A new documentary will go behind the scenes of RISE, the major opening event to mark Bradford’s stint as UK City of Culture 2025.
RISE has been created by award-winning theatre director Kirsty Housley in collaboration with Steven Frayne, the world-renowned, Bradford-born magician, formerly known as Dynamo.
The half-hour film is being made by Candour Productions for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will feature a number of Bradford locals who are taking part in the events, including amateur acrobats, singers, poets and appropriately enough, a young magician.
“The Big Bradford Bash celebrates the amazing Bradford talent of our district, going behind the scenes of RISE to follow the local people that are at the heart of our opening event, sharing their stories with audiences across the nation,” said Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture.
It’s set to air on 17th January at 7.30pm.
The BBC has also commissioned The Big Tasty Read, delivered by The Reading Agency and BBC Arts, alongside partners Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Bradford Literature Festival.
The UK-wide campaign will feature the positive power of food to encourage more people to read, with a crowdsourced recommended booklist, selected by an independent panel of librarians and booksellers, showcasing a “mouthwatering mix” of fiction and non-fiction aimed at adults.
The BBC is committed to supporting Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture throughout the year with specialist programming and events.
“By showcasing the incredible talent and stories from Bradford, we aim to inspire and connect audiences both near and far. That is what these commissions are all about,” explained Katrina Bunker, Senior Head of Content Production for Yorkshire.
“I am immensely proud of the collaborative efforts that have brought these projects to fruition and look forward to sharing the joy, inspiration, and cultural richness they will bring. Let’s come together to celebrate Bradford’s journey and make 2025 a year to remember for generations to come.
“This landmark year will highlight the city’s artistic talent, historical significance, and contemporary achievements, ensuring Bradford’s narrative resonates not just locally, but nationally and globally.”
