Burley Arts Festival this month part of #Bradford2025

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 10:44

The digital arts event, Walter Lemonface is in Burley Library on the Sunday

As part of the Bradford 2025 City of Culture festivities, the village of Burley in Wharfedale will be hosting lots of different arts activities, happening throughout both Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June.

These will be great for all ages and happening in lots of different venues in the centre of the village as well as in Grange Park. The Round House will be the information centre.

[Arty activities will take place in Grange Park, led by Maddie Coelho of Story Bees]

It will be a celebration of people in the village who are artists, musicians, actors, writers, crafters, photographers, dancers, as well as a few invited guests from Bradford. Everyone is welcome to join in or just watch. Almost everything will be free and people can contribute if they want on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis.

Organiser Fiona Pacey said:

"We started talking about this last year because we wanted the village to play a really active part in Bradford 2025. We’re so pleased that it’s actually come about!"

The detailed programme will be published about two weeks ahead of the weekend but you can already read about some of the activities available on the Burley Arts Festival Facebook page and on Instagram.

Niccola Swan, the other principal organiser, said:

"Initially we thought it would be just a handful of events, but now we have over 40 events and exhibitors. It’s going to be a busy weekend for the village!"

One example is The Firm Entertainments [pictured above] in Grange Park on the Saturday afternoon. With dhol drumming and trumpets, plus dancers, east meets west in a high-energy upbeat performance.

Band leader Neetu said:

“We invite you to bring your dancing shoes as we perform a mix of Indian pop, Bollywood and western pop songs’.

Organiser say they very grateful to the event funders: Stonewater (developers of 143 shared ownership and rental homes in Centurion Meadows); Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust; Burley Parish Council; Creative Lives (Bradford City of Culture 2025); Shipley Community Chest; and Councillor Chris Steele.

Volunteers would be very welcome and anyone interested can register with Bradford2025 at: take-part by volunteering