Cultural events planned to build on Bradford 2025

An annual "seasons of culture" programme is to be launched in West Yorkshire to try and build on the success of Bradford's year as UK City of Culture.

Details were outlined in a report to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, with the first events set to take place next year.

It said the inaugural season would be themed around nature, and activities would include performances, exhibitions and events across the county.

The report, which detailed future plans for West Yorkshire's culture, heritage and sports suggested events would take place annually from 2026 to 2030.

The report gives limited details on when the season willl start or the exact type of events which will be taking place, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, it said it aims to build on the success of Bradford 2025.

"Annual seasons of culture will take a thematic approach across West Yorkshire and driving continued growth in the visitor economy," the report said.

"Cultural organisations will be supported to develop projects that explore biodiversity, environmental storytelling, and the relationship between communities and their natural surroundings."

It said performances and events on a nature-theme would be held in green and blue spaces.

"The initiative will build on the momentum of culture-led visitor economy growth, which rose 7.8% in 2024," the report added.

There will also be dedicated resources to setup and maintain a West Yorkshire What's On website for cultural events to "drive tourism and in-region visits, generating vital income for the sectors".

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