Bradford Heritage Connection
Heritage Festival 2025 Events
Bradford Heritage Connection is proud to announce the first Bradford Heritage Festival. In partnership with several organisations across the Bradford District, there will be a number of events celebrating heritage skills and giving you an opportunity to have a go at them.
Fri 11 July 2025 at 06:00
Bookbinding with West Yorkshire Archive Service
Visit the West Yorkshire Archive Service stall and give bookbinding a whirl.The West Yorkshire Archive Service care for a huge range of archive collections including bound volumes, books, notepads, and diaries. The conservation team regularly repair and stabilise historic volumes so they can be used and enjoyed into the future. Using an easy sewing technique, you’ll learn to make books any size you like, perfect for little gifts! FREE
Venue: Mechanics Institute
Phone:
Website: https://www.wyjs.org.uk/archive-service/
Heritage | Arts & Crafts
Fri 11 July 2025 at 10:00
Exhibtion
View display highlighting the history and heritage of the stunning, Grade II* listed St George’s Hall in its ground floor café. This includes posters, photographs and documents from its founding in 1853 and early performances, Mitchell and Kenyon films of Bradford in the Victorian and Edwardian era shown at the venue when it was a cinema and framed posters of comedy gigs. QR codes with links to the history and heritage of St George’s Hall website support the display with further images and information. FREE entry. No booking needed. Enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the newly opened St George’s Hall café but not required. Food served between 11am -2pm.
Venue: St Georges Hall, Bradford BD1 1JT
Phone: 01274 432375
Website: https://www.stgeorgeshallheritage-bradford.co.uk/
Exhibtion | Food & Drink
Fri 11 July 2025 at 11:00
Crafting the Cathedral
"FREE event for all crafters. Demonstrations by Bradford Weavers, Spinners & Dyers and the Cathedral Stitchers. Experiences: Try your hand at embroidery stitching and weave a line of a tapestry on our loom, adding to our artwork that is being created over the next few months. Exhibitions: Almost 3.5 million stitches have been knitted by volunteers into a 15-metres-long warming stripe display called Knit the Stripes, which charts our changing temperature from the 1850s to present. The beautiful and powerful artwork Woven Lives talks of the lives and stories of the people of Bradford. The woven coloured glass and symbols, lit from within, show how light and dark times are all part of the story of community and connection. Ecclesiastical Textiles.
Bradford Cathedral is fortunate enough to have in its collection a number of beautiful, intricate and historically significant textiles, which will be out on display.
EXTRA: Ecclesiastical textiles tours £7 per person. Join our guide for special ecclesiastical textiles’ tours of the Cathedral at 11.00 and 1.00. Booking is essential.
11.00 tour- https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/event/ecclesiastical-textiles-tour-7/
13.00 tour- https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/event/ecclesiastical-textiles-tour-8/
or call the Cathedral office on 01274 777720"
Venue: Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill, Bradford, BD1 4EH
Phone: 01274 777720
Website: bradfordcathedral.org.uk
Heritage | Arts & Crafts
Fri 11 July 2025 at 16:00
Mapping Bradford's History
The Historic Towns Trust invite you to join us on 11th July to celebrate the city of Bradford through mapping its history. The talk is about the Historic Towns Trust’s An Historical Map of Bradford publication, which shows the fascinating history of the city centre, and the two conservation areas of Manningham and Little Germany. The map is built on extensive research, drawing information from many archaeological and historical resources, brought together to show the historical development of the city. The talk will highlight how we create our maps, how we delivered our Bradford project and share the stories and learnings that the publication has uncovered, which are surprising even its authors in creating a new and more detailed narrative of Bradford’s history. Following the talk there will be a stall and a small exhibition space, giving more detail about the project, with the opportunity to purchase the publication along with other maps produced by the Historic Towns Trust.
Venue: Mechanics Institute
Phone:
Website:
Heritage | Talk
Fri 11 July 2025 at 16:00
Snapshots of Ilkley: Youthful Visions & Historic Reflections
photoILKLEY – is a grassroots photography festival, celebrating photography’s unique power to connect, to question, and to see the world anew. Committed to making space for younger voices too, a key part of the festival is the Young Photographer Competition, inviting children and young people to share their own visions of Ilkley and the world, offering a vital platform for emerging talents and fresh perspectives. The winning images from the competition form the basis of this exhibition. The Great Flood exhibition Suddenly, in the middle of a hot summer’s day, there was a violent thunderstorm over IlkleyMoor. It lasted several hours, turning the streets of the town into tributaries of the RiverWharfe. The exhibition describes the resulting devastation. The Wharfedale Airedale Observer from 20 July 1900 carried an extensive report much of which is used in the exhibition together with photographs from the time. The Exhibition is provided by Ilkley Civic Society’s Local History Hub. Both exhibitions are FREE to enter.
