Bradford is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the Bradford South Asian Festival 2024, a vibrant three-day celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of its South Asian community. From 16 August to 18 August, the city will be transformed into a hub of colour, music, dance, and joyous festivities, offering something for everyone. This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of the traditions and contemporary influences that have helped shape the city, and it is set to be a weekend to remember.
A Cultural Extravaganza Like No Other
The Bradford South Asian Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of identity, community, and the powerful role that South Asian culture has played in enriching the fabric of Bradford. Now in its fifth year, the festival continues to grow, creating a vibrant space where the South Asian community can share its stories, traditions, and talents with the wider public.
From the moment the festival kicks off on 16 August, attendees will be immersed in a world of colour and creativity. The opening night features the much-loved ‘Gigglewalahs’, an annual comedy showcase that never fails to leave the audience in stitches. Held in the historic Banqueting Hall of Bradford’s City Hall, the event promises an evening of side-splitting laughter with a stellar line-up of local and national South Asian comedians, which this year will include the super talent Lady Bushra.
A Day of Food, Fun, and Festivities
The festivities continue on 17 August, with a packed schedule of events designed to bring smiles and excitement to people of all ages. Little ones can unleash their inner chefs at ‘Little Foodies’, a delightful workshop where they’ll learn to whip up simple and tasty desi dishes under the guidance of TV cook Rahila Hussain. Meanwhile, a colourful arts and crafts session will invite children to explore the vibrant elements of South Asian culture through hands-on creativity.
But the fun isn’t just for the kids! Adults can dive into the energetic world of British South Asian and Black music at ‘B To The Power Of 3: Bradford, Beats & Bars’, a thrilling celebration of hip-hop, UK drill, and grime that’s sure to get everyone moving. For the ladies, there’s ‘Disco Deewane’, a retro Bollywood disco that’s all about letting loose and dancing the night away to the golden hits of the desi disco era, with local DJ Kirran Shah spinning the tracks.
Dance enthusiasts won’t want to miss the pop-up dance experience that winds its way from City Park to Kala Sangam (Bank House). Featuring an array of dance performances inspired
by the South Asian subcontinent, this event is a feast for the eyes, culminating with refreshments at Kala Sangam. And for those who love a bit of friendly competition, the desi sing-song showdown ‘Antakshari’ will see teams battling it out for the title of Bradford’s singing champions. The day will also feature lively Bollywood dance sessions with the talented Salma Zaman, inviting everyone to join in and shake a leg.
A Serene Sunday to Conclude the Festivities
The final day of the festival, 18 August, offers a more relaxed but equally enchanting atmosphere. The day begins with a fun-filled kite-flying challenge, where participants can test their homemade kites against the Bradford skies. As the kites soar, so too will the conversations, with dedicated spaces for discussing key issues facing Bradford’s South Asian communities—all while enjoying a steaming cup of hot desi chai.
As the sun sets on the festival, the city will be serenaded by the soulful sounds of Qawwali and Mehfil in a soothing evening of music and reflection. The acclaimed Shah-E-Mardan Qawwali troupe will headline the event, providing the perfect conclusion to a weekend that has been as uplifting as it has been entertaining.
Celebrating Unity and Diversity in Bradford
The Bradford South Asian Festival is a powerful reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the city’s South Asian community. It’s a time for reclaiming and rewriting narratives, for learning and sharing, and for celebrating the cultural richness that makes Bradford so unique. This year’s theme, ‘Zaraa Hatkeh’—which means ‘with a twist’—embodies Bradford’s reputation for doing things differently, and it promises to infuse every event with a special kind of magic.
As Aisha Khan, co-director of BSAF, puts it: “Bradford is known for always doing things a little differently, and we wanted to celebrate that with a South Asian spin. At a time when tensions are high elsewhere, Bradford has a chance to be a beacon of positivity, community, diversity, harmony, and friendship—all the things that BSAF has built into its DNA from when we first started five years ago.”
So, mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend of celebration, unity, and pure joy at the Bradford South Asian Festival 2024.
More information about the festival can be found here
