The new arts venue in Bradford is set to host a variety of exciting events this year, showcasing local talent and unique exhibitions.
Bradford: The Loading Bay is taking over the old Marks & Spencer storage building on Piccadilly. It’s going to be a key spot for cultural events in 2025.
Just this Monday, they shared the lineup of events happening there until the end of the year. It’s looking pretty exciting!
The basement will kick things off with an exhibition from the BBC series Extraordinary Portraits featuring Bill Bailey, running from March 13 to April 6.
This show pairs artists with sitters to create portraits that tell powerful personal stories. It’s a great way to start things off!
Then, on March 14, they’ll launch Loaded Laughs, a comedy series that’ll run throughout the year. The first night will feature Harriet Dyer and Don Biswas, plus some up-and-coming comedians from Bradford.
On March 15, get ready for some cabaret with Ginger Johnson’s Fun House, and on March 16, enjoy a concert by folk artists Lady Maisery and O’Hooley and Tidow. What a week!
The Loading Bay has been used recently for work on Darley Street Market, but now it’s ready to host immersive performances too. One of them, Public Interest, runs from May 21 to 31 and is created by local political theatre group Common/Wealth.
This show takes the audience on a journey from a club night to a courtroom, sharing real stories from young people, all set to a cool soundtrack.
Later in October 2025, the venue will host the world premiere of Elmet, based on a Booker Prize-nominated novel. It’s directed by Javaad Alipoor, who’s from Bradford.
Other events include a touring production of Dracula from March 21 to 23, and a new show called Toxic on April 9. There’s even an interactive video game experience on April 5!
Exhibitions will also be a big part of the venue. One of the first is Frontline 1984/1985, showcasing local photographer Victor Wedderburn’s work, running from April 17 to May 11.
Another exhibition, Tu i Tam, will explore the Polish and Ukrainian communities in Bradford from July 3 to 27, featuring many photos by Tim Smith.
Unspun Stories, running from March 26 to 30, will take a digital look at Bradford’s textile heritage, blending film, audio, and interviews from those who worked in the mills.
And from May 23 to June 15, artist Wajid Yaseen will present Tape Letters, reflecting on life in Bradford before technology connected everyone.
Daniel Bates, the Executive Director of Bradford 2025, said this is a unique chance to make a lasting impact on the city’s cultural scene. They’re excited to transform a derelict warehouse into a vibrant arts space!