Venue: Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT
Phone:
Website: http://www.ilkleymanorhouse.org
Heritage | Art
Sat 12 July 2025 at 14:00
Haworth Heritage Walk
The Haworth Heritage Trail is one of Bradford 2025’s Bradford on Foot walks. It starts at the Brontë Parsonage Museum and heads down cobbled Main Street to the valley bottom where it follows Bridgehouse Beck before picking up an old Packhorse route and the Brontë Way back to Haworth. The walk will be led by a member of the Brontë Parsonage team. The walk is free, but places are limited. Please book a place via our website: https://www.bronte.org.uk/events/haworth-heritage-trail-guided-walk
Venue: Brontë Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth, Keighley, BD22 8DR
Phone: 01535 642323
Website: www.bronte.org.uk
Heritage | Outdoor
Sat 12 July 2025 at 10:00
Thornton Antiquarians Exhibition
Thornton Antiquarian Archive present their annual exhibition at Thornton Community Centre. Dive through the history books and discover the tales of Thornton’s past. This comprehensive exhibition explores Thornton’s heritage, from memories of trolley busses to textile heritage and cottage industries. Speak to local historians, look at maps, books and photographs which detail life in the village from centuries ago. Hear about Arthur Bryant – the maggot king and why Thornton has some unusual place names such as ‘Spite & Malice’ & ‘Worlds End’. Thornton Antiquarians Society is a volunteer run archive based at South Square Centre in Thornton. Weekly talks take place at Thornton Community Centre. New members welcome. Free, Donations Welcome
Venue: Thornton Community Centre, Market St, BD13 3HW
Phone:
Website:
Heritage | Exhibtion
Sat 12 July 2025 at 10:00
Guided Tour of World Heritage Saltaire
See Saltaire on a tour led by knowledgable local historians. Yours experience will start at the United Reformed Church with a slideshow painting Saltaire's history. Following this, you will visit the churche's glorious worship room and Sir Titus Salt's family mausoleum. A walking tour of the villages star locations follows.
Venue: Start at Saltaire United Reformed Church, Victoria Road, Saltair BD18 3LF
Phone:
Website: evenetbrite to follow
Heritage | Tour
Sat 12 July 2025 at 11:00
Snapshots of Ilkley: Youthful Visions & Historic Reflections
photoILKLEY – is a grassroots photography festival, celebrating photography’s unique power to connect, to question, and to see the world anew. Committed to making space for younger voices too, a key part of the festival is the Young Photographer Competition, inviting children and young people to share their own visions of Ilkley and the world, offering a vital platform for emerging talents and fresh perspectives. The winning images from the competition form the basis of this exhibition. The Great Flood exhibition Suddenly, in the middle of a hot summer’s day, there was a violent thunderstorm over IlkleyMoor. It lasted several hours, turning the streets of the town into tributaries of the RiverWharfe. The exhibition describes the resulting devastation. The Wharfedale Airedale Observer from 20 July 1900 carried an extensive report much of which is used in the exhibition together with photographs from the time. The Exhibition is provided by Ilkley Civic Society’s Local History Hub. Both exhibitions are FREE to enter.
Venue: Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT
Phone:
Website: http://www.ilkleymanorhouse.org
Heritage | Art
Sat 12 July 2025 at 15:00
Bradford on the Beat: Vintage Vehicle Day at The Bradford Police Museum
Step back in time with us at The Bradford Police Museum as we bring history to life for the first-ever Bradford Heritage Festival! Come along for a special Vintage Vehicle Day, on Saturday 12th July from 10am to 3pm, where you can see our collection of historic police vehicles up close, displayed outside the museum at City Hall. From vintage patrol cars to iconic police motorcycles, this is a unique opportunity to explore how policing on the streets has evolved through the decades.Free Outdoor Exhibition – Museum Tours Bookable Online. The outdoor vehicle display is free to attend and open to all. While you're here, why not take a guided tour of The Bradford Police Museum, located inside City Hall? Step inside the original Victorian courtroom, visit the old police cells, and explore exhibits showcasing Bradford's rich policing heritage. Museum tours are ticketed and can be booked online in advance. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradford-police-museum Join us as The Bradford Police Museum proudly celebrates the first-ever Bradford Heritage Festival by bringing history to life in the heart of the city! Bring the family, meet museum volunteers, and enjoy a fascinating journey through Bradford’s policing past. A perfect day out for history enthusiasts, vehicle lovers, and curious minds of all ages!
Venue: Police Museum, City Hall, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD11HY
Phone: 7597604215
Website: www.bradfordpolicemuseum.com
Exhibtion | Outdoor
Sat 12 July 2025 at 10:00
Free local author event with craft
Emily Parkin, writer and illustrator of the book 'Titus Salt' will be joining us on 12th July to read her book, give an insight into how the book was produced, and answer any questions the children may have. She will have some of the original illustrations for the children to look at and talk about how she thought up all the rhymes and rhythms. Afterwards, children can enjoy a llama themed craft activity. Booking essential. Suitable for children aged 7 -11 years.
