15 May 2025

His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty Queen Camilla paid a visit to Bradford’s newest entertainment venue Bradford Live today (15 May) to meet performers and creatives involved in Bradford 2025 to celebrate the region’s year as UK City of Culture.

Upon arrival at Bradford Live, their Majesties were welcomed by a performance of eight musicians from Paraorchestra, an integrated ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians.

The King and Queen observed a rehearsal by local pupils of ‘Sing, Dance, Leap’, an education programme in schools across the city run by the Royal Ballet and Opera with Northern Ballet and Opera North.

His Majesty also met young people from Bradford who have been supported by The King’s Trust, as well as Bradford born-magician and alumnus of The Trust, Steven Frayne – formerly known as Dynamo.

The King and Queen then unveiled a commemorative plaque in Bradford Live’s magnificent Ballroom to officially mark the very special occasion.

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.”

BRADFORD LIVE – the beating heart of Bradford – is a world class 3,000+ capacity live entertainment venue, together with event spaces, located in the heart of Bradford city centre. The former Odeon Cinema was originally built in 1930s. Following its closure in 2000, the magnificent art deco building has now been fully restored with a £50m investment, bringing it back to its former glory as a live music venue and entertainment hub for the city.

PHOTOS: Tom Arber