Prestige Hall in Bradford was filled with families, children, artists and community leaders on 20 December as BEAP Community Partnership hosted a vibrant celebration marking the 55th Victory Day of Bangladesh. The well-attended event brought together around 200 people for a day of remembrance, culture and unity, highlighting the strength and diversity of the local Bangladeshi community.
The celebration showcased Bangladeshi heritage through performances, creative activities and community engagement, reflecting BEAP’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, cultural pride and community cohesion. The event also formed part of wider district-wide celebrations connected to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025, demonstrating the important role grassroots, community-led cultural activity plays in the programme’s success.
BEAP’s Victory Day event was highlighted as a strong example of how Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 is creating meaningful impact at a local level. By centring Bangladeshi history, creativity and intergenerational participation, the celebration reached communities that are often underrepresented, strengthened social connections and supported wellbeing through arts and culture. The strong turnout illustrated how the City of Culture year is enabling inclusive participation, fostering pride of place and empowering organisations like BEAP to shape Bradford’s cultural story beyond 2025.
Image: BEAP
The cultural programme was delivered in two distinct segments. The opening featured a powerful short drama by the renowned AYNA ARTS of Manchester, praised for its emotional depth, historical resonance and artistic excellence. The closing segment saw moving chorus singing led by the Anamika Cultural Group, creating a unifying and uplifting atmosphere for the audience.
Children’s art and craft activities were a major highlight, encouraging creativity while helping younger generations engage with the history and significance of Bangladesh’s Victory Day in an accessible and engaging way.
The event also marked an important milestone for BEAP with the formal recognition of Graham Swain as BEAP Community Partnership Cultural Ambassador 2025. Widely known across Bradford for his longstanding support of diverse communities, his appointment reflects BEAP’s commitment to strengthening cross-cultural understanding and partnership during the City of Culture year.
The celebration was further honoured by the presence of Naz Shah MP, who attended as a guest speaker and delivered a powerful address recognising the historical significance of Victory Day and the lasting contributions of the Bangladeshi community to Bradford and beyond.
Shahidur Rahman, BEAP Executive Director, said the event was about more than remembrance. “Victory Day is not only about remembering our history, but about celebrating the values of resilience, unity, and cultural pride that continue to shape our community today. Seeing so many families, children, and people from different backgrounds come together was truly inspiring.”
BEAP Manager Lukman Miah praised the quality and spirit of the celebration, highlighting the performances and the dedication of volunteers and the Cultural Working Group. He said appointing Graham Swain as Cultural Ambassador marked: “an important step forward in strengthening partnerships and cultural dialogue across Bradford during this landmark cultural year.”
Ali Abed of the BEAP Cultural Group said the event demonstrated the power of culture to bring people together: “Bangladesh Victory Day is an opportunity not only to honour history, but to inspire the next generation through creativity, learning, and shared experiences.”
BEAP Community Partnership extended its thanks to all staff, volunteers, Cultural Working Group members, performers and attendees who helped make the celebration a memorable success and a meaningful contribution to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
