Festival will “showcase the wealth of artistic talent from the Bradford borough alongside national and international performance artists”.

A spokesman said highlights of this year’s event will include Perceptions de la Compagnie Bivouac, described as an “extraordinary circus experience performed in a huge aerial structure”.

SMOOSH! de Paraorchestra would bring a “high-energy parade where musicians, dancers and performers form a mobile human jukebox,” they added.

Performances will include Queenie and the Pooka by Spin Arts – a children’s play that tells the story of a girl Traveler with big dreams and a mischievous shape-shifting companion.

Live storytelling, free book giveaways and a free play space will also be available for families with young children.

Councilor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places, told BD: The festival was “a great example of our ambitions, our energy and our dedication to bringing world-class cultural experiences to the people of Bradford borough and beyond, also showing the world the investment opportunities and regeneration plans on offer here.”

It comes as Bradford prepares to become the UK’s City of Culture for 2025.

Dan Bates, chief executive of Bradford 2025, said the group was “delighted” to support the event.

“Hundreds” of people have signed up to volunteer at Bradford 2025, he added, with opportunities available at BD: Festival.