Bradford Live: The beer competition has moved to the City of Culture year

A national beer competition that had been planned for Bradford will not take place in the city after negotiations broke down with the venue’s operator.

The Campaign for Real Ale’s (Camra) Champion Winter Beer of Britain competition was due to take place at Bradford Live in February 2025.

But Camra said the venue’s operator, NEC Group, had “failed to complete” contractual agreements.

The BBC has contacted the NEC Group for comment.

Ricky Holden, from the Bradford branch of Camra, said: “We have been trying to organize this event since almost the beginning of the development of Bradford Live.

“Initially we thought it could be from 2024, but the opening was delayed.

“Then we tried for February 2025-2028, minimum four years subject to viability initially.

“Since December 2023, we have been trying to negotiate the terms of our agreement with the NEC Group.

“Unfortunately, the NEC Group has been unable to finalize the contractual arrangements.”

NEC, the company responsible for booking shows for the venue, did not say when a show would take place at the former Odeon cinema.

Mr Holden added: “The festival was going to be a very large event, with the potential to attract around 4,500 customers each day.

“All Camra branches across Yorkshire and members beyond were on hand to put on a great event.”

The event would have been one of a number of cultural events on offer in 2025 as Bradford celebrates being the UK’s City of Culture.

Holden said “a major jewel in the City of Culture’s crown has been cast aside”.

He said Camra would look for an alternative venue for the 2025 event, but it would not be in West Yorkshire.

Tom Walling, deputy managing director of Bradford at Night – an organization which supports nightlife, culture and the arts – said: “It is disappointing that such a large event cannot be hosted in the city, especially with 2025 fast approaching .

“It is clear that if there are concerns with the NEC and Bradford Live, they are complex and frustratingly, they affect the city.”

He added: “Bradford at Night remains steadfast in its support for all stakeholders in the Bradford Live project and has no doubt the venue will open.”