1 September 2025
Yorkshire’s brand-new entertainment venue – Bradford Live – has finally opened its doors with thousands of people turning out for a series of celebratory events across the past week.
The events mark an exciting milestone in returning the venue to its former glory as an entertainment venue for the city.
The venue’s operator – TRAFALGAR ENTERTAINMENT – also reveals that Bradford Live had already taken over £1 million at the box office prior to the official opening, reflecting the huge anticipation for the venue’s return.
The Family Open Day on 23 August welcomed over 1,000 visitors who were eager to explore Bradford Live for the first time.
The celebrations continued last Thursday (28 August) with Bradford Live at Last: Bradford’s Big Bash. Over 2,000 revellers experienced an electrifying night as the 40-piece Limelight Orchestra took to the stage with dancers and powerhouse vocalists to perform iconic dance, trance, and club hits from the ’90s to now.
This free event was intended as a thank you to the people of Bradford for welcoming Trafalgar to the city.
The opening celebrations continued over the weekend with Bill Bailey’s Thoughtifier stand-up comedy show entertaining over 3,000 people on Saturday night (30 August).
Then on Sunday, the red carpet was rolled out for the official gala night with a special performance of The Prat Pack starring Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Shane Richie, and Joe Pasquale – performing their hit variety show to a SOLD-OUT audience.
For many attendees these opening events offered a first look inside Bradford Live, with the venue receiving overwhelming positive feedback from visitors and guests.
There’s lots more to come in the coming months including Slava’s Snowshow, Elf the Musical, Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems, a sold-out Kaiser Chiefs gig, Diversity, Bluey, Rob Brydon and his Fabulous Band, Wool City Rockers, and Bradford Live and Laughing comedy night.
Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, Joint CEOs Trafalgar Entertainment: “Our opening celebrations have been truly special, and it’s been a delight to welcome thousands of people through the doors for the very first time. There really is something for everyone at Bradford Live. We thank the visionary project teams who brought Bradford Live roaring back to life. Without them, none of this would be possible. During this City of Culture year, Bradford Live will play its part in building a world-class legacy for the city as well as becoming a venue of national stature we can all be proud of.”
Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire
Helen Enright, CEO Trafalgar Theatres and Venues: “Bradford has undergone transformational change and regeneration in recent years, and its City of Culture status has only cemented the city as a go to destination. Now we’re playing our own part in that change with the opening of Bradford Live. But most of all, we’re looking forward to welcoming people into the venue to enjoy a gig or show and experience the magic of Bradford Live for themselves.”
Darren Moore, Venue Director, Bradford Live: “This has been such an unforgettable week. It’s an honour to work in such a culturally and historically rich venue, and I know my fantastic new venue team all feel the same. We love Bradford Live, and it’s been a real pleasure to share it with everyone. This is just the start of an exciting journey ahead.”
