Richard Hawley, Asian Dub Foundation, Bassline DJs and brass bands are all part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Bradford 2025), is set to electrify audiences next year with a packed music programme, featuring a blend of world-class talent and local legends. Tickets for the first wave of performances, including must-see events like The Big Brass Blowout and Bassline Symphony will go on sale this Thursday 7 November.
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture
“Bradford 2025 is all about showcasing the incredible diversity and culture of our district, and our programme really sets the tone for what’s to come. From legendary acts like Asian Dub Foundation and Richard Hawley to the homegrown energy of our bassline scene and brass bands, we’re celebrating Bradford’s rich heritage whilst pushing boundaries with new creative collaborations. Our year-long cultural celebration will be truly special, and we can’t wait for you to join us.”
St George’s Hall night shot- Credit Nigel Hillier
La Haine – Live, 15 January 2025
St George’s Hall
Asian Dub Foundation make a welcome return to Bradford to reprise one of their most acclaimed projects – their powerful soundtrack to cult classic French thriller La Haine, performed live to a screening of the film for one night only.
La Haine (‘Hatred’) chronicles 24 hours in the lives of three friends from a poor suburb of Paris, where tensions are at breaking point following the death of a local man at the hands of the police. Directed by Mathieu Kassowitz, the film celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 – and with Asian Dub Foundation on hand to provide a live soundtrack, it’s never sounded better. Tickets currently on sale.
The Big Brass Blowout: 11 – 13 April 2025
Venues around the Bradford district
The Big Brass Blowout brings together a variety of class brass acts for three glorious days and nights of music across Bradford District. From traditional tunes to afrobeat rhythms, much-loved classics to one-off collaborations, expect the unexpected as Bradford 2025 spotlights the power, versatility and all-round brilliance of the great British brass band.
Celebrating Bradford’s bass scene, Yorkshire’s own Richard Hawley will join the Black Dyke Band for a special performance (12 April), BD1 Brass will score acclaimed archive film Echoes of the North (11 April), and City of Bradford Brass Band will soundtrack family favourite Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (12 April). There will be Afrobeat from KOKOROKO (13 April), as well as an array of free events and activity taking place at City Park across the weekend.
St George’s Hall- Auditorium- Credit Nigel Hillier
Bassline Symphony: 9 May 2025
St George’s Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT
4×4 legends Jamie Duggan, DJ Q and TS7 join arranger Katie Chatburn and the Orchestra of Opera North to celebrate the sound of Bradford in this one-night-only spectacular, curated by Tanya Vital.
Bassline is among the most thrilling musical subcultures of the 21st century and Bradford is a hotbed of the electrifying style, but it’s never sounded quite like this – with the trademark crackling rhythms and pulsing low end supercharged by Opera North’s magnificent orchestra.
Alongside new symphonic versions of classic cuts from our trio of headliners, a galaxy of guest vocalists and DJs will be bringing tunes both new and old to a special showcase set.
More music to come throughout Bradford 2025
Beyond these events, Bradford 2025’s music programme will continue to thrill audiences all year. From a BBC Introducing series spotlighting emerging talent at The Underground, to the New Music Biennial featuring the UK’s most exciting composers, the district will be alive with sound. Other highlights include Dialled In festival celebrating South Asian music and club culture, and a bold new collaboration between the Paraorchestra and Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller.
Tickets La Haine – Live are available now. Tickets for The Big Brass Blowout and Bassline Symphony will be available from 12pm, Thursday 7 November at bradford2025.co.uk.
Additional programme announcements and ticket releases will follow in the new year.