Bradford Live Announces Opening Programme

Some of the biggest names in comedy, music and live entertainment are set to appear at Bradford’s £50 million refurbished live entertainment venue. The first shows have been announced, with more acts to be revealed over the coming weeks.

Comedian Bill Bailey appears on Saturday 30th August as part of his curent Thoughtifier tour.

Four titans of British entertainment Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale will join forces to help launch Bradford Live with their spectacular variety show The Prat Pack on Sunday 31st August.

The four bring their decades of talent – and friendship – together in a special event showcasing the showbiz skills that have won each of them national treasure status.

Yorkshire’s award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time BBC Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal appears on Thursday 16th October with a new show to celebrate 25 years of touring. Clare and her regular trio will be led by world class pianist Jim Watson and featuring the UK’s finest jazz musicians.

New Model Army, Terrorvision and Paradise Lost - three mammoth Yorkshire rock bands co-headline an exciting one-off show as new venue, Bradford Live, plays host to Wool City Rockers on Saturday 13th December in association with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Taking its name from the seminal Bradford late 70’s / early 80’s music zine Wool City Rockers, the show will also feature Griffs Magic Theatre, an art exhibition and full supporting cast.

Justin Sullivan, New Model Army, said: “At last! We'd like to invite everyone from near and far to a proper hometown gig... we're looking forward to it already!”

Terrorvision commented: “We are well chuffed to be playing this amazing venue and can't wait to check out the whole building! Don’t think we’ve been in since we watched ET at the cinema! Can we get popcorn in our dressing room? Excited that all us Bradford bands are coming together to play Bradford Liveand bring the ROCK!”

Paradise Lost added: “We are extremely happy to be part of Wool City Rockers, a celebration of Bradford's alternative culture at the brand-new Bradford Live. Once the old Odeon, and now a completely refurbished venue. From our early days Bradford played a very important part in our development with key gigs at The Frog and Toad, Queen’s Hall, Bradford Uni and St George’s Hall. Ascend with us...”

One of the world’s most iconic dance productions Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance – 30 Years of Standing Ovation specially extends its UK 30th Anniversary Tour to open in West Yorkshire. The production will take over the newly restored venue for five performances from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June 2026

The current line-up
Bill Bailey - 30th August
Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Shane Richie and Joe Pasquale (The Prat Pack) - 31st August
Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems - 26th September
Phil Wang, Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders, Lucy Beaumont and Jonny Pelman (Bradford Live and Laughing) - 4th October
Steve Backshall Deadly Live!- 31st October
Justin Fletcher Time to Rock - 8th November
Clare Teal 16th November
Slava's Snowshow 27th - 30th November
Bluey 5th -7th December (on sale 16 May 2025)
Rob Brydon and band 10th December
New Model Army + Terrorvision + Paradise Lost, and Full Supporting Bill (Wool City Rockers) - 13 December
Elf the Musical 22nd - 23td December
Diversity 29th April 2026 (on sale 9 May 2025)
Lord of the Dance - 11th- 14th June 2026- (on sale 9 May 2025)

www.bradfordlive.co.uk