West Yorkshire will take inspiration from Bradford’s year as City of Culture and introduce an annual “Seasons of Culture” programme.
And the first event will focus on the nature of West Yorkshire.
Details of the plans were revealed in a recent report into future plans for West Yorkshire’s culture, heritage and sport.
Written by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the report says the programme aims to build on the success of Bradford 2025, although the report has limited details on when the season will start, or what events will be taking place.
It says: “Annual seasons of culture will take a thematic approach across West Yorkshire and driving continued growth in the visitor economy.
“The ‘Nature Season’ will be the first in a series of annual themed ‘Seasons of Culture’ across West Yorkshire from 2026-2030.
“It has been co-designed with Local Authorities, arts and culture organisations, and will align with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
“Cultural organisations will be supported to develop projects that explore biodiversity, environmental storytelling, and the relationship between communities and their natural surroundings.
“Activities will include nature-themed performances, exhibitions, and participatory events in green and blue spaces across West Yorkshire.
“The initiative will build on the momentum of culture-led visitor economy growth, which rose 7.8 per cent in 2024.
“The scheme includes dedicated resource to establish and maintain a West Yorkshire ‘What’s On’ website for cultural events and drive tourism and in-region visits, generating vital income for the sectors.”
