The vibrant city of Bradford is gearing up for the much-anticipated return of the Intercultured Festival, set to run from 18 October to 28 October, 2023.
Now in its third year, this cultural extravaganza promises to be a spectacular celebration of the diverse communities that call Bradford home.
Image: Intercultured Fest
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of events spanning ten days, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Some of the festival’s highlights include the mesmerizing Sound Bath sessions by Calm Spirals on 19 and 26 October at Bradford Cathedral, where attendees can immerse themselves in soothing and healing sounds.
For those looking to explore movement and expression, “Dance with Words,” a dance and movement workshop by SAA UK at Keighley Library, promises to be an enriching experience.
On 21 October , “Harmony After The War” awaits at Kala Sangam, an enchanting evening featuring Kurdish music, Syrian poetry, and the comforting company of tea and cakes.
Bradford Library will also be a hub of activity throughout the festival, hosting events such as the Family Fun Day on 21 October, “The Other Side of Hope” by Alex Plasatis and friends on 24 October, and the delightful Pahari Mushaira on 19 October.
The grand finale of the festival, “The Commoners Ball,” will take place on 28 October at The Midland Hotel. This family-friendly event encourages attendees to dress to impress and enjoy live music performances by local musicians and bands, with a focus on championing local causes and addressing social issues.
Image: Intercultured Festival
Mussarat Rahman, Festival Director, expressed the significance of Intercultured in today’s society, stating, “Intercultured is a modern-day representation of Bradford, bringing together cultures and communities from all walks of life. We aim to be inclusive and provide space for all to be heard and seen, especially in today’s fragile socio-economic climate.”
The festival’s offerings extend beyond performances and workshops. Visitors can explore “Threads Of Survival” at City Library, a thought-provoking collection of handmade quilts created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, film screenings of “Release,” produced by Whispered Tales, will captivate audiences with three compelling stories of female migration on the Big Screen at City Park.
Creative minds will find their haven with a variety of workshops, including “Explore Textiles” with local artist Jane Sedgewick, “World Poetry Cafe” with Diyo from Good Chance Theatre, and the “Craft and Create” family fun day at Oastler Market event space.
Cecil Green Arts will once again light up Lister Park with their annual Lantern Parade on 27 October, offering an opportunity for creative participation and live street theatre.
Most of the festival’s events are free, but due to limited capacity, booking tickets in advance is advisable.
Tickets can be secured online at intercultured.co.uk, and for more information, you can visit the festival’s Facebook page at facebook.com/InterculturedFestival.
The Intercultured Festival owes its success to the generous support and funding from Arts Council England, The Leap, Counterpoint Arts, Leeds Conservatoire, and Bradford Council Festival Fund. Multiple venues across Bradford, including Kala Sangam, Theatre in the Mill, Laisterdyke Community Centre, Bradford Libraries, Waterstones, Bradford Deaf Centre, and the Midland Hotel, have partnered to make this event a reality.
