38 events booked for The Beacon arts hub in Bradford ahead of reopening
The Beacon is a moveable arts hub that was created for Bradford’s year as City of Culture.
A Pop-up arts venue will host 38 events when it moves to a Bradford park next month.
Events being held at The Beacon at Wibsey Park throughout August include a day inspired by David Hockney, a celebration of Caribbean culture and a brass band concert.
The Beacon is a moveable arts hub that was created for Bradford’s year as City of Culture.
Throughout last Spring and Summer the venue appeared in four parks across the District, with hundreds of events held in and around the building.
Earlier this year it was announced that the venue would be back in August, returning to Wibsey Park.
The Beacon started off its tour of the District last year in the park, with over 9,000 people attending events held at the venue.
The lineup for this August’s events has now been revealed by Bradford Culture Company, the group set up to ensure the legacy of Bradford 2025 continues.
Highlights include:
- Eat Your Art Out – a day of “food, creativity and community inspired by David Hockney.” Bradford Culture Company says: “Gathered around long tables our artists will get you drawing, chatting, laughing and nibbling as we pay homage to one of Bradford’s most influential artists.”
- A ska and reggae festival featuring live bands, top DJs and Caribbean food.
- A family fun day run by Wibsey’s community of churches
- A concert by Shipley based Hall Royd brass band.
- A poetry workshop run by the National Literacy Trust featuring West Yorkshire Young Poet Laureates and Bradford Poet Sharena Lee Satti.
- MORPHOSIS – a large-scale climbing frame made by people visiting the Beacon, led by specialist builders and created from hundreds of bamboo canes.
- Rave sessions for toddlers and families.
- A live puppet show by local arts group Cecil Green Arts, based in a compost heap.
- And Still, We Gather – a dance performance and follow up to Brighter Still, the final event of Bradford 2025.
- A comedy open mic night
- A youth takeover day featuring a silent disco, dance battles and skateboard and BMX sessions.
- A dance session for over 55s.
- A performance by renowned Qawwali singer Ahmed Shah
The month long programme of events begins on August 1 with a family fun day that will run from noon to 5pm.
The day will feature free cultural activities, live music, Rugby Tots sessions and Dhol drumming.
For the full lineup of events, visit https://bradfordculture.co.uk/programme/the-beacon/