The year 2022 is well underway, and it promises to be an fun year filled with exciting things to see and do. Here are just a few highlights of what’s on in Bradford & district, as well as a round-up of events for 2022.
Yorkshire Games Festival (12th-18th February)
This year’s Yorkshire Games Festival at the National Science + Media Museum promises to be a fantastic week-long event. There will be something for everyone, including industry expert talks and masterclasses, board games, new games to beta test, and even an Esports Tournament! You won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get involved.
The Mills Are Alive (3rd-5th March)
The Mills Are Alive in Manningham is a free, large-scale projection show which will illuminate Lister Mills’ iconic chimney across the evenings of 3, 4 and 5 March 2022. It is brought to you by Bradford-based international arts company The Brick Box. The projections and sound will bring the brickwork to life with the stories of mill workers, the dreams of local school children, and the rich cultures of our community.
Steam Gala (11th-13th March)
The Steam Gala returns! Travel behind the best of the Keighley & Worth Valley (KWVR) home fleet along with two guest locomotives, for a weekend of steam-heaven. Across the traction-packed weekend, there’ll be a goods train demonstration and special double-headed trains. Book your tickets right away.
The Lion King (24th March-28th May)
The Circle of Life unfolds before you as the smash-hit Broadway adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King makes a triumphant return to Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre this spring. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and bringing to life all of your favourite songs and characters, this famous musical will redefine your expectations of theatre.
Saltaire Arts Trail: Sat 30 April – Mon 2 May 2022 (May Day Bank Holiday weekend)
The Saltaire Arts Trail showcases both emerging and established artists every May bank holiday weekend, allowing visitors to meet the artists and craftspeople behind the work on display. Venues include the internationally renowned Salts Mill, public buildings, and private residences – a great way to see visual art outside of usual settings, and well worth a look!
Keighley Transport Festival (2nd-3rd June)
The ‘In Motion’ Festival celebrates all modes of transportation. There will be events taking place throughout the Keighley district, including Rail Story Ingrow and NT East Riddlesden Hall, expect the unexpected amid historic automobiles, buses, steam locomotives, motorcycles, and more.
Street theatre, music, food and activities – a free family festival not to be missed!
Haworth 1940s Weekend (21st-22nd May)
Haworth has hosted one of the UK’s biggest and best 1940s events for many years and it’s set to make it’s triumphant return this year. Travel back in time with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and experience a variety of entertainment, stalls, vehicle displays, and re-enactments in Haworth village. Come dressed historically for the full experience!!
Bradford Dance Festival (4th June)
Bradford Dance Festival returns to Odsal Stadium on the Queen’s Jubilee bank holiday weekend in 2022, bigger and better than ever!! With three dance arenas and an all-new VIP area!! Bradford, let’s go!! Expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic music and chart-topping artists. MAIN STAGE: Tom Zanetti (Live), Silky (Live), Majestic, Jamie Duggan, Danny Bond, Alex Mills (Live), and More to be announced, including local support. Tickets are selling quickly!
Bradford Literature Festival (24th June-3rd July)
For all book lovers everywhere Bradford Literature Festival is widely considered as one of the most inspiring festivals in the UK. Every year, world-renowned authors, poets, singers, and artists visit our beautiful city to share their knowledge and passions with you over ten days in historic settings, celebrating the written and spoken word in all of its glorious forms.
Bradford Dragon boat Festival (1st-3rd July)
The Bradford Dragon Boat Festival is a unique team-building event and family fun day in the picturesque setting of Roberts Park in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. Hear the pounding of the drum, and feel the energy as the teams prepare for battle at the River Aire. On land, there will be lots of entertainment for spectators, including music, charity stalls, games, and food.
The Yorkshire Wartime Experience (12th-14th August)
Yorkshire Wartime Experience is the North of England’s Largest WWI & WWII Military Vehicle & Living History show, located in Hunsworth, near Bradford. Expect to see military clothing, war re-enactments, military vehicles, a living history camp, and a vintage market. This family event promises to be an exciting experience as well as an opportunity to learn more about what life was like during the wartime.
Railway Children August Bank Holiday Weekend of Special Celebrations
This year’s August Bank Holiday weekend will feature a double celebration of the 1970s film “The Railway Children,” which catapulted the KWVR to global fame, as well as the premiere of “The Railway Children Return,” a brand new feature film set to be released in the summer of 2022. Throughout the bank holiday weekend, there will be re-enactments, locomotives from both films, and a visit to Oakworth Station, the home of the “Railway Children.”
Keighley & District Agricultural Show (3rd September)
Keighley & District Agricultural Show is a fantastic family day at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre. See the finest farm animal displays of cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, goats and poultry. Enjoy a jam-packed schedule of events and special attractions such as a horticulture show and agricultural vehicles. To top it all off, the Keighley Bus Museum Trust will be operating a regular bus service to and from the event, travelling from Keighley Town Centre / and train stations, allowing you to arrive in style!
Saltaire Festival (9th-18th September)
The Saltaire Festival is held at the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire. The Festival is an annual event that celebrates Saltaire through the arts. There will be several exhibitions and shows, pop-up events, talks, and much more for children and the whole family to enjoy over the course of ten days.
Widescreen Weekend (13th-16th October)
Enjoy a long weekend of big, bold, and wide cinema experiences at the National Science + Media Museum. Widescreen Weekend is a one-of-a-kind celebration of cinema technology and large-screen formats from the past, present, and future of film. Discover stunning 70mm screenings, new Cinerama restorations, and wonderful guests who will remind you why going to the movies is so special.
That’s a fantastic lineup of events coming to Bradford & district. For more information and inspiration, www.visitbradford.com, like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and sign up for the visitBradford newsletter to receive the latest updates in your inbox.
Have a wonderful 2022, and don’t forget to share all of your beautiful images of things you’ve loved in Bradford & district on social media by tagging @visitbradford #SparklingBradford.
Finally, whilst restrictions have been eased, please remember to follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines to enjoy these areas and more, safely and responsibly.
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