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The fifth Intercultured Festival, which exists to unite and celebrate all cultures and communities in Bradford, returns to the city from October 22 to November 2. New events include the art slam, where people come together to create pieces on a certain theme within a set time, for an exhibition.
There will also be a showcase of Bradford women in music and an opportunity for people to map their family tree in a genealogy workshop.
Festival director Mussarat Rahman said: “We are really excited for this year’s diverse lineup, which brings new events to Bradford for the first time.
“The art slam will give ordinary people the opportunity to get creative and later have their work on show.
“From Pahari poetry to a cacao ceremony with Aztec roots, and Desi heritage to a Palestinian supper, we’ve worked hard to include as many different cultures as possible in our events.”
Thousands of people attended last year’s vibrant festival. Many popular events, such as a Halloween themed family fun day and The Commoners Ball finale where attendees can don their cultural dress, are being staged again this autumn. There will also be a celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine hosted by refugee cooks, and a film screening in solidarity with the Palestinian people affected by war in Gaza. Mussarat, an artist who is well known in Bradford for her work with migrant and refugee communities, said: “Bradford, and Britain, are richer places because of the many different communities which migrated here.
“Our festival has always celebrated that, and been at the forefront of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.
“We will continue to do this and take a stand against the current anti-immigration rhetoric weare seeing in the UK.”
This year’s festival also includes an immersive sound bath, drumming circle and open mic nights for musicians and writers.
Bradford writer and multilingual poet Nabeela Ahmed will host an evening of Pahari poetry spotlighting the ‘invisible’ language spoken by 70 per cent of Pakistanis.
Events will take place across the city, including at new venues Darley Street Market, The Bradford Mechanics’ Institute Library and the 1 in 12 Club on Albion Street.
Many of the events are free to attend, or have tickets available on a pay-as-you-feel basis, to enable as many people as possible to attend.
To browse or book the full programme, CLICK HERE where tickets are now available.
Funding for the festival has been provided by Arts Council England
