Bradford’s Leeds Road is transforming into a hub of excitement this weekend! Imagine vibrant street festivals, mouth-watering food, incredible music, and a celebration of community spirit. Are you ready to immerse yourself in a cultural journey right on your doorstep?
Bradford’s vibrant Leeds Road is poised to host its inaugural Leeds Road Festival, a landmark event set to transform one of the city’s most dynamic streets into a cultural spectacle. Running from Friday, August 29, to Sunday, August 31, this festival promises an “epic” weekend for both residents and visitors, spotlighting the rich tapestry of food, fashion, culture, and community celebration that defines this eclectic thoroughfare.
The festival, a proud component of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, aims to highlight the two-and-a-half miles of diverse shops, restaurants, temples, churches, and mosques that contribute to Leeds Road’s unique character. Events will primarily unfold in Bradford Moor Park, situated at the eastern end of Leeds Road, with festivities also extending to Attock Park, ensuring wide-reaching engagement across the area.
Saleem Akhtar, co-founder of the festival and proprietor of Jinnah Restaurants, expressed immense satisfaction with the overwhelming support received from various organizations, large and small. He emphasized the spirit of “coming togetherness” that underpins the Leeds Road Festival, reflecting the inherent collaboration and unity within the local area.
Visitors are in for a cultural treat, with a packed schedule featuring live music events, art exhibitions, and vibrant community gatherings. A significant highlight will be a performance by the legendary Pakistani folk singer, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, on Sunday. Additionally, Punjabi folk music, brought by Bashir Lohar and his drummers, Muhammad Hussain and Muhammad Tayyab, will add to the festive atmosphere.
The festival offers a culinary journey through world-class South Asian cuisine from renowned eateries like Akbar’s and Starbake Patisserie, alongside opportunities to explore the exquisite craftsmanship of tailors such as Shree Hari and Gulshan. Beyond the sensory delights, the event also serves as a platform for social good, with Muslim Aid sponsoring the festival to launch their ‘Step In’ initiative, empowering young people.
Incommunities, through Susan Godbold, Head of Customer Voice, lauded the festival’s ability to allow Leeds Road to “shine,” celebrating its Bradford culture and community spirit through shared enjoyment of food, music, and entertainment. Their presence over the weekend will include engaging activities, games, and prize draws, further enhancing the family-friendly appeal.
Ultimately, the Leeds Road Festival embodies the dynamic energy, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines this part of Bradford. Saleem Akhtar envisions the event as an annual highlight, a profound reflection of the street’s essence where people naturally converge to celebrate culture and, more importantly, community, offering a weekend full of discovery and unique local charm.
