His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla recently visited Bradford’s newest entertainment venue, Bradford Live, to meet performers and creatives involved in Bradford 2025 and to celebrate the region’s designation as UK City of Culture.
Their Majesties were greeted on arrival by a special performance from eight musicians of Paraorchestra, a pioneering inclusive ensemble that brings together professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. During their visit, the King and Queen also observed a rehearsal of Sing, Dance, Leap — an educational programme delivered in schools across Bradford through a collaboration between the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera, Northern Ballet, and Opera North.
His Majesty also took the opportunity to meet young people from Bradford who have been supported by The King’s Trust, including Bradford-born magician and Trust alumnus Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo. To mark the special occasion, The King and Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque in the grand Ballroom of Bradford Live, officially commemorating their visit.
Dame Rosemary Squire, Joint CEO Trafalgar Entertainment said:
“It was a great honour to welcome the King and Queen to Bradford Live today as part of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture. The venue has been lovingly restored, redeveloped and reimagined and stands as a symbol of Bradford’s creativity, ambition, and cultural pride.
“Rescuing this building which at one time was at risk of dereliction – is a testament to the vision, resilience and perseverance of colleagues at Bradford Council and at Bradford Live. It has been sympathetically restored for the benefit of future generations.”
Helen Enright, CEO Trafalgar Venues added:
“In a few months’ time, Bradford Live will reopen for its first performances – creating new stories, shared experiences and unforgettable moments – as, indeed, it did in the past. Our ambition – as the operator – is for this venue to inspire audiences for years to come bringing the joy of live performance and attracting new audiences within and beyond this wonderful city.
“Bradford 2025 is a celebration of the people, places, and ideas that make this city so vibrant. Today reflects that spirit, and we are thrilled to be involved during this important moment for the city.”
Leading global live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment were named as the new operators of Bradford Live earlier this year. Trafalgar’s Joint CEO & Creative Director, Sir Howard Panter said:
“We wanted to open our brand-new venue Bradford Live with a bang and what better to celebrate the occasion than with some of the biggest headline names in comedy, music, variety, and family entertainment. The wait is finally over, and the good times are coming. There really is something special for everyone.
“We’re delighted to be working with Bradford Council and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture on building a world-class legacy for the city, which will bring cultural and economic vigour to the city. We’ve assembled the kind of opening season that this magnificent venue and Bradfordians deserve. And there’s more to come with further artists being announced over the coming weeks. Bradford Live isn’t just a great venue for Bradford, it’s one for the whole of the UK, and it will be up there with the best of the best.”
Bradford 2025, the cultural capital of Great Britain, runs from January to December 2025 and is a celebration of the vibrant identity of Bradford and its wider region. The year-long programme spans the entire city, including its towns, villages, and green spaces, highlighting the area’s rich heritage while showcasing its diverse and dynamic contemporary culture — from dance, theatre, music, and film to visual arts, crafts, food, and sport.
Created for, with, and by the people of Bradford, the programme places young people at its core. With more than a quarter of its population under the age of 20, Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities. This energy and potential are reflected throughout Bradford 2025, with initiatives spanning education, skills development, and artistic commissions inspired by the voices and experiences of today’s youth.
The City of Culture title has already driven major investment into the region and is acting as a catalyst for lasting change. It is reshaping education and training pathways, enhancing existing creative spaces, and creating new ones — while opening doors for wider cultural engagement and participation.
Bradford 2025 is delivered by Bradford Culture Company, a registered charity, and is supported by public investment from HM Government, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and National Lottery funding through Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Spirit of 2012, British Film Institute, alongside a range of trusts, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
Some of the biggest stars in comedy, music, and live entertainment are heading to Bradford’s newly refurbished £50 million venue, Bradford Live – the city’s vibrant new cultural hub.
The first wave of shows has been announced, with many more exciting acts to be revealed in the coming weeks. Tickets are now available at www.bradfordlive.co.uk
