my Bradford 2025 Year
When we received the news that Bradford had been designated as the UK City of Culture for 2025 I knew I simply had to get involved with as many events as possible. In brief, I volunteered to walk the streets of the City Centre with 7 giant red giraffes in the Summer of 2024. That was an inaugural event and since the official launch of the entire programme in September 2024 my feet have barely touched the ground. I am going to gradually add to this page in the coming weeks as there is a lot to talk about . . . see below for a brief glimpse into my 2025 activities and then scroll for more detail on each event in due course.
My 2025 diary
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April to July 2025 - SO FAR SO GOOD, performing with and supporting Dance On (Yorkshire Dance) participants. Choreographer TC Howard created a stunning piece for 60 people, celebrating the older dancer. Performed twice as part of BradFEST 2025 at Darley Street Market.
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May 2025 - SING DANCE LEAP. A stunning performance at Bradford LIVE in collaboration with the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera, Northern Ballet, Opera North & 2000 local school children.
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Ongoing throughout the entire year and into December lots of appearances with the BRADFORD BELLES . . The Beacon, Darley Street Market, Saltaire Festival, HONK! UK, Cliffe Castle Keighley, Shipley Street Festival . . .
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September and ongoing . . . Assistant Producer to BRAVE Festival, a glorious weekend in October celebrating Black History Month and artists of all genres & mediums from the African diaspora. Community workshops are ongoing into 2026.
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October 10th - my own production "MAURO BERTOLINO in Concert" - a glorious evening at Bradford Cathedral also featuring Ilkley Youth Choir. Plans are afoot for a reprise performance in 2026!
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November to December 20 & 21st - Featured dancer / performer "BRIGHTER STILL" - this is the closing ceremony on the entire year and is a large scale (I mean EPIC) performance around the Winter Solstice theme. At the time of writing rehearsals are in full flow. A fabulous finale to an incredible year.
gallery
Coming soon. It's going to take time to add beautiful images and memories . . stay tuned!