Venue: Shipley Library, 2 Well Croft, Shipley, BD18 3QH
Phone: 01274 437150
Website:
Free Event | Literature
Sat 12 July 2025 at 10:00
Exhibtion
View display highlighting the history and heritage of the stunning, Grade II* listed St George’s Hall in its ground floor café. This includes posters, photographs and documents from its founding in 1853 and early performances, Mitchell and Kenyon films of Bradford in the Victorian and Edwardian era shown at the venue when it was a cinema and framed posters of comedy gigs. QR codes with links to the history and heritage of St George’s Hall website support the display with further images and information. FREE entry. No booking needed. Enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the newly opened St George’s Hall café but not required. Food served between 11am -2pm.
Venue: St Georges Hall, Bradford BD1 1JT
Phone: 01274 432375
Website: https://www.stgeorgeshallheritage-bradford.co.uk/
Exhibtion | Food & Drink
Sat 12 July 2025 at 10:00
Sound And Vision: Family Day
A family focused day of activities to celebrate the opening of the brand-new Sound and Vision galleries at the National Science and Media Museum. Visitors will have the chance to see the new galleries, meet local people and museum staff who were involved in making it, as well as get involved in exciting activities relating to Sound and Vision technologies. Come celebrate with us !Entrance to the museum is free, but tickets need booking in advance Visit the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Venue: National Science and Media Museum, Little Horton Lane, BD1 1NQ
Phone:
Website:
Family | Free
Sat 12 July 2025 at 11:00
Crafting the Cathedral
FREE event- for everyone, including families. Demonstrations by Bradford Weavers, Spinners & Dyers and the Cathedral Stitchers. West Riding Stone Carvers Association will be demonstrating their craft in the Cathedral grounds. Experiences Try your hand at embroidery stitching and simple card weaving. You can also weave a line of a tapestry on our loom and be part of our artwork which is being created over the next few months. Natural dyeing quiz – Have a go at matching the wool to the plant. Exhibitions: Knit the Stripes and Woven Lives. For details, see above.
EXTRA: Craft Tour £7 per person. A guided tour of the Cathedral, with extra information about some of our beautifully-crafted features, objects and textiles. The tour will take place at 12.00. Book at: https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/event/craft-tour/ or call the Cathedral office on 01274 777720
Venue: Bradford Cathedral, 1 Stott Hill, Bradford, BD1 4EH
Phone: 01274 777720
Website: bradfordcathedral.org.uk
Heritage | Arts & Crafts
Sun 13 July 2025 at 16:00
Railway History & Heritage
Free entry, you don’t need to be travelling on the train to visit us – just find us on the platform. Step back in time to explore our 1924 passenger carriage which has been converted into a multi-use space for all sorts of events. Sit down in our third class carriage compartment or find the 1st class guard’s seat and wave a flag. Use our selection of vintage luggage to make the perfect photo for Instagram and view a range of uniforms worn by railway workers in days gone by. There will also be a variety of old toys and games for the little ones (and big kids) to play with.
Venue: Learning Coach, Ingrow West station platform, South Street, Ingrow, BD21 5AX.
Phone: Phone: 07825 632123
Website: www.railstory.co.uk
Exhibtion | Free Event
Sun 13 July 2025 at 11:00
Snapshots of Ilkley: Youthful Visions & Historic Reflections
photoILKLEY – is a grassroots photography festival, celebrating photography’s unique power to connect, to question, and to see the world anew. Committed to making space for younger voices too, a key part of the festival is the Young Photographer Competition, inviting children and young people to share their own visions of Ilkley and the world, offering a vital platform for emerging talents and fresh perspectives. The winning images from the competition form the basis of this exhibition. The Great Flood exhibition Suddenly, in the middle of a hot summer’s day, there was a violent thunderstorm over IlkleyMoor. It lasted several hours, turning the streets of the town into tributaries of the RiverWharfe. The exhibition describes the resulting devastation. The Wharfedale Airedale Observer from 20 July 1900 carried an extensive report much of which is used in the exhibition together with photographs from the time. The Exhibition is provided by Ilkley Civic Society’s Local History Hub. Both exhibitions are FREE to enter.
Venue: Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT
Phone:
Website: http://www.ilkleymanorhouse.org
Heritage | Art
Sun 13 July 2025 at 2.00-3.30pm
Willie Riley – his life and archive
Join us to hear Willie Riley expert, David Copeland, discuss how he discovered this wonderful archive collection. Learn about Willie Riley, who started out working in the family’s local stuff business, eventually becoming Managing Director of the Riley Brothers Optical Lantern Company, and then became an author of over 30 novels including ‘Windyridge’. Then delve into his amazing archive of manuscripts, lecture notes, correspondence, notebooks, photographs and much more. FREE
Venue: J.B. Priestley Library, Unversity of Bradford, Richmond Road, BD7 1DP
Phone:
Website:
Heritage | Talk